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BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION of Philadelphia Building the Future of Philadelphia — Together

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The BIA’s calendar of events – project tours, member breakfasts and happy hours, the annual Builders Conference, Meet the Builders, educational sessions and others – are great opportunities to get involved in building both the city and your business by networking, sharing ideas, making new business connections, and keeping up with industry colleagues.

Calendar

Rules Committee Hearing on Inclusionary Zoning

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Name: Rules Committee Hearing on Inclusionary Zoning
Date: November 27, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Event Description:
Since Bill No. 170678 was introduced in June, the BIA has been actively engaged with City Council on the issue of inclusionary zoning and whether or not this bill would benefit the Philadelphia residents it is intended to help most.
 
BIA representatives participated in the working groups set up by Councilwoman Sanchez on the bill throughout the summer and fall, commissioned a report assessing the impacts of the legislation, and conducted a detailed financial analysis to evaluate the zoning bonuses and income affordability levels proposed in the bill.
 
The BIA determined that the economics of the bill make privately financed, market rate development financially unfeasible. Stalled development will result in a loss of city revenue and jobs, particularly those in the building trades, as well as a decrease in the supply of any new housing (market rate and affordable) and an increase in housing prices overall.
 
The BIA cannot support the approach to affordable housing development that is outlined by Bill No. 170678 and we need your help!
 
PLEASE ATTEND THE HEARING!! Supporters of the bill intend to fill Council Chambers to create the false perception that the bill has unanimous public support. We need BIA members and supporters there in equal numbers!  If you would like to testify, please email biamail@biaofphiladelphia.com and we can get you added to the list and work with you on what to say.
 
WHAT: Hearing of the Committee on Rules                                                                
WHEN: Monday, November 27 at 10 am
WHERE: City Council Chambers, Room 400 City Hall
Bill No. 170678
Bill No. 170678 would mandate that one out of every 10 units in any new residential construction project with 10 or more units be rented or sold at an “affordable” rate to qualifying low-to-moderate income households, or the developer must make a payment in lieu of building the affordable units to the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). In addition, the requirements of the bill would apply to the renovation of existing buildings when more than $7,000 per unit of improvements are made or a zoning permit is required.
 
BIA Approach to Affordable Housing
The BIA supports optional zoning bonuses to encourage affordable housing development by market rate developers with a fee-in-lieu alternative. The most constructive approach would lower the cost of constructing new housing and increase the return on investment for improving and rehabilitating Philadelphia’s existing housing.
 
The BIA would like to continue working with City Council to:
  • Create elective zoning bonuses that are more effective and include more zoning categories. 
  • Adjust the AMI levels.
  • Eliminate the applicability to the renovation of existing buildings.
  • Allow units to be delivered on site or off site, or pay a defined fee in lieu to the HTF.
Location:
City Hall 
City Council Chambers
Room 400
Date/Time Information:
Monday, November 27
10 am
Contact Information:
Marianne Scott
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