A panel discussion convened in Philadelphia recently to discuss the effects of eminent domain, that critical and troubling tool that makes redevelopment possible.
Marielle Segarra describes the legacy of trauma, and the current struggles, brought about by eminent domain in the city of Philadelphia. The occasion for the discussion arose from a panel discussion held at Arden Theater, where a play by August Wilson called Two Trains Running, which hinges on the power of eminent domain during an urban renewal process set in the late 1960s.
In present day Philadelphia, the power of eminent domain is being welded for a massive redevelopment project in the Sharswood neighborhood in North Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Housing Authority is planning to seize nearly 1,300 properties. Inga Saffron, the architecture critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer offered a strong critique of the plan back in March.
The article focuses on the personal toll experienced by people who lose their homes during these processes—whether planners call it renewal, redevelopment, or revitalization.
FULL STORY: In Philadelphia, a discussion about urban renewal and the 'trauma' of eminent domain
Largest Ever Philadelphia Housing Authority Redevelopment to Seize 1,300 Vacant Properties
Philadelphia Housing Authority will use eminent domain to redevelop a huge swath of vacant properties in the Sharswood neighborhood.
Critic Raises Alarms About North Philadelphia Redevelopment Efforts
The Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic of the Philadelphia Inquirer is concerned about the large-scale redevelopment of North Philadelphia, under the leadership of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
How Effective are Philadelphia’s Keystone Opportunity Zones?
The impacts of a tax break designed to create jobs, stimulate development, and reduce blight are proving hard to track.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
New Park Opens in the Santa Clarita Valley
The City of Santa Clarita just celebrated the grand opening of its 38th park, the 10.5-acre Skyline Ranch Park.
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