Important News from NeighborhoodsNow
NeighborhoodsNow is currently in a transition process. We are beginning to merge our programs with other Philadelphia-based organizations, which also focus on strengthening our city's neighborhoods. Our board made this decision after weighing the results of a recent strategic review. The dramatic shifts in the economy and funding constraints-both public and private—were key factors and drivers that showed the board that change in direction was needed.
NeighborhoodsNow executives and board members agree that it is best to merge the existing programs with other entities while they are strong and viable, and can ensure a return on investment for current funders.
RFQs for our work in transit-oriented development (TOD) were disseminated in October 2009 to a selected group of organizations that the board and funders agreed were qualified to implement the TOD work. A selection committee comprised of funders, the city of Philadelphia and board members vetted the proposals. In December, the board voted to award the TOD portfolio to Regional Housing Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm that promotes innovative project and policy solutions that help create sustainable communities. The organization will serve as program manager effective January 2010. Early in 2010 RHLS will announce plans, which will be featured on this site, about how the work will move forward. The City of Philadelphia's Office of Housing and Community Development has disseminated the RFQ for the "Vital Neighborhoods" program. The proposals were due December 14th and a decision will be made about this merger in early 2010.
Please check this site regularly for updates about the transition or sign up for our e-newsletter to receive our final update.
Featured Project
NEW! (January 2010). TOD Template Zoning Code Standards are now available. [1.8MB PDF] This set of zoning standards was created in response to the citizens of Philadelphia who voted by an overwhelming majority in May 2007 to create a Zoning Code Commission charged with modernizing Philadelphia’s outdated and complex zoning codes. Today those standards are available thanks to a partnership between NeighborhoodsNow, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
The template zoning standards in this document were structured in a format that could be adopted by the City. As the City is in the process of rewriting its full zoning code, these standards primarily serve as a resource to inform this process and provide key zoning elements that are critical to promote TOD.