New York-based developers have applied to the city to build new rowhouses on the former site of the Wissinoming Boys Club, but leaders of the neighborhood’s civic association have some serious questions about the proposal.
Members of the Wissinoming Civic Association, during their monthly meeting on March 31, postponed a vote on the plan in hope of getting more information from the applicants as well as more input from neighbors.
Plans supplied to the group by the developer in February indicate that the former boys club property covers about 1.26 acres and consists of two parcels: 5814 Erdrick St. and 4125 Van Kirk St. According to city tax records, a limited partnership based in Brooklyn bought the Van Kirk parcel for $150,000 in January 2013. A second limited partnership with a Philadelphia mailing address bought the Erdrick parcel for $335,000 in December 2006, tax records show. But the same group of developers controls both properties, according to WCA Vice President John Nolen.
The zoning application seeks to subdivide the Van Kirk Street parcel for the construction of three three-story rowhouses. Nolen said he spoke with the developers, who indicated that they ultimately hope to build 34 new rowhouses on the two properties, providing that the first three homes sell.
The developers plan to price the homes at $269,000 each, Nolen said. There are no existing comparable homes on the 4100 block of Van Kirk St., but assessments on rowhomes on the 4200 block range from the high $90,000s to about $130,000.
Nolen further reported that the developers plan to make it a restricted access community with private streets. The plans show one new thoroughfare called “Galaxy St.” and a second called “Park Way.”
Although both original parcels are zoned residential, the developers need a zoning variance because the proposed houses are too narrow for the zoning code. The code requires 25-foot-wide properties, Nolen said, but the plans show two 19-foot homes and one 16-foot home.
Aside from the obvious discrepancy between the builders’ asking prices and prevailing property values in the neighborhood, WCA members have other serious questions. One neighbor asked at last week’s meeting if the builders intend to turn the homes into rental properties. Another neighbor asked why the Van Kirk parcel is listed as tax-exempt in city records, although an apparently for-profit company now owns it. The tax-exempt status dates back to when the non-profit boys club occupied the site.
Other neighbors asked if the old clubhouse on the Van Kirk parcel has historical value.
Nolen reported that an initial Zoning Board hearing for the case was postponed after the developers failed to provide certain paperwork to the civic association in advance of the hearing. A new date has not been set, Nolen said. The new hearing is not expected to occur before the next Wissinoming Civic Association meeting on April 28. All WCA meetings are held at the Wissinoming Park clubhouse (Cheltenham Avenue entrance) at 7 p.m. Neighbors are encouraged to attend to voice their opinions on the housing project.
ull; In an unrelated zoning case, the civic association approved an application by the owner of the Traditions tool store at 5811 Harbison Ave. That property has been used as a commercial/retail site since the 1960s, but it is still zoned residential. The variance sought by the merchant would legalize the store. The three-story property has rental units on the two upper floors. Traditions sells refurbished hand tools and high-end antique tools. ••
