The East Torresdale Civic Association voted 51-1 to oppose a plan to build three houses, 38 feet high and with roof decks, on a property at 9655 Milnor St.
The property, just south of Glen Foerd and more than 76,000 square feet, was formerly owned by Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s & Pete’s.
In June 2023, the owner’s then-lawyer, Kevin Greenberg, presented a plan for 12 houses. Not surprisingly, the ETCA rejected that idea.
At that meeting, a man suggested the owner build only three houses, and fellow ETCA members applauded.
There was no applause at the Aug. 12 meeting.
Opponents cited a number of reasons, including the proximity of the houses to the Delaware River. They also argued that there’s no need for 15 parking spaces, along with two-car garages for each house. They also believe the property doesn’t fit the rest of the neighborhood, as it includes a parking lot, basketball court, tennis court and private road.
ETCA president Joe Carson called an “ELMO” – Enough, Let’s Move On – before the vote was taken.
The owner was represented by attorney Rachael Pritzker, architect Carolina Pena and civil engineer Michael Fina.
In other news from the meeting:
• The ETCA voted 41-14 to approve the start of construction on two parking lots at Glen Foerd on the Delaware.
In all, the project will cost $2.1 million and include, among other things, a new entrance and exit on State Road. Neighbors noted that Glen Foerd has been talking about an entrance and exit on State Road for 30 years.
Glen Foerd needed the ETCA approval because of an upcoming deadline to spend a $400,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation.
Glen Foerd also has some federal funding to use as part of the overall project, and continues to raise money.
Construction on the parking lots is expected to start in November.
The State Road entrance and exit will come later, and will be right-turn only. A gate will close State Road access to the property at night.
Appearing on behalf of the project were Glen Foerd executive director Ross Mitchell, board chairman Joe Forkin and Rich Montanez, deputy commissioner of transportation at the Department of Streets.
• April Street, of the Register of Wills public engagement unit, spoke of the importance of having a will and a living will and to authorize a power of attorney. Street said an individual should tell two people where their will is.
• Sen. Jimmy Dillon has several upcoming events. He will team with Councilman Jim Harrity for a shredding and e-cycle event on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Archbishop Ryan, 11201 Academy Road.
Dillon will team with city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley for a family movie night under the stars and voter engagement on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be shown at 7:30.
Dillon and Councilman Isaiah Thomas will co-host a shredding and e-cycle event on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, at George Washington High School, 10175 Bustleton Ave.
Fox Chase Cancer Center will bring its mammogram mobile unit to Dillon’s office at 12361 Academy Road on Thursday, Oct. 7. To make an appointment, call 215-695-1020.
A Veterans Multi-Service Center representative is at Dillon’s Academy Road office on the second Tuesday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The ETCA will meet on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The guest speaker will be Elvis Solivan, of Oak Street Health. ••
