C
ity Council President Kenyatta Johnson has introduced legislation to rezone a former sportsbook site in South Philadelphia's stadium district, paving the way for a massive development by Houston-based Hines. The proposed complex would span six buildings and include 1.3 million square feet of residential space, 393,000 square feet of office space, 125,000 square feet of retail space, and 65,000 square feet for restaurants, along with over 1,200 parking spaces.

    Johnson sees the project as a catalyst for the stadium district's transformation, which is also being driven by Comcast Spectacor's $2.5 billion housing and entertainment development to the west. The Hines proposal would be built on land owned by the Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation, with Johnson hailing it as an opportunity for residents to "live, work, and play" in the stadium district.

    The legislation calls for rezoning from industrial use to allow dense residential and commercial development, and includes a two-year sunset clause for zoning permits. However, concerns have been raised about spot zoning and the potential for impropriety, as well as confusion over what expires when the two years elapse.