March 4: Evolving South Kensington | Tax relief measures | Big changes at 17th and Carpenter | Hope for Lawncrest

Happy Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday/Carnival, Streeters. Enjoy!

South Kensington is evolving as mixed-use developments take shape, new residents move in, and industrial uses try to hold on. Hidden City Daily published a three part series on South Kensington with a focus on American Street’s changing face. Part one looks at how the neighborhood is responding to new developments, zoning changes, and the blessings/burdens of vacant land. Part two looks at the future of American Street as a mixed-use corridor, which hinges in no small part on the huge Soko Lofts site – now for sale, being flipped by developers after they secured zoning, permits, and a community agreement for a multi-building mixed-use complex. Part three explores how industrial uses along American Street can coexist with new proposed high-end residences.

The New York Times explored how different cities are balacing growth while trying to insulate long-term residents from the negative effects of rising taxes and higher property values.  Philadelphia’s Homestead Exemption and Longtime Owner Occupants Program were called “the most comprehensive measures to safeguard longtime homeowners.”

From the Carpenter Square development, planned Carpenter Green park, and improvements to the E.M. Stanton schoolyard, the intersection of 17th and Carpenter is a nexus of change in Graduate Hospital. Flying Kite takes a look.

The Daily News checks in on Lawncrest after a spike in violence, finding frustration with drug dealers and absentee landlords. But, many longtime Lawncrest residents believe it’s a good neighborhood poised to turn back the tide by working together. Real estate agent Phil Cunningham said, “Lawncrest is still a good place. I just think these things are catching up to us. Things are bad everywhere.”

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest. Have a tip? Send it along.
Follow us on Twitter @EOTSPhilly | Like us on Facebook | Share your Philly photos in our Flickr Group

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.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal