🏚️ Tensions over preservation | Morning Newsletter
And inside city gov’s contracting shift.
The Morning Newsletter
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Morning, Philly. We’re in for a cold, wet Tuesday — and another storm threat looms for the weekend.
A historic preservation bill is provoking debate: Supporters say the legislation gives more notice and power to property owners, while opponents say it will damage the city’s heritage.
And internal documents shed light on Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s decision to scrap contracting requirements meant to boost diversity and equity.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Most of Philadelphia’s buildings were constructed before the mid-20th century, though few are historically protected. A newly proposed bill from Councilmember Mark Squilla has caused a stir amid heightened debate around preservation.
In the bill: The legislation would institute changes to the city’s Historical Commission, which ensures that historic properties cannot be demolished or their exteriors substantially altered. One big update gives property owners at least 30 days before a pending nomination of their building goes to the commission and protections kick in.
In favor: Developers and other proponents of the bill argue that it is simply meant to give more notice and power to property owners before their buildings are considered for preservation.
In opposition: Preservationists fear that developers will use the extra time to begin razing historic buildings. Some preservation critics dislike the bill, too, saying it doesn’t help homeowners facing high costs to maintain historic properties.
Commercial real estate reporter Jake Blumgart has the details.
In other housing news: City Council bills that cap rental application fees and allow renters to pay security deposits in installments take effect Tuesday.
More details are emerging about the Parker administration’s decision to halt the use of some diversity targets in city contracts. The shift, which was revealed last month but enacted at some point earlier this year, came in the face of potential legal challenges as national DEI backlash grows.
According to documents obtained by The Inquirer, a law firm hired by the city recommended that Parker adopt a new policy favoring “socially and economically disadvantaged” businesses. Instead, the mayor prioritized “small and local” firms.
Her administration says this language will still help historically disadvantaged firms. Critics argue that it doesn’t go far enough to help women and Black and brown Philadelphians who were the focus of the previous, decades-old policy.
City Hall reporter Sean Collins Walsh has more.
What you should know today
President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep Alina Habba as the top prosecutor in New Jersey aren’t legal, a federal appeals court ruled Monday.
A man accused of committing voter fraud in Bucks County in 2020 is seeking to wipe out a pending criminal case, saying Trump’s pardoning of dozens of allies who helped him try to overturn that election should extend to him, too.
A New Jersey Senate hearing on a proposal to scale back the authority of a state oversight office degenerated Monday into a blistering back-and-forth between officials.
Rutgers-Camden is celebrating 100 years with a boost in dorm occupancy and international students. Now, its chancellor hopes for more support from central administration.
Foundation for Delaware County’s Family Village initiative aims to close health gaps in the county, especially for those affected by Crozer Health’s closure.
Mars Co-Op, the Philadelphia rapper known for the standout verse he contributed to The Roots’ song “Clones” from 1996, has died.
Marra’s, Philly’s oldest pizzeria, has closed after 98 years on East Passyunk Avenue. EMei, one of the city’s most acclaimed Sichuan restaurants, is taking over the building.
After 13 years at 6abc, reporter Annie McCormick’s last day with the station was Monday, she announced on social media.
A disgruntled Eagles fan with access to the traffic signs near the Linc had a message Monday: “Fire Kevin Patullo.” Others took it further: The offensive coordinator’s home was vandalized with eggs hours after the team lost on Friday, police confirmed.
🚉 WTF is happening with...
Transportation reporter Tom Fitzgerald has become somewhat of a social media star with his series answering readers’ questions about what the ... heck ... is going on with Philly’s beleaguered transit systems. See the latest video on SEPTA’s Regional Rail service and join the conversation.
🧠 Trivia time
An estate sale will open to the public this week at a Delancey Street townhouse filled with an estimated 100,000 what?
A) Brooches
B) Bongos
C) Books
D) Bananas
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re...
🎶 Attending: These 15 Philly holiday pop concerts this month.
🪪 Noting: TSA’s new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID.
🍪 Baking: These eight Amanda Shulman-approved cookie recipes.
🛍️ Visiting: Joan Shepp, named one of the country’s best clothing shops.
✈️ Considering: The impact of fatigue on air travel safety.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Center City park
ALL COERCING
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Laura Napier, who solved Monday’s anagram: Awbury Arboretum. The East Germantown nonprofit’s Francis Cope House is home to the inaugural exhibition of the Museum of African American Art Collections.
Photo of the day
🌲 One last green thing: The real Christmas tree supply is “excellent” this year after several years of shortages, industry experts say. Shopping for your own? Check out these 17 tree farms around the city and surrounding counties.
Stay cozy. I’ll be back with you tomorrow morning.
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