The Delaware River at Philadelphia has always been the main port of entry for shipping to the city.
It is also where the city's founder, William Penn, arrived from Upland (now Chester) and landed his
open boat at Dock Creek, near present day Front and Dock Street.
While other American cities have turned their waterfronts into catalysts for economic development,
Philadelphia has failed to realize the full developmental potential of the Delaware riverfront. Vacant
warehouses, rotting piers and parking lots are interspersed between marinas, night clubs and new
construction. Lack of vision, resistance to change and plain government corruption have doomed what
should be Philly's major attraction to unfunny running joke.
But there is hope. Slot parlors and luxury highrises are all slated for the Delaware Riverfront. Those
who truly believe in Delaware riverfront development are having the last laugh.
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