There are some storm clouds forming on the Chester waterfront.
Some cracks are forming in what was supposed to be the key to the city's economic turnaround.
Remember, this all started years ago with the unveiling of the gloriously restored former PECO Power Station, the heart of the Wharf at Rivertown, right on the Delaware River.
It was soon joined by Harrah's casino farther down the river, and then PPL Park right next door.
One of the very first tenants at the Wharf was Wells Fargo. That's why it was disappointing this week to hear that the major bank is pulling 250 workers from the Chester waterfront and relocating them to a site in center city Philadelphia. About 110 workers will remain in Chester, but reading between the lines, it looks like their future in the city is shaky as well.
Wells Fargo is doing what seemingly every business is doing these days - consolidating. They recently moved a bunch of workers from Philly to their home base in North Carolina. That's when they made the decision to move the Chester workers to those now-vacant offices in Philly.
City officials remain confident in the Wharf, however, and note that several new tenants have booked space in the complex.
Buccini Pollin development group owns the Wharf, and they point out that while Wells Fargo may be moving out, others are moving in.
Day & Zimmerman, a Delaware-based engineering firm, recently signed a lease to occupy 20,000 square feet at the Wharf. They will bging 98 jobs with them.
In addition, Virtus, the realty outfit that is marketing the site, is planning to occupy another floor and a half, about 50,000 square feet.
Down the road at Harrah's, things are even more murky.
Their parent company, Caesars Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy this week.
Harrah's has been struggling for several years with declining slots revenue, and now faces the likelihood of another casino being plopped down at the South Philly sports complex just 10 miles up the road on I-95.
Several county and city officials said such a move could be a death knell for the Chester gaming parlor.
Keep you eyes on the Chester waterfront.
It looks like a storm could be brewing.
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