Friday Pennsylvania Agriculture Factoid

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth leads the nation in food manufacturing, Pennsylvania's number one export. The state's processing industry exports more than $1 billion annually and is home to approximately 2,300 food processors, including brands like Heinz, Hershey's and Welch's.

The Ten-Year Tax Abatement: Another Perspective

A recent article in the Daily News asks Philadelphia to “[c]onsider the ten-year tax abatement as a long-term investment in the city's future that already is turning a profit.” As an example, the article presents the 940-unit Waterfront Square development on Columbus Boulevard at Penn Street as exhibit “A”. The complex will fill 10 acres that lay vacant for many years before a group of developers put a plan into action. Based on a projection of $600 million in construction costs, the developer approximates that the five-tower development will generate around $12 million in wage taxes and $12 million in real-estate transfer tax on the sales. There's also the additional wage and sales taxes that will be paid by the estimated 60 percent of the buyers moving to Philadelphia from outside the City. The developer projects another $10 million a year in transfer tax on future sales within the development. Finally, 11 years from now – after the 10-year abatement has ended – as the first of these condos become subject to the full property tax, their value will be substantially higher than it is today.

Now, multiply that by the 7,000 to 9,000 new units planned for in greater Center City and elsewhere in the City. Quite an impact. This is not to say the tax abatement shouldn't be adjusted down the road; however, we shouldn’t move too hastily to eliminate a mechanism that has promoted explosive new home construction and generated significant amounts of revenue, notwithstanding temporarily forgone property tax revenue.

Convention Center Lands Big Conference for 2013

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Narcotics Anonymous World Services (“NAWS”) today announced its biennial conference would be coming to Philadelphia in 2013. This makes NAWS the first group to sign a contract with the Convention Center subsequent to a big sales push the City advanced during last month's Professional Convention Management Association meeting.

The organization – an association for recovering drug addicts - expects to draw about 30,000 people over the Labor Day weekend, a time when the Convention Center is typically empty. The group is expected to use more than 14,000 hotel room nights (a room night is one room occupied for one night) over four days. Important factors in their decision were the improved management of the Convention Center – under the strong leadership of Councilman Michael Nutter – and the plans for expansion.

Rendell Leads Swann in Quinnipiac University Poll

Democratic incumbent Governor Ed Rendell begins his 2006 reelection campaign with a 48 - 36 percent lead over inexperienced, unqualified Lynn Swann, the leading Republican challenger in Pennsylvania, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Corruption Costs us All

According to KYW, The Street Administration's legal bills stemming from the federal investigation of City Hall have cost taxpayers $4 million. The City Solicitor says that spending should be tapering off, but that seems like an overly optimistic prediction given the US Attorney's statements about the potential length and breadth of the investigation.

Philadelphia to Purchase More Hybrids and Alt. Fuel Vehicles?

Thanks Councilman Kenney!

In compliance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, Act 93, 1998, the Committee on Appropriations of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at 10:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following item:

051139 - An Ordinance amending Title 17 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Contracts and Procurement," by providing for a price preference for hybrid-electric or alternative fuel vehicles when the City purchases vehicles, and by making technical amendments; all under certain terms and conditions.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Appropriations, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item.

Copies of the foregoing item are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

Good News for Detroit!

It's not Philadelphia, but I was happy to see this piece of good news for one of America's most beleaguered cities: for the first time in more than two decades, Detroit recorded more new residential units than any other community in the seven-county Detroit metro area. Yea Detroit!!

University City Economic News: Science Center to Grow

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Science Center in University City is advancing a major $600 million development plan that would add 1.85 million sq. ft. of space and more than double the amount of space it currently maintains. The plan aims to establish the Science Center as a premier urban, East Coast research park that can accommodate and cater to start-up bio-tech, high-tech and other nascent companies and provide an environment conducive to growth and sustainability. The Center currently maintains 1.7 million sq. ft. of space in 13 buildings near Market Street in University City. In all, the master plan proposes six new buildings, with retail, parking, and residential components in addition to lab and office facilities. Roughly 80 percent of the six proposed buildings will be finished by 2010.

Friday Agriculture Factoid

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, there are more than 152 confectionaries in PA - including Hershey's - the world's largest chocolate company. There are more than 25 chocolate and candy manufacturers in the PA Preferred Program.

Don't Sweat It, Ok Sweat It

Coming from a rare, "heard on the street" tip to AHT, we've learned that the former YMCA on the 1400 block of Arch Street will become another outpost of the burgeoning SWEAT gym empire. Thanks to MB for the heads up.

Help Needed for Olympic Survey

The Philadelphia Business Journal (“PBJ”) is conducting a survey to see if "Philadelphia should try to get the Olympics." Please confirm your support of the effort by completing the survey and saying, "YES!" Their hope is that the PBJ survey provides results at least as positive as the Liberty Poll survey, which showed that 83% of regional citizens support the effort. Please, encourage anybody you know to take the survey.

2005 Good Year for Center City Hotels

Center City hotels reported a 2005 occupancy rate of 73.1%, up 3.2% from last year, according to Smith Travel Research. The average room rate was up 9% to $143.59 and RevPAR (room revenue per available room) was up 12.5%. These excellent results are fueling approximately $50 million in renovations and improvements to Center City hotels, such as: a new 19th-floor restaurant at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue and high-speed Internet/wireless service and redecorated rooms at the Four Seasons Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Convention Business Doing Well

According to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau , the two hundred seventy-four meetings and conventions scheduled for 2006 are expected to generate approximately $700 million in economic impact.

Some of the major conventions this year include the Buyers Market of American Craft (Feb. 16-20); American College of Physicians (April 6-8); AIIM On Demand (May 15-18); Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (July 28-Aug. 4); Ace Hardware Company (Oct. 5-8); American Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology (Nov. 5-8) and the Modern Language Association (Dec. 27-30).

Philadelphia Relocation for Ad Firm a Success

A year and a half ago, LevLane relocated from City Avenue in Lower Merion to the Wanamaker Building, across the street from Philadelphia City Hall. Since then, it has expanded and diversified its client base. "We never changed our philosophy, moving into the city…helps us effect change," said Bruce Lev, a founding partner of the firm. "Out on City Avenue, I don't think we could do that." Further, David Lane, president of LevLane, added, "When we did [move], we didn't lose a single staffer. We even had people who sold their houses and moved into the city. It's energizing." LevLane is the City's 12th-largest ad agency, with income of $3 million and 30 employees, see the Philadelphia Business Journal for more.

