PHILADELPHIA-CAMDEN-WILMINGTON-ATLANTIC CITY-READING | Metro Development Thread - Page 211

Milksteak · #**4201** Posted **May 26, 2021, 7:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Yeah... so dumb and shortsighted on Amazon's part. Not only does Philadelphia and the surrounding region have access to some of the top talent from top Universities in the country (Penn, Temple, Drexel, St. Joes, LaSalle, Villanova, UDel, etc.), but a major company located in Philadelphia could EASILLY recruit from Penn State, Lehigh, Princeton, Rutgers, Pittsburgh (Carnegie Mellon, Pitt) DC (Georgetown), Baltimore (Johns Hopkins), NYC (Columbia, NYU)... and could probably even recruit pretty easily from New England (Yale, MIT, Cambridge, Brown, Cornell)... etc. etc.... the list goes on.

I mean, just so unbelievably dumb and shortsighted. A major company like Amazon located behind 30th Street station would have NO issue recruiting from all over the Northeast due to this locations Rail interconnectivity with the rest of the Northeast, PHL, highway interconnectivity, etc. etc.

Yeah, Boston wasn't born an engineering hub. It's so ironic they went with DC and NYC. If only there was a location directly in the middle of those two

Redddog · #**4202** Posted **May 26, 2021, 8:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Yeah... so dumb and shortsighted on Amazon's part. Not only does Philadelphia and the surrounding region have access to some of the top talent from top Universities in the country (Penn, Temple, Drexel, St. Joes, LaSalle, Villanova, UDel, etc.), but a major company located in Philadelphia could EASILLY recruit from Penn State, Lehigh, Princeton, Rutgers, Pittsburgh (Carnegie Mellon, Pitt) DC (Georgetown), Baltimore (Johns Hopkins), NYC (Columbia, NYU)... and could probably even recruit pretty easily from New England (Yale, MIT, Cambridge, Brown, Cornell)... etc. etc.... the list goes on.

I mean, just so unbelievably dumb and shortsighted. A major company like Amazon located behind 30th Street station would have NO issue recruiting from all over the Northeast due to this locations Rail interconnectivity with the rest of the Northeast, PHL, highway interconnectivity, etc. etc.

They went on a year-long, exhaustive location search taking into consideration hundreds of different variables that led them to Philly and two other towns and in the end, the town was picked because some idiot CEO was a Giant's fan and hated the Birds.

I'd say "dumb and short-sighted" is a compliment over what really happend.

They'd be living their best life if they chose U City.

jonesrmj · #**4203** Posted **May 26, 2021, 8:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Yeah... so dumb and shortsighted on Amazon's part. Not only does Philadelphia and the surrounding region have access to some of the top talent from top Universities in the country (Penn, Temple, Drexel, St. Joes, LaSalle, Villanova, UDel, etc.), but a major company located in Philadelphia could EASILLY recruit from Penn State, Lehigh, Princeton, Rutgers, Pittsburgh (Carnegie Mellon, Pitt) DC (Georgetown), Baltimore (Johns Hopkins), NYC (Columbia, NYU)... and could probably even recruit pretty easily from New England (Yale, MIT, Cambridge, Brown, Cornell)... etc. etc.... the list goes on.

I mean, just so unbelievably dumb and shortsighted. A major company like Amazon located behind 30th Street station would have NO issue recruiting from all over the Northeast due to this locations Rail interconnectivity with the rest of the Northeast, PHL, highway interconnectivity, etc. etc.

Yeah, I feel like Philly just overall gets overshadowed by NYC and DC, probably because of it's close proximity to those cities. I actually herd somewhere that Amazon knew all along that they wanted to have the HQ2 in DC and just had the competition to get the best deal. I mean, don't get me wrong, NoVa is a very nice area but I feel like they were seeking attention to get everyone excited about possibly having HQ2 in their city, only to be letdown. If they wanted DC all along, they should've just said that from the beginning imo.

TonyTone · #**4204** Posted **May 27, 2021, 1:21 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonesrmj

Yeah, I feel like Philly just overall gets overshadowed by NYC and DC, probably because of it's close proximity to those cities. I actually herd somewhere that Amazon knew all along that they wanted to have the HQ2 in DC and just had the competition to get the best deal. I mean, don't get me wrong, NoVa is a very nice area but I feel like they were seeking attention to get everyone excited about possibly having HQ2 in their city, only to be letdown. If they wanted DC all along, they should've just said that from the beginning imo.

People can underestimate Philly all they want, we have culture, talent, cheesesteaks and so much more.

F*&K Amazon they work people to death anyway something better will fill the space like it always has.

Besides we can't let Comcast lose the seat of most hated in Philly

202_Cyclist · #**4205** Posted **May 27, 2021, 12:32 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTone

People can underestimate Philly all they want, we have culture, talent, cheesesteaks and so much more.

F*&K Amazon they work people to death anyway something better will fill the space like it always has.

