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massive new development is planned in South Philadelphia's stadium district, featuring six buildings with 1,367 residential units, an office tower, and a large entertainment complex. The project, proposed by international developer Hines, would be built on land owned by the Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation (PSDC), just east of the Live! Casino and Hotel.

    City Council President Kenyatta Johnson introduced legislation to enable the project, which he believes will bring new life to the stadium district. "This collective partnership between Hines and PSDC will give Philadelphia an opportunity to live, work, and play in the stadium district," Johnson said.

    The development would include 1,234 parking spaces and a restaurant and entertainment complex with 65,000 square feet of dining space. The project's zoning change from industrial to mixed-use residential and commercial development is intended to create a vibrant neighborhood that supports itself and visitors to the sports complex.

    However, some planners have raised concerns about the use of spot zoning, which can benefit a single property owner at the expense of others. Johnson's legislation includes a sunset clause that would expire after two years if the project does not secure permits, but it is unclear whether this will address concerns about impropriety.

    The Hines and PSDC project comes as Comcast Spectacor, the owner of the Wells Fargo Center, plans to develop a $2.5 billion housing and entertainment complex west of the PSDC site. The two projects could complement each other and transform the stadium district into a thriving neighborhood with new jobs and economic development.