Dougherty Steps Down As Phila. Redevelopment Chair

by KYW's Mike Dunn

A week after losing a bid for the Pennsylvania Senate, labor leader John Dougherty has resigned his position as chairman of Philadelphia's Redevelopment Authority.

Dougherty (file photo above), once an ally of former Mayor John Street, was appointed to the influential position at the RDA by Street in 2000. With Michael Nutter becoming mayor, Dougherty's departure was not unexpected.

In his letter of resignation to Nutter, Dougherty said he had accomplished all the goals he set for himself in eight years at the RDA.

The agency oversees the acquisition and demolition of old properties for new development, most recently for the expansion of the Convention Center.

Dougherty, business manager of the local electrician's union, last week lost a three-way battle for the Democratic nomination for state Senate. 

Dougherty did not return our calls seeking comment.