Letters: Councilman calls story about no-bid land sales unfair

ISSUE | CITY COUNCIL

Unfair look at land sales

During my time as councilperson representing the Second District, I have supported the transfer of at least 244 properties to a diverse group of 70 individuals, nonprofits, and development companies for affordable, market-rate housing projects. I provided that data to the Inquirer, but the article, "No-bid bargains" (Aug. 7) focused on only about two dozen of those properties.

The implication that campaign contributions influence my decision to support a project is not true. The campaign contributors, on average, paid roughly 30 percent more for their direct-sales lot than dozens of developers with whom I had no relationship. Focusing on only about two dozen properties distorted the data and smeared the good work and reputation of my office.

Gentrification has increased the number of families defined as "cost burdened" to 35 percent of all property owners and 48 percent of renters in the district. These families are spending nearly one-third of their income on rent or mortgages - money that is not available to buy other necessities.

Balancing economic progress against the displacement caused by gentrification requires vigilant, robust, and active representation of all the residents of South Philadelphia. I will continue to provide that kind of leadership without bias.

|Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia, Kenyatta.johnson@phila.gov