Kenyatta Johnson Hits Pause on Rezoning Bill That Would Replace Little Pete’s with Hotel

Last month, the Planning Commission voted to recommend a bill that would rezone the site of Little Pete’s (and the parking garage above it) to make way for the 12-story Hudson Hotel (renderings here). That bill was just put on hold.

According to Jared Brey over at PlanPhilly, City Council’s Committee on Rules assembled to hear the bill on Tuesday, but in the middle of the hearing, Committee chairman Bill Greenlee broke the news that “the bill was being held back at the request of its sponsor,” Councilman Kenyatta Johnson.

Johnson was recently under public scrutiny when it was discovered that Stephen Pouppirt, the Hudson Hotel developer, had made generous contributions to the councilman’s campaign committee.

After the hearing, Johnson explained he was “holding the bill so that the developers and hospitality workers could continue negotiations.” He also mentioned that some were “concerned about the fate of Little Pete’s.”

No comments have been made by the developers, Clemens Construction or representatives of Unite Here Local 274, the hospitality union that filed out of the hearing as soon as Greenlee made the announcement.

• Bill permitting new Center City hotel on hold until next year [PlanPhilly]