Rendell is Doing Well

The Republicans are going to have a difficult time convincing voters that their candidate can run the State’s bureaucracy more efficiently than Rendell. During the last three years, the Rendell Administration has implemented smart and efficient business practices - including a reduction in the state workforce of 4,000 employees - that, at the end of this year, will total $1 billion in savings for Pennsylvania taxpayers.

New Avenue of the Arts Venue Planned

The University of the Arts ("UArts") plans to construct a $7.5 million, 22,000 square-foot "Skyline Performing Arts Center" on the 16th and 17th floors of their building at the corner of South Broad and Walnut Streets. The facility will be Philadelphia's only performing and visual arts center with a skyline view. Also planned are two exhibition galleries and visual art display spaces, a cafe, and box office.

The Bush Propaganda Machine

According to Harper's Magazine, James E. Hansen - a director at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies - said that NASA had ordered its public-affairs staff to review and possibly censor his upcoming speeches and papers after he called for reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions.

Two Philadelphia Business Schools Do Well In Rankings

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Penn's Wharton School of Business topped the Financial Times' list of global full-time MBA programs. Wharton, which shared the top honors with some Ivy League School in the Boston area last year, pulled ahead this year because salaries reported by alumni were higher than the salaries reported by alumni of that other school.

Temple University's Fox School of Business and Management was the only other Philadelphia-area MBA program to make the list. It tied with Rice University's business school for No. 67, up from No. 74 a year ago. Fox wasn't ranked two years ago.

An Independent Ethics Board: Coming Soon?

Question that will be on the May 16 Primary Ballot:

"Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to provide for the creation, appointment, powers, duties and annual funding of an independent Board of Ethics which shall administer and enforce all ordinances pertaining to ethics?"

Quick Overview:

The current Ethics Board, created on August 12, 2004, operates within the office of the Mayor with all members appointed by the Mayor; not exactly an independent body. Constituting an independent Board would mean a more genuine independence from the executive and legislative branches. If passed in May, an independent and empowered Board of Ethics would help encourage and enforce higher ethical standards for all City officials.

Green Power!

According to PennFuture, the Air Force and Whole Foods Market are leaders on the United States Environmental Protection Agency's list of the leading purchasers of green power in 2005. The Air Force purchased 321 megawatts of power from renewable energy sources last year and made over 40% of all federal purchases of green energy in fiscal year 2004. Dyess Air Force Base in Texas is 100% powered by renewable energy. Whole Foods Market purchased over 20% of its national electricity needs from green energy sources and some of their stores are 100 percent green-powered. Five stores in California and New Jersey have solar panels to generate electricity on-site. The University of Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also finished in the top 25 on this list.

PA's Agriculture Industry: There's a lot of it

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Commonwealth contains more than 58,000 farms covering 7.7 million acres, a quarter of the state's total acreage. These farms are diverse in size and output, averaging 133 acres, and producing everything from mushrooms to Christmas trees to milk.

Something for the Commonwealth to Consider?

In Maine, there's a new law requiring manufacturers of televisions, computers and appliances, to pay the cost of sorting and recycling the products they sell. The management of discarded electronic equipment ("e-waste") - which contain toxic materials and are costly to recycle - is a growing problem across the nation. This law, the first of its kind in the United States, is designed to encourage companies to build products that are easier to recycle.

New York Discounter Coming to Chestnut Street

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Loehmann’s, the popular discount designer clothing chain, has leased the vacant Today’s Man location on the 1500 block of Chestnut. The 10-year deal is worth $5 million. This is good, as the occupancy deal fills the last large retail vacancy on Chestnut west of Broad.

Ex-Mayor on Trial for Corruption

The former Mayor treated city contractors like "human ATMs," taking tens of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts in exchange for favors, prosecutors told jurors in opening statements at his federal corruption trial. The former Mayor’s attorneys countered that he would never have abused his elected position because of his lifelong dedication to civil rights and public service. The former Mayor is charged with racketeering, bribery and fraud. The indictments against the former Mayor were the result of a seven-year federal probe that led to the convictions of 10 city officials or contractors. Some are expected to testify against him. The prosecutors made the case that - while in office for two terms – the former Mayor and his associates made it clear to contractors that they had to "pay to play."

No, this isn’t a fictional piece, it’s a report about what’s happening to Atlanta’s former Mayor Bill Campbell (with a few details left out), now that he’s left office.

Lynn Swann will Revert Back to an Ugly Ducking on the Campaign Trail

One of the reasons why Lynn Swann’s candidacy for governor will ultimately implode (either during the primary or general) – aside from the fact that he’s got no government experience and doesn’t have the expertise to run the Commonwealth – is that things in Pennsylvania are going along quite nicely and the state government is being well run.

For instance, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate dipped last month and its non-farm job count rose for a 10th straight month, according to the state's Department of Labor & Industry. Seasonally adjusted non-farm jobs increased by 300 - the smallest month-to-month gain over 10 months - to push the state's job count to 5,730,300. Over the year, total non-farm jobs increased by 64,400, or 1.1 percent, just under the national growth rate of 1.5 percent. The state's unemployment rate dipped from 5.1 percent to 4.9 percent last month, matching the national rate. In December 2004, the state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent. The number of people working or looking for work fell by 4,000 last month to 6,306,000, which is 20,000 below the December 2004 level.

Trump Coming to the Waterfront

According to the Inquirer, Donald Trump plans to build a 45-story luxury condominium building along the Delaware River, to be called “Trump Tower Philadelphia”. The $190 million project will consist of at least 250 units on Penn Street near the foot of Spring Garden Street, with construction to begin this summer and completion expected in mid-2008. This will be a "first-class" complex with landscaped gardens, spa, five-star restaurant, wine cellar, health/fitness club, recreation rooms, and an outdoor deck.

AHT staffers will likely not be able to afford a unit.

More Center City Condos

Hovnanian Homes plans to start construction and sales in March on a residential conversion to be called "The Residences at 1401 Walnut". The converion will produce 36 one and two-bedroom units, with prices somewhere in the low $500s.

Philadelphia Cruise Business Continues Growth

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, 36 cruise lines will depart from Philadelphia in 2006, with an economic impact of over $44 million, an increase from less than $2 million in 2002. The Delaware River Port Authority ("DRPA") has invested heavily in improvements to the cruise terminal at the Navy Yard and marketing for "CruisePhilly", which also includes hotel and restaurant packages.

A Right Winger for Gay Marriage

Because this was such an interesting perspective on gay marriage from an unlikely supporter, AHT decided to share the entire piece:

Pro-Bush, pro-equality Wisconsin resident and former Massachusetts lawmaker Bob Hall is a conservative Republican who wants everyone to know that the only people who threaten traditional marriage are straight couples.

