NNA is out to ensure that the improvements made to the area are sustainable and promote the long term growth of the area. This means making sure work that is done on houses (improvements or otherwise) is done with permits (preventing shoddy, dangerous work) and to make sure that neighbors are informed and protected from potential construction hazards. NNA rarely opposes any development when of the proper avenues for acquiring or improving a property are taken (which includes public meetings in cases where zoning variances are required). If developers weren't so cheap, lazy and greedy, and instead were more interested in doing good quality work, there wouldn't be any need for these kinds of posts.
The only people interested in preventing improvements in the area can be found here: http://allforthetaking.org/save-point-breeze-campaign-fighting-gentrification-south-philly

Sam thank you for your concern and maturity. For the record, my posts here are as an individual, not as any organization. Secondly, as a resident I am concerned about my neighborhood. A few years ago my elderly neighbor had to be evacuated from her home for several months after unpermitted construction next door compromised the structural integrity of her home. While I welcome development, I only wish to see work that is done both well and legally.

I agree with Mo and Bex — I've seen too many contractors do cruddy jobs EVEN WITH permits. I can only imagine what kinds of corners they cut when they're rushing through a job so they don't get caught by L&I.