A rezoning expected to go into effect in the neighborhood of Spruce Hill in Philadelphia chooses historic preservation over potential student housing developments.
A proposed rezoning of the Spruce Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia "is intended to protect the iconic Victorian homes in Spruce Hill from demolition," according to an article by Jake Blumgart.
The article describes the rezoning proposal as a "backdoor" and a "rearguard action" at different moments. The bill that would enact the rezoning was "quietly slipped through City Council," according to Blumgart.
At stake are what neighborhood booster believe to be the largest collection of Victorian townhomes in the United States on one hand, and the neighborhood's proximity to the University of Pennsylvania on the other. "The current zoning bill would remap strategic areas of the neighborhood from multi-family to single family to make it harder for developers to build student housing," according to Blumgart.
While neighborhood advocates hope the rezoning will slow demolitions, critics fear the rezoning will make Spruce Hill even more expensive. Blumgart also reports that the bill is currently waiting for Mayor Jim Kenney's (expected) signature.
FULL STORY: Spruce Hill zoning remapping is backdoor historic preservation
Philadelphia City Council Pushing for More Control Over Zoning Variances
A cause abandoned by the Philadelphia City in 2019 is on the table again.
Mayoral Veto Kills Controversial Philadelphia Downzoning
The mayor, planning staff, and the Philadelphia Planning Commission agree. The Philadelphia City Council and residents of the wealthy neighborhood of Society Hill, not so much.
Newly Exclusionary Zoning Expected for Approval in Philadelphia Neighborhood
The Philadelphia City Council is expected to approve new zoning for Society Hill over the objections of the Planning Commission and city planning staff.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service