Bill would allow for the tallest building

PHILADELPHIA, June 20 (UPI) -- Legislation that would allow a Philadelphia developer to build what would be the tallest building in America has been introduced by a city councilor.

City Councilman Darrell Clarke introduced legislation for zoning changes needed at the 18th and Arch streets location, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Friday.

The newspaper reported that Clarke and Mayor Michael Nutter agree the city Planning Commission should make the decision on the 1,500 feet project, dubbed by developer Walnut Street Capital as the "American Commerce Center."

At 1,500 feet, the skyscraper would be more than 50 percent taller than the Comcast Center, which recently opened one block away from the proposed project.

There have been complaints by city residents and local businesses that high-rise buildings on John F. Kennedy Boulevard have increased traffic congestion, the newspaper reported.

"I understand that there is significant concern and, at this point, a reasonable level of opposition," Clarke said. "It's our hope that by the time of the public hearings that most of those issues will be addressed."