NLNA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes - June 4, 2012

 PRESENT: Matt Ruben, President; Don Phillips, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer;  Janet Finegar, Secretary; Rick Angeli; Fernando Benavides; Larry Freedman; Lystra Harris; Irene Lambrou; Katrina Mansfield; Chris Somers; Anne Waginger. ABSENT: Michael Coyne; Josh Upin.The meeting was called to order by the President at 7:02 p.m.Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Katrina Mansfield:“To approve the minutes of the May Board meeting as presented.”Passed 9-0-2President’s Report: Matt Ruben; written report attached and reviewed.Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed.Steve distributed a report for NLNA finances from October 2011 through May 2012 which showed the revisions to the accounting structure he and Lara have been working on. He provided an overview of what he hopes to focus on in reports, which includes a monthly representation of financial performance vs. budget. Steve has invited Fernando, Don, and Michael to revitalize the Finance committee with him, with a goal of having a draft budget to vote on at the September Board meeting.Steve further reported that he is changing the bookkeeping system slightly so that, for instance, there are event-specific records showing the expenses and income of individual events. Finally, Steve noted that at this point, the NLNA has an overall positive balance.Motion: By Anne Waginger, seconded by Fernando Benavides. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”Passed  10-0-1Business Association Liaison, Casino, Clean and Green, Education, Environment, Fundraising, Membership, Neighborhood Plan, Operations, Townwatch, Recycling, and Urban Design Committees: No reports.Community Center Committee Report: Larry Freedman: written report attached and reviewed.It was proposed that Chris Somers advise the Community Center committee on the details of the commercial lease for the renovated garage.Election Committee: Irene Lambrou: written report attached and reviewed.Irene updated the report with the information that Mike Simons declined the nomination to the Board.Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar; written report attached and reviewed.It was agreed that Rick will organize Board representatives to the movies this summer.Zoning Committee Report: Larry Freedman; written report attached and reviewed.Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Rick Angeli: “In the matter of Finnegan's Wake's proposal regarding Bodine Street: 1) any approval is conditional upon written proof that all property owners abutting this blockof Bodine Street are in agreement with striking the street. We will not consider any support for striking this block of Bodine unless and until this condition is met to our satisfaction;2) we require Finnegans Wake to deposit $5,000, to be replenished as necessary, into an escrow account sufficient for the NLNA to retain an attorney of its sole choosing to review any and all documents and ordinances associated with this project;3) this plan must produce a welcoming, well-designed and maintained space which feels and looks public to the average passerby;4) in order to prevent smoking, loitering, and patron spillover, please eliminate access from the dining area to the walkway;5) provide a sound barrier on the northern edge of the dining area;6) Finnegan's must be financially responsible for all Bodine Street hardscape and landscape maintenance on the east and west sides;7) move trash storage to opposite Finnegan's trash removal door;8) in order to prevent trash pick up from Greene Street, trash should be picked up from the DCC parking lot and Finnegan's must provide proof of a long term easement or lease for the location of the dumpster and permission to have trash picked up from that property;9) use of the dining area must end and the area be vacated by 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 10 p.m. on all other nights;10) the outdoor patron capacity must not exceed 24, all seated (no standing room);11) in agreement with the planning commission proposal, the easement should be widened from the proposed 6' to a minimum of 8'; 12) we would like to review the option of the walkway being at street level rather than sidewalk level; and13) our agreement to this striking is conditional on the NLNA being satisfied that the project is well designed and implemented and provides legally guaranteed public access in perpetuity.Passed 10-1-0 Motion: By Katrina Mansfield, seconded by Steve Richman. “In the matter of Finnegan's Wake's proposal for balconies on Spring Garden Street, we oppose the balconies as presented. Please provide a valet parking plan that will apply to all catered events and a security staffing agreement. The Spring Garden Street sidewalk cannot be a smoking area. Passed 9-0-0Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Rick Angeli. “In the matter of both of Finnegan's Wake's proposals, we require that a reverter clause be included in the ordinance that is tied to operation and maintenance, and ask that you discuss with an attorney the use of a performance bond connected to successful execution of this project. We demand that, as a show of good faith, you immediately remove the illegal dumpster on Bodine Street.”Passed 8-0-2Motion: By Irene Lambrou, seconded by Janet Finegar: “To approve the actions of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 211 Brown St., i.e.: 'We support the project as presented.'”Passed 10-0-0Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Irene Lambrou: “To approve the actions of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 919-31 N. 5th Street, i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We give preliminary support for 22 homes with a parking lot for 22 cars. Consider ornamental bollards on Orkney. Suggest secure, gated entrances from Orkney. Provide neighbors on Orkney and 5th Street 24 hours notice of potential construction impact. Please provide a view of Orkney street elevation and a storm water management plan. Please present this to the UDC committee. Return to the zoning committee.'”Passed 10-0-0Motion: By Irene Lambrou, seconded by Steve Richman: “To approve the actions of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 444-48 Fairmount Ave., i.e.:  'We would like you present this project to the UDC to discuss materials, facades, open space, interior layout, decks, pilot house etc. We would like to see more ground level activity (eyes on the street), a door on Fairmount Avenue, and interior stairs to the roof deck.'”Passed 10-0-0Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Steve Richman: “To approve the actions of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 927-29 Orianna St., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We give preliminary support to the project. Please address the following: Please push the deck back from the street 8’. Add presence on the street with benches or stoop. Consider staging the construction from the rear of the property as much as possible. Please present this project to the UDC. Discuss the gate design. Please return to the zoning committee after UDC review.'”Passed 9-0-1Larry reported to the Board that Tower Development Company's request to reduce the parking requirement at the Piazza was granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustments. Larry recommends that we appeal the decision. An appeal must be filed before June 9.Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Rick Angeli: “To immediately file an appeal of the ZBA's decision on the Piazza parking and allocate up to $500 to an attorney for filing and further research of the appeal.”Passed 10-0-0Old BusinessKatrina presented screen shots of the website changes she is developing and clarified a few issues. There were a few suggestions for changes, including that Kat should develop a list of responsibilities of the web mistress. Kat reported that there are a few bugs left in the site, but she would like to take it live as soon as possible. Don reminded the Board to send any further suggestions to Kat.Kat noted that the NLNA needs a new chair of the Fundraising committee.The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 9:39 p.m.Addenda:

