Press
Developers face civic groups at final ‘Common Ground’ event
January 28, 2010
By Thomas J. Walsh
For PlanPhilly
In the end, there was the low-hanging fruit, and there were the gut-wrenchers.
After about 10 hours of brainstorming over the course of two days last week, more than 40 representatives from Philadelphia community groups and developers, met at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House in Old City. With more than 20 observers, they were there to hash out common ground – to gather it, document it and send it along for inclusion in the city’s zoning code re-write efforts that should conclude later this year.
‘Radio Times’: discussion about zoning, neighborhood issues
January 27, 2010
By Thomas J. Walsh
For PlanPhilly
In advance of tonight’s third high-profile meeting of city developers and community groups, the second hour of Wednesday morning’s “Radio Times” call-in program on WHYY-FM in Philadelphia discussed citywide zoning and development issues.
Developers weigh in on new Zoning Code
January 19, 2010
By Thomas J. Walsh
For PlanPhilly
When it comes to meeting with neighborhood groups, how do developers know who truly speaks for any given community?
If a new real estate project is to be reviewed by the City Planning Commission, or the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), or the City Historical Commission, what criteria trigger that review?
For that matter, how and when should the public be involved in any review process?