Spotlight on Philadelphia Housing Authority

The Daily News has a double-header on the PHA today: the first article looks at improvements in the quality of homes built under their auspices (most are now attractive and modern townhouses rather than large industrial high-rises), as well as improvements in screening of tenants and the opportunity to buy rather than rent some properties. They're trying to be better neighbors, as well as help their tenants become independent and be a spur to private neighborhood development. The second article looks at the downside of the new strategy, specifically the super-poor who are being less well accomodated in some of the snazzier schemes, and others who get booted when a family member breaks the rules. They also note substantial waiting lists for PHA housing and for Section 8 housing (in privately run apartments).