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Philadelphia Council Proposes Stiffer Affordable Housing Rules for Neighborhood District

Official:Amending Section 14-500 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Overlay Zoning Districts," by amending Section 14-524, entitled "/FDO, Fourth District Overlay District.” to add provisions related to affordable housing, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Jones

Introduced: June 13, 2024

: Committee on Streets and Services

housingneighborhood planzoning

Plain-Language Summary

This bill adds requirements for affordable housing in a specific neighborhood by increasing the percentage of affordable units and setting income limits for tenants.

What This Bill Does

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Increases the percentage of affordable units in a specific neighborhood: The bill requires that at least 40% of all dwelling units, or 77 units, whichever is greater, be provided and maintained as affordable on the same site as all other dwelling units.
Sets income limits for tenants: The bill does not provide specific income limits, but it does require that any development that has received or will receive government financial assistance conditioned upon affordability requirements comply with the affordable housing standards.
Applies to specific properties: The bill applies to the properties located at 3939 Conshohocken Avenue and 3901 Conshohocken Avenue. 4.

Both Sides

AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.

The case for

This bill increases the percentage of affordable housing in a specific neighborhood, requiring at least 40% of new dwellings to be affordable, benefiting low-income families who would otherwise be priced out of the area. The bill ensures that any development receiving government funding meets these affordable housing standards, promoting fairness and equity in the community. As a result, residents who have been displaced by gentrification will have access to affordable housing options, stabilizing the neighborhood's social fabric.

The case against

This bill would impose a significant financial burden on the property owners of 3939 and 3901 Conshohocken Avenue, requiring them to dedicate a minimum of 40% of their units to affordable housing. This would likely limit their ability to sell or rent their remaining units at market rates, reducing their potential revenue and increasing their financial risk. By setting income limits for tenants, the bill would also give the city a significant degree of control over who can rent these units, potentially limiting the property owners' ability to choose their tenants.

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