Morning Headlines: Feibush Announces Run for City Council

It’s happening. Developer Ori Feibush, owner of OCF Realty, is starting his funding campaign for the 2nd District primary in 2015. Philly mag’s Simon Van Zuylen-Wood, who first predicted this in June, writes:

The announcement was short of specifics but an obvious theme emerged: His antipathy towards incumbent Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, whom he’s never been shy about criticizing.

Indeed, Feibush writes, “Can you imagine the good that could come to our communities if their Councilman was truly a willing and active partner?” Zing.

In his announcement, Feibush notes particular credentials:

Between OCF Realty, our three coffee shops, and our partners and investors, we have made a conscious effort over the years to improve the communities we all live and work in. We’ve helped breath new life into the South Street West and Point Breeze Avenue commercial corridors by leasing space to new businesses, opening businesses ourselves, and helping existing businesses in various capacities. We’ve installed dozens of security cameras and cleaned up many vacant lots. We have contributed to local schools and charities, and recently formed a not-for profit to help neighbors and businesses. We’ve done all of this through challenging economic and political times here in Philadelphia.

For the full text of the announcement, go here.

As for other news…

• Naked Philly reports that Interface Architects will design four new homes in Northern Liberties

• Preservation fight for that embattled Italiante at 40th and Pine will go to Common Pleas Court, says PlanPhilly

• Also from PlanPhilly: Bad news for Brook Lenfest and his case for financing of the W Hotel: A look at 10 TIF districts finds the property tax revenues are lower than projected.

• Liberty Property Trust, which is trying to divest itself of its office business in South Jersey, broke ground on “a speculative warehouse building” in Gloucester County as part of its focus on industrial. Natalie Kostelni has more.

• Foobooz informs us that two veteran Standard Tap bartenders are opening their own restaurant and bar in Harleysville on Nov. 20th.