Promise Of School Funds Trumps Design Questions In Electric Factory Billboard Case
In his sixth attempt to legalize a billboard on the building that houses the Electric Factory concert venue, property owner Myron Berman is likely to succeed thanks to a community benefits agreement that will spin off some of the billboard's proceeds to three schools and several civic associations. Is this real politiking good for the public or a terrible way to make policy? > more
In Germantown, Leadership Paralysis Endures
With city officials holding back community development funds, organizers of the fledgling CDC Germantown United try to sustain momentum generated in the 2011 fight against a low-end shopping center. Reauthorization of a neighborhood special service district may be the catalyst, reports Ryan Briggs > more
With Retirement of John Gallery, Preservation In Philadelphia At A Crossroads
The Preservation Aliiance seeks a new director upon the retirement of the influential Gallery, for almost 40 years one of the city's most important voices on planning and urban development. Ryan Briggs has the full story, including a review of Gallery's career and a look at possible replacements > more
Goldtex Protests At An End?
Union protesters have been pulled from the site, with discussions ongoing about the mix of workers and compensation at Goldtex and Post Brothers' next project at the Atlantic Building on South Broad > more
Proposed New Gas Meters Are Efficient, But A Design Problem For Buildings Old And New
Citizens and preservationists are concerned about plans to install new energy-efficient gas meters, especially on the facades of historic properties. Ryan Briggs argues that Philadelphia should learn from conflicts over gas meters in Lancaster and Baltimore. > more
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