Monthly Archives: August 2012

Philadelphia bar faces opposition to construction plans

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction on Aug 30, 2012.

New and existing businesses can and do run into problems in proposing construction plans for growing and improving their business. Dealing with these spats can be burdensome, but is a necessary task. Finnigan’s Wake, the famous tavern in Northern Liberties, is currently going through these difficulties in its effort to renovate its property.

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New zoning code will allow for easier development, fewer zoning hang-ups

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Land Use & Zoning on Aug 28, 2012.

In our last post, we noted that Philadelphia has official begun implementing its new zoning code. The event is an important one for business owners and real estate developers, who will have fewer zoning issues to deal with along the way.

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Philadelphia’s new zoning code officially implemented

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Land Use & Zoning on Aug 24, 2012.

This Wednesday, the city of Philadelphia made the switch to a new, updated zoning code which is supposed to simplify the development process and modernize the city’s housing. The new code replaces the one that has been in use since 1962. At the time that code was put in place, Philadelphia was primarily a manufacturing center. The new code will support efforts to rebuild Philadelphia’s residential neighborhoods and accommodate a much-changed business landscape.

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How to raise the value of commercial property, P.2

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Commercial Real Estate on Aug 23, 2012.

In our previous post, we began looking at ways landlords can raise the value of commercial real estate. So far, we’ve mentioned raising rent, lowering operating expenses, upgrading the property, changing the use of the property. In addition to these possibilities, it is also possible to upgrade the physical structure of the property, such as adding services like a cleaning company, conference rooms, a fitness center, and so on.

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How to raise the value of commercial property, P.1

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Commercial Real Estate on Aug 15, 2012.

One of the interesting aspects of commercial real estate, when compared to residential real estate, is that it is relatively easy to increase its value. This means that commercial property owners have more control over creating value in their property than homeowners do. So what are some ways commercial property owners can raise the value of their property?

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Township threatens to shut down charitable activity unless variance is sought

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Land Use & Zoning on Aug 14, 2012.

Our regular readers know that zoning barriers can get in the way of businesses owners and entrepreneurs, preventing them from moving forward with plans to establish or expand their business or develop real estate. Zoning difficulties can get in the ways of philanthropists, too.

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Opportunities are out there in real estate investment

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Commercial Real Estate on Aug 10, 2012.

Since the economic slowdown, there has been a pullback from real estate investing, but things have recently begun to pick up in real estate. Even the likes of Warren Buffet are noticing the trend and taking advantage of it.

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Investigations at Philadelphia Housing Authority reveal corruption

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Construction on Aug 9, 2012.

On Wednesday, a former contracts manager at the Philadelphia Housing Authority was sentenced to 50 months in prison for taking $25,000 in kickbacks. The woman reportedly handled small construction contracts worth less than $25,000.

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Pa. intermediate appellate court strikes down major provisions of “fracking” law, P.2

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Land Use & Zoning on Aug 3, 2012.

In our previous post, we noted that a Pennsylvania intermediate appeals court ruled that major provisions of the state’s new “fracking” law are unconstitutional. The specific provisions targeted by the court were those overriding local zoning environmental laws. These were among the most contentious of the law’s provisions. These provisions were overturned 4-3.

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Pa. intermediate appellate court strikes down major provisions of “fracking” law, P.1

On behalf of Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, P.C. posted in Land Use & Zoning on Aug 1, 2012.

Our regular readers know that we’ve written previously about Pennsylvania’s controversial “fracking” law, Act 13. As we’ve noted, the law was heavily pushed by Governor Corbett in order to attract gas drilling to the state and create jobs. One of the most contentious aspects of the law is that it took zoning control out of the hands of municipalities.

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