Proposed development near Philly’s Betsy Ross House back to drawing board

A proposed “mixed use” project near the Betsy Ross House in Old City Philadelphia has been sent back to the drawing board.   It hit a roadblock with the Historical Commission. 

Neighbors complained about everything from wrong color brick to ugly windows.  Janet Kalter says nine story project in the 200 block of Arch Street doesn’t fit the neighborhood.

“The original height was four times the height of what Old City allows, now we’re down to two times the height of what Old City allows,” she said.

Jonathan Staven of PMC Property Group says he’s willing to discuss changes, especially with those involved in a 2009 civil suit about plans for the property.

“We are committed to meet with all the prior appellants in the litigation in the next couple of weeks to listen to their concerns to review the project and make adjustments that we can mutually agree are appropriate for the project,” he said.

Staven says he’ll come back to the Historical Commission with new drawings soon.