Momentum Grows for Land Bank
While City Council focuses on AVI and other budget issues, land bank advocates are pushing for a hearing on proposed legislation in May so that a vote can take place in June. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Councilman Bill Green resubmitted legislation to create a Philadelphia land bank that would transform the City’s fragmented land-holding system into a single, streamlined entity with the power to quickly acquire and strategically dispose of vacant properties. The updated bills reflect a year-long collaborative process, including stakeholders from Council, the Nutter administration, and citywide coalitions representing nonprofit community organizations and for-profit developers. Read the full press release. View bills 130156 and 130157.