Urban Planning
News on cities, suburbs, and how we design the places we live
Philly Council delays vote on parking tax cut as budget negotiations continue
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Jamie Gauthier, and Helen Gym have all publicly opposed the parking tax legislation within the last week.
Stuck to social distancing? SEPTA signage — and habits — remain as rules change
SEPTA lifted capacity limits on transit last week, yet signs of social distancing mandates remain. Not everyone is unhappy that the habit could survive.
3 days ago
Philly Council bill limiting landlords’ use of eviction records advances
Philly Councilmember Kendra Brooks’ Renters’ Access Act passed Tuesday night out of committee and will come up for a final City Council vote on June 17.
4 days ago
Zoning board approves apartment complex in West Philly despite Gauthier opposition
The ZBA approved a hotly-contested construction proposal for a 76-unit apartment building.
1 week ago
Facelift and splash fountain for Rodney Square, but iconic horse and rider remain in storage
Wilmington’s iconic Caesar Rodney statue is still tucked away in storage as the city celebrates the renovation of the central square that bears his name.
2 weeks ago
Listen 2:20
Proposed cut to Philly’s parking tax could have strings attached
Councilmember Parker, who introduced the measure in May, is hoping job opportunities would accompany cuts in the rate to 17%, from 25%.
2 weeks ago
Philly selects finalists to plan pedestrian-friendly revamp of Ben Franklin Parkway
Three firms chosen from more than a dozen responding to a March request for proposals will move forward with a public engagement process for the redesign.
2 weeks ago
SEPTA launches pilot plan to reduce deadly falls and jumps onto tracks
The authority plans to install galvanized steel barriers along the length of the platforms at Somerset Station on the Market-Frankford Line to pilot the idea.
2 weeks ago
How to retain affordable housing in Philly? New study recommends subsidizing ‘small landlords’
Naturally occurring affordable housing is at risk of disappearing in Philadelphia, according to an Urban Land Institute report. A solution? Cash for landlords.
2 weeks ago
‘I come from people who put up a fight’: New construction fuels tensions on North 7th Street
A dispute about a damaged wall has stalled a contentious development project in a rapidly gentrifying North Philadelphia neighborhood.
2 weeks ago
Listen 4:17
Eyes on the Street
Anti-Asian racism has been perpetuated in Philadelphia’s urban space. It’s time for that to change.
Philadelphia’s Chinatown falls short of providing a high-quality community space. Other AAPI residents across the city also lack public space.
2 weeks ago
Transit riders give their two cents on SEPTA’s proposed budget
The proposed budget, unveiled last month, boasts another year of delayed fare increases and a plan to return transit service to 96% of its pre-COVID capacity.
3 weeks ago
City Council eyes demolition ban for ‘Doctors’ Row’ to preserve Black history in South Philly
Doctors’ Row in Graduate Hospital could become the city’s first historic district based on the legacy of Black Philadelphians.
3 weeks 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.