HBA Newswatch
October 10, 2008
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'Inclusion' may exclude developers
Philadelphia Business Journal - by Natalie Kostelni
The Philadelphia building industry fears a law that requires incorporating work force housing into every residential project could cripple future development in the city.
Supporters of the inclusionary affordable housing law contend more needs to be done by market-rate developers to add housing stock throughout the city that the working class can afford.
The law was signed by then-Mayor John F. Street in the waning January days of his term. However, the law won't go into effect until the building industry and City Council, most notably Councilman Darrell L. Clarke, work out a way to offset what developers call a new, onerous tax on construction and an unfunded mandate.
Charlestown mulls TND, easement
By Renneth Grey, Special to The Phoenix 10/10/2008
CHARLESTOWN — Two of the main topics discussed at the Board of Supervisors meeting Monday were plans for the Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND) and the use of the Thompson family farmland. Both of these actions are being done to improve the Charlestown area in years to come.
The TND plan for Charlestown was addressed by Dewey Homes Land Planner Perry Morgan and his group from JLM Design Group. In this TND plan, Charlestown is divided into six zones. In these six zones, they plan to renew the residential areas by "Berm and Buffering" (creating a mound of dirt and planting various trees on top of it). This is needed to "create more privacy for residents," said Morgan. Berm and Buffering is going to be done in zones one and two of the TND plan.
LP zoners reject appeal over ARC
By KEITH PHUCAS 10/08/2008
LOWER PROVIDENCE — The zoning hearing board denied an appeal of a zoning ordinance Tuesday permitting development of the proposed American Revolution Center (ARC).
The controversial Living History Overlay Ordinance had been approved by the board of supervisors Sept. 6, 2007, by a 3-2 vote, paving the way for the center.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and five Lower Providence residents opposing the planned museum and conference center appealed the ordinance, arguing that it constituted "spot zoning" that would interfere with the National Park Service's mission to operate nearby Valley Forge National Historical Park.
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