Philly task force says city could save millions from building changes
Millionaire and former mayoral candidate Tom Knox led a task force commissioned by Mayor Michael Nutter to look at city-owned buildings and leases (Matt Rourke/AP Photo, file)
A task force created by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to look at city-owned buildings and leases has completed a 76-page report.
Millionaire and former mayoral candidate Tom Knox, who led the task force, said the city could save between $66 million and $122 million over five years if it adopts the recommendations he’s outlined in the report. He wants the city to lease property less often, do a better job of maintaining its buildings, and keep better track of its utility bills, among other things.
“We overspend in a lot of areas,” said Knox. “We find that some people are paying $2 a square foot for utilities, some are paying $10. If you’re paying $10, you probably have the air conditioning on with the windows open.”
The task force missed its August deadline to finish the report, but Nutter said it was worth the wait.
“This is one of those kinds of things where it’s more important to get it right,” he said.
Nutter said the city has already put some of Knox’s recommendations into effect, while others require action by City Council.
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