The Lawncrest Community Association last week considered the property at 5816 Reach St.
A woman bought the house in 2006, but is now divorced.
To be able to make mortgage payments, she created a basement apartment for herself while having tenants on the first and second floors.
The woman, who removed the cellar steps, needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to come into compliance with the law. Her hearing is April 3.
Attorney Ryan Boland told the crowd that there are already six multi-family houses on the block.
Some residents complained of safety and parking issues.
Just as it seemed that neighbors would vote down the proposal, a motion was abruptly made to support the woman’s bid with a proviso that she add a second exit to the basement.
After the motion passed 23-15, opponents complained that not everyone was aware of what they were voting on. The motion passed on a second vote, 25-21.
In other news from the March 19 meeting:
• Lt. Marc Rutizer and Sgt. Matthew Lowe, of the 2nd Police District, spoke about crime data. Violent crime is down 26 percent from last year. Property crime is down 1 percent. There was no change in the number of shootings.
The police officials said there is no date set for the 2nd district to move to its new headquarters at 7306 Castor Ave.
Rutizer welcomes 2nd district residents to contact him at PPD.02_PSA2@phila.gov
• Collins Family ShopRite was named Merchant of the Month. Civic association president Bill Dolbow and board member Kathy Wersinger made the presentation to community coordinator Karen Doyle and assistant front-end manager Joshua Hall.
• Ashlyn Rinehart, a resident of Oakley Street, is proposing a Lawncrest Youth Council for people ages 12-21. She envisions the council offering programs and taking part in cleanups.
• The Lawncrest 4th of July Celebration will feature the return of an old favorite, a parade of decorated bicycles, along with a first – an appearance by Santa Claus.
• Project manager Corin Wilson and artist Felix St. Fort, of Mural Arts Philadelphia, spoke of banners coming to Rising Sun Avenue, from Cottman Avenue to Adams Avenue. The double-sided banners will be 2 feet by 3 feet and made to last for a decade.
• A crab/seafood restaurant is expected to open soon at 5717 Rising Sun Ave. The site is the former home of K Diner, Millie’s Luv Inn and the Crest Diner.
• TreePhilly, a program of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will distribute yard trees on April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Exchange at Oxford Circle, 6434 Castor Ave. Free mulch and demonstrations on tree planting and care will be offered.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at St. William parish hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. ••
