Opinion Eyes on the Street

Central Delaware zoning overlay | 40th and Pine update | Campbell Square’s tree sculpture | Post is hiring

PlanPhilly staff

October 25, 2012

(Blaze | Rob Lybeck, Eyes on the Street Flickr group)

Good morning, Streeters. It’s feeling more fall-ish today, and the city is looking more autumnal too. We’re seeing more fall color, leaves on the ground, and Halloween decorations. Share your fall pix with our Flickr group – and don’t forget that tomorrow is Philly Photo Day! Snap away.

The zoning overlay for the Central Delaware Waterfront should be introduced in mid-November, reports PlanPhilly’s Kellie Patrick Gates. Councilman Mark Squilla is holding discussions among developers, the Planning Commission and waterfront advocates, hoping to reach agreement on sticking points like a bonus system for height exceptions and the extension of key streets to the water.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment continued its hearing about Penn’s requested zoning variances that would allow the construction of a five story housing development at 40th and Pine, reports PlanPhilly’s Jared Brey. Neighboring property owners continue to fight the development at ZBA, and have appealed the Historical Commission’s finding of hardship at the L&I Review Board.

Artist Roger Wing is putting the finishing touches on a totem-esque creation in Port Richmond’s Campbell Square, reports the Daily News. Wing created the piece out of a dying London Plane tree, thanks to a $5000 grant from the Department of Parks and Recreation to the Friends of Campbell Square. The tree sculpture will be formally unveiled on Saturday at 11:30am.

Post Brothers is holding a job fair at the Atlantic Building on Friday morning, seeking 35 new employees to work on the company’s ever-growing roster of developments, the Inquirer reports. As for the redevelopment of the Atlantic, there’s no word if the truce with protesting unions that settled over their Goldtex site will continue. Matthew Pestronk, one of the brothers behind Post, dropped this gem: “We’re doing more for the economic development of this city than anyone else – with no government help,” he said. “We don’t want to be associated in the public with this low-level labor fracas.”

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