ELR Citation: ELR 20093
No(s). 73-1444 (E.D. Pa. Jul 31, 1974)

The court enjoins the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority from terminating leases in furtherance of an urban renewal project until a NEPA impact statement has been prepared. The defendants are permitted to demolish certain dilapidated buildings in connection with the same project even though the EIS is not yet completed, since in their present condition, the buildings present an unjustified threat to the public welfare. Absent such an imminent threat to the public safety or welfare from governmental inaction, however, no action that will significantly affect the environment should be taken prior to the completion of an environmental impact statement.

Counsel for Plaintiffs
Robert J. Sugarman
3 Penn Center Plaza
15th & Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Counsel for Defendants
Walter S. Batty
U.S. Attorney's Office
U.S. Courthouse
9th & Chestnut Street
Phildelphia, PA 19107

G. David Rosenblum Asst. Dist. Attorney
1317 Filbert Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107