Besides we can't let Comcast lose the seat of most hated in Philly

Yes, exactly right! Every time we pass the Comcast headquarters, my blood pressure raises thinking about how much we give Comcast each month.

TonyTone · #**4206** Posted **May 27, 2021, 1:25 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202_Cyclist

Yes, exactly right! Every time we pass the Comcast headquarters, my blood pressure raises thinking about how much we give Comcast each month.

Wait? we pay them every month as well?!?!?!? I thought it was just a Tax Abatement......

Urbanthusiat · #**4207** Posted **May 27, 2021, 1:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyTone

Wait? we pay them every month as well?!?!?!? I thought it was just a Tax Abatement......

I think they're just referring to peoples' cable bills. Regardless I don't think it's productive to dwell over what could have been. Philly is pretty dope in its own right and has a lot of good stuff going for it. I'm not really worried about Amazon lol

Urbanthusiat · #**4208** Posted **May 27, 2021, 6:20 PM**

KOP DEVELOPMENT BOOM
Upper Merion logged more than $4 billion in new projects over the last decade, transforming the suburban community.

Nothing new, just a puff piece recap of what's going on in KOP. So much development.

PHLtoNYC · #**4209** Posted **May 27, 2021, 7:35 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanthusiat

KOP DEVELOPMENT BOOM
Upper Merion logged more than $4 billion in new projects over the last decade, transforming the suburban community.

Nothing new, just a puff piece recap of what's going on in KOP. So much development.

Quite impressive though.

What KoP needs is a large luxury hotel, like a Ritz Carlton, similar to Tysons. It would certainly do well.

One part of the article I found confusing was this line...

"One unknown for the township is how Simon Property Group might redevelop the King of Prussia Mall, a crown jewel in the real estate investment trust’s portfolio and the largest mall in the United States based on the amount of retail square footage. The mall owner has tried to work with Upper Merion on plans to incorporate more uses such as hotel, office and apartments but after years of discussions, little progress has been made."

I know JCPenney is gone and now Lord & Taylor, huge parcels. Who is responsible for the little progress? Simon? Upper Merion? Covid?

Nova08 · #**4210** Posted **May 28, 2021, 12:49 PM**

Lockheed Martin expanding in South Jersey, adding 400 jobs
https://www.bizjournals.com/philadel...-j-adding.html

Quote:

Lockheed Martin Inc. is relocating production of its vertical launching systems to Moorestown, New Jersey, where it already has an expansive presence, and will create an additional 400 new jobs over the next two years.

The defense contractor earlier this year announced it would close a production facility that had operated in Baltimore for the last 90 years and said at the time it was going to move that manufacturing plant and jobs out of state. The unit and jobs landed in New Jersey where it already has 4,500 employees.

EastSideHBG · #**4211** Posted **May 29, 2021, 2:18 PM**

Residential development proposed for Norristown's vacant Kennedy Kenrick property
Norristown council members praise veteran developer on new housing concept
https://www.timesherald.com/local-ne...7355d.amp.html

summersm343 · #**4212** Posted **Jun 2, 2021, 3:38 PM**

Construction Progresses At The Riddle Hospital Expansion In Media, PA

Rendering:

Current progress:

Read/view more here:
https://phillyyimby.com/2021/06/cons...-township.html

summersm343 · #**4213** Posted **Jun 2, 2021, 4:10 PM**

While peers face consolidation, West Chester University looks to build more student housing

Article behind paywall here:
https://www.bizjournals.com/philadel...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

PHLtoNYC · #**4214** Posted **Jun 2, 2021, 6:27 PM**

Contrary to some naysayers, the Philadelphia area had a very good showing the recent Fortune 500 rankings... (I just wish more were IN the city itself).

2021 Fortune 500: Philadelphia-area companies make a strong showing in latest rankings

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadel...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

jonesrmj · #**4215** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 12:38 AM**

Another hotel coming to Wilmington. Office building to be converted.

Quote:

A Florida-based developer has started converting a downtown Wilmington office building into a Staybridge Suites hotel, the developer announced last week.

Driftwood Capital purchased the 11-story office building at 1220 N. Market St. for $2.9 million in March 2019. Driftwood will spend $31 million to renovate it into a hotel with 134 suite-style rooms and a "contemporary look and feel," according to a press release.

They expect the hotel to open in the second quarter of 2022.

Looks like another old office building in downtown is being converted to a hotel. This building sits right across the street from the building that was recently converted into the Residence Inn Marriott.

Read more - https://www.delawareonline.com/story...el/5289762001/

EastSideHBG · #**4216** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 1:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLtoNYC

Contrary to some naysayers, the Philadelphia area had a very good showing the recent Fortune 500 rankings... (I just wish more were IN the city itself).

