philly.com
- If Bart Blatstein is to have his way, the historic Inquirer Building that he purchased last year will be transformed into a hotel for which to service the patrons of a planned casino and entertainment development that would run west of the North Broad landmark to 17th Street. Blatstein, who says he’s willing to bet his reputation on the project, may have a tough road ahead, as state lawmakers reconsider reserving one more casino license for the city, as they feel the region has quickly become saturated by that market.
- Plan Philly and the Inquirer’s series on the city’s continuing problems with property tax delinquents runs once again, now more pertinent than ever, this just days after the untaxed and unmaintained Thomas Buck Hosiery factory’s fire killed two and robbed East Kensington of a piece of its hulking industrial past. The article stresses that the city still lacks the power and efficiency to collect the much needed revenue form these parcels. In fact, it would take a half-century to collect at the current rate!
- NewsWorks reports on one neighborhood association’s ongoing contest to see who can remove the most illicit “bandit signs” from utility poles in the New Kensington area. “It’s an eyesore,” says the New Kensington CDC’s Kevin Musselman. “It’s a blight on the neighborhood. It looks ugly. Not only that, some of these are very predatory.”
- Philly Weekly looks at a new book—99 Nights With The 99 Percent, by Chris Faraone—which delves into this past autumn’s nation-wide Occupy movement, reflecting on the unseen politics in the Occupy Philly encampment in Dilworth Plaza.
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.
© 2011 Hidden City Philadelphia |
At least that Viaduct Park would actually lead somewhere.
It would not!