Letters to the Editor | Oct. 14, 2024

I’ve been a Philly-based developer for more than 45 years. In that time, I’ve been fortunate to be the lead developer in Northern Liberties (The Piazza, Liberties Walk) and the southern Delaware River waterfront, North Broad Street, etc. I’ve read with much interest the reports and concerns regarding an arena in Center City. I would have no concern as a neighbor of the location.

Firstly, it’s a grossly underperforming development that, without a unique anchor like the 76ers arena, will likely fail over time. Secondly, this project will not spur gentrification in Chinatown. It’s not a massive residential development that would sprawl into the neighborhood. It’s an entertainment venue that will create additional business for Chinatown and, of course, create jobs. The arena will also make for a safer neighborhood through the influx of people attending events. It would be a great loss to lose this one-of-a-kind development. When I started in Northern Liberties in 2000, it was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. Good development creates safer spaces.

Bart Blatstein, founder and CEO, Tower Investments Inc.

I was dismayed and angered to read that Astral Artists will be closing its doors for good by the end of the year. This will leave many young musicians without a home to share their musical talents with audiences. As described in The Inquirer, Astral Artists will join a list of Philadelphia arts groups that have folded for lack of funding and support. After 32 years of giving us so much to look forward to with concerts, I think it’s a damn shame that we, as residents of this great city, have priorities that do not match what really matters. Millions of dollars have been raised to support the candidates for election this November, and after the election, all of that money will be spent — this kind of misappropriation does not make sense. I will pledge $100 — not a lot of money, for sure, but if there is a groundswell of many of us who want to support young performers and their music, we can keep Astral Artists alive and well. Lourdes Starr is the director of Astral Artists. Let’s pledge our support.

Penny Brodie, Blue Bell

Hamas is not a sovereign state, subject to civilized norms. It wages war not in national dispute over territory or other issues, but as a terrorist organization taking and killing hostages. How should Israel or any other sovereign nation deal with such behavior? The support for Hamas in this country makes no sense. Supporting a Hamas victory means eliminating Israel. Iran would benefit from this situation. This is not in the interest of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, or most of the Gulf states. The Palestinians rejected a two-state solution put together during the Clinton administration. Iran’s support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis is counterproductive to any sincere effort to obtain a two-state solution. Chastising Israel for its efforts to remain sovereign makes no sense. The U.S. needs a strong ally in the Middle East and should revitalize the Abraham Accords and weaken Iran through financial pressure.

Tom Elsasser, Philadelphia, elsasser64@aol.com

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.