New 14-story dorm for Temple?

Inquirer staff writer Jeff Shields reports:

Developer Bart Blatstein won a key vote today in his quest to add a 14-story Temple Universtiy dormitory at his Avenue North complex at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.

With unanimous approval for a zoning change by City Council's Rules Committee yesterday, Blatstein's $50 million, 300-unit tower appears headed for approval by full Council by next week.The building would be constructed behind The Pearl movie theater, in the area bounded by Broad, 15th Street, Oxford Street and Cecil B. Moore.

It would house 1,100 students, City Councilman Darrell L. Clarke said, adding more foot-traffic and commercial activity to a once-desolate intersection.

In addition Clarke, said, new housing will help alleviate the "problematic" encroachment of student rental units into family neigborhoods in North Philadelphia.

Read more breaking news in our From The Source blog.