By Bob Hall

An Advocate.com exclusive posted, January 17, 2006

I’m opposed to the state constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage now being considered by the Wisconsin legislature. Oh, I know I’m an unlikely champion of gay rights. I’m a Marine Corps Vietnam vet who has deep regrets about that war—mostly I regret that we didn’t kill twice as many of those murdering totalitarian bastards. I hope we do better in Iraq. I believe the “out now” crowd are racists who think the Iraqis are too inferior to deserve democracy. Or they don’t care, as long as America is defeated and George Bush embarrassed.

I worked hard to defeat John Kerry last November and will do so again if he runs. And I’m a death penalty advocate who thinks we should run it like a barbershop—two chairs, no waiting.

As a member of the Massachusetts state senate, I regularly voted against increasing the state budget—more than any other senator. And don’t get me started on guns. I’m not for mandatory concealed carry, but I do think fondly of how polite folks were in the days when gentlemen wore swords.

Living in Madison, Wis., I feel a certain kinship with the Israeli ambassador to Baghdad. While I think of myself as a centrist Republican with a libertarian bent, to the average Progressive Dane voter, I’m a fascist pig.

So how did I become a supporter of gay rights? In 1973 then–Massachusetts state representative Barney Frank had filed bills prohibiting employment and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The bills came before a committee on which I served. There were a lot of jokes and nudging going on—this was the early ’70s. Appearing to testify was a bright and charming woman, Elaine Noble, who would later serve as a state representative herself. Elaine convinced me that supporting Barney’s bills was the right thing to do. I told the chair, Sen. Allen McKinnon, to record me in favor of them.

The bills received a favorable report—but no one in the committee’s Democratic majority was willing to carry (be floor manager) for them. So I volunteered.

The Republican floor leader had a minor stroke when he learned I was carrying gay rights bills. He had only seven Republicans out of 40 senators. I was 27, single, and holding a seat I’d won by nine votes out of 60,000 cast. The common wisdom was that I was a one-term wonder who caught the incumbent senator vulnerable but couldn’t be reelected.

I suspect that I may have been the first legislator in the country to speak for gay rights on the floor of a state legislature. McKinnon spoke for the bills after me. On the roll call, only six senators voted in favor—McKinnon, four other Democrats, and myself. And the bills were dead that year.

But I won the next election by 10,000 votes, carrying every city and town in my working-class Democratic district. More legislators decided that supporting antidiscrimination measures was a safe thing to do. Today, it’s the law in Massachusetts—which strangely doesn’t seem to have collapsed because of it or because of the gay marriage decision there last year.

Trust me, no true heterosexual wakes up and thinks, Hey, I’m really angry with my partner. I think I’ll try dating someone from my own gender from now on. So who has destroyed traditional marriage in America?

How about men—and increasingly women—abusing their spouses? How about the heterosexual trend toward infidelity, led by the example of our highest elected leaders? How about men fathering and then abandoning children to poverty and state support? How about a large number of straight people deciding serial marriage and divorce is a cool lifestyle?

Doing something about those trends would really protect marriage.

The anti–same-sex-marriage amendment isn’t going to help my marriage by so much as a red whisker. If you think it will protect your marriage or any marriage, that marriage is already shot.

SDP Building Receives Honors

The reburbishment of the Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News’ old plant in North Philadelphia as the new headquarters for the School District of Philadelphia ("SDP") at 440 N. Broad St. received a 2005 Award of Merit from Mid-Atlantic Construction magazine. Said the magazine, “[t]he transformation of the once-dreary eyesore is considered an important step in the ongoing revitalization of the entire area.” AHT has visited the new headquarters; it's beautiful inside, with professionally placed student art on nearly every wall.

I'm Worried About the Groundhog

If you haven't done so, check out the Commonwealth's promotional website for Groundhog day. Very entertaining.

November Good Month for Center City Hotels

According to Smith Travel Reserach, Center City hotels experienced a 7.7 percent occupancy increase to 76.7 percent in November 2005, compared to 2004. The average room rate was up 16.5 percent and RevPAR - room revenue per available room - was up 25.4 percent.

Pennsylvania's Alt. Fuel Industry Expands

According to PennFuture, Pennsylvania will soon host its sixth utility-scale wind farm. Community Energy, Inc. is developing a new 12-turbine wind farm currently under construction in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania, just 10 miles southeast of Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County. After completion in the Spring of 2006, the Bear Creek project will include 12 Gamesa two MW wind turbines, each standing nearly 400 feet tall. The project will produce enough energy to power approximately 8,500 homes.

Brandywine Realty Trust

Brandywine Realty Trust has completed its acquisition of the Dallas-based Prentiss Properties Trust, making it one of the top five office landlords in the nation. With the acquisition - Brandywine - already the largest office landlord in the Philadelphia region, currently owns property in Texas, Washington, and California.

Boyd Theater Update

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Live Nation, a new company spun off from Clear Channel Communications' concert division and now the biggest concert promotion outfit on the planet, will renovate then begin operating the Boyd Theater sometime in 2007.

Montana Comes to Pennsylvania

"Ted's Montana Grill" - that's Ted Turner - has arrived in Philadelphia. The new restaurant on Broad Street is the first in the Commonwealth for Turner and his business partner who have opened over 40 chain locations in 15 states. The chain features American foods in a setting meant to remind you of turn-of-the-century Montana. In case you didn't know, Philadelphia City Council proclaimed Jan. 5th as "Ted's Montana Grill Day"in Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural exposition in North America. This year, the eight-day event will host around 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. AHT will be going to Harrisburg this Saturday to check it out.

Recycling saves the Commonwealth Serious Money

Pennsylvania saved an estimated $372 million in 2004 through recycling. The economic benefits of recycling were estimated at over $113 million in materials collected and more than $259 million in avoided disposal costs according to Governor Ed Rendell. A record 4.8 million tons of waste was recycled in 2004, the last year for which data is available. Locally, the Philadelphia Streets Department continues to drag its feet on recycling, having not filled the Recycling Coordinator position for over four months and not committing to expansion of the immensely successful RecycleBank pilot project.

Mariano & Dougherty: Puppet and Master?

