Nominations for properties to be added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places tend to be extensively researched, written and presented to the Historical Commission by people who are extremely passionate and have a love for Philadelphia’s history. Needless to say, it isn’t surprising that those same individuals are disheartened when their nominations are turned down after all of their hard work, seeming as if some other forces are at play...
The Philadelphia City Planning Commission begins to acknowledge its racist history and pledges to do better moving forward. Eleanor Sharpe, adjunct professor at Temple and Executive Director of the planning commission, says that “it’s like somebody built a house and didn’t follow any of the ADA requirements, so people with disabilities don’t feel welcome. We’ve inherited the house, and now we’re here, so how do we fix it to ensure that all are welcome?”
A new Airbnb in South Philly is the buzz of the town. Over the summer a roof tent went up near 20th and Mifflin St in Point Breeze and has become one of the cheapest places to rent across the city, but it has the most unique confirmation processes than any other location on the site, from state IDs to fingerprints. Is it a bit much? ...you be the judge.
Josh Lippert, out-going flood plain manager with the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections, has accused Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration of pressuring him to vote against the historic certification of LGBTQ and Black history on behalf of a developer. Lippert says there is a pattern of interference from the Mayor’s Office.
Altman Management Company decided not to renew its annual affordable housing contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the first time in four decades. Residents of the townhomes and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier are protesting the sale of the property. The final decision could end in the displacement of 70 families needing to find a new home by next July.
