Katz fears Navy Yard development could create Center City competition

Reactions were mostly positive last week when Urban Outfitters and Glaxo Smith Kilne announced expansions and moves to the South Philadelphia Navy Yard. But Sam Katz says the “jobs week” announcements could have the opposite effect on the Center City economy.

 

On Philly Post, the former mayoral candidate writes about how tough it is already to draw major corporations to Center City without huge incentives like the $40 million in state capital for Comcast.

The Navy Yard, he said, should be reserved for startups and life sciences businesses so as not to create competition with the city’s main business district. Katz explores the trickle-down effect Center City restaurants and shops might feel from fleeing 9 to 5-ers.

Could just be a big fuss over 2,300 jobs.  But is this a larger issue to worry about? Feed the Feed.