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An unpopular City Council bill sparked a developer scramble — and 824 new apartments got approved

The city recently approved 824 apartments in and around the former Hahnemann Hospital campus. Why the sudden flurry of residential activity? Because City Councilmember Jeffery Young proposed a ban on housing being built in the area. And developers and property owners scrambled to secure permits before his bill passed. After pushback from unions, property owners, and even the mayor’s office, Young paused his legislation in early February. Ironically, his moves in Council had the opposite of their desired effect. Instead of limiting residential activity, Young’s council bill triggered a flurry of it.
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    Erin Reynolds
    Bluesky
    I produce video series in partnership with desks across our newsroom that answer key questions about Philadelphia and the region. There are many ways to tell a story — I’m all about finding the one that enhances your daily scroll.
    Jake Blumgart
    Bluesky
    I cover the changing fortunes of the office, housing, and retail sector in Philadelphia. I focus on new development, and I'm also interested in how public policy affects the real estate industry.
    Gabe Coffey
    Instagram
    I am a Videojournalist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, focusing on telling visual stories of residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. I also specialize in motion graphics to help tell stories.