Spruce Hill Historic District
This summer the Philadelphia Historical Commission created the “Southeast Spruce Hill Historic District”. This was apparently in the works for close to four decades, and the group behind this got it across the finish line by 1) submitting just a quadrant of the larger area they want designated, and 2) having Councilmember Gauthier’s support. The last two times they tried, I don’t think there was councilmember support.
It’s interesting to read through the feedback sent to CM Gauthier’s office before the Commission voted.
The people for the historic district like old houses and are against the “onslaught of development” that “puts profit over people.”
The people against the historic district see it as another barrier that will increase the cost of housing in the neighborhood.
Importantly, I didn’t see anyone write in saying they oppose the designation because they want to tear anything down. Many people just don’t want it to be more difficult to maintain their home. Having to go before the Commission for approval and get historically accurate windows is expensive and time consuming. As the owner of one of these twins (outside historic district), I am committed to maintaining its original charm. But I don’t think replacing a few of my drafty 120 year old windows is going to destroy the visual fabric of the neighborhood, so I am glad I was able to do that without first seeking government approval.
The cost of housing in Spruce Hill is already pretty outrageous. I think it will just get more expensive with the historic district. It’s not like there is any successful effort to contain costs the last few decades. (Recent examples: getting duplexes instead of an apartment with 20% affordable units, reducing the number of units in a proposed project because people complain about parking ). I do appreciate that CM Gauthier is at least trying to do something about the cost of housing in her district, but I also think she’s getting bad policy advice and should try other things.
this is my zillow search for 2br apartments
"naturally occurring affordable housing"
Here are the emails the City produced in response to my RTKL request.