
Urban Planning
Fishtown building collapse inspires construction enforcement bill
A building collapse last week in Fishtown and another recent collapse in Germantown has inspired City Council to finance a crackdown on unsafe construction contractors.
7 years ago
Philly Housing Authority gets thousands to help residents become more self-sufficient
The Family Self-Sufficiency program connects residents with experts who help them become financially stable enough to be able to purchase their own home.
7 years ago
Buddhist monks cash out with ‘secret’ sale of historic South Philly church
A 150-year-old Queen Village church turned Buddhist temple is on a path toward residential reincarnation.
7 years ago
Elevating SEPTA’s accessibility: Why public transit systems aren’t designed for everyone
A mother's fatal fall on New York City subway stairs has raised the question of why many public transportation systems like SEPTA are not fully accessible — yet.
Air Date: February 13, 2019
Listen 12:22Fishtown’s St. Laurentius church cleared for redevelopment
A judge’s ruling on Tuesday paves the way for a long-contested redevelopment of St. Laurentius, a crumbling Catholic church in Philadelphia’s growing Fishtown neighborhood.
7 years ago
Strollers pose safety problems for Philly families riding SEPTA
When a mother fell down the stairs and died in the New York subway last month, parents in Philadelphia reacted with a combination of horror and recognition.
7 years ago
Taking on gentrification with a community land trust in Point Breeze
The WCRP is building five new houses that’ll be affordable for the foreseeable future.
7 years ago
Reduce, reuse, incinerate: Why half of Philly’s recyclables aren’t recycled
Why is Philly incinerating more than half of its recyclables? The answer is complicated, and spans from your kitchen to China.
Air Date: February 11, 2019
Listen 12:25Philadelphia councilwoman delayed major city land deal to help a developer
Philadelphia Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell froze the sale of 4601 Market to help developer and Belmont Charter School Network CEO Michael Karp.
7 years ago
Parkway condo opposed by Rodin Museum, Rail Park wins key city approval
A condo building that opponents say could disrupt plans to extend the Rail Park and endanger Rodin Museum holdings has won the final city approval needed to break ground.
7 years ago
Gretz Brewery redevelopment in Kensington returns to drawing board
The latest plans for the five-story brewery include 220 apartments, five retail storefronts and 42 parking spots.
7 years ago
Society Hill residents lose zoning fight against high-rise, may challenge plan in court
Philadelphia neighbors lose zoning appeal against 31-story apartment tower in Society Hill.
7 years ago
Why your neighborhood school probably doesn’t have a playground
Research shows kids benefit from playgrounds, but 2/3 of Philadelphia public elementary schools don’t have playgrounds. To build them, schools are relying on private funders.
7 years ago
Listen 5:50Provident Mutual building redevelopment to move forward with Blackwell’s support
A developer’s plan to transform the former Provident Mutual Life Insurance Co. building into a sprawling health campus will move forward with Jannie Blackwell's support.
7 years ago