PHILADELPHIA | Highrise Development Thread IX - Page 272

Mappy · #**5421** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 2:09 PM**

I very much agree with the apprehensive viewpoint about Philly banking on a fossil fuel production future. "Clean coal" and tar sands energy production is like smoking the resin ball of the fossil fuel economy. It’s the desperate throes of a dying industry (30-70 years off) that will only continue to make environmental and human health issue worse in the process, and Philly could be part of the global energy future, rather than the past....

On the other hand... 1) This production will take place somewhere, and the jobs will go somewhere, regardless of whether Philly is involved. And many of the social/economic problems within the city are most readily addressed with jobs for the low skilled, unemployed, poor (i.e budgets, schools, blight, hunger.) 2) It’s not a one or the other scenario. If pipelines and refineries go up it does not mean that tech companies will not continue coming as well. A diverse economy (and therefore stable) means more industry like this as well tech, service, eds/meds, etc. 3) Hopefully (perhaps im being naïve) the new PA Governor will oversee better regulation of new developments like this (environmental hazards as well as community stewardship), and hedge against damage when it arrives, and inevitably leaves.

On a different note…. Why have we not had any discussion anywhere (State or National) about finally raising the gas tax now that gas prices have plummeted? Seems like an obvious solution to come back to so that we could get infrastructure back to respectable conditions.

Larry King · #**5422** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 2:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBane

Hmmm...this commission has the ability to kill a project? If so, where were these guys when the Courthouse was proposed? Or the new American Revolution Museum. The Kimmel Center? Symphony House? I'm not saying I disagree with the findings but there's a lot worse projects that have been approved. Where was this commission then?

By the way, can anyone name all the 27 zillion different commissions and review boards out there that developers must present to? Seems like there could be a better way, more efficient way to do so. In my little fantasy world, I'd envision ONE commission with an architect to evaluate the merit of the design; an urban planner to evaluate the way in which the projects fits into its surroundings; an economist to evaluate the economic impact; a lawyer to speak to zoning laws, etc.; a neighborhood representative to advocate the neighborhood's desires; a transportation expert to focus on parking, traffic, and the estimated usage of transit, bikes, walking, etc.; and if necessary a historic preservation expert. And that's it. No city council, no uneducated NIMBYs, and no 20 million hoops to jump through. A man can dream...

None of them have any teeth except for the ZBA

josef · #**5423** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 2:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mappy

On a different note…. Why have we not had any discussion anywhere (State or National) about finally raising the gas tax now that gas prices have plummeted? Seems like an obvious solution to come back to so that we could get infrastructure back to respectable conditions.

New Jersey's talking about it right now actually. The Transportation Trust Fund was basically allowed to run empty, and now everyone's all, "oh — we should do that thing we should've done years ago."

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/201...t-word_is_unavoidable_lawmaker_says.html

(And you can use http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp to contact your state legislatures in support!)

blorkishdork · #**5424** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 2:57 PM**

Also, PA has increased the gas tax (or at least it was signed into law, not sure if the tax increase went into effect yet). It is to be used to pay for all of the infrastructure improvements that needed to have been done in the past 20 years.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Pa_gas_tax_to_rise_Jan_1_again_in_2015_and_17_.html

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/11/corbett_signs_23_billion_pa_tr.html

PhillySteaks · #**5425** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 3:11 PM**

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat....

http://philly.curbed.com/archives/2014/1...-getting-a-new-downtown-rail-station.php

Boku · #**5426** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 3:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillySteaks

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat....

http://philly.curbed.com/archives/2014/1...-getting-a-new-downtown-rail-station.php

I read about that yesterday. It's a nice thought, but the national attitude toward infrastructure and public transportation spending means this probably has a less than zero chance of ever happening.

Londonee · #**5427** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 3:49 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillySteaks

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat....

http://philly.curbed.com/archives/2014/1...-getting-a-new-downtown-rail-station.php

We will all be old men when/if this project ever happens. 5 more years for proposals, 5 years for planning and impact studies, 5 years to find the money, 20 years to build.

And, based on Acela pricing, they'll probably charge $250 for a one way ticket.

josef · #**5428** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 4:03 PM**

Their plan is cool and all, but in the immediate term, they have to figure out how to replace the 100-year old Portal Bridge in North Jersey, the biggest bottleneck for both Amtrak and NJ Transit, as well as how to replace the trans-Hudson tunnels into NY that are also nearing the end of their lifespan (and which got very badly damaged by Sandy). Not that any of this bothers our sitting governor, who canceled a project to address at least some of this and moved its money over to redo the Pulaski Skyway. Sometimes it's hard not to feel like we're just doomed.

ILovePhilly · #**5429** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 4:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

We will all be old men when/if this project ever happens. 5 more years for proposals, 5 years for planning and impact studies, 5 years to find the money, 20 years to build.

And, based on Acela pricing, they'll probably charge $250 for a one way ticket.

Some of us will be old women. I do appreciate when people remember that not everybody on this forum is a male.

