Blatstein proposes towers at Broad and Washington

Developer Bart Blatstein presented preliminary plans for a massive, long-vacant lot at South Broad Street and Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia at neighborhood association meeting. The plans include two towers of 32 stories, 1,600 apartments, 700 parking spaces and retail space.

At the Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition meeting Tuesday, Blatstein laid out the proposed development to residents and civic leaders, many of whom want the vacant lot filled, but opposed the scope of the project.

"Thirty two floors is way too high," said Raed Nasser, president of the coalition board. "There are two towers also. The high school next door won't get any sun" at the buildings' proposed height, he added.

City Council member Kenyatta Johnson has asked for two residents to take part in the civic design review starting next month, Nasser said. Hawthorne residents will have another closed-door meeting to discuss the proposal and then meet again with the developer in January 2015.

- Erin Arvedlund