Philadelphia turning railroad ruins into elevated Rail Park

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — After more than 10 years of planning, Philadelphia is taking the first steps in transforming an abandoned, overgrown rail line that cuts through the heart of the city into a lush and lively public park.

The park would be steps from major cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and pass through the Community College of Philadelphia's campus in a seamless link of 10 distinct neighborhoods.

Luxury condos, galleries, restaurants and boutiques have all but pushed out the industrial grime around the old freight route.

The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation had previously called for tearing down the viaduct to make way for affordable housing, said Sarah Yeung, the organization's director of planning.

Chinatown desperately needs public space, she said, but residents also need affordable housing options, something that will be harder to come by if the park succeeds and rents rise.