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Parkwood talks zoning, homeless

Homeless campsite at southern edge of Walmart parking lot (4301 Byberry Road).
Carts lined up between the rear of the 12100 block of Knights Road and 12301 Knights Road.

The Parkwood Civic Association last week unanimously approved two zoning proposals.

Joe Ricci’s Transport, 2705 Black Lake Place, needs a variance to continue to repair vehicles. The business, which includes work for AAA, has been there since 2008. The civic voted 24-0 to approve Ricci’s proposal, as long as he adds shrubbery. A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for Aug. 31.

Ann Kids, represented by attorney Dan McElhatton, has an agreement of sale to buy 2708 Commerce Way, with plans to put child care on the second floor and offices on the third floor. Kinder Kollege, another child care, is on the first floor.

Ann Kids has existing locations at 10100 Jamison Ave. and 6200 Palmetto St. in Lawncrest. The state Department of Education’s Keystone STARS has given Ann Kids its highest rating, 4 stars.

Hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a fenced-in area for outdoor play. A ZBA hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5.

In other news from the Aug. 17 meeting, the group discussed problems with homeless people congregating near the CVS on Knights Road and in the Walmart parking lot. Some people at the meeting urged residents to stop giving the homeless water, food and money, fearing that the neighborhood will turn into Kensington. Others called for compassion and suggested the city house them in the old Shallcross school. For now, at least, the city, businesses and mental health agencies have solved the issue.

Meanwhile, in related news, deputy city managing director Tom Conway reported that 47 carts have been sanitized and returned to stores, mostly Walmart.

Parkwood Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Anselm parish hall, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road. ••

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