Special Report on Tax Delinquency and Its Impact on Development

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Patrick Kerkstra looks at the cost of tax delinquency and how it is thwarting development. Read Taxes wither on the vine, the first part of a special report on what Kerkstra calls a delinquency epidemic in Philadelphia. Part 2, Tax debts thwart rebuilding, looks at how the delinquency crisis chokes redevelopment efforts. The series is a collaborative project between The Inquirer and PlanPhilly.com.

Also see reaction and follow-up to the series:

Pennsylvania to press Philly – again – to move on delinquent properties
By Patrick Kerkstra for The Inquirer

Inquirer Editorial: Must target tax delinquents and a response Sheriff speaks on foreclosures

City to increase sheriff sales in get-tough move. By Bob Warner, Inquirer Staff Writer

Inquirer Point-Counterpoint Make tax delinquents pay up: Editorial City’s efforts appear to be inadequate and Opposing View Nutter’s progress is evident, by Keith Richardson, revenue commissioner for Philadelphia and Rob Dubow, the city’s finance director

Inquirer Letters to the Editor: Series shows need for land bank and Tell us who the deadbeats are

City isn’t at the mercy of blight. The state has given cities more ways to deal with blighted properties. By Jeri E. Stumpf for the Philadelphia Inquirer Opinion