Pennsylvania

Floodplain

FEMA Flood Mitigation Initiative Will Pay Homeowners To Move

The Swift Current grant program will distribute $60 million to homeowners in high-risk counties to help pay for flood mitigation measures or relocation.

March 24, 2022 - Grist

U-Haul moving truck in front of white house and trees

Making Homeownership Work Better

Programs that help households of color buy homes haven't made much of a dent in the racial wealth gap. But some strategies could generate better outcomes for buyers.

March 23, 2022 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of row of Healthy Ride bike share bicycles

Pittsburgh To Revamp its Bike Share System With E-Bikes, New Stations

The system overhaul is partly due to nextbike's shift to focusing on its European markets. The new fleet will include 350 e-bikes and expand service to new neighborhoods.

March 21, 2022 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

SEPTA Station

Riders Getting Stuck in SEPTA Tunnels Due to Increased Security Measures

As ridership dropped during the pandemic, Philadelphia's transit agency started locking station doors to keep unhoused people from using the tunnels as shelter. Now, riders are becoming trapped inside.

March 21, 2022 - Billy Penn

On-Street Parking

Philadelphia 'Diversion Program' Prevents Evictions Through Mediation

A program that provides mediation between landlords and tenants has helped a majority of applicants avoid eviction, signaling a promising avenue for renter assistance as landlords seek to recoup COVID-era losses.

March 4, 2022 - Next City

Philadelphia, Chinatown

Equitable Development Plan Aims To Protect Philly's Chinatown

As the historic neighborhood experiences increased redevelopment around the new Rail Park, community activists are working to ensure older residents and businesses aren't displaced in the process.

March 2, 2022 - Next City

 Building in Washington Avenue Historic District

Why a Complete Streets Makeover Went Awry in Philadelphia

The city pulled the plug on a proposed street redesign after community groups criticized the public engagement process for not listening to all local voices.

February 28, 2022 - Bloomberg CityLab

Oil

Democrats Balk at Gov. Newsom's Gas Tax Holiday

Saving motorists 3 cents a gallon may be a slam dunk for Republican leaders in the California legislature who opposed hiking the gas tax in the first place, but Democratic leaders are reluctant to tamper with a hard-fought legislative and ballot win.

February 22, 2022 - The Associated Press

Pennsylvania

Will Philly's New Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Yield Results?

City leaders hope a new affordable housing law will increase the supply of affordable units in the city, but critics say the policy may lead to reduced construction and higher housing costs.

February 21, 2022 - Bisnow

Bridge Collapse

$27 Billion Bridge Repair Program Sets New Funding Precedent

The Biden administration recently announced a new $27 billion program for bridge repair. The funding has been allocated to states based on a unique funding arrangement.

January 18, 2022 - Federal Highway Administration

Solar Power

Delaware County Pauses Solar Applications In Response to Local Opposition

Large-scale solar developments face rising hostility from neighboring property owners who cite concerns about environmental degradation, reduced property values, and loss of farmland.

January 6, 2022 - WFYI

Row Houses at 48th between Walton and Cedar, West Philadelphia

Philadelphia on Track to Build Record Number of Apartments in 2022

A researcher from the Lindy Institute for Urban Innovation at Drexel University tells a tale of two housing markets—rental and for-sale—in the City of Brotherly Love.

January 4, 2022 - WHYY

Pittsburgh at Night

Pittsburgh Becomes First 'Dark Sky' City in Eastern U.S.

As evidence showing the benefits of dark skies builds, Pittsburgh becomes the first eastern American city to enact a dark sky policy.

December 29, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding Program Set to Launch

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission awarded $1.4 million to the city of Pittsburgh to launch the Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding initiative.

December 22, 2021 - Pittsburgh City Paper

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Riverfront Development Could Include a Massive Ferris Wheel

A proposed mixed-use development on the Ohio River would enhance connections to the river and feature a Ferris wheel in tribute to the ride's inventor.

December 20, 2021 - CBS 2 Pittsburgh

William Penn

'Demodelphia' Hiring More Preservationists

To protect more historic properties from rampant demolition, Philadelphia is staffing up its historic preservation department.

December 20, 2021 - WHYY

A mile marker showing mile zero of the Great Allegheny Passage, which is a bike and pedestrian path that begins in Cumberland, Maryland and ends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Measuring the Economic Impact of the Great Allegheny Passage

Small communities once dependent on coal, coke, paper, lumber, and manufacturing now have a 150-mile bike and pedestrian path contributing to the local economy.

December 2, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

 View south along Interstate 95 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Delaware River Extension) at Exit 40 (Interstate 276 WEST/Pennsylvania Turnpike, Harrisburg) in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania

New Interchange Planned Along Pennsylvania Turnpike

Local leaders hope the new interchange will invigorate economic development in the area by providing easier access to the turnpike.

November 4, 2021 - The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh

Port Authority Study Calls For More Equitable TOD in Pittsburgh

A study by the Port Authority of Allegheny County warns against displacement of low-income residents and calls for an increased focus on equity in developments around transit stations.

October 28, 2021 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

An image of a mural depicting Gloria Casarez on the outside of a gym on 12street in Philadelphia.

Controversy on Philadelphia's Historic Commission Over Mayoral Pressure

As one of the most historic cities in the country, Philadelphia faces uniquely intense pressures between historic preservation and development. A new controversy on the city's Historic Commission offers the latest example of the dynamic.

October 19, 2021 - WHYY

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