Zoning code prep | Aker’s shipbuilding comeback | Frankford Chocolate factory fate | PGW privatization update

The new zoning code goes into effect tomorrow: What have city departments been doing to prepare? PlanPhilly’s Jared Brey explains that L&I plans examiners have gone to training and practice sessions, the Planning Commission will launch a new website and add zoning and RCO layers to the city map portal. Meanwhile in the eight months since the City Council passed the new code, developers have weighed their proposals against which code will be easier to work with.

Aker Philadelphia Shipyard nearly closed 18 months ago, but thanks to the sale of two tankers it built with no buyer in mind, Aker is making a comeback and rehiring workers, the Inquirer reports. Aker is selling two spec tankers to Crowley Maritime’s chemical and petroleum transport division, and is building two more oil tankers for a subsidiary of ExxonMobil.

What on earth is happening with the Frankford Chocolate Company factory (aka Wanamaker’s warehouse, aka Howell & Brother’s wallpaper factory, etc) on Washington Avenue? For Hidden City Daily, Philaphilia‘s GroJLart investigates the layered history of this factory complex, from ambitious wallpaper makers through chocolate bunnies up to a wild development scheme by recently deceased owner Tran Dinh Truong. Will the huge property finally be redeveloped?

Remember Lazard, those consultants hired to evaluate the viability of privatizing PGW? City Paper reports that Lazard not only recommended PGW’s privatization but also has now been hired to oversee the process.

 

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