Central Roxborough Civic Association Meeting Minutes

March 6, 2014

Ridge Avenue Water Main Repairs

Don Simon, President of CRCA, opened the meeting by stating that there will be repairs made to the Water Main on Ridge Avenue between Shurs/Walnut lane and Manayunk Avenue probably in the summer months. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Officer Kline

Officer Kline, 5th District Community Relations Officer reminded attendees to remove all items, including GPS, connector, computers and change, from cars to avoid theft. An arrest was made recently, but this crime remains a main concern in our area. Officer Kline also said keep your vehicles and homes locked.

Zoning Issues

539 ½ Hermitage Street

Vaughn Buckley presented his plans for four single homes in a courtyard type setting. There is no street frontage which is one reason why a zoning change is needed. Vehicle access will be from Leverington Avenue. Each home will be 2 story, with Victorian look and a “tower” which will be for architectural interest. There will be 20 feet between homes(8 ft is required). The curb cut on Leverington will have to be widened. A homeowners association will be responsible for the driveway and the narrow access to Hermitage St. Sale price is estimated ~$500K. Paving between homes will be permeable. Neighbors on Hermitage whose backyards abut the proposed back yards fear a loss of their privacy. The 2nd floor back decks are a concern to another neighbor. The homes will include 3 bedrooms and an office space. There will not be garages. Survey forms are available tonight, and other will be distributed to homes in the vicinity.
Aerial Map; L&I Refusal; Appeal to ZBA; Site Plan; Rendering; Overhead Rendering

This project requires a variance. A hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled for April 9, 2 PM at 1515 Arch St, 18th Floor. All Zoning Board hearings are open to the public.

442 Conarroe Street

Attorney Cary Nase, representing owner Szollose Plumbing, is seeking legalization for the already converted first floor into two single family dwellings. The zoning is RSA-5. Each of the two units is an efficiency. It had previously been storage. The 2nd floor is an apartment which is legal. The hearing date and time will be announced later, as they needed a continuance.

365 Green Lane

365 Green Lane appears to be slated for demolition. Proposed plan will most likely be 8 homes. An April 2nd hearing is scheduled, but will need to be postponed.

5901 Ridge Ave (aka Wendy’s)

The developer has appealed the ZBA decision and is seeking an expedited hearing before the Court of Common Pleas.

Heritage Action Plan

James Calamia, Roxborough Development Corporation, spoke about the Heritage Action Plan. The HAP identifies community resources and attempts to identify links for branding purposes. Neighbors at the meeting suggested that the Roxborough Home for Women and the numerous Mill homes be included. Another suggested a walking tour, and someone suggested cleaning the many stairways, making them safer and then proposing a stair “challenge”.

News from Josh Cohen of Councilman Curtis Jones Jr’s Office

• Free income tax preparation is available for those who qualify. Stop by the office at 5462 Ridge Avenue.
• Mayor Nutter’s annual budget address will be discussed on Channel 64.
• Report potholes to the Philadelphia Streets Department or contact Josh Cohen: (215) 685-2547 (t), (215) 685-2559 (f), Joshua.Cohen@phila.gov.

Miscellany

• Jim Katona states he would like to be District 12 representative.
• Next CRCA meeting is Thursday, April 3rd.