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Top News in Philly Development: May 2019

Ever feel like Philly changes so fast you can’t keep up? No sweat. We’ll be bringing you our favorite articles from the month on Philly development – North, South, East, and West. See below for a roundup of all the best local articles from April news.

Real Estate Trends and Market Updates:

Philly considers congestion pricing as New York City’s plan moves forward
Where: Philly Voice
What: Following New York’s lead, Philadelphia considers the possibility of enacting congestion pricing to reduce automobile traffic in Center City.

The City May Pay You Up to $2,000 to Make Your Patio Greener
Where: Philly Mag
What: Creating a greener outdoor environment for your home not only has benefits on your health and home’s selling price, it also might mean a $2,000 paycheck from the city to cover it. See article for details.

10 Trends That Have Changed Philadelphia in 10 Years
Where: PEW
What: A recap of 10 years of “State of the City” reports highlights trends in population growth, declining crime, rising graduation rates, and more. Details at the link.

Philly launches mechanical street cleaning pilot in six neighborhoods
Where: Philly Voice
What: Six neighborhoods in Philly (including South Philly!) will be test sites for a pilot program using mechanical street cleaning to reduce litter and waste outdoors.

Homes Closer To Breweries Have Higher Property Value Than Those Not Within Walking Distance, Study Finds
Where: CBS Philly
What: No real surprise here, but it turns out that if your home is located within walking distance of a craft beer brewery, your home may see a higher selling price.

Philly business leaders seek to combat poverty through improving education, creating jobs
Where: WHYY
What: The PHL Neighborhood Growth Project, an initiative by the Chamber of Commerce, seeks to combat poverty in Philadelphia by stimulating job growth.

Redfin: Minneapolis, Chicago and Philadelphia are the Most Affordable Sustainable Cities
Where: Redfin
What: While sustainable cities are usually more expensive, Philly bucks the trend. Not only does it rank in the top 10 most sustainable cities, but there are also homes available below the national median. Plus, Philly has the shortest average commute time! Good news all around.

Report: Center City economy growing, but not fast enough
Where: KYW News Radio
What: While Philadelphia has seen job growth, it lags behind other cities like NY. The commercial office and tech sectors both see room for improvement.

Openings and Up-and-Coming Development Projects:

Illegal construction is causing an uptick in building collapses. Will Philly hire more inspectors?
Where: Plan Philly
What: After the collapse of several homes, Philadelphia L&I plans to hire 10 new inspectors, as well as consider the formation of neighborhood agencies, to reduce unlicensed building in the city.

NoLibs’ Piazza Begins Its Comeback With Tons of New Food and Drink Vendors
Where: Philly Mag
What: The Piazza plans to open a new mixed-use outdoor space in early summer, featuring food and drink vendors, al fresco seating, shopping, art installations, and more.

Trolley Car Station closing after seven months in business
Where: Philly Voice
What: The Trolley Car Station in University City was forced to close after just seven months in business, and now seeks a new operator.

Liquor store, apartments moving into parkway’s Granary building
Where: Curbed Philly
What: A former granary will now see the opening of a liquor store and apartments along the Parkway.

Plans Released for Massive South Philly Development: 2,002 Residential Units + Hotel + Retail
Where: PhilaRising
What: A new development project, featuring 2,000+ residential units, a hotel, retail spaces, and more is coming to 1314 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

The Arts and Architecture:

‘Queer Eye’ Reportedly Casting In Philadelphia
Where: West Chester Patch
What: Rumor has it that Queer Eye is searching for someone in Philly in need of a makeover. Filming for next season runs June through September. Details on casting at the link!

St. Thomas Aquinas Church to be considered for city’s historical designation
Where: South Philly Review
What: St. Thomas Aquinas Church in South Philadelphia is under consideration to receive a historical designation. The final hearing to determine its status will be in May.

Do you have questions about Philly’s changing neighborhoods and real estate trends? Reach out to Christina Briglia, Realtor, anytime at 267.231.5484 or phc(dotted)christina(at)gmail(dotted)com.