Vacant Property

Workforce matchmakers | inequitable REO maintenance | earthen architecture | city tax reform stalled | iWatch crime reporting

April 6, 2012 9:07 am
The Buzz

Matchmakers of public workforce development

Banks treat foreclosed properties treated differently in white vs. minority neighborhoods

Inga talks dirt

Tinkering with city tax reform

PPD app for tips

DAG talks vacant property strategies with panel Thursday

April 3, 2012 10:12 am
Reminder

The Design Advocacy Group’s monthly meeting will be all about different strategies for confronting the city’s vacant land problems. Join the conversation on Thursday, April 5 at 8am.

Land bank, tax foreclosure legislation vs Nutter’s ‘front door’ [via PlanPhilly]

March 27, 2012 11:06 am
Via PlanPhilly

Patrick Kerkstra offers up his next piece in PlanPhilly’s ongoing coverage of the city’s intertwined tax-delinquency, vacancy and blight problems with a look at legislation in City Council to create a land bank and change foreclosure processes and the Nutter administration’s “front door” property strategy.

A Philadelphia Land Bank – Why We Need to Get it Right [DAGspace]

March 23, 2012 10:14 am
DAGspace

In this month’s DAGspace, John Kromer, a good government expert and former candidate for Philadelphia Sheriff, analyzes the proposals for a land bank to help the city manage its vast stock of abandoned and vacant properties. Kromer explains how the land bank would work–and how to make it work better. DAG’s next meeting (April 5) will focus on the land bank proposal and adminstration’s vacant land strategy.

Fire in the Divine Lorraine mercifully brief

March 20, 2012 11:26 pm
This Just In

A fire broke out in the abandoned Divine Lorraine on Tuesday evening, but was quickly put out. Reporters, witnesses, and concerned Philadelphians tweeted updates and reactions.

Patrick Kerkstra’s ‘Deluge of Deadbeats’ series wins recognition

March 19, 2012 4:40 pm
Bravo

Patrick Kerkstra’s series “Deluge of Deadbeats” earned a Special Recognition from judges in the inaugural Weis Award for Investigative Journalism. Cheers, Patrick!