Camden's most recent master plan, adopted in 2003, calls for much of the Central Waterfront and Waterfront South districts to be set aside for port-related issues.

The master plan says the area south of Clinton Street, where the Beckett Street Terminal begins, and west of 3rd Street, should be redeveloped with landscape buffers that would separate the commerce and industry of the port from residential areas.

Despite this clear report detailing the value of the port district, Camden City Council may pass a redevelopment plan today that would go against the master plan and endanger the port in coming years.

Council members should hold off on this decision at least until a comprehensive study, already in progress, by the Delaware River Port Authority, can shed additional light on the issue.

There's no good reason for the council to rush something that stands completely against the city's master plan and could potentially hurt some of the few longtime businesses still thriving in Camden.

Council's redevelopment plan for the area just south of the Tweeter Center would allow for high-end condominiums and homes to be built up to 2nd Street -essentially right across the street from the port. It calls for 16 port-related businesses to be relocated.

Port officials and businessowners, who've formed a group called the Carnden Waterfront Alliance to fight the plan, are rightly worried that there would be conflict with residents of these new condos who would be upset about the noise, truck traffic and other things that go on day and night at the port. They worry that such complaints could threaten the future of the port and the 2.400 people it employs.

Altogether, alliance representatives estimate the port is responsible for 20,775 jobs in the region and that the port district generates $12 million in state and local tax revenue.

The city's initial plan for the region completely eliminated the Beckett Street Terminal. The new plan -with housing up to 2nd Street - preserves the port but effectively kills potential for port businesses to expand and for buffer zones to be established.

The port alliance projects incoming cargo will more than double by 2030, which would likely create several thousands more jobs in a city stricken by poverty. Camden officials shouldn't be so quick to turn their backs on this opportunity for growth.

Camden's leaders are right to want to improve neighborhoods and maximize their potential. But they shouldn't rush into something that goes against the city's own planning guideline and has the potential to harm businesses that, while not aesthetically pleasing, are doing well in the
city.

The city council should wait at least until the DRPA completes its comprehensive Waterfront study in the summer before acting on a Central Waterfront redevelopment plan.