Mayor Parker Transmits First Package of H.O.M.E. Initiative Bills to City Council

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker transmitted a legislative package to City Council to advance the H. O. M. E.

Initiative, which aims to create and preserve 30,000 housing units in Philadelphia. This initiative follows Executive Order 3-25, which directs the Department of Planning and Development to enhance housing development processes. The package includes five bills, with four focused on amending the Zoning Code and one aimed at expediting land transfers to the Philadelphia Land Bank. Proposed changes involve relaxing parking requirements to encourage denser development and creating a new zoning district for duplexes, reducing the need for variances. Jessie Lawrence, Director of the Department of Housing and Development, noted that these bills incorporate stakeholder feedback and are ready for introduction by City Council.

Additionally, the package aims to standardize zoning restrictions in the Fifth Councilmanic District and improve clarity in the Zoning Code. Angel Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Land Bank, expressed support for the bill streamlining property transfers, which would enhance the Land Bank's efficiency in returning properties to productive use. Mayor Parker called for swift action to keep momentum in addressing Philadelphia's housing challenges.