Council Demands Answers on Academy Closure, Sets Subpoena Hearing

City Council members pressed Drexel University officials on Monday about the decision to close the Academy of Natural Sciences museum to the public, questioning why the university did not seek public or philanthropic support before acting. The legislative committee hearing, the first formal inquiry into the closure, drew more than 120 people to the chambers, where attendees booed during testimony detailing the university's position.

Councilmember Quetcy Lozada asked during the session, "Why is this museum not as important to you as it is to members of the general Philadelphia public?" Drexel and the Academy announced on Sept. 1 that the museum, which has operated for nearly two centuries, would no longer be open to the public.

Melissa Richman, Drexel's executive director of operations, delivered a statement on the university's behalf. "The current operating model was quietly devouring the Academy from within," Richman said. She stated that Drexel provided the Academy with over $49 million in direct cash support over the last 15 years to cover recurring operating deficits, in addition to in-kind administrative support.

Richman said the university cannot afford the $5 million to $6 million in annual support required for the Academy, noting that Drexel is working to erase its own deficit. The Academy's public programs cost $7.7 million last year while generating $3 million in revenue, she told the committee. The university has previously stated the building requires about $150 million in deferred maintenance.

Drexel President Antonio Merlo did not attend the hearing, drawing criticism from Council members who called his absence disrespectful. Richman stated that Merlo was on campus for a site visit by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is undergoing its regular five-year reaccreditation process.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration also did not send a representative. Deputy Mayor Trish Wellenbach sent a statement saying she was not the appropriate person to testify because she could not speak on behalf of Drexel or the Academy. Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. tore up the statement during the hearing.

Committee Chair Isaiah Thomas asked whether a commitment from the city and private sector to offset the $4.4 million annual shortfall could lead to reopening the museum at its current location. Richman replied that securing financial resources to create a sustainable model and address capital expenditures "would certainly be a possibility." Thomas responded, "That was the best answer today."

Drexel and the Academy are currently renegotiating their affiliation agreement under the September 2011 terms, which require Drexel to fund operating deficits and capital improvements. A source close to the negotiations said no further talks are currently scheduled.

Academy board president Suzanne Biemiller told the committee the Academy would like to see a feasibility study commissioned. The William Penn Foundation has offered to cover Drexel's subsidy for one year while a long-term solution is pursued, an offer made more than a month ago that Drexel has neither accepted nor rejected.

Young stated that the Council would issue subpoenas to compel testimony at a future hearing. That session is scheduled for Nov. 16.