Blighted Property Conservatorship Act

photo: nkcdcgardencenter.org

A new city law could have a significant positive impact on Philly neighborhoods.  According the the Inquirer a non profit named Urban Tree Connection has been a test case for whether or not a new law, allowing neighbors and activist to request control over vacant land, will hold up in court.  In a positive move, the court granted the non profit stewardship of land in West Philadelphia.  Inquirer writer Kia Greggory writes of the impact:

Under the Pennsylvania Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, which became law this year, nonprofit groups such as Weiner's, senior lien holders, neighbors, and other frustrated individuals can petition the court to be named conservators of an abandoned and blighted property. To meet the criteria, the property must also be considered a public nuisance, in need of substantial repair, a fire risk, and unfit for occupancy.    

As conservator, UTC can legally continue to plant and harvest on the land and follow through on its vision to create a community cooperative

With over 300,000 vacant lots in Philadelphia, this power to utilize the abandoned space is significant move in the right direction.