5.17.2021

DAG Dispatch

By Lachelle Weathers, DAG Fellow

Start the week off with a wrap up of Philadelphia area news, public proposals, and happenings in the world of design, architecture, and planning. Follow us @designadvocacy on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe to our email list to keep up with DAG Dispatch. Articles are shared to spark dialogue and keep our members informed, and do not represent DAG’s endorsement of an idea or project.

Arson in Philly? Investigators recently said that the massive fire at St. Leo the Great Church in Tacony was intentionally set, heartbreaking news for those in the community. At a stand-still in the investigation, Philadelphia Police Department is looking for anyone who may have information on the arsonist by offering a $20,000 reward. Hopefully there will be a strong lead soon.

 

Affordable housing is an ongoing battle that has been occurring for years. In Philadelphia the fight continues with the 48th and Chester project at the forefront. After many letters and calls to Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s office regarding the zoning variance for this project, she released a statement discussing her stance. Gauthier’s decision was to oppose the variance; however, her statement seemed to support it. What are your thoughts? 

 

Because Mayor Jim Kenney’s budget doesn’t include funding for the city’s land bank, the local government's primary vehicle for redeveloping vacant public property may soon run into some issues. This change could halt many affordable housing projects, community gardens, and business expansions that are already in the works.

 

It’s Preservation Month! Check out the Preservation Alliance’s May To-Do List for all of the must see locations in Philadelphia to celebrate the organization’s, local activists’, and many advocates’ efforts to keep the history of the city safe!


Though the closure of Martin Luther King Drive has been a highlight for bicyclists in Philadelphia during the pandemic, that may soon be coming to an end. City Hall just recently announced that the road will reopen to automobile traffic this August. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is planning to rally in hopes that a compromise can be reached.