PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia City Council committee took action Tuesday to protect more than 400 historic properties in Roxborough.
The Rules Committee advanced a demolition moratorium for properties just off Ridge Avenue that are soon to be added to the Roxborough Thematic Historic District. That is a collection of 188 properties which are mostly homes, but also businesses, churches, and other institutions.
The district shows how the northwest part of the city developed from the time William Penn awarded lots in 1681 to the construction of the Walnut Lane Bridge in 1908.
The Planning Commission opposed the moratorium, saying it pulled resources away from other parts of the city.
Related
However, Councilmember Curtis Jones said it was necessary to protect the buildings from developers while their historic designation is pending.
"Every now and then we’re going to disagree, and I base [my position] on knowing that community better than some members on the planning commission who need GPS to find it," said Jones.
The committee also sided with Jones over the planning commission on zoning for new development along Ridge Avenue that would be oriented for car access.
The bills now go to the full Council for a vote.
See a list and pictures of the historic properties which would be protected by the moratorium below.
