John J. Dougherty, as seen in a file photo, is business manager for Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
- Peter Van Allen
- Reporter- Philadelphia Business Journal
One of the advocates of extending the Broad Street Subway into the Navy Yard says he’s gotten assurances from the elected officials that there would be support — and money — for the project.
John J. Dougherty, business manager of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said he has met with elected officials from Washington, D.C., to Harrisburg in an effort to gain political support and funding to extend the SEPTA subway line.
Why is a union leader worried about economic development?
“Jobs,” said Dougherty. “Would I like to see more lights on on my block and more families with young kids? Yes, but it’s about jobs.”
By jobs, he means construction jobs — and that would certainly benefit the electricians’ union Local 98, which has 5,000 members. But it could also mean more jobs created at the Navy Yard.
Earlier this month, I wrote about an effort gaining momentum to add 1.5 miles to the Broad Street subway line, extending it from Pattison Station into the Navy Yard.
In less than a decade since the Navy Yard was decommissioned, it has generated 11,000 private-sector jobs. It is home to the headquarters of Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN), the U.S. headquarters of GlaxoSmithKline, the principal baking operations for Tastykake and 140 other businesses.
Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp., which has overseen management of the Navy Yard since it was handed over by the U.S. Navy, estimates the business park could have 20,000 workers by 2022. Dougherty says there’s capacity for 30,000 employees.
If related plans for housing development at the Navy Yard come to fruition, demands for convenient transportation could be even more crucial.
Peter Van Allen covers hospitality, marketing and retail.
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Why labor leader John Dougherty wants subway extended to Navy Yard
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