Residents at the Jan. 28 Millbrook Civic Association meeting discussed possible changes to the area around Philadelphia Mills mall.
There is a proposal on the table to set up a used-car lot at Liberty Plaza, near Nick’s Roast Beef Woodhaven.
In an interview last month, 10th District Councilman Brian O’Neill told the Times the issue was brought to the Franklin Mills Advisory Council, a registered community organization, but not enough people showed up to hold a vote.
O’Neill said he was concerned about the plan. The applicants said they would just sell newer-model vehicles, but there’s no way to enforce that, he said.
The Far Northeast Overlay, which covers the 10th District, requires a variance for businesses hoping to sell or rent cars, repair or paint vehicles, or operate a gas station.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on the property, 4501 Woodhaven Road, scheduled for Jan. 22 was postponed to April 1.
Neighbors also discussed the demolition of a former gas station at 335 Franklin Mills Circle, which is across the street from the proposed used car lot.
Permits were issued in January to demolish the station’s canopy and remove three underground gas tanks, according to city property records.
“Last we heard, it was going to be a tire repair place,” Millbrook Civic board member Mike Bremser told residents.
In other news, Michael Fagan from state Sen. John Sabatina Jr.’s office invited people to stop by for help with birth certificates and getting a REAL ID, which will be needed to board flights and access some federal buildings starting Oct. 1. Sabatina Jr. has offices at 12361 Academy Road and 8016 Bustleton Ave.
The Millbrook Civic Association’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Calvary A.A. Gym, 4330 Deerpath Lane. ••