According to a December 25, 2005 Inquirer piece (authored by staff writers John Shiffman and Michael Currie Schaffer), recently indicted Councilman Rick Mariano and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (“IBEW”) leader John Dougherty had an “interesting” relationship. A couple of the aspects of this relationship – according to FBI documents – are as follows:

• Councilman Mariano didn’t even hire his own chief-of-staff, a political operative for “Johnny Doc’s” electricians' union (Local 98) took care of it. Amazingly - according to FBI documents – the indicted Councilman met his new top aide when his chief-of-staff reported for his first day of work.
• Another Mariano aide told the FBI that he regularly briefed Johnny Doc "on all legislative, political and administrative activities that were going on within Mariano's office." "Whatever we know...is passed to Dougherty," the aide told agents.

According to campaign finance records, Local 98’s political action committee has been Mariano's largest contributor; Mariano's campaign has received $452,000 since 1998 - a third of all money raised and nine times the amount from the next largest contributor, Mayor Street's campaign fund.

Many speculate that Dougherty is interested in a run for Mayor in 2007, but – if the FBI’s characterization of this relationship with Mariano is accurate – he’ll be running, but only from his record. The drumbeat for a more ethical and effective government will only get louder as the Mayoral election approaches and it appears as though Mr. Dougherty is marching to a different beat.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the staff at AHT. This photo was taken during the summer at Rickett's Glen State Park in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It's a reminder that some of the most beautiful things (and people) are very close by.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Industry: More Random Facts - Holiday Edition

As AHT readers already know, Pennsylvania leads the nation in terms of Christmas farms; here's some more interesting, related info. According to the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the Commonwealth ranked fourth in number of acres devoted to Christmas tree ("holiday tree" if you're waging a war on Christmas) production (44,905) and fourth (1,724,419) in the number of trees harvested in 2002. Berks County hosted the most Christmas tree farms in Pennsylvania (114), while Schuylkill County had the largest acreage (4,064) devoted to Christmas tree production. The Christmas tree's little sister - the poinsettia - is also a significant part of our agriculture economy. There were 140 poinsettia producers in Pennsylvania in 2004, many more than our closest competitor, New York (104). The Commonwealth ranked sixth in the nation in both production of potted poinsettias ($3.7 million) and value of sales ($13.5 million wholesale) in 2004.

Why People Choose to Live Where they Do

The Metropolitan Philadelphia Indicators Project (MPIP") surveyed 1,000 residents from the Philadelphia region to ask them what factors they considered when deciding where to live. Results from the 2004 survey are presented in this chart. For individuals (as opposed to businesses), it’s apparent that taxes are not a primary factor driving relocation decisions. Rather, safety, value of the housing dollar, and school quality are factors given the greatest weight. But maybe that's too simplified. Maybe individuals articulate their primary motivations for living in one place or another differently than businesses, but are essentially expressing the same concerns; people - like businesses - place a great importance on getting value for their money or retaining wealth. For individuals, considerations are broader - they want schools, safety, quality of life, etc. Businesses, while their constituent workers may value the things that individuals do, are more narrowly focused on profits and the bottom line. So, I wouldn't conclude that taxes aren't important to individuals, the concern about value just manifests itself differently than in businesses. In the end, the concerns of businesses and individuals meld together; we as a City need to think about ways to create incentives for both to stay in Philadelphia, whether it be through targeted tax reductions/reform or enhanced services. The MPIP is administered by Temple University.

Pennsylvania Agriculture Industry Leadership: Philadelphia Grown

Candace Moore, a 2005 graduate of Saul High School, was elected president of Pa.FFA (formerly the Pennsylvania chapter of Future Farmers of America). She is the first African-American female to serve as president of the 8,000-member organization. Candace has deferred her college career for a year as she represents Pa.FFA as its leader. Saul is Philadelphia's unique and successful agricultural high school. The photo above is of Saul's expansive campus in the Upper Roxborough section of Philadelphia.

This is Just Cool

Thanks to Philadelphia Forward, anybody with Internet access can text message their Councilperson; talk about direct democracy.

More Random Facts About the Commonwealth's Agriculture Industry

According to the Commonwealth's Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania is the number one state in the nation for Christmas tree farms, with 2,164. In 2003, approximately 723,000 trees were sold, generating $13.9 million in profit, ranking PA fourth in the country for revenue related to Christmas tree sales. Actually, Indiana County is often referred to as the "Christmas Tree Capital of the World."

Giving the Gift of Mean this Holiday Season

Representative Scott Boyd (R – Lancaster) is drafting an amendment to the Pennsylvania State Constitution that would deny gay/lesbian families legal recognition. Four other representatives have already signed on to this proposal called the “Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment”. On December 6, the Pennsylvania Family Institute sent an email urging their members to contact state legislators to support this amendment. If you’re not a homophobe, please contact your state representative and ask them to actively oppose this mean-spirited legislative initiative. By the way, homophobes in the legislature have already established in Pennsylvania law a prohibition against gay/lesbian marriage; this amendment is not necessary, and is only designed to add insult to injury.

If you’re heterosexual, the “Marriage Protection Amendment” would affect your family as well – not just families with same-sex partners. For example:

• In Ohio, courts have ruled that unmarried people, including unmarried heterosexual couples, may not seek protection from abuse orders.
  
• In Michigan, groups are challenging domestic partner benefits for employees.
  
• Virginia’s recently enacted amendment is so broad that it may interfere with the rights of all Virginians to create wills, medical directives, powers of attorney, child custody and property arrangements, and even joint bank accounts.

Robert Reich: How Unequal Can America Get Before We Snap?

Robert Reich was the 22nd Secretary of Labor. During his tenure, he implemented the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), advocated against sweatshops in the U.S. and illegal child labor abroad, and spearheaded the Clinton administration’s successful effort to increase the minimum wage, among many successful initiatives. I’ve become a fan of his NPR spots and also just listened to a lecture he gave in Berkley entitled “How Unequal Can America Get Before We Snap”, which I recommend.

Pennslvania Agriculture Industry: Blue Chippers

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Commowealth chipmakers Utz Quality Foods and Herr Foods are leaders in the Baltimore/Washington and Philadelphia markets, respectively. According to recent analyses of supermarket sales, totals for both companies ranked #1 in each market over the national leader, Frito-Lay.

BPT and the Chamber: Let's Seek Quid Pro Quo

Why not ask the Chamber of Commerce - as the organization ostensibly representing Philadelphia-area businesses - to put their money where their mouth is in terms of the argument that Business Privilege Tax ("BPT") cuts translate into increased employment, business expansion, and economic opportunity. Let's ask them - in exchange for BPT reduction or elimination - to create a quantitative, measurable array of economic benefits (e.g., more jobs) for the City of Philadelphia. A continued program of tax reduction could be tied to the prior period's performance (three to five years?). If positive results were not achieved, there'd be no further tax cuts, if job creation goals were achieved, then the tax cutting program would continue. This concept would be an expansion of the more targeted job creation tax credit programs that Councilman Goode has championed. Could it work?

