University City Chooses New Executive Director

Philadelphia, PA (17 September 2001) --- A national search for the next executive director of the University City District (UCD) was concluded Friday when the UCD Board of Directors Executive Committee named Eric T. Goldstein, RLA, to succeed Paul Steinke, the UCD’s founding chief administrator who resigned in April. Goldstein will be formally welcomed by the board of directors at a meeting and reception on Thursday, 20th September. His new role begins on Monday, 15th October, 2001.

Goldstein, a registered landscape architect, came to the UCD in May 1998 from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. At PHS he managed design and construction for several Philadelphia Green projects including renovation of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Park, Azalea Garden near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Avenue of theArts.

As director of Capital Programs and Planning at the UCD, Goldstein managed planning, design, construction and fundraising for many improvements to University City neighborhoods and along its streets. Most recent and ongoing is the Clark Park Renewal Project, encompassing supplemental maintenance for the park, a revitalization plan (funded by The William Penn Foundation), and fundraising strategy. He brought the highly successful Walk! and Direction Philadelphia© signage system to University City and West Philadelphia (currently being installed), managed design and construction of $1.2 million in streetscape reconstruction on the 40th Street commercial corridor, and worked with SEPTA and five institutions to plan LUCY, the popular Loop Thru University City public transit service launched in 1999. Goldstein’s ability to form partnerships with city agencies and departments, elected officials, business, foundations, and other non-profits has resulted in real and visible improvements in the quality of life in University City.

"Eric has been a key leader and innovator at the UCD," stated John A. Fry, UCD board chairman who has been acting executive director since May. "He has led our highly successful Capital Programs and Planning group. We are highly confident that Eric’s superior abilities and leadership will carry the UCD forward to even greater achievements and long-lasting contributions to the City and region."

In addition, Goldstein took a lead role in creating the UCD’s recent strategic plan. As executive director, he will be primarily responsible for renewing the UCD’s financial support for FY2002-03 and beyond from the area’s businesses, institutions, and individuals. Unlike the other Philadelphia area special services districts, University City District is funded not by mandatory property tax assessment but rather by voluntary contributions. The organization’s present annual operating budget is $4.5 million, the majority of that funding its core programs of public safety and public space maintenance.

Goldstein also serves as vice-president of The Woodlands Cemetery Company board, an organization that oversees the historic grounds and mansion in University City. He lives with his wife and two children in Collingswood, New Jersey.

Celebrating its fifth year of operation, University City District builds effective partnerships to maintain a clean and safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for University City's diverse urban community. The UCD's programs to improve streetscapes and parks, remove trash and graffiti, provide technical assistance to home- and business owners, increase public safety, and publicize University City's advantages have improved the quality of life since 1997. For information about University City or the UCD, call 215 243 0555 or visit www.UCityphila.com.

Release Date: Monday, September 17th 2001