Bart Blatstein will refocus his efforts with the old “Tower of Truth.” | Photo: Elise Wrabetz, for philly.com
- Disenchanted with the Commonwealth’s casino license process and unwilling to let “an iconic property fallow,” Bart Blatstein announced yesterday that he will forego his appeal of the Gaming Control Board’s November decision to award Philadelphia’s final casino license to Live! Hotel & Casino in South Philly. Assuming he could wrest that license from Live!, Blatstein now realizes that it would take at least another three years to begin work on his vision for a gaming-centric entertainment complex at the former Inquirer Building. Not a huge loss, as he tells KYW that a few interested parties are presently lined up for the North Broad property’s redevelopment.
- The spartan schoolyard of John B. Kelly Elementary has for three years drawn the attention of the various volunteer groups, all hoping to transform the nearly five-acre lot, says Flying Kite, into “an educational, eco-friendly community space” at an affordable price. The Community Design Collaborative, Mural Arts Program, and Penn State’s Master Gardener program have already given their time and energies to the initiative, and the Philadelphia Water Department may reward grant money for stormwater management. Students from Philadelphia University are currently working towards finalized plans.
- In Pennsport, the 240,000-square-foot Dubin Paper Company factory–vacant for close to three years–at 1910 Columbus Boulevard will likely be reused by Gary Ott as a moving and storage facility, reports the Passyunk Post.
- Parks & Recreation and PennPraxis will hold the final public meeting on the redesign of LOVE Park tonight from 5:30 to 8 in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Skyline Room, says CBS Philly.
About the author
Stephen Currall recently received his BA in history from Arcadia University. Before beginning doctoral studies, he is pursuing his interest in local history, specifically just how Philadelphians engage their vibrant past. Besides skimming through 18th century letters, Steve is also interested in music and travel.
