Category: Zoning

Zoning issues related to Frankford

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Neighbors Defend Wakeling Street Fence

The Frankford NAC met on March 10th to review 5 requests for zoning variances.  After a reading of the minutes from the previous meeting and a discussion of the code of conduct by President Doug Bryant, the applicants presented their cases.

The owners of 1303 Wakeling Street have erected a large fence around their property without permits and it exceeds current standards for height and visibility.  Their representative explained that the high fence was needed for security around the property after a burglary and other incidents of trespassing.  Neighbors spoke on their behalf and supported the application.  When the vote was taken, it was unanimously in favor of granting the variance.

1303 Wakeling Street

1303 Wakeling Street

The owner of 5103 Duffield Street is applying for a variance for her family day care to become a group day care facility.  This would increase capacity from 6 to 12 children.  Because she did not have a floor plan of the home, the case was continued.

The owner of the car repair shop at 1845 Wakeling Street is requesting a variance that would allow car sales.  The vote was 3 to grant the variance and 2 opposed.

The owner of 4954 Duffield Street is seeking a variance to legalize a gazebo already built in the back yard.  It exceeds size limits presently allowable.  The vote was to support the application.

An application to open a multi service business including check cashing services at 5103 Duffield Street was opposed by 5 neighbors in attendance.  At present the building houses a beauty salon.  Neighbors feel the presence of a check cashing facility would make it a target for robbery in a residential area.

The NAC will forward the results of the voting to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The ZBA is not obligated to follow the NAC recommendations.

The next NAC zoning meeting will be held at the Second Baptist Church at 1801 Meadow Street on April 14th at 7 PM.

 

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Community Zoning Meeting March 10th

Join us and Vote on what happens in your neighborhood!

Second Baptist Church, 1801 Meadow Street, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

You must be 18 or older with ID to vote in these proceedings.

Property Address: 5451 Oakland Street, Property owner is requesting a variance to have a check cashing establishment.

5451 Oakland Street

5451 Oakland Street

Property Address: 5103 Duffield Street, Property owner is seeking a variance to change a family daycare to a group daycare.

Property Address: 4954 Duffield Street, Property owner is seeking a variance to install a gazebo in the back yard.

Property Address: 1845 Wakeling Street, Property owner is seeking a variance to have a car sales and rental establishment.

1845 Wakeling Street from Google maps

1845 Wakeling Street from Google maps

Property Address: 1303 Wakeling Street, Property owner is seeking a variance to legalize a concrete and metal fence.

1303 Wakeling Street

1303 Wakeling Street

Approval Process: Determined by Community Vote

Eligible Voters: Community and Neighborhood Residents

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The Frankford NAC RCO is Recruiting Zoning Board Members

What is the purpose of a zoning committee? 
The zoning committee’s purpose is to facilitate a public forum for the discussion and review of zoning variance requests through community votes for all applications occurring within the Frankford NAC Service Area, and to convey the community vote at the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) hearings for variance request. The zoning committee is a neutral body that conveys information about zoning within the boundaries to the community, and gives a voice to the residents concerns and hopes for the neighborhood and its development.
Who is eligible? 
The zoning committee is open to all interested residents within the boundaries and who are willing and able to devote time to the process. Members are expected to attend Community Zoning meetings regularly, and to participate in the execution of those meetings. The zoning committee may host occasional community meetings to educate residents about the zoning process, bring in relevant guest speakers, and discuss community concerns around zoning issues.
If you are interested in serving on the zoning committee, contact
Christine De Jesus, NAC Coordinator at (215)743-6580 or cdejesus.fcdc@gmail.com

 

* The NAC is funded and supported by the Office of Housing and Community Development

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October NAC Zoning

At the Frankford NAC zoning meeting on October 8th:
1667 Orthodox Street- requesting a variance to approve the nine foot barbed wire fence already installed. Only a 4 ft fence is allowed by code. – Owner did not submit require documents prior to meeting, Orange sign not posted.  Continued until next meeting.
4518 Hedge Street- built an extension on the back of their house. The next door neighbor complained that the extension has caused damage to her property resulting in her paying to have it fixed.   – Owner did not submit require documents prior to meeting.  Continued until next meeting.
5400 Valley Street – is seeking a variance for a fence they installed. The fence can only be 4ft. tall in a residential area.  – Continued because residents did not show up to vote.
1011-13 Arrott Street- is seeking a variance to build an extension on the back of their house. Currently is extends 10 ft back. They want to demolish that and extend it 40 ft. – Owner failed to appear.  Continued until next meeting.
The next zoning meeting of the Frankford NAC will be held on November 12th at 7PM at Second Baptist Church at 1801 Meadow Street.
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Northwood Civic Pledges Support to Leiper Street Resident

The issue of housing for those in recovery programs has surfaced again on the 4700 block of Leiper Street.

There are presently two large houses being used for this purpose.  The Joy of Living program at 4716 Leiper is well known.  In addition there is another residence at 4747.  Mary, the owner of 4719 recently found out that the house next to her, 4717 has been purchased by the owner of Joy of Living.  She is concerned that it will be used as a residence for those in recovery.  The question is, how many houses of this type can one block support.    This is not a case of “Not in my back yard” but more of concern of how the neighborhood can support the density of concentration of short time residents.  Northwood Civic and those attending the meeting voiced their concern and pledge support.  Jason Dawkins also committed to setting up a meeting between the owner of the property and Joy of Living.

Mary says: “My family feels trapped here on Leiper Street, sandwiched in.. having to accept the constant turnover of neighbors on every side of us. Constantly there are people coming and going on this block, no peace and quiet. Men that we do not know hang outside, from very early to late at night, smoking cigarettes and talking inappropriate dialogue for a residential neighborhood. The environment here is starting to feel like a bus station. It is a terrible feeling knowing that you will never get to know who will be living next door to you (on every side). I feel that eventually all families are going to choose to move away because leaders of the community are not acting on their promises. Promises like limiting the concentration and overpopulation of transient like living. People like myself with kids are going to chose to move away to a better place more conducive to family life. Surrendering the block and the neighborhood entirely to passersby.”

In other news from the meeting on September 15th:

  • Joe Krause, Presdent of the Civic, reported that he had sent a letter of support to the zoning board for Amuneal Manufacturing for their application for a paint booth at their new facility on Torresdale Avenue.  A letter was also sent to support the application of the owner of 1301 Fillmore who wanted to add take out food to the services provided at their store.  These letters are in the interest of giving the neighborhood a voice in zoning issues.  At present the ZBA only requires applicants to appear before the Frankford NAC for approval.  The NAC has instructions to allow only residents living within two blocks of the applicant to vote on the issue.  The result is that a few people who attend a meeting are giving a disproportionate voice in determining the future.
  • The homeless veteran who had been living in his car on Herbert Street has moved. He caused no trouble and residents were more concerned about him the frightened.
  • The Castor Avenue traffic study has moved to stealth mode using radar guns.  This is to collect data and is not an enforcement tool.  By the time you read this it will be over but the data will be used to make recommendations for speed control.
  • Bandit signs are back.  Call 311 and take pictures if you report them on a mobile app.  There is a fine for each one they put up.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Assocation will be held on October 2oth at 7 PM at St. James Church at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street.