NewMarket, Fox Chase projects advance in Philly
Two developments that promise profound changes to neighborhoods on opposite sides of the city moved forward in City Council yesterday.
Two developments that promise profound changes to neighborhoods on opposite sides of the city moved forward in City Council yesterday.
Council gave final approval to a lease with Fairmount Park that will allow Fox Chase Cancer Center to begin an $800 million expansion. And Council got a first look at a proposal to build a 15-story condominium tower and six-story hotel on the NewMarket site in Society Hill.
Both projects, however, remain controversial and could still be derailed.
The Fox Chase project will eat up 19 acres of neighboring Burholme Park's 69 acres, a prospect that still faces a challenge in Orphans Court.
Opponents of the expansion argue that the will of Robert Waln Ryerss, whose 1895 bequest of property made Burholme Park possible, would be violated by surrendering parkland.
Supporters counter that most of the land Fox Chase would take over is now used as a driving range.
But after yesterday's 15-0 vote, the battle in Council is over. Majority Leader Marian Tasco and Councilman Bill Green abstained because of conflicts.
In Society Hill, the Council debate is just beginning.
The Stamper Square proposal includes a five-star, 150-room Starwood hotel and 77 luxury condominiums with a walk-through plaza on 1.5 acres between Front Street and Headhouse Square. The project, and the adjoining Stamper Street, is named after John Stamper, the city's mayor in 1759.
The complex would replace the former open-air shopping village called NewMarket Center behind the Dark Horse tavern on Headhouse Square that was once targeted by music and film star Will Smith for a W Hotel. It is now referred to by neighbors simply as a hole in the ground.
"This is the best thing that could happen to Society Hill," said Marc Stein, whose Bridgeman Development in Jenkintown has proposed the $170 million project.
Supporters believe "this kind of anchor would encourage further development that is more in keeping with the demographic of Society Hill and Queen Village," said Richard de Wyngaert, president of the Society Hill Civic Association.
But its 15 stories would dwarf the immediate neighborhood, and the Society Hill Civic Association board remains split down the middle on the project.
Association member Richard Lush said the group's zoning and historic preservation committee had rejected the project. He noted that current zoning sets a 60-feet height limit, or six stories.
The project's 15 stories, he said, could begin "the tearing away of zoning in our neighborhoods."
Although Stamper Square's 169-foot towers would be situated on Front Street and the structure closer to Headhouse Square would not exceed six stories, it's unacceptable to some.
"The developer is trying to put 10 pounds of sugar in a five-pound sack," civic association member Paul Boni said.
De Wyngaert said the civic association remained "in dialogue" with the developer.
Councilman Frank DiCicco, whose First District includes the project area, said he introduced the zoning legislation to break the stalemate.
"Because the association is split down the middle, let's have hearings and get it on the record," said DiCicco, whose approval is critical. "That hole in the ground's been there forever. I want to hear from the community on both sides, and if I have to make a decision, I'll make it."
