this was proposed in philadelphia recently by unpopular city councilman frank dicicco along with diane lucidi who represents the greater philadelphia association of realtors. it failed. i interviewed her once and it was very interesting; she suggested bulldozing all of north philadelphia, regardless of residents. i found it difficult to take her very seriously after that. she also went to g-town law, which makes me wary of g-town lawyers.
but more to the point: if cities were to use this tax would it counteract the ten year tax abatements that have already been renewed for all downtown hotels? or that the city of philadelphia is presently running the ritz carlton on s. broad st.? also: would this affect the current vacancies in hi-rise office space? philadelphia may soon have empty skyscrapers to commiserate with the abandoned factories.
oh, and philly's not necessarily more fun when you sleep over. i sleep over in philadelphia every night! (ignore this if you haven't seen the ad campaign. it's really only popular in s. jersey.) jt. r
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