Jan 29: NIMBYs off South | inside St. Bonaventure | Kenzo redevelopment goes plush | Forum demo coming | Beth Miller Q&A | talk voter problems

Good morning, Streeters. Here’s what’s making news this Tuesday morning:

In this reminder that NIMBYs like transactional zoning as much as developers, Naked Philly brings us details of a NIMBY feud at 17th and South. Ater developer Eugene Bukh secured zoning variances to build a mixed-use building last year; neighbors on Rodman street behind the lot appealed the zoning in the Court of Common Pleas. An email chain reveals that Bukh offered the neighbors $150,000 to drop the suit, but that wasn’t quite enough. After Bukh won the suit, neighbors again threatened appeal, but were willing to be bought off for the developer’s highest price. Gross.

Take a peek inside the majestic St. Bonaventure, a beautiful but decaying historic church at 9th and Cambria streets, with these shots by Chandra Lampreich on Hidden City Daily.

A former ribbon factory at 178 Huntingdon will soon be converted into a mixed-use live/work campus promising plush amenities on the rough edges of Kensington. Will it work? Flying Kite talks with the project team about the seemingly tough location, the building’s great bones, testing the market on Craigslist, and the potential they see for redevelopment in the neighborhood.

Richard Basciano has obtained demolition permits for the Forum Theater on West Market Street, reports the Inquirer. Basciano intends to level the porn theater as part of a plan to redevelop several of his properties on the 2100 and 2200 blocks of Market Street.

Flying Kite caught up with Beth Miller, Executive Director of the Community Design Collaborative, to discuss the group’s origins, how to foster equitable development and design creativity, and current projects.

If you had problems voting in November, now’s the time to speak up. The Inquirer reports that 4% of Philadelphia voters cast provisional ballots, far higher than the rest of the state. The Nutter administration will host two public meetings in February where voters can sign up to tell their election day stories. Sign up in advance online or by calling/texting (267) 209-FACT. Voters must share contact info and polling place should additional information be required.

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.

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