Last year, Point Breeze developer Ori Feibush demolished the century-old church after a long squabble with preservationists and neighbors. Now, a different developer is building on the land.
Councilman Mark Squilla introduced three bills, including one to eliminate parking requirements, that aim to encourage developers to preserve Philadelphia's historic properties, rather than tear them down.
Two former Philadelphia schools, a vacant brewery, a library, a Center City high-rise, and a commercial row building were awarded the tax credits, which total $600,000.
At a community meeting Monday, the team behind the redevelopment of two former Germantown public schools unveiled a sprawling proposal. Many residents were concerned about the project not having enough affordable housing.
The assessment, released this month by the Trust for Public Land, found that 95 percent of Philadelphia residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who won his primary race this month, introduced a bill May 23 that would ban balconies and bay windows in portions of Point Breeze and Grays Ferry. It would also set restrictions on the features elsewhere in the city.
Roosevelt Boulevard has a history of frequent accidents, and was the scene of 21 fatal crashes last year, according to data previously released by the Philadelphia Police Department.
The celebration, organized by the Philadelphia Community Tap Project, invited dancers and passers-by to give tap dancing, which some consider to be a lost art form, a try.
