Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Developers cheer as L+I adds offices plus inspectors to equal demand from Philly’s real estate boom
9/12/2017, Jake Blumgart
License & Inspections expands staff of inspectors and is opening two new district offices, using newly increased fees to improve response times and review of buildings.
Fumo-connected nonprofit hoards millions skimmed from PECO customers
9/12/2017, Ryan Briggs
A well-funded regional economic development non-profit operates—or rather, doesn’t operate—in the shadows.
Afro-pick sculpture placed near statue of former Philly mayor Frank Rizzo
9/13/2017, Barbara Miller
Pennsylvania Economy League releases extensive study on the economic health of municipalities across Pennsylvania. Financial stresses increased across all classes of municipalities in 2014, compared with 1990 and 1970.
Altoona exiting Act 47 recovery program; Johnstown has participated since 1992
9/13/2017, Dave Sutor
Altoona is about to be the fastest city to exit Act 47 protection for distressed PA municipalities.
Pa. lawmaker again pushing for stronger protections against litigation meant to intimidate
9/13/2017, Bobby Allyn
Sen. Larry Farnese calls for expanded protection against SLAPP lawsuits.
Tale of two cities: Poverty in Camden ebbs, Philly rate stays flat
9/14/2017, Aaron Moselle
Poverty in Philadelphia 2015 to 2016 stayed stagnant, Camden’s dropped significantly, and Wilmington’s rose slightly.
Zoning board denies Quaker warehouse apartment conversion
9/14/2017, Melissa Romero
ZBA rejects variance for adaptive reuse of long term vacant industrial building to apartments despite support of neighbors, RCO and Planning Commission.
Four reasons why Philadelphia is gentrifying
9/14/2017, Jim Saksa
PlanPhilly’s looks at four factors for neighborhoods to experience gentrification, in his analysis of a recent Philadelphia Fed study of gentrification.
Philly City Council fall agenda: housing, parking, PPD accountability
9/14/2017, Ryan Briggs
As City Council returns from summer recess, the focus for fall seems to be on affordable housing, parking requirements and review of officer involved shootings.