E
arlier this month, a section of a Philly apartment's parapet wall collapsed, sending bricks and cinder blocks plummeting onto the sidewalk below. Residents initially thought it was a gas explosion or earthquake, but luckily no one was injured. The incident has raised questions about how such an event can occur and whether it will happen again.

    An investigation by my colleagues found that the building's facade had not been inspected in years, despite being required to do so. Additionally, unauthorized roof decks were built on the same side of the wall as the collapse. The landlord, Philip Pulley, has a history of controversy, including being sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office for operating unsanitary apartments and charging residents excessive fees.

    Pulley has claimed that no one knows why the wall collapsed, but city officials have found evidence suggesting that he failed to follow proper procedures. Residents are now worried about the structural integrity of the building and whether more damage could occur.

    Meanwhile, a different trend is emerging in Philly's rental market: landlords are increasingly interested in accepting tenants who use government subsidies. With the city experiencing a surge in new construction, renters have more options than ever before, leading to slower rent growth and vacant apartments. As a result, landlords are seeking guaranteed rental income from the government.

    The Philadelphia Housing Authority is offering incentives to developers and landlords to attract them to this market. This shift could have significant implications for the city's affordable housing landscape.

    In other news, a historic Philly mansion is on the market for $6.5 million, while some Graduate Hospital residents are pushing for new construction regulations. A new Sixers arena may come with community benefits worth $50 million, but critics are questioning who will actually benefit from this investment.

    A company redeveloping a former refinery site has pledged to pay at least $10 million for local improvements, and a judge has sided with Montgomery County residents opposing the construction of a municipal complex on a farm set aside for open space. Longwood Gardens is adding modern architecture to its classical design, and a five-bedroom home in Delaware County is up for sale.

    In a spooky twist, an app allows users to find elaborate Halloween displays near them, while homeowners are spending "an embarrassing amount" to transform their yards into creative attractions. A local couple has been living on Elfreth's Alley for almost 50 years, maintaining the historic charm of their 227-year-old home and welcoming tourists inside.

    A new movie theater is coming to South Philly, with plans for a massive screen count that will be revealed in an upcoming story. And finally, a photo quiz asks readers to identify a location from a mysterious image.