Riverfront plans taking shape

Plans have been announced for the development of three sites along the North Delaware Avenue riverfront.
City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.) last week introduced a series of zoning bills that permit the redevelopment of large formerly industrial parcels into residential, recreational and commercial uses.
Council is expected to pass the legislation on or before June 16, its final session before the summer recess.
The sites that would be part of a new Waterfront Redevelopment District are located at Rhawn Street, Princeton Avenue and Magee Avenue.
Krajewski supports the projects because Philadelphia is losing more residents than any major city in the nation. Developing the waterfront improves the quality of life and gives people better housing opportunities, according to the councilwoman.
"This is the beginning of the rebirth of the waterfront for the people of Northeast Philadelphia," she said.
Bucks County-based Transactionable Property Solutions will develop the former Northern Shipping site at Rhawn Street and the former Armor Plating Plant at Princeton Avenue.
The Northern Shipping site is the jewel. It’ll be called Independence Pointe and feature 1,400 condominiums, town homes and twins. There will also be a marina, a hotel and other commercial properties.
The former armor plate-making site will be called Tacony Pointe and be home to more than 400 condos, town homes and twins.
Mount Laurel, N.J.-based First Philadelphia Holding Company will develop the former Dodge Steel site at Magee Avenue. There will be 650 units, mostly condos, in four buildings. ••