Vacant Lots Ripe for Parks, and Legal Troubles

Nate Berg reports on the legal problems that can arise when a good Samaritan tries to create a park on a vacant lot.

1 minute read

September 26, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Emily Williams


More cities are beginning to utilize vacant lots and properties in their communities for a variety of social and economic benefits, but a similar effort in Philadelphia may not have such a happy ending. After a local businessman invested his own money into turning the vacant lot adjacent to his shop into a park, the property owner (the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority) threatened legal action unless he restores the lot to its original condition.

"This is a clear instance of good Samaritanism," writes Berg. "But it's also a clear case of someone illegally using land that does not belong to them." Berg contends that such cleanup efforts could decrease crime rates in the area and draw more visitors, but in this instance the penalty for bypassing the administrative process to achieve these benefits could undermine the entire effort.

In the end, it's a lesson learned for this local businessman and other communities about the legal issues surrounding the use of vacant land.

Monday, September 24, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic