August 17: Zoned hauling in NYC | New billboard sails through ZBA | UberEATS launches

New York City plans to introduce a zoned hauling framework for private waste hauling, Politico reports. New York’s commercial trash system is similar to Philadelphia’s in that the city provides residential trash hauling service, but businesses contract individually with loosely regulated private haulers. Under the new system, trash haulers will bid on contracts to service different sections of the city. Center City District’s Paul Levy and environmental groups like PennFuture have argued that Philadelphia should adopt a zoned hauling system to reduce truck traffic, air pollution, and the number of dumpster alleys. Back in October, we explained how this is related to the alley beautification cause in an article about the Drury Street pedestrian alley plan. 

Via Curbed Philly, a new Redfin report says Philadelphia is a leader in new construction in walkable areas. This also highlights an underappreciated point about the relationship between walkability and land use. One way to achieve a more walkable city is to make a lot of street design changes that promote safety. But another way is to use zoning to direct new housing construction toward areas that are already walkable, and bump up the percentage of residents who can live in walkable parts of the city. Yet another way is to increase coverage for the mixed-use zoning categories, since storefront density is one of the top predictors of whether people will walk to their destinations. 

East Torresdale Civic Association members are “floored” by the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s unexplained and unanimous decision to approve a variance for a new billboard on I-95 off the Academy-Linden interchange.  

PHL International Airport purchased 20 acres of land in Southwest Philadelphia, as part of their long-term expansion, reports Alison Burdo.  

The Redevelopment Authority is vetting developers to assist in the development of its Eastwick holdings, Natalie Kostelni reports.

UberEATS enters the competitive food delivery app market in Philadelphia with over 100 restaurants participating, says Jonathan Takiff.