Land bank plans to reclaim abandoned Philly properties from blight
Philadelphia City Councilwoman Maria D. Quinones-Sanchez speaks as Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter looks on during a January signing ceremony for an ordinance creating the municipal land bank. (AP file photo)
A Philadelphia City Council committee approved a strategic plan Monday to tackle the city’s epidemic of blighted properties.
The plan is a roadmap for a new agency known as a “land bank,” whose goal is to get Philadelphia’s tens of thousands of vacant properties back into productive use.
Michael Koonce, interim chairman of the land bank’s board, said the plan is a good step forward.
“It will help reverse blight in struggling neighborhoods, support the provisions of affordable housing,” he said. “It will benefit existing residents and businesses. It will generate activity and jobs, and it will strengthen the city financially.”
Roughly 8,000 vacant properties in Philadelphia are publicly owned. The land bank’s goal is to dispose of 2,250 of them by 2019.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
The good, the bad and the muddy: Kensington Derby boasts largest field in its 16 years
The derby’s latest iteration featured a very hungry caterpillar, a glamorous Phanatic-Gritty duo and an ode to Dollar Dog Night. Plus, plenty of mud.
1 day ago
The Phillies are hot, loose and loving life as one of the best teams in baseball
This year's team does have unfinished business in the postseason. The first World Series championship since 2008 remains the ultimate goal.
1 day ago
Pa. trooper who arrested LGBTQ+ leaders in Philly no longer works for state police
In March, Celena Morrison and husband Darius McLean were arrested after a traffic stop on an elevated stretch of highway in the city, part of which was captured on video.
1 day ago
