Green City Journal

Last week was Part 1 of my interview with community activist Vern Anastasio, where we talked about some of the steps that need to be taken to promote true zoning and development reform in Philadelphia. The interview continues in Part 2:

I was alarmed to read about the recent rulings that stripped taxpayers and certain citizen associations of standing to appeal zoning decisions. How do these decisions upset the climate for meaningful zoning reform?
There's a long history with this. Back in 2001, City Council tried to shove Bill 629, which was later called the billboard bill, down the throats of neighborhood groups. Hundreds of neighborhood groups rallied and fought it tooth and nail. And we won.