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RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Historic redlining settlement targets ‘nonbank’ lenders
Settling allegations that Chester County’s Trident Mortgage discriminated in marketing, hiring, and loan approvals to Black homeowners around Philadelphia — a claim backed up by uncovered racist emails — the Dept. of Justice announced a $24.4 million agreement, including a $4 million fine. The federal Community Reinvestment Act does not regulate “nonbank” lenders like this Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary; the settlement is being hailed as the start of increased enforcement. [AP/Inquirer$/DOJ/Housing Wire]
• Jim’s Steaks gutted by fire, targets 2023 reopening
A two-alarm blaze Friday at Jim’s South St. left the Philadelphia landmark in poor condition, but on Saturday owner Ken Silver got better news: the building won’t need to be razed. That moved his plans up, and he’s targeting a Memorial Day 2023 reopening. Next door at Eye’s Gallery, hit by water and smoke damage, Julia Zagar was less certain about the future. “I’m old,” she said. “We will have to decide what to do.” [Billy Penn/Billy Penn]
• Sharswood gets first grocery store in 50 years
With Thursday’s grand opening of Grocery Outlet on Ridge Avenue, Sharswood has a supermarket for the first time since the 1960s. The neighborhood is undergoing a massive planned revitalization led by the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which has focused first on developing the retail core. The new supermarket was hailed by nearby residents as a godsend; here’s a look at what you’ll find inside. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly/Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• Doubling down on the entertainment economy
Downtown skyscrapers may never fill back up with office workers, but Center City already has a big residential population that continues to grow, thanks to projects like the 43-story apartment tower planned for Broad and Lombard. Meanwhile, retail is thriving in the neighborhoods. With this in mind, Philadelphia is on a quest to become a 24-hour city. Enter Raheem Manning, Philly’s first night time economy director. [YIMBY/Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• What’s next for the Roundhouse?
As Philadelphia gears up to sell the former Police Administration building at 7th and Race streets, city planning leaders are looking for input on what should happen to the structure known as the Roundhouse. There’s an in-person event this week in Franklin Square, where you can meet the team involved and discuss possibilities for the site. [Phila Gov/Hidden City/RoundhouseFutures]
• Wawa Station for SEPTA Regional Rail
It doesn’t open this week, but before the end of August, you’ll be able to hop a train to Wawa Station. The convenience store chain paid SEPTA $5.4 million for a decade of naming rights to the new Regional Rail stop across from its Delaware County HQ. Sadly, no plans to locate an actual Wawa in the station — at least not yet. [Billy Penn]
• UC Townhomes expects encampment break-up
At three weeks, the protest encampment at the soon-to-be-sold UC Townhomes affordable housing development is still going strong, but after a judge ruled in favor of the landlords, activists expect officials to attempt to break it up this week. Laminated articles about the situation hung on a nearby SEPTA station were recently taken down. [Billy Penn/WHYY/@saveuctownhomes]
• Adult Swim Festival to land in Fishtown
Tierra Whack is headlining the first Philadelphia edition of the Adult Swim Festival, which has been a hit in Los Angeles and New York. The draw: A melding of genres, like Comic Con meets music fest meets block party. Open Aug. 5-7, the fairgrounds encompass all the venues at the end of Frankford Avenue — including Brooklyn Bowl, where staff is rallying to form a union. [PhillyVoice/Adult Swim/Inquirer$]
