Though it often has a negative connotation, development represents the absolutely crucial element of demand to use the urban form. A development proposal represents a certain level of faith in the current built environment, and once completed the project ends up helping to define the built environment for future generations. Without development, there would be no city to plan. Despite the stigma often attached to it, development can meet both community needs and economic profit when considered within a larger urban design framework. Development must support the public health, safety, and welfare of a neighborhood, but investors often fear the controls of local government.
It is within this idea that a potential for a symbiotic relationship between public sector planners and private development emerges. Embedded in urban design theories is the fundamental goal of balancing private development and public good in a way that incorporates the social, economic, and cultural needs of a diverse urban population. True symbiosis is difficult to achieve today, especially given the pressures facing the public sector due to rising social services needs and decreasing tax bases. Private developers often have leverage in these cases, which can lead to some unhealthy compromises that negatively affect our built environment. Ways to achieve this balance can take many different forms, as we can see within Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Slot Casino Resources
"Slots in Pennsylvania" -- Philadelphia Inquirer complete coverage
Draft casino relocation bill, May 2008 -- Reps. O'Brien, Keller, Sen. Fumo
Philadelphia casino license legislation -- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, December 2006
Phila. Gaming Advisory Task Force Report, 2006
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Site Evaluation, Part 1
Part 3: Site Evaluation, Part 2
Part 4: Transportation and Economics
Other Links
http://www.phila.gov/ohcd/
http://www.phdchousing.org/about.htm
http://www.pidc-pa.org/
http://www.philadelphiacommercial.org/
http://www.phila.gov/rda/index.html
http://www.phillyskyline.com/news/alltextskinny.htm
www.centercityphila.org
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/index.php