Number of affordable housing units by development in central Philadelphia with subsidies set to expire 2015-2020 (yellow=1-10, light green=11-27, dark green=28-53, light blue=54-87, dark blue=88-442) | Courtesy of @KenSteif
- Ken Steif, a Doctoral Candidate in the City & Regional Planning Program at the University of Pennsylvania, wonders at PlanPhilly: “Is Philadelphia in danger of losing some of its affordable housing stock in neighborhoods with quality amenities?” The data seems to suggest as much; some 10,000 affordable units will see their specific medley of governmental subsidies expire in the next five years, with a disproportionally high amount being found in gentrifying or soon-to-gentrify neighborhoods.
- The Tinicum Board of Commissioners has approved an updated plan to extend a runway at the Philadelphia International Airport by 1,500 feet farther into that Delaware County township, reports NewsWorks. The $85 million project, expected to be complete by 2017, would allow for more nonstop flights to East Asia.
- CBS Philly says that several food truck operators have testified at City Hall to encourage City Council’s support for bills now under consideration that would recognize their craft’s distinction from that of “street vendor,” the language of current zoning and permitting regulations that limit their business to a few chief areas, namely 33rd and Arch Streets, The Porch at 30th Street, Love Park, and the Navy Yard. Under these measures, food trucks could prepare and sell their cuisine any private property, from construction sites, to pop-up beer gardens.
- Following the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s announcement on Sunday that it will pursue the demolition of the former St. Laurentius church building in Fishtown, Property says that City Council President Darrell Clarke issued a press release in which he “respectfully [asks] the Archdiocese to hold off on demolition of St. Laurentius until parishioners who have appealed to the Vatican for assistance receive a formal response.”
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
