Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
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.
9/12/2017, Ryan Briggs
A well-funded regional economic development non-profit operates—or rather, doesn’t operate—in the shadows.
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.
9/13/2017, Bobby Allyn
Sen. Larry Farnese calls for expanded protection against SLAPP lawsuits.
9/14/2017, Aaron Moselle
Poverty in Philadelphia 2015 to 2016 stayed stagnant, Camden’s dropped significantly, and Wilmington’s rose slightly.
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.
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.
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.