Tallest skyscraper wins preliminary City Council vote

Inquirer staff writer Jeff Shields writes:

A zoning change that would allow the tallest building in Philadelphia to rise next door to the Comcast Tower gained unanimous approval at a City Council committee this morning.

The Council's Committee on Rules approved a zoning change that would allow the American Commerce Center, a 1,500 foot tower above office space, a hotel and retail, to rise at the block bordered by Arch, Cuthbert, 18th and 19th streets.

Over strong opposition by residents of the neighborhing Kennedy House, who said the zoning allows for a much more intense development than was intended for the area, the committee voted 9-0 to recommend the change to full Council, which could give final approval Dec. 11.

City Councilman Darrell Clarke said the project would have to submit a plan of development to the Planning Commission and return to Council for final approval

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