What We're Reading: Week of April 26, 2021

Here's what we're reading this week about the projects, people and policies driving local development:

Philadelphia Business Journal: Although 2020 saw fewer new rental units come on line than in 2019, the pace of construction and new permits for new rental units has picked up quickly

by Natalie Kostelni, April 12, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Jefferson University’s new flagship patient care and services building in the East Market development is being designed to address the next generation of health care, looking at future technology, expanding equity in health care delivery, and working to help revitalize the business economy around its campus

by Natalie Kostelni, April 22, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Regional companies are increasingly putting excess office space on the sub-lease market as a hybrid model of work extends as offices reopen

by Laura Smythe, May 4, 2021

AP: A federal court struck down the CDC’s eviction moratorium in the first state eviction moratorium case to reach a federal court

by Michael Casey, May 5, 2021

WHYY: SEPTA is beginning a three year, $25 million study and analysis to evaluate the entire system network of bus routes, towards a redesign from scratch of the bus network including routes and frequency

by Darryl C. Murphy, April 28, 2021

PlanPhilly: City Council held a hearing on land-value real estate taxes, as the city looks at alternative ways to use taxes for the General Fund

by Taylor Allen, May 4, 2021

Inquirer: Philadelphia City Council held a three hour hearing on home appraisals and their undervaluation of Black owned homes

by Michaelle Bond, April 28, 2021

Philly Tribune: City Council budget hearings are underway, and concerns have been raised that the administration has not made significant changes in its proposed budget to support Commerce Department programs that provide for the growth of Black owned businesses

by Michael D'Onofrio, May 3, 2021

Inquirer: Council Majority Leader Parker calls for a moratorium on sheriff sales in response to the Sheriff awarding a national online auction company a contract to run all Philadelphia tax and mortgage sales online

by Cherelle L. Parker, April 28, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Ron Rubin, developer, civic leader, key founding member of the Center City District of former CEO of PREIT passed away at 89

by Natalie Kostelni, Updated April 14, 2021

Urbanland: ULI’s Advisory Services wrapped up an intensive analysis of Pottstown, in the far corner of Montgomery County, to help the Borough grow its business base and become a more vibrant place to live

by Kelsey Steffen, April 19, 2021

Inquirer: Requests for fecal samples were just one weird twist in the NIMBY opposition to a proposed apartment project in University City

by Dwight Ott, April 17, 2021

Philadelphia Business Journal: Pfizer’s massive ex-urban office and lab campus in Collegeville is about to come on the market, as the company reevaluates its post-pandemic work locations and schedules

by Natalie Kostelni, April 27, 2021

WHYY: The Pennsylvania legislature took two steps that would make it harder for the Commonwealth to battle greenhouse gasses and climate change

by Rachel McDevitt, StateImpact Pennsylvania, April 27, 2021