Housing – Broke in Philly

Philly City Council cites density concerns with ‘granny flats’

April 12, 2021

Known as “accessory dwelling units” in zoning-speak, City Council previously loosened codes to encourage these apartments in historically designated buildings in order to make redevelopment more feasible. In February, with guidance from the city’s Planning Commission, Councilmember María Quiñones-Sánchez introduced another bill allowing ADUs across the city. Quiñones-Sánchez said the idea is to preserve affordability and potentially give empty-nesters and seniors an option for an additional income source by allowing for a wider range of housing options. | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)

Asistencia económica a la renta ahora incluirá pago de utilidades

April 9, 2021

Programa de pago de renta ahora incluirá pago de utilidades

PECO proposes electric rate hike that would increase residential bills by nearly 10%

April 9, 2021

Under a proposal before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), the southeastern Pennsylvania utility provider would increase the monthly bill for a residential customer by about 9.65% — an increase of $9.68 for a typical residential account. Small business customers would see an increase of about 5.49%. The change would bring in an additional $246 million per year. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Philly holds first online sheriff sale, City Council moves to block more

April 9, 2021

Tuesday’s online sale was the first of its kind in Philadelphia, owing to Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s decision to permanently shift distressed real estate auctions to a virtual clearinghouse known as Bid4Assets. The final list of 17 foreclosed properties put up for sale Tuesday was winnowed down from 78 properties, with dozens stayed or otherwise postponed. | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)

West Philly state rep. to introduce bill banning sheriff sales through August

April 9, 2021

State Rep. Amen Brown, who represents the 190th District in West Philly, issued a memo Wednesday seeking co-sponsors for a bill to suspend the auctions “until after the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration has been lifted.” | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)

Kensington community responds to SEPTA closing down Somerset Station

April 6, 2021

After SEPTA’s announcement, NKCDC, HACE CDC, and Impact Services released a joint statement about the closure, stating the “frustration with SEPTA’s decision to shut down this station without engaging neighborhood residents in the decision-making process,” due to the negative impact it will have on the Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods. | From: Kensington Voice (Read more.)

Eviction without mediation? Not in Philly, as Municipal Court backs diversion program

April 2, 2021

The Eviction Diversion Program, spearheaded by Councilmember Helen Gym, enables landlords and tenants to undergo a mediation process and arrive at an agreement without having to go to court. It’s required for all landlords that (Read more.)

College students in Philly and beyond are struggling to afford food, housing

April 2, 2021

Nearly three in five college students experienced food or housing insecurity in 2020, according to a yearlong survey conducted by The Hope Center for College Community and Justice at Temple University. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Pa. utility shutoffs resume on April 1. Here’s what you can do if you owe

April 2, 2021

For individuals making less than $32,200 or a family of four making less than $66,250 (up to 250% of the federal poverty level), utilities must offer repayment plans of at least five years, although a customer can request a shorter timespan if able to pay each month. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

SEPTA reabrirá estación ferroviaria con presencia policial

April 2, 2021

Los elevadores de la estación de Somerset estaban tan dañados que su reparación se prolongará después de su fecha de reapertura. | From: Telemundo62 (Read more.)