Members of the Frankford Civic Association on May 2 backed zoning variance applications for a kitchen expansion, a day-care center and storage space.
By acclamation, the two dozen members who attended a session at Aria Health Frankford campus supported variances for:
A plan to build a contractor’s storage building at 1728 Orthodox St. The property is an empty lot between other buildings. Many of the surrounding properties are vacant. A variance is needed because the property is zoned residential.
An expanded kitchen at 1950 Bridge St. The added space already has been built, but since all building expansions need zoning variances, explained Pete Specos, the association’s president, the civic’s approval was sought.
A small day-care center operation at 1545 Jackson St. A variance was needed because that property currently has residential zoning.
Specos said a variance application to allow a Crown Fried Chicken store at 4732 Griscom St. has been withdrawn. Members overwhelmingly had opposed the plan during the association’s April 4 session. During the May meeting, residents said they opposed any kind of food operation at what used to be Len’s Shoe Repair.
In other business, members discussed — with fervor — problems with dog owners not cleaning up after their pets. Griscom Street resident Sandra Barry said the problem is so bad, even on Frankford Avenue, that pedestrians have to be careful where they step.
There are a few signs posted in the neighborhood warning of $300 fines for soiling the streets with dog doo, but residents said they want to see more signs and more fines.
The city needs money, Barry said, and it could get some by issuing more tickets to careless pet owners. ••
Reporter John Loftus can be reached at 215–354–3110 or [email protected]
