Nutter lauds ‘green’ work, pledges to do more

Minutes after Mayor Nutter crowed about the city's environmental accomplishments and goals, several residents walking in Center City yesterday offered lukewarm support for Nutter's effort to make Philadelphia the "greenest city in America" by 2015.

A young couple sitting near City Hall praised the city for making the environment a priority. "It's a nice city, but it would be better if it was clean," said Camille, who didn't want to give her last name.

While they noted the latest change - Philadelphia's first green-roof bus shelter, at 15th and Market streets - others had yet to recognize the innovation.

Sonny Rhodes, 70, had not noticed the green roof but interpreted the effort as a fine way for Philadelphia to keep up with the nationwide green trend. "There's nothing wrong with doing what the majority is doing," he said about the city's environmental policy.

Earlier, Nutter spoke with pride near the bus shelter when he released a progress report on the 2-year-old Greenworks Philadelphia initiative and detailed plans for next year.

"You already see the work of Greenworks Philadelphia in action," Nutter said, as he mentioned the on-street recycling bins, hybrid diesel buses, LED traffic lights and other programs. He said that the city and its partners have started or completed 89 percent of the plan's initiatives.

Nutter emphasized the hard work and support of individuals and organizations, saying, "It takes an entire city to make these kinds of things happen."

He also recognized the need to do more, including encouraging more green businesses to locate in the city, increasing the numbers of electric cars and implementing the Water Department's goals for controlling storm water.

"Today we're again at the forefront of city planning," Nutter asserted, but following this statement he urged: "Please spread the word. Let folks know how serious we are."