Philadelphia 2035 (Clark: to rent, port authority, promenade)

[kidphilly]

Originally Posted by Pine to Vine

Agree. Blatstein is just floating a proposal. If lots of retailers reach out to him, it's on. If not, he'll need to sit on it. Honestly, a large grocery store like Wegmans would seem a more natural fit for that neighborhood as opposed to trendy boutiques and restaurants. Broad south of South Street is not quite ripe, IMO. Retail spots reman empty at Dranoff's 777 and at least one restaurant, Chinamoto, folded at 777 even though the food was quite good. If a big box would sign on with Blattstein, that might help spur this project. But it's hard to imagine folks wanting to live in a posh highrise sitting on top of a Home Depot.

I'd be quite pleased to be proven wrong, but I think all the the energy will continue to be concentrated in developing CC east of Broad, particularly on Market and Chestnut. Once that's maxed out, then corners like S Broad and Washington will become very attractive.

I will agree to disagree this is ripe now; maybe moreso than some others

I think the price point and amenities could go easy plus spur new development in an area that could develop and prosper quickly

I have been in this hood for nearly two years now - the time is now

this wont be boutiques

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Duderino

I think it's important to note that Philadelphia is also seeing more investment now than it has been in decades. Of course, that doesn't mean it can simply turn down just any development, but it should also be strategic about how it approaches revitalization.

If you look at model cities for Philadelphia, I can guarantee you that none of them have a downtown slots barn. Progress can be frustratingly slow, but I am a strong believer in "slow and steady" wins the race. The careful decision-making that the city is making today (despite the criticisms against city government) will definitely pay-off in the long run.

I don't disagree with anything you're saying. However I'm getting on in years and it might be nice to actually see something of value on that corner before I'm dead.

[Pine to Vine]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

I will agree to disagree this is ripe now; maybe moreso than some others

I think the price point and amenities could go easy plus spur new development in an area that could develop and prosper quickly

I have been in this hood for nearly two years now - the time is now

this wont be boutiques

As a long time Philadelphian and neighborhood resident, I do accept that you have a greater inside view of this proposal. I also note that residential development is bearing down on both corners of S Broad and Washington, so we'll see. I just hope it doesn't turn into another "W Hotel." Personally, I'd like to see one of these corners developed as a park.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Pine to Vine

As a long time Philadelphian and neighborhood resident, I do accept that you have a greater inside view of this proposal. I also note that residential development is bearing down on both corners of S Broad and Washington, so we'll see. I just hope it doesn't turn into another "W Hotel." Personally, I'd like to see one of these corners developed as a park.

The NW corner has an interesting history. I'll re-check it. But I'm pretty sure there was a train depot there used by Union soldiers, during the Civil War, sending soldiers south. They marched, or rode, west, along Washington Ave., after they were ferried across the Delaware River from NJ. There were refreshments stands at the foot of Washington Ave. where it intersects with Delaware Ave/Columbus Blvd today.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kyb01

The NW corner has an interesting history. I'll re-check it. But I'm pretty sure there was a train depot there used by Union soldiers, during the Civil War, sending soldiers south. They marched, or rode, west, along Washington Ave., after they were ferried across the Delaware River from NJ. There were refreshments stands at the foot of Washington Ave. where it intersects with Delaware Ave/Columbus Blvd today.

I wonder where the few who went to the western theater left from. The Anderson cavalry brigade was from Philadelphia but served in the western theater with a handful of regiments from western PA.

Maybe they could erect a historical marker there.

[Duderino]

As education has been such a hot-button issue for Philadelphia lately, here is a good and much-needed positive article on community-driven city schools. It would be wonderful for this trend to become more widespread to hold city schools more accountable. This is a key takeaway:

"To the Philadelphia School District, parents like Wyatt and Olesh are a godsend: The more higher income taxpayers stay in the city and work to improve schools, the more other parents will decide to stay and do the same."

Beers, bars and babies: The next generation of Philly school parents gets serious

[kidphilly]

PATCO, SEPTA come close to a fare-sharing agreement

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by kidphilly

PATCO, SEPTA come close to a fare-sharing agreement

That could be interesting. PATCO fare rates are tied to bridge tolls.

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by kyb01

Philly can't get another license.

It didn't need this one, either, but the state law that permitted casinos said this city had to have two (thanks, Mayor/Gov. Rendell), so two we will have.

One may close, IMO, in a few years' time.

I actually liked the Provence proposal, as the way the physical space was configured, it seemed to me the casino was an afterthought - Blatstein was going for the street-level mix first and stuck the casino in to make the numbers work. (The Market8 team reworked its design to make it more like the Provence after Blatstein released the details on his.)

I disagree on the relative merits of South Philly vs. Center City, as I explain in an essay I wrote on Newsworks.org Thursday, but ultimately, I agree with those who said the best location for this casino was nowhere:

South Philly location will be least of new casino's problems - Newsworks

[gwillyfromphilly]

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

It didn't need this one, either, but the state law that permitted casinos said this city had to have two (thanks, Mayor/Gov. Rendell), so two we will have.

One may close, IMO, in a few years' time.

I actually liked the Provence proposal, as the way the physical space was configured, it seemed to me the casino was an afterthought - Blatstein was going for the street-level mix first and stuck the casino in to make the numbers work. (The Market8 team reworked its design to make it more like the Provence after Blatstein released the details on his.)

I disagree on the relative merits of South Philly vs. Center City, as I explain in an essay I wrote on Newsworks.org Thursday, but ultimately, I agree with those who said the best location for this casino was nowhere:

South Philly location will be least of new casino's problems - Newsworks

I don't think it's all that bad. Remember that a few casinos did close in Atlantic City, so technically that is less casinos to compete against in the region. I will say that this new casino will hurt Atlantic city more than Philadelphia itself.