Urban Planning
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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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).
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 years ago
Busted water mains flood Philly streets as city fails to hit pipe replacement goals
Philadelphia Water Department officials defended a 2018 rate increase by saying it would help the city meet water main replacement goals.
4 years ago
14 streetlight sensors are collecting data on a Center City block as part of a ‘smart cities’ pilot
Use of the tech elsewhere has raised some privacy concerns. Philly officials say in this case, the data is highly anonymized.
4 years ago
Shaped like handcuffs, the future of Philly’s iconic Roundhouse is in debate
The Philadelphia Police Department’s iconic headquarters symbolizes police brutality to many. Now Philadelphians will have a chance to help guide its redevelopment.
4 years ago
Buttigieg touts $1.6 billion for Pa. bridges as part of Biden infrastructure bill
The new Bridge Formula Program will distribute $26.5 billion nationwide over the next five years, helping pay for replacements and repairs of up to 15,000 bridges.
4 years ago
Philly community groups could get priority in sale of thousands of vacant city lots under new bill
The legislation introduced in City Council would change how vacant city land is sold. One affordable housing advocate described the bill as “almost revolutionary.”
4 years ago