Thanks to A Smoke Filled Room for helping to refine this concept.

We Already Knew: Downtowns are Back

There’s a new report by the Brookings Institution that confirms what downtown boosters have known for years: downtowns are back – in a big way – as high-end residential and entertainment districts. The report also has some general advice for city leaders: it finds a “relationship between density and the ability to attract downtown residents.” The import of this finding is that cities should not build communities and housing that looks and feels suburban. That is, if people want suburban living, they’ll live there. Downtown residents are a different species; they want density, sidewalk dining, action, buses, culture, honking horns, and bikes on the sidewalk. In short, they want urban life.

Homegrown Energy Solutions from the Rendell Administration

Governor Rendell has been aggressive in developing homegrown energy solutions. His efforts include:

• The East Coast’s first commercially viable biofuels storage and blending system in Middletown, Dauphin County. The plant will replace 3.2 million gallons of foreign oil with domestically produced biodiesel and will keep about $6 million worth of energy dollars in the commonwealth by reducing the state’s need to purchase imported fuels.

• The nation’s first-ever waste-coal-to-diesel plant and creation of a fuel consortium that will purchase nearly all of the cheaper, cleaner, diesel fuel that will be produced at the Schuylkill County facility. The plant, which is being built by Waste Management and Processors Inc. of Gilberton, Schuylkill County, will use waste coal to produce as much as 40 million gallons of clean-burning diesel annually. Construction will create as many as 1,000 jobs. Operating the plant will produce another 600 permanent, high-paying, positions. The company expects to break ground and start construction as early as spring of 2006.

• The Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, which funds projects that build markets for advanced and renewable energy technologies that use biomass, wind, solar, small-scale hydroelectric, landfill methane, energy efficiency, coal-bed methane and waste coal. The program has awarded $10 million and leveraged another $26.7 million in private funds since its inception in May 2003.

• The Renewable Agricultural Energy Council, which focuses on developing and expanding agricultural energy industries in Pennsylvania. Renewable agricultural energy has the potential to support and grow the agriculture industry by providing as many as 64,000 additional jobs. Renewable agricultural energy can help diversify agricultural activities and stimulate the growth of crops that strengthen the agriculture industry.

• Expansion of the state’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, which invests in enhancing the infrastructure necessary to expand the state’s capacity to produce alternative fuels. AFIG also helps residents purchase alternative-fuel vehicles and finances related fuel projects to create new markets that can have measurable impacts on pollution reduction, environmental protection and economic growth.

Philadelphia Marathon Breaks Participation Record

Last weekend’s 12th annual Philadelphia Marathon was the largest ever, with 1,500 more runners than last year. The event is ranked among the top 20 marathons in the nation. Of note, the women’s division winner was a local, Emily Kroshus – age 22 - of Manayunk.

Instead of TABOR...

What would be a responsible plan for imposing spending caps on state spending?

If legislators are serious about capping spending, they should tell the public where state spending should be reduced and then they should seek to enact such spending cuts when they vote on the annual state budget.

Before locking the Commonwealth into spending cuts with unknown consequences, the General Assembly should hold public hearings on any spending cap proposal they are considering. So far the House and Senate have not held a single public hearing on any spending cap proposal. They have already taken votes on these important legislative proposals without one opportunity for the public to comment on or question the cap proposals. Hearings would allow the Administration and citizens affected by state programs to discuss the impact that caps could have on the Commonwealth’s goals to increase educational attainment, accelerate economic growth, enhance environmental protection, and protect public health.

Hybrid Technology for the Home

The Braintree Electric Light Department in Massachusetts is launching a pilot program to test new “mini-power plants”; natural gas-powered hybrid energy systems that can be installed in private homes. The units generate enough electricity and heat to satisfy a household’s daily needs. These systems produce electricity more than twice as efficiently as an average power plant and are already used – where else - in Japan and parts of Europe.

Is PA Spending Out of Control?

No. In 2003 (the most recent year for which Federal data is available), Pennsylvania ranked 26th in spending per capita, slightly below the average for all 50 states.

TABOR? Why Not Just Follow the Constitution?

Article 8, Section 13 of Pennsylvania's state Constitution requires a balanced budget. The Constitution states that the General Assembly shall not make appropriations that exceed actual and estimated revenues and surplus available in the same fiscal year. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cannot adopt a budget that exceeds its revenues.

Turkeys in the Commonwealth: The Legislature

So, some in the State Legislature would like to pass a "Taxpayers' Bill of Rights" bill that would limit budget expenditures to inflationary levels. What has our fiscally prudent legislature been doing over the past three budget years to reduce its spending? Nada mucho. Between the 2002-03 and 2005-06 fiscal years, the Legislature has increased its budget by nearly 35% – from $252.4 million to $340.4 million. This compares to 5% annual growth in the overall budget, and a 9% cut imposed by Governor Rendell on state agency operating budgets. The message? "Do as we say, not as we do".

Turkeys in the Commonwealth: Not the Legislature

The Commonwealth ranks 9th nationally in turkey production, with 9.5 million birds raised on PA's 704 turkey farms. The average market price for a turkey was 47 cents per pound, making turkey production a $101.4 million industry in our state.

Ethics/Reform Movement Presses On

From the Committee of 70, "Members of the Law and Government Committee voted today to push forward six pieces of ethics-related legislation with minor amendments. The bills now move to the floor of the entire Council where members will have the opportunity to take the next step in ethics reform and answer the voices of the voters who made it clear on November 8th that they want change."

Germantown Condomania

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Westrum Development Corporation has preliminary plans to build between 200 and 400 townhouses on a portion of Germantown Community Health Services' campus.

The Benefit Bank

The Benefit Bank is a web-based software program – developed by Solutions for Progress (a Philadelphia-based company) - that helps low and moderate income individuals apply for benefits and tax credits that they and their families qualify for. Billions of dollars go unclaimed because applying for state/federal benefits are time-consuming and confusing; this program aims to lower the barriers to application.

University City Condomania

According to the University City District, the Hanover Company (out of Houston) has broken ground on a project they’re calling “Domus” (that's a Roman word for “house”). It’s a $71 million project that will include 290 luxury homes and will rise eight stories on a former surface parking lot at 34th and Chestnut.

The Philadelphia Public School Notebook

For those who want to know more about what's going on in the Philadelphia School District - arguably the entity most integral to our City's long-term social and economic success - might AHT recommend The Philadelphia Public School Notebook, which, according to their website is "an independent quarterly newspaper that serves as a voice for parents, students, teachers, and other members of the community who are working for quality and equality in Philadelphia's public schools."

Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Economy

The National Agriculture Statistics Service recently released information about Pennsylvania farmers' 2004 cash receipts. Milk accounted for 36.4% of the $4.9 billion in gross sales across the Commonwealth. Rounding out the top five were cattle/calves with 9.5% of sales, greenhouse & nursery products 8.8%, Agaricus mushrooms 7.8%, and eggs 7%. Broilers, hogs, corn, hay and turkeys occupied the remaining top ten positions. Other commodities were each less than 1% of the total gross sales.

A Victory for Nutter and the City of Philadelphia

Councilman Nutter’s ethics reform ballot initiative passed yesterday by a 6-to-1 ratio, the largest margin for such a measure in 15 years. The huge margin of victory dispels two myths:

(1) That Philadelphians don’t want an ethical, reform-oriented government; they clearly expect it, and

(2) That Councilman Nutter is a “lone wolf” and that he has no political base. From getting this measure through Council to galvanizing overwhelming public support at the polls, Councilman Nutter has shown himself to be quite adept at both the “inside” and “outside” components of the local political game.

Did You Know? Random PA Factoid

The Commonwealth's hardwoods and forest products industry generates $5.5 billion in sales annually, according to the PA Department of Agriculture. There are 16.7 million acres of forests in Pennsylvania, covering 58% of the state. This industry is growing in PA, with increasing lumber, paper and log exports, along with secondary wood products such as cabinets and flooring. Fortunately, because PA is a national leader in implementing sustainable forestry practices, our forests will continue to be a great resource for future generations, both economically, for recreation, and for the flora and fauna that live there.

Center City Hotel Occupancy Strong in September

Center City hotels had a 78.8% occupancy rate in September, up 12.3% from the same month in 2004. Year-to-date, Center City hotels are up 4.5% over 2004. RevPAR (i.e., "revenue per available room") is up 12.8% this year so far, according to Smith Travel Research. Some of this improved performance is attributable to the conversion of over 1,000 hotel rooms to condos.

Comcast Center Update

Two new tenants have signed leases at the Comcast Center, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. TelAmerica Media, a cable-industry "media aggregator" serving 72 million households, has leased a 24,000 square foot floor. Center City Film & Video will occupy 11,000 square feet. Comcast is leasing 39 floors - according to the developer - Liberty Property Trust. The building - now 70% leased - is scheduled to open in Fall 2007.

How Philly Works

Two remaining sessions in "How Philly Works" cover how the Philadelphia Department of Streets (Nov. 10) and the Department of Public Health (Nov. 17) use Geographic Imaging Systems ("GIS") technology to provide basic city services. The presentations will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Atwater Kent Museum, 15 South 7th Street. There is no cost. For more information, call (215) 685-4830. This is a great opportunity for residents to get some insight into the vast array of services that the City of Philadelphia provides - competently and professionally - to its residents.

Rittenhouse Hotel Receives Honor

The Rittenhouse Hotel ranked #38 in Conde Nast's "Readers Choice Awards" of the top 75 U.S. hotels, as revealed in the November issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Last year, the Rittenhouse was #68.

New Center City Retail

According to the Center City District, a slew of new retailers have recently located in Center City, are planning to open or are reporting to be looking for space, including:

• Del Frisco steakhouse will open its 7th U.S. location at the former Jack Kellmer store on the 700 block of Chestnut.
• Barney's Co-op and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa are committed to a new—unidentified—building near Rittenhouse Square.
• BCBG is coming to 1601 Walnut St., L’Occitane to 1606 and American Apparel to 1611.
• Theory, Club Monaco, Levi, and Sephora, the cosmetics giant, are reported scouting for locations.
• South Moon Under, a women's retailer, is committed for the 1700 block of Chestnut.
• BoConcept, a furniture retailer, is opening later this year at 1719 Chestnut St.
• Capogiro, the gelati place on 13th, is opening a second location at 20th and Sansom.
• Estia, a new restaurant, is now open at the former Toto's location on Locust Street.
• West Elm furnishings is opening in mid-December on East Chestnut; Lucky Strike bowling will open at the same building in the spring.
• Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a furniture retailer, has opened at 1308 Chestnut.

Nutter Bill would Promote Interests of Philadelphia Construction Workers

Councilman Nutter is sponsoring an ordinance - #050950 - that would amend Chapter 17-1000 of The Philadelphia Code and is entitled "Employment of Low-And Moderate-Income Persons by City Contractors." If passed, it would require those performing work under certain construction contracts supported by City funds/financial assistance to have a percentage of construction hours performed by City of Philadelphia residents.

New Condo Project at Washington Square

According to the Center City District, the Goldenberg Group and Brown Hill Development plan to redevelop the N.W. Ayer building at 210 W. Washington Square. The structure will be converted into 56 condominium units and will cost approximately $50 million.

Climate Mash

This is fun and timely...check out the "Climate Mash" website, watch the funny video, then send a message to President Bush.

The Greening of Philadelphia

PennFuture is embarking on a project that Philadelphia desperately needs. The working title is “Building Philadelphia’s Future” and the concept is to formulate an action plan that focuses on quality of life issues that intersect with environmental/sustainability concepts. Philadelphia is unique among large American cities in that it doesn’t provide structured local government support for the advancement of environmental/sustainability issues. No pedestrian coordinator, no bicycle coordinator, no office of environmental sustainability (or similar function), no City-sanctioned environmental commission. Heck, currently we don’t even have a recycling coordinator. The action plan will promote changes to Philadelphia governmental structures, ordinances, and policies that will result in a cleaner, healthier City. For more information and to be involved in the development of the action plan, contact Christine Knapp at PennFuture at knapp@pennfuture.org.

Our Leaves are Better & Bigger than Your Leaves

The Commonwealth's tourism promotions have become more professional since Governor Rendell took office...check out this link to the fall foliage tourism campaign.

Stop Pay-to-Play: Vote "Yes" on Charter Change Nov. 8th

On November 8, 2005, Philadelphia voters will be presented with a ballot question about whether to change the City Charter - essentially the City's constitution – and significantly curtail the City's costly "pay-to-play" system.

Here's what the question is going to say: "Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to require Council approval of certain City leases, contracts and concessions, to empower Council to address public confidence in the integrity of the City's contracting process by requiring certain disclosures and by providing whether persons who have made certain campaign contributions are ineligible for such contracts and for City financial assistance, and to empower Council to regulate the process by which non-competitively bid (no-bid) contracts are awarded?" Wow, that's a mouthful.

