Property owner organizes protest of eminent domain

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Property owner organizes protest of eminent domain

POSTED: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 3:00 PM
The proposed affordable housing development, Tajdeed, would be designed by Onion Flats and built by Arab American Development Corporation and Conifer Realty with public and private funds.

Last week, we wrote about property owners in Olde Kensington whose land is being taken by the city via eminent domain to clear the way for an affordable housing development (rendering above) to be backed by a $1.8 million investment from the city. (The project, being spearheaded by the Arab American Development Corporation and Conifer Realty, would be across the street from Al-Aqsa mosque, whose logo also appeared on the renderings.)

People who think eminent domain should be reserved for things like highway and airport expansions, not housing developments, have been up in arms about this. Mel Athanasiadis, a local pizza shop owner who is losing seven properties under this taking, is hoping they'll join him for a protest this Saturday at 2 p.m., outside his property at 1529 Cadwallader St.

As far as protest photo ops go, the backdrop he's selected — pictured below — may not help his cause much, given that advocates for the plan are calling this area blighted and badly in need of an injection of fresh capital. Proponents of the move point out that the business renting the property, Northern Liberties Auto Repair, will get relocation assistance.

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