Land preservation for manufacturing debated in Philly

Are factories becoming an endangered species in Philadelphia?  As it considers that question, City Council is reviewing ways to preserve land for manufacturing.

Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger says with the demand for property at a premium in some portions of Philadelphia, market forces are converting factories for other uses.

“Those pressures are intense and, left to its own devices, those properties will sell and be redeveloped as something else and they will be taken out of industrial production,” he said.

Michael Cooper of the city’s Commerce Department said his staff is working hard to train people for the new manufacturing economy.

“Our issue is that most parents, teachers and guidance counselors are not looking at manufacturing as viable career options,” Cooper said.

Councilman Bobby Henon, who is pushing to preserve industrial property, said too many factories are being converted into shopping centers.