West Philly artist won’t lose studio as city drops eminent domain proposal for supermarket
“Artist James Dupree has won the fight of his life.
Since late 2012, he’s been fighting to keep his studio and 9,000-square-foot property at 3617 Haverford St. — which is colorfully painted on the façade and chock full of artwork inside. Philadelphia City Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority had envisioned a supermarket complex and parking lot in its place — and earmarked it and dozens of other buildings for demolition through a city condemnation order under the power of eminent domain.
But Brian Abernathy, executive director of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority said the organization has elected not to pursue the condemnation process further.
“Unfortunately, the legal costs associated with Mr. Dupree’s appeals make it impossible to continue,” Abernathy said in a statement. “Despite all the work to date, PRA will end condemnation proceedings enabling Mr. Dupree to keep his studio. While we have explored the potential of building around Mr. Dupree’s property, a viable project under these conditions is not possible. In short, the inability to acquire Mr. Dupree’s property puts the prospect of bringing fresh food to this community at serious risk.””
Shelly, Jared. Philladephia Business Journal 11 December 2014.