What a hysterical idea.

While I agree the NIMBYs in Philly are a bit out of control at times I think you are overstating your point a bit about other cities. NYC defintely sees its fair share of NIMBYism, for example just look at some of the Mayoral candidates lining up to oppose the West Side Stadium project.

But it is onyl in this town that NIMBYism FAR outweights reality. NYC *is* getting developments up the @ss and, while I don't agree with NIMBYism, I can see why some people there might want to slow things down a little.

Philadelphia, on the other hand, has seem next to nothing since the early 90's. That incldues the so-called and VERY mis-named "boom" of recent years that ahs so far produced only ONE finished "skyscraper" (the St. James). Yet, despite that, people are railing and raving mad about "all the development" and how we're "selling our souls".

What's more is that NIMBYism here is based in some VERY conservative provincial beleifs such as the belief that buildings should not be taller than 25 floors (oft expressed in Philadelphia), how density will cause there to be "too many people" (and, yet, alot of these same people go to Manhattan on the weekends beacuse they like the "energy" of the place), and how it'll take away from the colonial character of the city (as if this city really has much of a colonial character). That's all fine and good if Philadelphia is to be a northern Charleston. I don't see, however, how you can run a major city and yet have it bend over backwards jsut to appease some very vocal Luddites. I mean we're talking about a city where people even oppose 5-story row houses as being "too tall"! What is this? Colonial Williamsburg????

My only point was that some of the arguments made it sound like there was no NIMBYism opposition to development in any other city and that is incorrect.

I wasn't making any point about Philadelphia.

Considering I live less than 1 block from the proposed tower site on Front street, I really feel like I should chime in. First, I'm a 31 yr old lifelong resident of Philly. I also work for a real estate developer. I can see this issue from both sides.

Personally, I oppose it simply because it is completely out of place in the neighborhood. Society Hill consists of hundreds of historic homes, many of which are over 200 yrs old. To throw up a 40 story building butted up against 3 story brick homes that have been there for 200+ years is a travesty. The argument using Society Hill towers is irrelevant because they are set on a massive plot of land surrounded by NOTHING on 3 sides. How would you feel if someone wanted to put up a 40 story high rise next door to your 200yr old historic home? You'd fight it too. This high rise is not going to improve the area either aesthetically or in value.

From a developers viewpoint, I understand the numbers. They paid a fortune for that lot and need to build UP to make it profitable. However, it is not my problem that they overpaid for a property that could not be made profitable without a massive development project requiring a fight against the zoning board.

Ideally, this site should be developed as 20-30 townhouses....of course the $10million price tag doesn't make that economically feasible. Why do you think no one else has managed to develop this land? If I am not mistaken, the previous developers had been able to get approval for an 8 story building....I think they wanted 15.

I understand the townhome arguement, but I thought the proposal would have actually been a smaller footprint then the proposed W (at 11 stories) and incorporated greenspace and performing arts school as well so it wouldnt be right up next to the existing homes?? Also, dont new townhomes = new white garage doors??

I would agree - new townhomes would likely be lame in my estimation. Midrise development would be far preferable.

Tim - you are the M&G guy? I started a new thread about 13th & Buttonwood and asked you a question. Can you go over there and take a look?

Thanks, BC

I like the energy of Manhattan and like to visit, doesn't mean I want to live there. I like the peace & quiet of Yosemite National Park and like to visit, doesn't mean I want to live there.

Just being difficult.

My house has a red garage door.

(and yes I work at M&G, and that question has been answered correctly by loft-man)

Is that a 200+ year old red garage door?