Central Roxborough Civic Association Meeting Minutes

July 23, 2015

Josh Cohen

CRCA President Don Simon opened the meeting by introducing Josh Cohen, Councilman Jones Jr. Constituent Services representative. Josh reminded attendees of the upcoming Block Captain Boot Camp. The event will be held on August 15th at 58th and Malvern, followed by entertainment, food and vendors at 59th and Upland Sts.

Office hours in Roxborough have been temporarily suspended due to a staff shortage necessitating Josh being at City Hall.

Zoning: 4331 Fleming St.

Roger Perry attorney presented the owners plans to build a single family dwelling with a front garage on a currently vacant parcel. It wound complete the current “row”. Neither home on either side has a garage. The new construction would consist of 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths. No basement. Back yard meets zoning requirements.

Zoning is RSA-5 which allows a Single family dwelling.

The attendees expressed interest in a home without a front garage (there is no access for a rear garage) that would match the existing homes. A Manayunk Neighborhood Council Board member was present, as this site is also within their boundaries. MNC opposes this construction. CRCA meeting attendees are opposed to this plan. A SFD with no garage front can be built by right.

Zoning: 600 Wendover St- Dalessandro’s Steaks

Ron Pattison attorney states that the fenced area behind the building is where they propose to build a one story building. They need a variance for both use and dimensions. The current zoning requires 20% open space and they have 19.5%, this would remain unchanged. The property would no longer have a 9 foot rear yard. Trash would be stored in the building. The new interior space would be used for food prep not the public.

Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is scheduled for the last week of August or the 1st week of September. Renderings were not available at this meeting but will be reviewed by CRCA at a later date. Attendees were not opposed to this plan.

Zoning: 4332 Terrace St.

Verizon Wireless presented plans for a small cell facility located at 4332 Terrace St. The purpose of this is to off load traffic from current towers which in turn, speeds up service to Verizon customers. This requires a special exception (health safety and welfare) from the ZBA. Zoning hearing is scheduled for August 18th at 9:30 am. The majority of attendees were “not opposed”. There was further discussion requesting parent company Verizon to attend a future CRCA meeting to discuss ways to improve the business via being a “better neighbor” as this business is located in a residential neighborhood and the grounds are not well maintained.

Next CRCA meeting will be held August 6th.