Real estate roundup: Temple’s new dorm, Please Touch Museum sells, New Frankford Community Y on the block, and mayoral control for PHA

Good morning, Philly and happy October. How about a real estate roundup for your Monday morning Buzz?

We’ve heard a lot lately about student housing stressing town-gown relations around Temple University. Good news then, as Temple’s new dorm at 10th and Diamond is moving forward. The Business Journal reported Friday that developers have solidified financing and expect to break ground in October.

The BizJournal is also reporting that after four years on the market, the Please Touch Museum has sold its former space at 200-212 N. 21st St. The new owners, Isen Trust, want to turn the former carpet factory into an art gallery and store.

The New Frankford Community Y closed down last year after falling on hard times, and the Frankford Gazette is reporting that the New Frankford Community Y’s 1860s brownstone mansion is listed for sheriff sale tomorrow. In late September, NEastPhilly reported that the Northwood Civic Association is concerned about the building’s safety.

Proposed legislation before the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Senate would give the mayor the power to appoint all Philadelphia Housing Authority commissioners, and therefore give the mayor control of PHA, the Inquirer reported yesterday. The thinking is to create greater local accountability for the agency’s success or failure. The bills have no Philadelphia co-sponsors, and at least one local rep wants to take exclusive power of commissioner appointment out of the mayor’s hands. Stay tuned on this one.

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest.