Councilmembers OK Plan For Digital Billboard At 5th and Race Sts.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia City Council committee has okayed plans for a new hotel/condo project in Old City despite concerns from residents about several aspects of the project, including a huge electronic sign on the building visible to drivers on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Planned for the site of the former Pincus Brothers Maxwell clothing company, just north of the US Mint, is a mixed-use development featuring hotel space, 45 condominium apartments, and retail spaces at the ground level.

Developer Robert Ambrosi of ARC Properties (above) said an electronic sign on one side of the structure would not be visible to Old City residents.

"You would not be able to see it except from one point on the Ben Franklin Bridge -- that's the way it's been designed," he told Council's Rules Committee on Monday.

But Mary Tracy of the anti-blight group "Scrub" argued that the sign could easily cause accidents on the bridge.

"I think this particular sign would be especially distracting, because you're looking at a sign that's vertical, seven stories high, that talks about full motion animation," she told the committee.

Other residents said they fear the developer plans a music venue that could bring more late night crowds to their block.

Still, the committee approved the plans but urged the developer to negotiate with residents about their concerns before a final vote is held.

Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn.