Changing Communities
Speaking Mam in MAGA country: Immigration, education and the teenage boy in the middle
Where low-wage immigrant labor undergirds the local economy, stress is put on other institutions — especially public schools, which face a mandate to educate all.
5 years ago
Listen 7:21West Philly’s new council rep blasts West Park tower sale
New West Philly Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is challenging a Philadelphia Housing Authority plan to sell two of the last public housing high-rises in her district.
5 years ago
‘So tragic’: Volunteer firefighter shortage threatens Pa. traditions and public safety
Mike Kitsock never thought he’d still be fighting fires as a sexagenarian. ...
5 years ago
Listen 5:19‘Cancel culture’ in Coal Country: Two Trump-voting brothers on a mission to fight racism
After experiencing overtly racist behavior by a quasi-public official, two brothers are on a crusade for accountability. Will anyone in their community care?
5 years ago
Listen 7:56SEPTA to increase train frequency on Market-Frankford Line
The increase in service on Philadelphia’s busiest transit line comes as a response to changing rider habits, SEPTA officials said.
5 years ago
For sale: 2 of Philadelphia Housing Authority’s last towers
The new owner will be free to redevelop the buildings and surrounding land as they choose, with no restrictions barring market-rate housing.
5 years ago
Bok North? Historic Kensington school reopening as space for creatives
It took two years to renovate the giant building, which will open mid-March.
5 years ago
Giving people of color opportunity in Philly’s construction industry
A new development project in North Philly is taking a unique approach to employ more people of color — and it seems to be working.
Air Date: January 27, 2020
Listen 13:50Philly experiments with new rent voucher aimed at keeping families in their homes
The new program is an example of the local solutions emerging in cities as leaders grapple with growing affordability crises.
5 years ago
Philly urban growth and design trends we want to take into 2020
Philadelphia is changing rapidly. How can we design smarter, more equitably, and more beautifully to improve the quality of life of our city’s residents?
5 years ago
5 power moves changing Philly neighborhoods for 2020
PlanPhilly’s look back at 2019 focuses on changes in renter’s rights, preservation policy, and exclusionary planning.
5 years ago
Building sale wipes out unique North Philly venue known for batting practice and music shows
Regulars remember Everybody Hits as an “only in Philadelphia” kind of space.
5 years ago
Poet Thomas Devaney / Comedy with 1812 Productions
Thomas Devaney's new book of poems charts his complicated relationship with his home city of Philadelphia. Then, 1812 Productions, a local political satire group.
Air Date: December 24, 2019 10:00 am
Listen 49:01Uncertain future as Puerto Rican community faces gentrification in Norris Square, Philadelphia
Just north of Fishtown and Northern Liberties is Norris Square, a proud Puerto Rican community facing an uncertain future as gentrification takes hold.
5 years ago
Apartments, commercial space proposed for Passyunk firehouse site
Alterra wants to build hundreds of apartments and create new commercial spaces on one of the last major underdeveloped parcels in Passyunk Square.
5 years ago