Fairmount residents seek clarity on World Cup fan festival concerns, including parking

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 300 people joined a virtual meeting as residents in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia pressed city officials for answers on parking, enforcement, cleanup plans and more ahead of the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.

For 39 days beginning June 11, the festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors from around the world. Some neighbors say they still feel unprepared for the impact.

"I think it's just going to be a very big mess, but I'm hopeful," Fairmount resident Alison Mezzanotte said.

Mezzanotte is among the hundreds of residents who applied for a temporary residential parking permit.

"We don't have parking in the first place," she said. "Our kids are in the street all the time playing around, and we're just worried about if this is a through street, if there's going to be a lot more traffic."

Drivers who live within the designated permit zone must display the free temporary permit from June 11 through July 19 to avoid being ticketed or towed. A city representative said, "We are going to have a tow detail, and depending on the day, we could have three tow trucks in that area, or we could have up to eight."

Each household may receive up to two visitor day passes, while businesses can receive up to 10.

Fairmount Civic Association president Dustin Dove said he is still waiting to learn whether Corinthian Avenue will be included in the permit zone.

"It's a month away. I was hoping we would have at least the boundaries set for the parking permits," he said. Dove noted that a council member has introduced legislation related to the issue.

Residents also expressed frustration about losing access to part of the park during the festival.

"It's going to be a long summer not being able to go there, but I think the fan fest will really make up for it," Dove said.

Fairmount resident Brandon Schlueter said he will miss bringing his dog to the area.

"It's disappointing the park is going to be closed because I bring my dog out here. She loves running around," he said.

Schlueter added that he hopes the city restores the grounds after the event.

"I hope they reseed it and put it back to how it was or better."

A city official said, "Philly soccer has committed to working with the city to ensure that the park is returned to the condition it's in now and better following the festival."

To obtain a temporary parking permit, residents must provide proof of residency and Pennsylvania vehicle registration. Applications are available in person at the Philadelphia Parking Authority permit office or online.