This blog has written about many conflicts between commercial real estate developers and neighborhood organizations regarding preservation of environmental amenities or sites with historical or cultural significance. Many neighborhood organizations in Philadelphia are...
Understanding special exceptions in Philadelphia zoning code
The Philadelphia Zoning Code contains many specialized terms - variance, special exception and rezoning, to name just three - that can seem confusing or opaque. An understanding of these terms is necessary to evaluate the types of permits that may be required for any...
Navigating issues of eminent domain
Many people in the Philadelphia area do not realize that state and local governments have the power to demand a private citizen turn over his or her land so that the government can put it to a public use. When a government employee does come knocking on a person's...
Historical Preservation in Philadelphia
Philadelphia contains many buildings that were built over 100 years ago; some even date back to the early part of the 18th century. In 1955, the city created the Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) and charged it with preserving historically significant...
Plan to develop Chester County farm sparks controversy
Crebilly Farm comprises 322 acres of rolling rural land in Westtown Township in Chester County, one of the Pennsylvania's fastest growing communities. Fifteen years ago, the town's comprehensive plan identified this land for future residential development. Now that...
