Developer obtains permits for apartment construction ahead of upcoming Council housing ban.

At the final City Council meeting of 2025, Philadelphia Councilmember Jeffery “Jay” Young put forth a proposed bill aimed at banning residential development near the former Hahnemann University Hospital site, located at the intersection of Broad and Race Streets. This legislative initiative targets properties owned by notable entities, including Drexel University, Iron Stone Real Estate Partners, and Brandywine Realty Trust.

Central to the proposal is the ongoing project by Dwight City Group, which has sought to convert the hospital’s patient towers into a substantial residential complex featuring hundreds of apartments. Should Young’s bill be enacted, it would effectively halt this redevelopment effort. However, just days before the bill’s introduction, Dwight City Group successfully obtained a zoning permit for a new plan at 222-48 N. Broad St. This permit allows for the construction of a 361-unit apartment building, significantly larger than the original proposal, and includes designated commercial space on the ground floor. With this zoning approval in place, the reality of the project moving forward now appears independent of the legislative outcome.

Despite securing this permit, Dwight City Group has expressed a desire to engage constructively with Councilman Young and the community. The developer aims to ensure that the project aligns with the district’s needs and aspirations. Young has articulated that his proposed housing ban is designed to prioritize job preservation by restricting the site to commercial developments. He emphasized the importance of fostering economic opportunities through stakeholder engagement as the city continues to seek avenues for development.

Reactions to the proposed bill have been mixed, with some critics labeling it a clear example of “spot zoning,” a practice that can be perceived as favorable or detrimental to specific projects by leveraging local legislation. Observers have noted that Young’s political standing and the tradition of councilmanic prerogative may facilitate the bill’s passage, as other council members are often hesitant to oppose measures that directly affect a single district.

Yet, the advocacy group 5th Square has taken steps to oppose the legislation, launching a petition calling for its withdrawal. The group’s statement highlights the unique advantages of the Broad and Race Street site, which is strategically positioned above a major subway stop and within close proximity to the job centers, retail, and cultural offerings of Center City. The petition argues that since the closure of Hahnemann Hospital in 2019, the area has lacked tangible benefits for local residents and tax revenues for the city.

The proposed housing ban and its implications have further intensified ongoing tensions between Young and various parties, including the Philadelphia Housing Authority, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, community groups from North Philadelphia, and advocates for safer streets. As discussions continue, the impact of this legislative action on the evolving landscape of Philadelphia’s urban development remains a critical point of contention. Media News Source.