
Urban Planning
Legislation to halt demolitions in NW Philly could bring court challenge
Councilmember Cindy Bass wants to put a six-month moratorium on most building demolitions in her district. The move may be unprecedented.
3 years ago
Philly is losing historic buildings at an alarming rate. Can it learn from Baltimore?
Baltimore uses a local preservation tax credit to stabilize neighborhoods. Could the approach help Philadelphia?
3 years ago
City, facing criticism, says Washington Ave. pivot was a ‘matter of equity’
City officials sparked outrage when they reversed course on a planned “road diet” for one of the city’s most dangerous thoroughfares.
3 years ago
‘Hope is coming’ to Wilmington’s East Side with $30 million for new and renovated homes
The mayor says the neighborhood has been “neglected for decades and decades.” He says improvements will be noticeable within six months.
3 years ago
Listen 2:54Wayne Junction is quietly booming. Can it last?
Steps from the Wayne Junction Station, at the southern border of Germantown, sits a large empty lot surrounded by the neighborhood’s industrial past and unfolding future.
3 years ago
An obscure zoning bill threatens to outlaw new housing in growing Roxborough
A bill that passed in Philly City Council last week dramatically shifts the future of Ridge Avenue and Roxborough.
3 years ago
SEPTA faces delays and workarounds as supply chain issues disrupt repair projects
The transit agency is getting creative with recycling and reusing parts from retired vehicles to deal with supply chain shortages.
3 years ago
Covanta renews incinerator contract with Chester. City’s receiver says it missed out on $10M
An 2017 agreement means the cash-strapped city will get less per ton of trash brought in by a big customer — the county Solid Waste Authority.
3 years ago
Philadelphia airport parking could be privatized within a year
After almost 50 years under Philadelphia Parking Authority control, the airport parking concession could soon be run by a private company.
3 years ago
As Hilco tears down former PES refinery, questions remain about the site’s future
Owners of the former Philadelphia refinery are ahead of schedule demolishing the hulking facility. But there is no guarantee the tank farm won’t reopen.
3 years ago
What does poor rating for collapsed Pittsburgh bridge mean for others?
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Highway Administration are combing through rubble of the Forbes Avenue Bridge after its collapse.
3 years ago
Why no beets on the streets? Some places spray beet juice before snowstorms — but not Philadelphia
A decade ago, one City Council member did make a push for it (he’s now the mayor).
3 years ago
Westpark residents say they want to remain in West Philly after towers emptied
Philadelphia Housing Authority plans to move forward with relocation of Westpark residents over the next 90 days. Where people will go is an open question.
3 years ago
If Penn wants to invest in a public school, Philly should invest in public housing
I own a home in the Lea Elementary catchment. My family will benefit from Penn’s proposed $5 million investment in the school. I don’t think it’s fair.
3 years ago
After a deadly 2018 house fire, Philly didn’t do much. Will this time be different?
Sometimes disasters lead to change. But in Philadelphia, officials failed to take steps after the last deadly group home fire.
3 years ago