The East Torresdale Civic Association wants to keep a close eye on several anticipated construction projects in the neighborhood.
During the civic group’s monthly general meeting on Oct. 10, officers said that at least two home-construction jobs could generate new zoning issues for neighbors in the coming months.
At 9314 Hegerman St., a crew demolished an old single house early this month. Now, a sign posted on the property declares that a new house soon will be built.
But no zoning notices have been posted on the site, said ETCA president Lew Halas. So, as of now, it appears that the builder plans to erect a house that would meet the dimensional and use requirements of the city’s zoning code.
Neighbors should look out for any new postings there, however, according to Halas. The builder is believed to be the same company that erected several single homes recently on Aubrey Avenue at Torresdale Avenue, Halas said.
Meanwhile, on the 5200 block of Linden Ave., it appears that someone is planning to do some work, but nobody in the civic association knows what it will be.
In September, Halas said, an architectural design company contacted the civic association to ask how to go about getting neighbors’ approval for “some work on the block.” No address was specified, nor was the nature of the project.
Halas responded in writing but has yet to receive a reply.
The 5200 block of Linden Ave. stretches from Milnor Street to Delaware Avenue. Houses line one side and the city’s Pleasant Hill Park the other.
Conversely, the civic association is getting a much clearer picture of what the owner of Maggie’s Waterfront Café has planned for the development of his business at Delaware Avenue and Arendel Street.
While the civic association and Maggie’s owner Kevin Goodchild each await the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s rulings on several pending appeals at the bar/restaurant, Goodchild is moving forward with a plan to erect a fence around an adjacent unoccupied lot he owns at 9230 Delaware Avenue.
Goodchild reported that he has instructed the owners of a neighboring house to remove some wooden steps and shrubbery that he claims crosses the property line onto his lot. Goodchild said he has city permits to build the fence and has already surveyed the site.
Goodchild also discussed issues about his outdoor lighting. Some neighbors have complained that the Maggie’s floodlights shine in their yards and on their houses. Goodchild said he installed the lights to stop trespassers from dumping trash and stealing items from the rear of his business.
Halas said that neighbors welcome the idea of added security around the business, but asked Goodchild to make sure that the lights are aimed away from the neighbors. ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215–354–3031 or wkenny@bsmphilly.com
