Before you start building that new garage next to your house in Fox Chase, you may want to get the proper permits from the city. And you may want to check in with the Fox Chase Homeowners Association, too.
A couple of Fox Chase property owners apparently didn’t follow either of those protocols recently and are facing possible sanctions from the city as a result. Meanwhile, the neighborhood civic group isn’t offering any sympathy.
During the group’s bi-monthly general meeting on Sept. 10, homeowners association President Matt Braden announced that the group would not consider endorsing a Hartel Avenue resident’s application to legalize a garage that has already been built. According to Braden, the garage was built without permits. It also doesn’t conform to the city’s zoning code.
After someone lodged a complaint to the city about the structure, a city inspector issued a violation notice to the property owner, forcing the owner to apply for zoning approval retroactively. As part of that process, the owner was required to seek support from the local civic association.
According to Braden, the Fox Chase Homeowners have a standing policy opposing retroactive zoning approvals because they don’t want to create an incentive for property owners to ignore the permit process. The civic group will draft a letter of opposition and send it to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Braden said.
Ultimately, the ZBA will determine if the applicant will get his permits. If the board refuses to legalize the garage, the city could try to force the property owner to modify it or tear it down.
Braden and City Councilman Brian O’Neill reported that there’s a similar situation at a home on the 8500 block of Verree Road. As of Sept. 10, the garage was still under construction, but there were no building permits on file with the city.
O’Neill said he learned of the construction when a neighbor called his office to complain about it. The councilman encouraged residents to report suspicious construction while it’s still in progress. That way, the city can issue cease-and-desist orders if necessary. In extreme circumstances, police may be called in to enforce those orders.
In unrelated business:
• Braden said that there is no new information about potential redevelopment of the Medical Mission Sisters property at 8400 Pine Road. Several years ago, leaders of the religious order approached the Homeowners Association to discuss the future of their site. The religious order faces multiple pressures, notably declining membership. Developing a portion of their property would help the nuns ensure their financial stability.
Previously, the nuns discussed building an adult daycare center and a community for older adults on the property. Braden said he would remain in contact with the order to monitor future plans.
• O’Neill said that plans are moving forward for major improvements at Fox Chase Recreation Center and Burholme Park. At the rec center, workers will install lights on the Firefighter Daniel Sweeney ball field and upgrade the lights on the soccer field. Workers will also remove unnecessary paved areas and expand the playground equipment in front of the recreation center. At Burholme Park, workers will install a child play area, lights and security equipment.
• Dianne Murphy, community relations officer in the 2nd Police District, reminded residents to protect themselves against crime by locking the doors and windows of their homes and vehicles and by staying aware of their surroundings while in public.
People shouldn’t carry money openly in public and shouldn’t wear headphones or earphones that can distract you from your surroundings. Further, citizens shouldn’t hesitate to call 911 when they see a possible crime in progress or suspicious activity.
• Bingo will be returning to the Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, at 7976 Oxford Ave., every Friday at 7 p.m. Bingo is an important fundraising activity for the post.
The post is also trying to raise money through an outing at a Philadelphia Flyers game on Oct. 14. Tickets in Section 222 of the Wells Fargo Center are available at the discounted rate of $55 each. The Flyers will take on the Anaheim Ducks at 7 p.m. Call Jim at 215–609–2416 or Matt at 215–206–0281 for information. ••