What does it mean? If a majority of Philadelphia voters vote yes on this question, information regarding City professional services contracts would be made available to the public, providing for a more transparent process whereby pay-to-play and other related corrupt practices would be less likely to occur and/or more easily detected. Individuals/businesses seeking no-bid contracts would not only be required to disclose political contributions, but there would be limits as to how much individuals/businesses could give to a candidate, incumbent and/or Political Action Committee (“PAC”).

The only reason to vote no on this charter change question is if you have personally benefited from the City's pay-to-play culture (like maybe somebody put a deck on your house or slipped you an envelope full of money); because most of us have not (and would never), please make sure that you vote yes on this question. For more information, check out the Committee of 70's website.

South Jersey Ad Agency Leaving Suburbia for Center City

One of the Philadelphia region's largest advertising agencies will relocate its headquarters from Cherry Hill to Center City, bringing with it up to 100 jobs (see story). The Star Group intends to spend $5 million to purchase and refurbish a five-story building at 1635-37 Locust Street. The Star Group also has offices in Las Vegas (NV) and Kansas City (MO), both of which service casino clients.

Minimal Disclosure Standards for Political Polling

Standards for Minimal Disclosure

(from the America Association of Public Opinion Research)

Good professional practice imposes the obligation upon all public opinion researchers to include, in any report of research results, or to make available when that report is released, certain essential information about how the research was conducted. At a minimum, the following items should be disclosed:

1. Who sponsored the survey, and who conducted it.

2. The exact wording of questions asked, including the text of any preceding instruction or explanation to the interviewer or respondents that might reasonably be expected to affect the response.

3. A definition of the population under study, and a description of the sampling frame used to identify this population.

4. A description of the sample selection procedure, giving a clear indication of the method by which the respondents were selected by the researcher, or whether the respondents were entirely self-selected.

5. Size of samples and, if applicable, completion rates and information on eligibility criteria and screening procedures.

6. A discussion of the precision of the findings, including, if appropriate, estimates of sampling error, and a description of any weighting or estimating procedures used. Which results are based on parts of the sample, rather than on the total sample.

7. Method, location, and dates of data collection.

The next time you see a survey that doesn’t include most of these supporting elements, you might want to view it with some suspicion. Like maybe, that mayoral poll that came out last week.

Condomania Comes to East Falls

The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority ("RDA") has preliminarily selected Global City to construct the "Terrace at Falls Bridge". This proposed $85 million development would consist of 172 condo units in four modern buildings ranging from four to twelve stories. A key feature in the design is a forty-foot wide public terrace that will run between Ridge Avenue and Kelly Drive. The public terrace will be flanked by 17,000 sq. ft. of retail space, likely to include a food store. The selection of the developer by the RDA Board is considered preliminary. Global City will need to negotiate a developer's agreement with the RDA and then secure necessary approvals for their project, including zoning.

Glocalization

I thought it was a typo at first; Mayor Street's travel schedule for today included a trip to the 4th annual conference on "Glocalization" at the World Bank. Glocalization is "[t]he creation of products or services intended for the global market, but customized to suit the local culture", according to Wikipedia.

Random Environmental Factoid: The Marines and Soy Beans

According to PennFuture, the United States Marine Corps is the largest consumer of biodiesel fuel in the nation and the US military is expected to use more than six million gallons this year. Military fleet managers find that using biodiesel means cleaner engines that produce less pollution, without any loss of power and performance. Also, the Department of the Navy has ordered all domestic Navy/Marine facilities to use biodiesel when possible.

Are More Alternative Fuel Vehicles in Philadelphia’s Future?

A resolution – sponsored by Councilman Kenney - was unanimously adopted by Philadelphia City Council and referred to the Committee on Legislative Oversight authorizing the Committee to hold public hearings on whether the Office of Fleet Management’s vehicle purchasing policies should require a preference for the purchase of alternative fuel or hybrid-electric vehicles, which will facilitate savings, reduce fuel consumption, and promote a positive image of Philadelphia as an environmentally-conscious City. Hearings are likely to be held towards the end of the month.

The City of Philadelphia’s fleet consists of approximately 6,200 vehicles, including ambulances, fire apparatus, police cars, passenger and cargo vans, jeeps, buses and sedans that use approximately 4.6 million gallons of fuel (gasoline and diesel) each year. Given the rapidly rising cost of gasoline, many cities across the country have moved to replace conventional vehicles with hybrid-electric or alternative fuel vehicles. In particular, hybrid-electric vehicles have excellent warranties, lower projected maintenance costs (because the combustion engine receives less wear) and as much as 50 percent lower fuel costs than conventional vehicles. By way of example and inspiration, New York City has been purchasing hybrid-electric vehicles since 2001 and have amassed a hybrid-electric fleet of over 800 vehicles by requiring 80 percent of their light-duty vehicles purchases per fiscal year to be hybrid-electric.

Council Action on Proposed PGW Rate Hike

The Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities – Chaired by Councilman Michael Nutter - will meet to consider Resolution #050845 on Tuesday, October 11 at 2:00pm in room 400 of City Hall. This resolution would authorize City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee to hold public hearings to discuss the impact of the proposed PGW 19.4% rate hike on the Philadelphia's citizens and explore methods of providing resources and relief to those most severely affected by such a dramatic increase.

Philadelphia Lawyers

A new survey of lawyers who practice in Philadelphia reveals that almost half - 45 percent - live within city limits and 30.3 percent are women (see story). The Philadelphia Bar Association survey of 340 attorneys - released last week - also found that lawyers eat out five times a week and 60 percent regularly do pro bono work. The survey establishes empirically what’s generally known about the legal profession in Philadelphia; law firms and their lawyers and support staff are a vital and productive component of the local economy and they also contribute significantly to civic life.

Philadelphia Food Distribution Center will Relocate to Navy Yard

A $100 million private/public sector investment will support Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry (its largest) with a new Food Distribution Center that will replace the one on Packer Avenue with an almost one million sq. ft. facility at the Navy Yard (see press release). Food merchants at the Center and approximately 1,500 jobs could have gone to New Jersey or New York, but Philadelphia and Pennsylvania put an economic development package to make sure that did not happen. 375 new jobs over the next three years are projected. Infrastructure improvements near the site will support both the Food Distribution Center and future port and Navy Yard redevelopment are planned.

