Resolution 140625

..Title Also naming Walnut Street between 5th Street and 6th Street to "World Heritage Way". ..Body WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to Independence Hall, the site of the Second Continental Congress, the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the drafting of the United States Constitution and the second site in the United States to be inscribed as a cultural UNESCO World Heritage site; and WHEREAS, The "World Heritage Way" name reflects the universal value and influence of Independence Hall while representing the significant role that heritage and culture play in the economy of Philadelphia, with more than four million tourists visiting our City on an annual basis to explore Independence Hall and other influential cultural sites; and WHEREAS, Currently located within the "most historic square mile in the United States," World Heritage Way bisects Independence National Historic Park, is flanked by historic icons including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the President's House, National Constitution Center, Carpenter's Hall, Second Bank of the United States and Franklin Court. Formal recognition of the Global contributions of these landmarks would strengthen Philadelphia's international profile; and WHEREAS, In 2013 the City of Philadelphia gained entrance into the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) as an Observer Member, the first city in the United States to join the OWHC; and WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia, in partnership with the Global Philadelphia Association and a range of other organizations, is pursuing full membership of the OWHC; and WHEREAS, With this dedication we hope to acknowledge and expand Philadelphia's global presence, reaffirm its commitment to cultural and historic preservation, and humbly assert ourselves as a World Class City; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Walnut Street between 5th Street and 6th Street is also named "World Heritage Way". ..End