Message from the President Continued from page 1
Our new motto when dealing with policy makers is “Do
No Harm.” The Government Affairs Committee continues to engage with policy makers regarding zoning reform
and the elimination of delays in the permitting process.
An update on permitting process reform illustrates the
commitment of the BIA and the City to collaborating on
solutions. The BIA will also work to reduce the cost of construction through a combination of reduced labor rates
and supporting legislation that promotes investment.
The city-wide Employer Assisted Housing Program
(Home Buy Now) will be officially announced on March
5th, 2009. This program will provide our market with a
needed jolt and has the potential of removing 300-400
homes from unsold inventory. The BIA is working with
City of Philadelphia, NeighborhoodsNow and the Greater
CORRECTION FOR YOUR 2009 BIA DIRECTORY
The Government Affairs Committee was inadvertently
omitted from the 2009 listing of committees. For your
information, the committee is chaired by Bob Rosenthal,
TRF Development Partners.
[email protected]
215.574.5865
4
Spring 2009
Philadelphia Association of Realtors in the planning of
upcoming events to market the program to employers and
homebuyers. As all new residential projects participating
in the program must be developed by members of the BIA,
our developer members have more than twenty new
home communities participating in the program. Visit the
BIA website at www.biaofphiladelphia.com for details.
An article written by Mark Alan Hughes, Mayor Nutter’s
Director of Sustainability, is included in this issue. We
must engage with the administration and provide input
as policies are considered. As more consumers demand
homes that incorporate sustainable design we must adapt
to this growing demand and incorporate sustainability
into our business models. Sustainable design must add
value for the consumer and the developer. With this in
mind, you are encouraged to attend The BIA Green
Committee’s exciting event on March 4th that will show
sustainability in action with a walking tour of green projects in Northern Liberties.
I hope every one of you finds 2009 a very green year!
Sam Sherman