Councilmember Mike Driscoll recently introduced a package of legislation that would provide incentives to developers who want to build near public transit stations.
This is part of Driscoll’s desire to encourage new housing along the Market-Frankford Line in his district and developers to provide affordable housing to combat the threat of displacement, writes Jake Blumgart for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Some provisions in the legislation specifically target the Allegheny, Tioga, and Erie-Torresdale stops on the elevated train line.
Driscoll also expanded the Mixed Income Neighborhoods law, which requires new developments of more than 10 housing units to devote one-fifth of their homes to below-market-rate homes.
Despite that area’s proximity to the city’s opioid crisis, he is hopeful that Mayor Cherelle Parker’s forthcoming comprehensive proposal to address Kensington’s deep-seated issues will heighten developer interest.
“We just think it’s perfect timing because the mayor is going to come up with a plan for Kensington,” Driscoll said. “Simultaneous with that, if we can get this enacted, we got a lot of momentum.
The package includes a bill that would scrap old industrial zoning in his district, broaden the definitions in the city’s existing transit improvement, and reduce the amount of parking developers will need to build near transit.
All of these are incentives.
Read more about Councilman Driscoll’s vision for his district at The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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