Planning and zoning roundup, SEPTA green grants, Philly’s ethnic eats

PlanPhilly’s Kellie Patrick Gates reports from yesterday’s City Council Rules Committee and Philadelphia City Planning Commission meetings. Here’s a roundup:

The Planning Commission gave its support to:

• the new 23-story mixed-use tower proposed in Chinatown at 10th and Vine.
• SugarHouse’s revised expansion plan, and the changes in zoning and streets the casino required for the expansion. City Council’s Rules Committee will hear SugarHouse’s expansion plans this morning.

City Council’s Rules Committee heard two zoning questions, both of which smell of spot zoning. The Committee:

• repealed a rezoning sponsored by Frank DiCicco that would developer David Grasso to build of a music venue on Richmond Street. DiCicco sponsored the repeal of his earlier bill because Grasso’s financing is uncertain.
• considered Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller’s proposal to change to the Germantown Avenue overlay to allow the Dollar Tree at Chelten Plaza. Germantown residents voiced concern about the change, advocating a better retail mix, not more discount stores.

SEPTA will receive $6.44 million in federal transportation grants to continue making its operations greener and more efficient, NewsWorks reports. U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced the funding yesterday, which will add more batteries to store energy on the Market-Frankford line, and swap out diesel buses for hybrids.

The Atlantic Cities ponders why Philadelphia’s Restaurant Scene is so diverse. Their answer: lots of ethnic restaurants opened by our fast-growing immigrant population + bargain-seeking hipster eaters creating a buzz. Is it time for lunch yet?

The Buzz is Eyes on the Street’s morning news digest.