Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Republican Councilman David Oh introduces $50 million affordable housing bill
3/5/18, Jake Blumgart
Councilman David Oh proposes $50 million for the City’s Housing Trust Fund.
LISC Teams Up with ESPN, Under Armour to Launch RePlay
2/21/18
Philadelphia is one of three cities in the US to get funded by ESPN and Under Armour to turn vacant lots into neighborhood active recreation and sports fields, in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
2/28,18, Jim Saksa
A new bus route would go from Strawberry Mansion and Brewerytown, through Fairmount to University City, and on to Gray’s Ferry, connecting expanding neighborhoods with the major employment hubs of Drexel, Penn, University City Science Center, and the hospital complex.
New terms on city’s deal to buy Inquirer building for new Philly police HQ threaten to increase cost for taxpayers 2/26/18, Jake Blumgart
The latest structure of financing for the City to acquire the former Inquirer Building as a new Police HQ was unveiled.
Schuylkill River Trail Receives $12M in Federal Funding for Completion 3/6/18, Joe Trinacria
Senators Casey and Toomey secured $12 million in federal transportation funding to help complete the Schuylkill River Trail from Center City to Southwest Philadelphia.
City: 'Too soon' to say if soda tax shortfall will hit parks & rec makeover
3/8/18, Malcolm Burnley
The implementation of ReBuild it being held up by an uncertain legal time frame for the challenge by the beverage industry, and by Council’s delaying approval of site selection for parks and rec centers that will be updated.
Protests cut Temple stadium town hall short 3/6/18, Emily Scott
A town hall that Temple University’s President held to discuss plans for a new stadium on North Broad was shut down by protesters.
Mayor Kenney says he needs more candidates for possible school board seats
3/8/18, Kristen Graham
Mayor Kenney has asked for additional names of potential School Board candidates, for a more geographically diverse pool in addition to the 27 names already submitted.