As debris rains down, site's future gets clearer
It's not quite clear how much of a downtown there will be, but that's at least what the local politicos are claiming about the development that will be replacing the Garden State Park race track. The dense development will take up to ten years to complete, will feature at least two big box retail spots but also promises to bring a "sense of space" to Cherry Hill. The plan includes space for civic uses and an outwardly facing public square. Transit will also be part of the plan as the developers hope to capitalize on a New Jersey Transit stop adjacent to the property.
To me it sounds like a lot more words than actions are being tossed towards building a real town.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/02/2003 | Politics, parking and the fabric of a city
In the last five years, garages and surface lots have proliferated. Eight new parking facilities have either been built or are pending in an 11-block area between Market and Spruce Streets - despite a zoning code meant to discourage garages in Philadelphia's lovely core.
Why? Since 1999 John Street has received $277,500 from garage operators.
And my number one question that is raised here is, how much parking do we need? Do we really not have enough? Last time I remember struggling to find a parking space in Center City was during a SEPTA strike. Even the week before Christmas I've been able to strike a prime spot under Lord & Taylor, an elevator up to the main floor and I was the envy of anyone who's ever tried to get close to the King of Prussia mall in December. So what's the deal? The Planning Commision's report won't be ready till 2005, by then we may become Oklahoma City.