Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:
Plan Philly: Society Hill residents lose anti-high rise fight at ZBA, may challenge in court
Jake Blumgart, February 5, 2019
A new tower in Society Hill, designed to “as of right” zoning faced strong and well funded opposition at both Planning Commission and Civic Design Review.
Billy Penn: Iconic Amtrak flipboard will become part of 30th Street’s permanent decor
Danya Henninger and Mónica Marie Zorrilla, February 6, 2019
The saga of the 30th Street Station Solari flip board continues.
Reclaim Philadelphia: Check out the Questionnaire Responses from City Council Candidates!
Kelly Morton, February 4, 2019
As campaign season heats up, Reclaim Philadelphia has posted responses to its survey sent to At-Large and District Council incumbents and challengers. Questions included their stand on imposing rent control and ending the ten year tax abatement. Spoiler alert: all incumbents who responded, except for Derek Green, called for an end to the ten year tax abatement.
The Morning Call: Gov. Tom Wolf pitches his fiscal plan for a prosperous Pennsylvania
Steve Esack, February 5, 2019
The Morning Call analyzes Gov Wolf’s proposed budget.
Philadelphia Business Journal: From the editor: It’s time to dump ‘politics as usual’
Craig Ey, February 5, 2019
The Managing Editor of the Philadelphia Business Journal laments how difficult it is to develop new projects in Philadelphia in comparison to other major US cities.
WHYY: Developers, unions fill City Council war chests ahead of 2019 elections
Ryan Briggs, February 7, 2019
An analysis of City Council campaign fundraising draws ties to Council’s role in controlling development sites and legislation that impact building costs and union construction jobs.