Auto-centric Philly Zoning Changes Trimmed By City Council

Responding to criticism, the Philadelphia City Council this week shrank the scope of a bill proposing zoning changes that would have lowered density and increased parking requirements across the city.

Critics said the changes would have led to more garage-fronted buildings and reduced density. Photo credit: La Citta Vita on Flickr

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Just over three weeks ago, I reported on a bill brought before the Philadelphia City Council that recommended altering a newly introduced zoning code that was widely praised for encouraging denser, less car-dependent development. Introduced by Councilmember Brian J. O’Neill on behalf of Council President Darrell Clarke, the bill sought to reinstate on-site parking requirements and decrease the number of housing units allowed within a given property. The bill would have affected most neighborhoods in Philly.

In a dramatic reversal, the legislation was amended this week to cover only a wide residential swath surrounding North Philadelphia’s Temple University, in Clarke’s district, where a 40-unit development targeting students was purportedly approved with no on-site parking. Additionally, the initial language had originally mandated one on-site parking space for every three housing units. That requirement was loosened to one parking space for every four units.

The dilution of the bill comes after criticism from members of the planning and economic development community. Although Clarke said the original bill was drafted in response to neighbors’ complaints about scarce parking, it was not clear if any community groups had actually supported the legislation.

Clarke’s office also said that the bill was drafted in partnership with the City Planning Commission, but comments from Deputy Executive Director Eva Gladstein and on the Commission’s blog, which criticized the hurried introduction of the changes in an anonymous post, seemed to contradict that assertion. The blog post was quickly taken down, but a copy can be viewed here.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Ryan Briggs is an investigative reporter based in Philadelphia. He has contributed to the Philadelphia Inquirer, WHYY, the Philadelphia City Paper, Philadelphia Magazine and Hidden City.

Follow Ryan

Tags: philadelphiabuilt environmentgovernanceinclusionary zoninganchor institutionsparking

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1096 other sustainers such as:

  • Anonymous in Grand Rapids, MI at $10/Month
  • Mike in Roseville, CA at $10.00/Month
  • Davis at $10/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×