This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
by Tom MacDonald for NewsWorks
A deal has been struck between the mayor and City Council to provide $50 million to Philadelphia schools.
The compromise has Mayor Nutter signing Council’s bill that makes $50 million available to the School District. At the same time, the District will aggressively market vacant school properties with help from the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation to make sure that money won’t have to be used.
Nutter says all available properties will be marketed on the Internet beginning next week.
"I think if we have a strong response — all these expressions of interest, all the various entities have stepped up. I think the real issue is up on the site. Get your expressions of interest in … check it all out, put your money on the table. Let’s rock and roll," said an exuberant Nutter.
Council President Darrell Clarke says he feels confident that the properties will sell quickly.