Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
4/16/18
Dranoff Properties will be selling its Philadelphia area rental properties to AIMCO for $455 million, including his latest project, under construction in Ardmore.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Mayor Kenney backs study of merger of Philly's two marketing agencies
4/13/18, Holly Otterbein
With the Executive Director of Visit Philadelphia set to retire this year, the City is undertaking a study to examine merging the City’s two publicly funded tourism agencies.
NextCity: Philadelphia City Council Seeking Sweet Spot for Equitable Development Policy
4/12/18, Jared Brey
Jared Brey analyzes the proposed construction privilege tax as a response to calls for an equitable development strategy.
NextCity: What 80 Million Eviction Records Can Tell City Leaders
4/9/18, Rachel Dovey
The author of “Evicted”, Michael Desmond has established a national database to track eviction details. Initial research shows the highest rates of eviction in the Southeast US, and increasingly in the Midwest.
Philadelphia Citizen: Did Council just get housing right?
4/17/18, Jon Geeting
A proponent of greater density as the path to more affordable housing weighs in on the proposed affordable housing bills.
4/17/18, Jacob Adelman
The iconic United Way building on the Parkway was sold to Pearl Properties.
PlanPhilly: Planning officials put proposed community outreach rules on hold
4/18/18, Jake Blumgart
The Planning Commission voted a “hold” on Councilwoman Bass’ proposed bill to increase notification process for projects going before RCO meetings.
City&State PA: Amid shrinking prison population, Philly to close oldest jail by 2020
4/18/18, Max Marin
The Mayor made a surprise announcement that the 91 year old House of Corrections would be closed by 2020, based on falling prison population.
4/18/18, Jim Saksa
Streets Department and City Council members clashed over dueling priorities in budget hearings this week.