Philadelphia Begins Replacing Homes Lost in MOVE Fight

PHILADELPHIA — Ground was broken Monday for the construction of new homes to replace the ones destroyed by fire May 13 during police efforts to evict members of the radical group MOVE.

“This occasion is one where all of us are committed to rebuilding those houses destroyed two months ago,” Mayor W. Wilson Goode said at a brief ceremony. “This process has not been an easy one, but we are committed to take the time to make sure we complete the process.”

Fifty-three homes were destroyed and eight were heavily damaged in the fire, which started after police officers dropped an explosive device atop the fortified MOVE headquarters. Officials have said that 11 MOVE members died in the incident.