Philadelphia’s World Renowned Mural Arts Program Get Funding for Expansion

Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program (“MAP”) has received approximately $.5 million in public and private funds to construct a new, 3,000 sq. ft. “Mural Arts Center” adjacent to the MAP’s current facility at 1727 Mount Vernon St. in the Spring Garden section (see article). The Mural Arts Program works with residents, grassroots organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, corporations and foundations "to design and create murals of enduring value while actively engaging youth in the process," it said. Since its founding over 20 years ago, the Mural Arts Program has done more than 2,500 indoor/outdoor murals through Philadelphia, more than any other public art program in the nation.

Philadelphia: America's Next Great City

According to a nine-page story in National Geographic Traveler that hits newsstands on Oct. 4, Philadelphia is America’s Next Great City (see article). The article cites our restaurants, arts/culture scene, walkability, and other positive attributes. National Geographic Traveler has 715,000 subscribers and a “pass-along” readership of 6 million; the magazine is the most widely read travel publication in the world.

Real Estate Tax Abatement: It Worked

In 1997, City Council passed a bill (thank you Councilman DiCicco) giving developers a 10-year real estate tax abatement when they converted buildings into apartments or condominiums. In 2000, another bill (thanks again Councilman DiCicco) provided a 10-year abatement to developers building new projects. All indications are that the breaks are facilitating an unprecedented construction boom and significantly impacting components of Philadelphia's economy; currently, the City has approximately 9,000 new residential units coming online in the near future. Based on the market value of conversion projects (as opposed to new construction), the City will eventually receive $3.5 million annually in taxes, about half of which will hit in 2009 (see article). Financial statistics don’t say as much as experiencing the vitality Center City in person; the restaurants, the street life, the retail, the throngs of people – it wasn’t like that in the late 1980s when I moved to Philadelphia. The conclusion about City governance to be drawn from all this? Think locally and act locally. The tax burden in this City is too high and complicated; policies that strategically mitigate this burden can do much to improve economic and social vitality. Of course, policies that provide universal tax relief and de-complication are beneficial as well, but that's another topic.

New FLP Website

The Free Library of Philadelphia ("FLP") has an awesome new website. A multitude of free downloads and other features that are worth checking out.

Relocation vs. Rebuilding?

In his latest column, Mark Alan Hughes states that “[o]lder American cities have become warehouses for people whose prospects would be brighter in other places. But immediate obligations, lack of resources and information, and plain old inertia anchor people in places that are declining.” And further, “the eventual happy ending for poor people comes from relocation more than rebuilding.” A couple of questions: is there empirical evidence to support this last statement? That is, is relocation more effective than rebuilding with respect to poverty eradication? Notwithstanding, should voluntary relocation be a component of poverty abatement policy? Americans of means frequently relocate for better employment opportunities and lower cost of living; should there be policies (and commensurate funding and support) for those of limited means to do the same?

Ford to Dramatically Increase Hybrid Production

According to the New American Dream, Ford Motor Company has announced that it will increase hybrid production from 25,000 annually to 250,000 hybrids per year by 2010.

Masterman: #1 Public High School in the Region

According to Philadelphia Magazine’s list of the region’s top 50 public high schools, Masterman High School is the best in the region. Four other Philadelphia public high schools made the list: Girard Academic Music Program, Creative and Performing Arts, Girls’, and Central.

Nutter and DiCicco: Politicians of the Year

Philadelphia City Councilmen Michael Nutter and Frank DiCicco have been named “politicians of the year” by the Library Journal for their use of “classic urban political strategies” to ensure that the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Central Branch expansion was advanced and neighborhood branch service levels were maintained. In the last budget cycle, these two library funding priorities were presented as an either/or choice; Nutter and DiCicco, their allies in City Council, and library advocates from all over the City secured - through political maneuvering and advocacy - funding for both important activities.

Where do all the Yuppies Meet, South Street, South Street

One of the latest Philadelphia condominium projects is on South Street. The $30 million, six-story building will contain 72 condos and 11,000 sq. ft. of retail; the exact address, 1326-52 South Street. Condos will range from 800 sq. ft. to 2,500 sq. ft. and will run from $259,000 to $1.2 million for larger units (see story).

A Demonstration Wetland Takes Shape in East Falls

Saylor Grove – a three acre “pocket park” in East Falls – is being converted into a wetland by the Philadelphia Water Department. The man-made marsh will attract bats, frogs, toads, and other critters that you’d generally find in a wetland. Visitors will be able to stroll the quarter-mile trail encircling the wetland and the site will also feature an overlook and a bridge over small waterfalls. The parcel is located across Lincoln Drive from Monoshone Creek, site of Historic RittenhouseTown and the first paper mill in America (circa 1690).

Translating the Politics of “We” into the Politics of “Me”

There’s been a lot of debate about what the Democrats should do in order to become more successful at winning elections. While there are many strategic moves we can make to improve our team’s chances of victory, there’s an imperative paradigm change that must infuse the way that we articulate our message; we must translate the politics of “we” into the politics of “me”. What does this mean? First, let’s say what it doesn’t mean; it doesn’t mean that the party should turn its back on communitarian ideals, progressivity, and concern for others. It means explaining to voters - clearly and effectively – why our policies (to the extent we can agree on them) make sense to them personally. This won’t apply to every policy, but we need to do a better job of appealing to self-interest of the enlightened variety. The Republicans have been great at telling voters how they’ll be personally served by conservative rule and it’s one of a number of reasons they’ve been able to knock us around so much lately.

LaSalle Contributes to North Philadelphia’s Economic Expansion

LaSalle University plans to create a retail center on land it holds adjacent to its main campus. The planned center - in the range of 60,000 to 100,000 square feet - would serve both students and community. Their plans call for a supermarket as the retail anchor with ancillary commercial amenities such as a dry cleaner, hair dresser, etc. filling the balance of the space (see story).

More Pro-Hybrid Legislation in PA

House Bill 1630 would waive annual emissions inspections for hybrids and House Bills 968 and 969 would waive the annual emissions inspection and registration fees for hybrids, as well as the 6% state sales tax on their purchase. Do you support these bills? Contact your legislator and let him/her know. Note that there is bi-partisan support for these bills.

Plug it In, Plug it In

The next generation of hybrid vehicles is upon us. Plug-in hybrids don’t need to be tethered to an electric cord when not in use, but the option is there. Users get the benefits of an electric car, without the challenges presented by their typically limited range. Plug-in hybrids can go all-electric for the 90% percent of driving that takes place close to home. When the electric charge draws down, a “mini-sized” petrol engine starts up and the car drives like a regular hybrid.

• Hybrids get about two times the fuel economy of a conventional car
• Plug-in hybrids will get about two times the fuel economy of a hybrid

Here in the Commonwealth, legislation has been introduced in the State House of Representatives that will promote and increase the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Pennsylvania.