2021 Fortune 500: Philadelphia-area companies make a strong showing in latest rankings

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadel...Pos=0#cxrecs_s

On a related note this is pretty remarkable and further proof that a rail connection is desperately needed:

More Than $4B in Development in Last Decade Solidifies King of Prussia as Center of Philadelphia’s Western Suburbs

"This growth turned Upper Merion into the third-largest jobs center in the Philadelphia region, behind Center City and University City. The number of jobs increased from 52,844 in 2010 to 61,890 jobs in 2017, or 17 percent."

https://montco.today/2021/06/develop...er-of-suburbs/

PHLtoNYC · #**4217** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 4:19 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastSideHBG

On a related note this is pretty remarkable and further proof that a rail connection is desperately needed:

More Than $4B in Development in Last Decade Solidifies King of Prussia as Center of Philadelphia’s Western Suburbs

"This growth turned Upper Merion into the third-largest jobs center in the Philadelphia region, behind Center City and University City. The number of jobs increased from 52,844 in 2010 to 61,890 jobs in 2017, or 17 percent."

https://montco.today/2021/06/develop...er-of-suburbs/

Agreed, and it will happen (one day).

But the proposed rail route bypasses the Village at Valley Forge, which is quickly becoming KoPs "downtown", seems shortsighted by Septa, even Upper Merion officials were confused at why the Village doesn't have a planned stop.

Urbanthusiat · #**4218** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 4:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLtoNYC

Agreed, and it will happen (one day).

But the proposed rail route bypasses the Village at Valley Forge, which is quickly becoming KoPs "downtown", seems shortsighted by Septa, even Upper Merion officials were confused at why the Village doesn't have a planned stop.

Unfortunately, with how far along they are in the process, I don't see how they can go back on it now. I mean, I understand the challenge they were facing. Looking at the map, I can't think of a route (that wouldn't be astronomically more expensive) that could service each of:

1) The northern side of the mall along Mall Blvd

2) The Village; and

3) The office park

With their limited budget, they had to pick two.

summersm343 · #**4219** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 5:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHLtoNYC

Agreed, and it will happen (one day).

But the proposed rail route bypasses the Village at Valley Forge, which is quickly becoming KoPs "downtown", seems shortsighted by Septa, even Upper Merion officials were confused at why the Village doesn't have a planned stop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanthusiat

Unfortunately, with how far along they are in the process, I don't see how they can go back on it now. I mean, I understand the challenge they were facing. Looking at the map, I can't think of a route (that wouldn't be astronomically more expensive) that could service each of:

1) The northern side of the mall along Mall Blvd

2) The Village; and

3) The office park

With their limited budget, they had to pick two.

Yeah, BIG missed opportunity to not have the proposed KOP rail expansion stop at the KOP Town Center, however, not the end of the world. The easy solution is to build sidewalks/walking paths between the Town Center and the last stop on First Ave along Gulph Road and 1st Ave. Obviously not the most ideal solution but would get the job done and allow people to walk between the Town Center, the Casino & future Top Golf, as well as the future 1st Ave train station.

On that note, they also need to build better sidewalks/walking paths between the Town Center and the Mall as well.

A perfect example of this would be Exton. The SEPTA/Amtrak station stops in Exton on the other side of Route 30 from Main Street at Exton, and Exton just build sidewalks/walking paths from Main Street at Exton to the train station so now you can walk there.... and while Main Street at Exton is building up with nice mixed-use developments now, it's not close to the level of KOP Town Center... plus, Upper Merion CERTAINLY has the capital to take on a small project like that to connect KOP Town Center with the future transit stop.

PHLtoNYC · #**4220** Posted **Jun 3, 2021, 6:02 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersm343

Yeah, BIG missed opportunity to not have the proposed KOP rail expansion stop at the KOP Town Center, however, not the end of the world. The easy solution is to build sidewalks/walking paths between the Town Center and the last stop on First Ave along Gulph Road and 1st Ave. Obviously not the most ideal solution but would get the job done and allow people to walk between the Town Center, the Casino & future Top Golf, as well as the future 1st Ave train station.

On that note, they also need to build better sidewalks/walking paths between the Town Center and the Mall as well.

A perfect example of this would be Exton. The SEPTA/Amtrak station stops in Exton on the other side of Route 30 from Main Street at Exton, and Exton just build sidewalks/walking paths from Main Street at Exton to the train station so now you can walk there.... and while Main Street at Exton is building up with nice mixed-use developments now, it's not close to the level of KOP Town Center... plus, Upper Merion CERTAINLY has the capital to take on a small project like that to connect KOP Town Center with the future transit stop.

For sure. Sucks the highways in KoP limit growth outside of confines. But a series of walking paths/biking paths is certainly possible and I think it is part of the Upper Merion growth goal. And as you said, that township is flowing in cash and can certainly invest in this idea.

Now Upper Merion just needs a lux hotel to join the mix. A Ritz Carlton would anchor the Town Center or mall nicely.

(I was in Exton last December and that whole setup has improved so much since its inception, some nice new retail offerings too).