Opportunity Knocks for Exciting New Developments in Philadelphia

[Inquirer: Developer stands to reap millions from state capital budget]

Before you get too riled up that yet another bigwig is going to get money when the rest of us are scraping to make ends meet, we challenge you to think of the potential good that will come on the coattails of folks who can make things happen.

If Pennsylvania's $4 billion capital budget proposal goes through, the neighborhoods of Philadelphia can expect some major development action as a benefit.

Tower Investments developer Bart Blatstein would be among the recipients, with about $100 million in funds earmarked for upcoming projects that would include:

• A rehab of the State Office Building at Broad and Spring Garden Streets (apartments, shops)
  
• A 45-room hotel with a banquet facility next to the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties
• 86-suite boutique hotel at Second and Poplar Streets in Northern Liberties (with additional parking)

Our only thoughts are: Bring it!

We know that Philadelphia is long overdue in developing so many under-utilized parcels, buildings, and prime Real Estate for the growth and betterment of our city. When we see a developer with a successful track record turning a more or less blighted part of Philly into "The Piazza", we think more of the same should be encouraged.

And though there will always be naysayers and mudslingers, we know so many others will follow in Tower's footsteps spurring new jobs and opening doors to opportunities.