Philadelphia's neighborhood transformation initiative: A case study of mayoral leadership, bold planning, and conflict

Abstract

This article examines the Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI), Mayor John F. Street's plan to revitalize Philadelphia's distressed neighborhoods by issuing $295 million in bonds to finance the acquisition of property, the demolition of derelict buildings, and the assembling of large tracts of land for housing redevelopment. Despite its resemblance to the discredited urban renewal programs of the past, this plan offered real potential for reducing blight by leveraging substantial private investment at a time when public subsidies for affordable housing and community development have been steadily diminishing.However, NTI did not promote equitable development that might have fostered broader support for an inherently controversial plan. Moreover, Street's initial leadership in proposing this bold initiative was followed by a reluctance to promote NTI aggressively after it was adopted in 2002. The result was a watered-down effort that achieved some goals but has fallen short of what might have been accomplished.

Linking Urban Tree Cover Change and Local History in a Post-Industrial City

“…The removal of dilapidated structures to make way for future redevelopment created extensive vacant land, with some neighborhoods redeveloping but many others never rebuilding [42]. Vacant lots resulting from these policies are today often concentrated in high-minority areas [46]. Furthermore, the shrinking municipal tax base in post-industrial cities reduced funding for public park maintenance, profoundly altering and reducing park use in some neighborhoods [47].…”

Analyzing Urban Politics: A Mobilization–Governance Framework

“…After many years of uneven development policies favoring Center City, John Street, a Black politician from North Philadelphia and president of the city council, was elected mayor in 1999 promising to redirect the city’s priorities. But his ambitious Neighborhood Transformation Initiative ultimately disappointed supporters by raising fears of a return to urban renewal and failing to generate enough resources to overcome extensive blight (McGovern 2006). Street’s successor, Michael Nutter, was swept into office by voters disgruntled with Street’s lack of progress amid a series of scandals that swirled around his administration.…”

Whose Urban Forest? The Political Ecology of Foraging Urban Nontimber Forest Products

“…Concerns over safety, public health, and aesthetics were often key topics of discussion. Successive attempts to deal with the situation, including early strategies of neighborhood clearance through urban renewal programs, were met with serious resistance (McGovern 2006). These efforts were replaced by more strategic interventions intended to surgically clean up lots and abandoned buildings throughout the city's neighborhoods.…”