Neighbors file appeal to further delay Blatstein’s Broad and Washington development
Bart Blatstein‘s plans for developing the large, vacant lot at Broad and Washington could now become even further delayed.
Two neighborhood residents, Louise Hanible and Gwendolyn Toler, have filed for an appeal in opposition of the developer’s plans for a 32-story building with apartments, retail and a rooftop village.
At previous Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition meetings, residents have spoken in opposition of the large project. While many believe that the development is not what the area needs, Blatstein has repeatedly stated that, “this is the best way to build.” In May, the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the plans for the site.
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The appeal notices, filed June 14, seek to reverse the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s May approvals for the project, which would include a 32-story tower and an outdoor shopping mall atop a city-block-sized podium of bigger stores and parking.
The notices did not spell out Hanible’s and Toler’s grounds for appealing the zoning approvals. Neither answered calls seeking comment.
In addition to this appeal, Blatstein has been in court to maintain rights to develop the property. Hudson Realty Capital L.L.C. of New York. claims that because Blatstein failed to complete the $18 million purchase by the previously agreed upon date of March 15, he no longer has control of the property.
For Blatstein, what it could happen were he to lose control of the property by the owner of the property because of not being able to close on the sale by the agreed upon date would be a lawsuit filed against the City for delaying approval of the property past the date of sale closure. Thus, the city would have to settle the lawsuit by offering alternate sites for Blatstein to construct his project and to offer the owner of the site a clearer zoning designation on what can be built and what cannot be built so that the owner can vet prospective developers on their willingness accept those conditions before closing on the sale. The new owner can pursue zoning approval on any proposed variances needed or go for a built by right zoning.
Foolish!!! You can’t stop progress!!!! Get over it ladies. It’s better than the hideous vacant plot of ground….
True. EVERYTHING is better than empty lot. We need good supermarket, many retailer stores, cafes, restaurants, parks etc. Please let man to build it. Who is the people who is stopping this. All Washington avenue should change. How zoning approved building a storage in front of luxury homes at 25th and Washington? Shame!!!!!!
Phila is a city not a town if you don’t like tall buildings take your ass to Jersey we lost a lot of chances to have great things,this is the reason why other cities surpassing us because of your crazy ass
TRUE!!!!