Urban Planning
News on cities, suburbs, and how we design the places we live
PECO moves transformer flooded during Ida to prepare for more extreme weather
The utility got a federal grant to speed up several projects to improve reliability of its grid during extreme weather.
Delaware seniors in ‘limbo’ worrying property value reassessments will drive up next year’s taxes
New Castle County hasn’t assessed property since 1983. Some are concerned older residents will feel the brunt of tax increases.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:55
New Sixers arena could improve diversity in Philly construction, union says
The arena proposal is expected to receive full City Council approval this week.
2 weeks ago
The full City Council body is expected to take a second and final vote on the bills on Dec. 19.
2 weeks ago
Councilmember Jeffrey Young Jr. wants to crack down on property owners who are breaking zoning laws to make a buck. He’s willing to change the zoning code citywide to do it.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11
Sixers arena vote delayed again as Philly City Council pushes for $100M community benefits agreement
The Sixers have not yet agreed to proposed amendments to a legislative package containing the approvals the team needs to build the $1.3 billion arena.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:26
Billy Penn
$300 million or bust? Council prepares to vote on arena proposal
The past week has been marked by a shifting terrain and last-ditch negotiations. Wednesday’s vote will provide clarity — maybe?
3 weeks ago
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero: Progress on highways, setback on Broad Street
The Vision Zero report aims to make the city’s roads safer and end traffic deaths.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:00
City Council is expected to take a preliminary vote on the arena next week. The team says it needs the body to approve development before the end of the year.
3 weeks ago
Billy Penn
At last public comment session on arena project, tensions on full display
Supporters and opponents showed up for a final, testy, raucous hearing on the Sixers arena proposal Monday night.
4 weeks ago
Vote on Sixers arena proposal a moving target as City Council wraps up hearings
Lawmakers must vote enabling legislation out of committee by Dec. 12 to authorize the arena before the end of the year.
4 weeks ago
Billy Penn
Public comment winds down, votes loom for arena project
Here’s what you need to know as City Council moves toward crucial votes at arena hearings.
4 weeks ago
Giant Heirloom Market took a gamble on Philly’s Market East. Here’s why it failed
The grocery store with Pennsylvania roots is leaving after only three years.
1 month ago
Listen 1:10With sewers, streets and skyscrapers, modern cities are complex systems, and it takes a huge amount of design, planning, and maintenance to keep them moving. From transportation news on SEPTA and the PPA to real estate reporting on the 10-year tax abatement and neighborhood gentrification, WHYY and PlanPhilly cover the people, organizations, and policies that affect city life in Philadelphia and across the Delaware Valley.