What You Need To Know: Developments Along the Delaware River

What You Need To Know will be a semi-recurring feature that gives you a quick look at some of the important happenings in the area -- a quick-hitting guide on a subject with links for further reading.

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There has been a lot of action along the southern section of the Delaware River recently. Here are five story lines to keep an eye on with links for further reading.

1) There are two upcoming neighborhood meetings regarding the planning of Pier 68, even after the news that the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation might have to delay its opening in order to figure out how to best deal with the dilapidated pier's edge, which could crunch the budget for the amenities in the rest of the park.

The first meeting was an amazing opportunity to interact with the designers and planners of the pier park. I would highly recommend you make it to one of these (if not both).

MEETING DATES:

WHEN:                  Thursday, April 17, 7-8PM

WHERE:                Mekong River Restaurant (1120 S. Front St)

WHEN:                  Wednesday, April 23, 7-8PM

WHERE:                Settlement Music School (416 Queen St)

2) AAA is still trying to make waterfront auto-repair a thing and will pitch their plans for the site at 1601 South Columbus Boulevard to the Philadelphia City Planning Commission Tuesday, April 15th. Given that it's at the mouth of the future Tasker Street Connector and calls for "many garage doors" to face that Connector, you might want to keep a close eye on this story.

3) Bart Blatstein bought the former Foxwood's site (back) that is bounded by Reed and Tasker Sts., the River to Columbus Blvd. Some notes: although Blatstein doesn't have plans for the site as of yet, the site won't be a casino. He is also giving 100 feet of land at the rear of the property to the Natural Lands Trust to continue the riverfront trail. Blatstein is known as a guy who gets things done, so look for plans for this to come together quickly -- hopefully that means plans for his "other" riverfront property will as well. 

Crews were seen clearing the site this week.

The Delaware River Trail in the center with the new Blatstein property (former Foxwood's site) on the left

4) Eric Blumenfeld looks to develop the 20-acre Sheet Metal Workers site in to an "entire city" along the Delaware River. Here's a quote from Blumenfeld, who once had this vision for the Divine Lorraine:

"Based on the new zoning, it should turn into an entire city," with 1,000 or more apartments, stores, "waterside dining," and maybe offices on 600,000 sq. ft. between Columbus Ave. and the Delaware, says Blumenfeld. The Delaware River Waterfront Develoment Corp. has a plan to build a trail through the property that would "mimic what exists on the Schuylkill."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Blumenfeld-plans-apartments-store-restaurant-for-riverfront-site.html#qSPEsLA3D8gtdoKZ.99

"Based on the new zoning, it should turn into an entire city," with 1,000 or more apartments, stores, "waterside dining," and maybe offices on 600,000 sq. ft. between Columbus Ave. and the Delaware, says Blumenfeld. The Delaware River Waterfront Develoment Corp. has a plan to build a trail through the property that would "mimic what exists on the Schuylkill."

5) Washington Avenue Green will be holding an event for the opening of Love Your Park Week on May 10th from 11am to 1pm. The event will be a great way to get outside and enjoy some time with your family along the river. For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

"Based on the new zoning, it should turn into an entire city," with 1,000 or more apartments, stores, "waterside dining," and maybe offices on 600,000 sq. ft. between Columbus Ave. and the Delaware, says Blumenfeld. The Delaware River Waterfront Develoment Corp. has a plan to build a trail through the property that would "mimic what exists on the Schuylkill."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Blumenfeld-plans-apartments-store-restaurant-for-riverfront-site.html#qSPEsLA3D8gtdoKZ.99

"Based on the new zoning, it should turn into an entire city," with 1,000 or more apartments, stores, "waterside dining," and maybe offices on 600,000 sq. ft. between Columbus Ave. and the Delaware, says Blumenfeld. The Delaware River Waterfront Develoment Corp. has a plan to build a trail through the property that would "mimic what exists on the Schuylkill."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Blumenfeld-plans-apartments-store-restaurant-for-riverfront-site.html#qSPEsLA3D8gtdoKZ.99