Holmesburg Civic Association last week considered three zoning cases.
The group voted, 10-1, in favor of a proposal for Big Joe’s Roofing to buy the former Holmesburg Boys Club building at 7756 Ditman St.
Longtime boys club leaders Fran Walker, Dan Reilly and Matt Mullen were in attendance to support the roofing company’s bid.
Walker explained that the club formed in the 1960s and flourished for decades, adding that it was bittersweet to sell the building. But, the club has not been able to offer any programs for the last decade or so. Walker said there were other offers to buy the building, but the club selected Big Joe’s due to its good reputation. He said proceeds from the sale will go to a Holmesburg Alumni Scholarship fund.
Big Joe’s, in business for eight years, is presently at 7352 Melrose St., near State Road and Cottman Avenue. The company plans to paint the building and add landscaping and buffering. The 65th Ward polling place is expected to stay.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for April 8. The site is zoned for single-family housing.
In other news from the Feb. 10 meeting:
• The civic voted 6-0, with one abstention, in favor of a special exception for Lynup Cafe, 7803 Frankford Ave., between Hartel Avenue and Decatur Street, to be able to open a private events space. Lynup opened in July 2024. Its ZBA hearing is March 4.
• The civic heard a request to legalize a driveway parking space on the 4300 block of Rhawn St. (near Cottage Street). The area had been a side yard with grass. The next-door neighbor is concerned about access. A survey will be done to determine the exact property line, and the civic group will revisit the issue at its next meeting.
• The Star Players will present three performances of the musical Sister Act. The show will be performed on June 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available for purchase through Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected].
• The 15th Police District Advisory Council will meet on Monday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. ••
