Banking on a good idea

Philadelphia's new land bank may still be in beta mode, but that's apparently good enough for a test spin to see if it really can transform the city's broken property management system.

The idea's primary sponsor, Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, is the first to step up to select publicly owned properties in her district for transfer to the bank. Last week, the bank started working on selling the 17 parcels along North Bodine Street, just south of Cecil B. Moore Avenue. Bids on the properties are due next month, meaning the transactions could become the first in a new era for Philadelphia.

The land bank is essential to cleaning up the city's blighted neighborhoods by streamlining the obstructionist bureaucracy that for too long has prevented unkempt lots and crumbling buildings from being transferred to responsible owners who could turn them into gardens, homes, or even new businesses.

Unfortunately, not all of the estimated 8,000 government-owned and 24,000 tax-delinquent properties are ripe for redevelopment. But many of them are. Sánchez's package of properties in the industrial Olde Kensington neighborhood, just north of the popular Northern Liberties section, should fetch some interest and serve as a model to other Council members who may be reluctant to embrace progress.

Initially, the land bank plans to take small steps by transferring lots that can be used as side yards to adjacent homeowners who are up to date in paying their taxes. Once neighbors see lots turned into driveways, patios, and well-kept lawns, it is hoped that they will want to similarly spruce up their own properties. There are also plans to aggregate vacant properties that could become passive parks.

One serious flaw in the land bank's creation could doom it: The authoritarian councilmanic prerogative doctrine has been retained. Prospective land transactions must receive prior approval from the Council member representing that district.

This unwritten rule has been used in the past to kill worthy projects for political and other reasons. The land bank's transparent process, however, will make it easier for residents to see which Council member is responsible for allowing filthy lots to remain habitats for vermin.

Rather than insisting on total control, Council members should offer insight and assistance to residents and developers who have a good grasp of what they want to do with the land.