There are several rail alternatives being considered for Philadelphia in the high-speed rail plan, the tunnel is one of them. If you want to learn more the Philadelphia public meeting will be November 19th from 4 to 7 pm at SEPTA Headquarters at 1234 Market Street.

Outta here · #**5430** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 4:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

We will all be old men when/if this project ever happens. 5 more years for proposals, 5 years for planning and impact studies, 5 years to find the money, 20 years to build.

And, based on Acela pricing, they'll probably charge $250 for a one way ticket.

Hmmmm ...... that's a total of 35 years . I guess my first ticket at the new station will be straight to hell .

iheartphilly · #**5431** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 4:53 PM**

We are the laughing stock of developed Nations, let alone one with a 17 trillion dollars GDP, and we don't have REAL high speed rail.

Why is it that Europe and Asia continue to develop and expand while we just continue to talk about it?

summersm343 · #**5432** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 4:54 PM**

Slightly new rendering for 15th & Walnut retail development

http://www.ocfrealty.com/naked-philly/rittenhouse/a-new-rendering-for-15th-walnut

summersm343 · #**5433** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 5:00 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by McBane

Hmmm...this commission has the ability to kill a project? If so, where were these guys when the Courthouse was proposed? Or the new American Revolution Museum. The Kimmel Center? Symphony House? I'm not saying I disagree with the findings but there's a lot worse projects that have been approved. Where was this commission then?

By the way, can anyone name all the 27 zillion different commissions and review boards out there that developers must present to? Seems like there could be a better way, more efficient way to do so. .

Well let's see.

There are:

-Neighborhood Groups/Committees (LSNA, CCRA, NLNA, SOSNA, etc.) which most developers go to for community input

-CDR (Civic Design Review Board) which developers of a certain sized development are required to go to for design input

-ZBA (Zoning Board of Adjustments) which developers have to go to when they are seeking a variance for their project. However, some developers attempt to bypass this by going directly to a member of City Council who will submit a bill for zoning change.

-Planning Commission - which all developers have to go to for final approval of their project.

-Historical Commission - developers required to meet with this group if your property is historically designated, or if your project falls within a historically designated zone.

-Art Commission - developers required to meet with this group if your project is near, or will affect any art or art gallery/installation, or if your project will include an art installation.

ILovePhilly · #**5434** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 5:06 PM**

From Philly.com
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20...winner__gaming_board_to_set_meeting.html

Today they are expected to announce the date when they will announce the winner of the license. However, rumors are that the winner will be Philly Live!

"Several observers close to the process said they believe that the license will be awarded to Live! Philadelphia, a joint venture of Cordish Cos. and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment Inc., which already owns Parx Casino in Bensalem.

Their casino would be built at the corner of Packer Avenue and Darien Street in South Philadelphia."

In my mind if they insisted on awarding a casino license at all this is the BEST possible outcome.

PhillySteaks · #**5435** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 5:08 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Londonee

We will all be old men when/if this project ever happens. 5 more years for proposals, 5 years for planning and impact studies, 5 years to find the money, 20 years to build.

And, based on Acela pricing, they'll probably charge $250 for a one way ticket.

Sure am getting a strong feeling of "But how can we support TWO water ice stands?!?!!?" from this thread.

PhillySteaks · #**5436** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 5:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILovePhilly

From Philly.com
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20...winner__gaming_board_to_set_meeting.html

Today they are expected to announce the date when they will announce the winner of the license. However, rumors are that the winner will be Philly Live!

"Several observers close to the process said they believe that the license will be awarded to Live! Philadelphia, a joint venture of Cordish Cos. and Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment Inc., which already owns Parx Casino in Bensalem.

Their casino would be built at the corner of Packer Avenue and Darien Street in South Philadelphia."

In my mind if they insisted on awarding a casino license at all this is the BEST possible outcome.

I agree. The last thing we need is another one of Blatstein's — shacks on the horizon. Anyone here ever been in the Edge? That place was sooooo — they couldn't get students to rent apartments there after 2 years. The place just completely fell to —. Temple took it over and turned it into dorms. The walls were made of tissue paper and the wracks for your food and paper products were directly above the gas stove burners. BRILLIANT design and quality. Keep that — casino atmosphere out of CC.

VikingDutchman · #**5437** Posted **Nov 7, 2014, 5:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by iheartphilly

We are the laughing stock of developed Nations, let alone one with a 17 trillion dollars GDP, and we don't have REAL high speed rail.

Why is it that Europe and Asia continue to develop and expand while we just continue to talk about it?

Exactly. It's a damn disgrace. Countries that are LESS wealthy than us can build projects MORE impressive than ours in less time with less money. It's absurd, its a national crisis.

It's really important to remember that. When we hear that Infrastructure Project X will take a floppity jillion dollars and take 40 years, remember that the cost and timescale are NOT a project of the fundamental engineering, but of the absurdly broken way we handle these projects in this country.

And no, it's not all the fault of unions and high labor costs. Plenty of European countries that have similar or even higher relative labor costs and union issues also manage to build things faster and cheaper than the US.