Dec. 4, 2009
By Thomas J. Walsh
For PlanPhilly
Formal workshops between civic associations, CDCs, developers, city planners and members of the Zoning Code Commission will take place in January, backed by the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects and with funding expected from the William Penn Foundation. FULL STORY HERE.
Dec. 2, 2009
By Thomas J. Walsh
For PlanPhilly 
Philadelphia City Planning Commissioner Natalia Olson-Urtecho, in partnership with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia and a new international organization of business school students, has arranged for a Dec. 15th visit from 24 Chinese government officials and representatives from 15 Chinese companies interested in creating extensions of their businesses in Philadelphia.
Hebi City, China.
Casino Journal, November 2009 issue
By Thomas J. Walsh
PHILADELPHIA – Contrary to popular belief and endless snide remarks from national sports commentators, Philadelphians are not, for the most part, rude. But they also won’t back away from a fight very easily, and despite some long-sought movement on the building of two slots halls here, a three-year-old anti-casino movement has been growing – and seems to be gaining some staying power.
Known as a “city of neighborhoods” with individual pride of place and rivalries, Philadelphia can be as NIMBY as the next town. However, dozens of groups – started by of a handful of people initially opposed to specific casino locations – have now banded together, forming the “No Casino in the Heart of the City Coalition.” They’ve even rented out a storefront on Market Street, a block from Independence Hall.
On September 29, 14 members of one of the first groups, Casino Free Philadelphia, staged their first serious act of nonviolent civil disobedience, camping arm-in-arm on the sidewalk at the front entrance to the SugarHouse Casino, which was undergoing the first stages of construction after years of delay.
Click here for part 1 of the 5-page article.
Click here for part 2 of the 5-page article.
© 2010 Thomas J. Walsh. All Rights Reserved.