Philadelphia’s approach to housing and urban development sees a strategic shift as Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has appointed new talents to the Philadelphia Land Bank (PLB) Board of Directors. As reported by the city’s official website, the Mayor sees these appointments as a bolstering force toward reaching the ambitious H.O.M.E. initiative’s goal—creating and preserving 30,000 homes in the city. The new board members are expected to take their seats in time for the next public board meeting scheduled for November 18.
In a recent statement, Mayor Parker expressed her gratitude to retiring board members Herb Wetzel, and Majeedah Rashid for their contributions to both the PLB and the City of Philadelphia. Wetzel, a former City Council staff member, has been a longstanding housing affairs advisor to Mayor Parker. Rashid has partnered with Parker on economic development projects since her Pennsylvania General Assembly days. The Mayor assured, that both will continue to lend their expertise in different capacities.
The incoming experts to join the PLB board are Alex Balloon and Angela D. Brooks, FAICP. According to the city’s announcement, Balloon brings extensive experience from overseeing strategic initiatives in commercial corridor development, neighborhood revitalization, and community investment with the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation and the Tacony Community Development Corporation…