Urban Planning
News on cities, suburbs, and how we design the places we live
Sources: Sixers abandon plan to build new Center City arena; will remain in South Philly
The decision is rooted in a deal struck with Comcast Spectacor, which hopes to transform the South Philly sports complex over the next decade.
PECO moves transformer flooded during Ida to prepare for more extreme weather
The utility got a federal grant to speed up several projects to improve reliability of its grid during extreme weather.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:12
After protesters removed from chambers, Philly Council votes 12-5 to approve Sixers’ arena proposal
The controversial development is now on track to open in Center City in 2031.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:07
‘A win-win’: SEPTA set to lease 5 train stations in Northwest Philly to private developer
SEPTA selected Ken Weinstein’s bid to renovate the stations as the authority faces a massive operating deficit.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:08
Delaware seniors in ‘limbo’ worrying property value reassessments will drive up next year’s taxes
New Castle County hasn’t assessed property since 1983. Some are concerned older residents will feel the brunt of tax increases.
4 weeks ago
Listen 0:55
New Sixers arena could improve diversity in Philly construction, union says
The arena proposal is expected to receive full City Council approval this week.
4 weeks ago
The full City Council body is expected to take a second and final vote on the bills on Dec. 19.
1 month ago
Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr. wants to crack down on property owners who are breaking zoning laws to make a buck. He’s willing to change the zoning code citywide to do it.
1 month ago
Listen 1:11
Sixers arena vote delayed again as Philly City Council pushes for $100M community benefits agreement
The Sixers have not yet agreed to proposed amendments to a legislative package containing the approvals the team needs to build the $1.3 billion arena.
1 month ago
Listen 1:26
Billy Penn
$300 million or bust? Council prepares to vote on arena proposal
The past week has been marked by a shifting terrain and last-ditch negotiations. Wednesday’s vote will provide clarity — maybe?
1 month ago
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero: Progress on highways, setback on Broad Street
The Vision Zero report aims to make the city’s roads safer and end traffic deaths.
1 month ago
Listen 1:00
City Council is expected to take a preliminary vote on the arena next week. The team says it needs the body to approve development before the end of the year.
1 month ago
Billy Penn
At last public comment session on arena project, tensions on full display
Supporters and opponents showed up for a final, testy, raucous hearing on the Sixers arena proposal Monday night.
1 month ago
With sewers, streets and skyscrapers, modern cities are complex systems, and it takes a huge amount of design, planning, and maintenance to keep them moving. From transportation news on SEPTA and the PPA to real estate reporting on the 10-year tax abatement and neighborhood gentrification, WHYY and PlanPhilly cover the people, organizations, and policies that affect city life in Philadelphia and across the Delaware Valley.