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What's happening on Venice Island in Manayunk? Residents are concerned about mysterious construction on a 30-acre undeveloped site. Trucks and equipment have been rolling in, piling soil onto the land. The property has seen previous development plans, including from NFL star Emmitt Smith, but no building permits have been submitted yet.
Neighbors worry that a large new development will exacerbate flooding issues and put residents at risk. They're also concerned about the potential impact on the island's ecosystem. The current owner, Manayunk Renaissance LLC, has worked on big projects in the region but hasn't revealed its plans for the site.
The president of a neighborhood group believes it's "inevitable" that future plans will include a large residential development. However, no official announcements have been made.
In other news, a new Redfin analysis found that the Philadelphia metro area is one of the least affordable major metros for renters. The typical renter household in the Philly area makes $15,630 less than they need to comfortably afford the typical apartment listed for rent last month.
Philly lawmakers will consider bills to reduce upfront costs for renters. A man who replaced native plants around his Avalon home with sod has signed a plea agreement. A new school building is under construction in Port Richmond, and debris from a student housing tower fell through the roof of a neighboring West Philly church.
A couple's century-old colonial revival home in Elkins Park features an impressive collection of houseplants, including succulents, ferns, roses, sunflowers, and more. The homeowner has had a "50-year love affair" with creating floral art and has won ribbons at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
In trivia time, a $2 billion project to widen the N.J. Turnpike between Exits 1 and 4 will bring the roadway closer to homes and an Underground Railroad station. Question: In which South Jersey municipality is the Peter Mott House?
