Is Society Hill different from any other part of the city? Of course not!

So why does Society Hill push for a special treatment on #zoning? The laws of Philadelphia are equal for every neighborhood and special privileges for restrictive zoning shouldn't be allowed for a particular neighborhood. 

Approval of the Restrictive Zoning Bill for Society Hill blocks the continued efforts towards affordable housing, climate change, and #historicpreservation. City Council should have understood the fact that a bill should be inclusive and its implications should be considered before granting any special approval. 

The bill increases the parking spaces and the number of private cars in the city. This will deter the city’s aim to reduce congestion and the use of private cars. Further, it will be a challenge to improve safety and combat climate change.

Though we are recovering, the city, state, and nation is still embroiled in a huge economic challenge. This restrictive zoning will be a major roadblock towards the goal of affordable housing. Affordable housing should be the priority, as it will provide much needed, immediate relief to working class citizens. 

Is this bill even inclusive for all Society Hill residents? Harrison Finberg says "I live in Society Hill and I would not be in favor of a bill that gives Society Hill special rules that limit development.” A small handful of residents should not be entitled to define favorable regulations that will ultimately derail the desire for urban renewal. This could put adaptive projects for reuse and sustainability in jeopardy.

City Planner Paula Burns said of the zoning changes, "The staff believes that the bill creates unnecessary overlay restrictions and exempts one neighborhood from multiple historic preservation measures that were added to the zoning code by City Council after the two-year Historic Preservation Task Force process.” Per the bill, some parts couldn't even exceed a height of 45 feet, which means that the chances to create mixed income units are minimal and would be an hindrance to urban multifamily development. In other parts of Philadelphia, developers are allowed to build comparatively taller buildings if they rent space to a fresh produce store or include a green roof. 

When the Real Estate sector is going through tough challenges, this move will derail ongoing plans for developers, furthering the loss of their income as well as their associated service providers. When the other states and cities are focusing on smart homes and buildings, this regressive approach will halt the city’s progress especially in Society Hill.

When there is a need to focus on affordable housing, climate change, innovation, inclusive development, opportunities for the working class, accomplishment of progressive city goals, this restrictive and biased treatment will push the city in a downward spiral direction.

This exclusive zoning may possibly hurt the city’s goals in more ways yet to be discovered.