Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Glen Blumenfeld, February 11, 2019
While the record sale price for 1735 Market Street is good news for Philadelphia’s commercial real estate market, it’s still below replacement price.
WHYY: Long-serving Greenlee decides against another run for Philly City Council
Tom MacDonald, February 11, 2019
Councilman Bill Greenlee announced that he will not be running for another term as Councilman at Large. This means that there are three freshman incumbents and two open seats for the Democratic primary.
Plan Philly: Philadelphia councilwoman delayed major city land deal to help a developer
Jake Blumgart, February 8, 2019
The sale of 4601 Market Street was brought to a vote in Council, amid much speculation on the negotiations involving the Administration and Councilwoman regarding all parties related to the proposed sale.
Inquirer: Society Hill was an urban planning masterpiece. Will these new towers ruin the design?
Inga Saffron, February 14, 2019
Inga Saffron shares her thoughts on how to insert tall towers into Society Hill.
New York Times: Amazon Pulls Out of Planned New York City Headquarters
J. David Goodman, Feb. 14, 2019
Amazon announced it was terminating its plan for an HQ2 site in New York City and would instead be increasing staffing among several existing hub locations across the country.
Billy Penn: How fear helps Philly politicians stay in power
Max Marin, February 14, 2019
Lauren Vidas and others describe the difficulty of fundraising when running against an incumbent District Council member, given the depth of “councilmanic prerogative.”
Christian Hetrick, February 15, 2019
As City Council fast tracked approval for a bill to ban cashless retail business, the pros and cons are still being debated as the Mayor weighs his response.
Jennifer Romaniw, February 15, 2019
After her grandmother’s Fishtown house collapsed due to construction work on an adjacent property, a longtime Fishtown resident calls for changes to how L&I monitors demolition and new construction of infill properties