PHILADELPHIA-City Councilman Frank DiCicco has introduced legislation that would take zoning on a riverfront parcel where the Trump Organization plans a residential condo tower back to industrial. The council tentatively approved the bill and a final vote is scheduled for June 15.
The rezoning would at least stall, and possibly preclude, development of Trump Tower Philadelphia, a planned 45-story, 263-unit condominium. DiCicco represents the district that includes the Northern Liberties neighborhood and the Trump parcel at Spring Garden Street and Delaware Avenue. According to Brian Abernathy, DiCicco's legislative assistant, he introduced the bill based on Trump's partners' failure to talk with representatives of the neighborhood about their concerns regarding parking, traffic, access to the river and other design matters.
Abernathy tells GlobeSt.com, "we have made recommendations in the past to Trump's project partners regarding the need to resolve outstanding issues with the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association, and our recommendations have been ignored. Without talks between Trump and community residents to resolve these issues, Councilman DiCicco will not support the plan."
Through a spokesman, the New York City-based Trump Organization provided GlobeSt.com with a statement that says in full, "we understand the councilman's concerns and we will be working closely with his office and the other elected officials and community leaders involved to find the most positive outcome for both the community and the city. The Trump Organization is proud to be working in Philadelphia and looks forward to working with city officials and the community to create a development that will be an important positive contribution to the future of this great city."
The City Council threat combines with Gov. Ed Rendell's announced moratorium on riparian development of riverfront properties, which further jeopardizes riverfront development. The moratorium currently extends through early next year, a timeline that exceeds Trump's permits from the city. Abernathy says, as it now stands, DiCicco anticipates the City Council's unanimous approval of his bill.
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