 President’s Report, June 2012

 1. PLANNING AND POLICY-RELATED ISSUES

  • Mission – We will be resuming the mission process, after a long hiatus. We have had a draft neighborhood survey prepared (the first major step), and Don has volunteered to head up this initiative over the next several months.
  • Casinos – The PA House passed a bill to make the remaining casino license, originally designated for Philadelphia, eligible to be bid out statewide. No action one way or the other yet from the PA Senate. Recently Philly.com ran an article on a local developer who is said to be interested in building a casino complex in Philly, perhaps in Society Hill or Northern Liberties. I have heard a rumor that he might be interested in the old City incinerator site at Delaware and Spring Garden. Because this site is owned by the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., it seems very unlikely this would come to pass. But I’ve reached out to Alan Greenberger (head of Planning Commission, Deputy Mayor for Commerce, and DRWC board member), and Councilman Mark Squilla, to see if they’re heard anything (Squilla has not; I’ve yet to hear back from Greenberger).
  • Central Delaware Master Plan – CDAG continues to meet with the Planning Commission regarding the zoning overlay. We are concerned about some key provisions of the overlay, particularly around river access streets, and allowable building height.
  • Zoning Code Commission – No update.

2. FUNDRAISING/FINANCES/ADMINISTRATION

  • Administration – No update.
  • Budget and Finances – Steve and Lara have been working assiduously on the budget, and I believe Steve will have a meaningful, more readable report for us at the meeting. Steve and Lara’s work also has set us up well for the FY2013 budget process.
  • Events – Night Market was Thursday, May 24, and was successful. Waits for food were long, and it took longer than ideal to clean up all the trash, but it went very well otherwise.

◦       On Saturday, June 9, starting at 7:30AM, Roland Kassis of KassCon Cleaning Services is partnering with Waterfront Square to do a cleanup from Waterfront Square westward along Fairmount Ave. (I just learned about this Monday, June 4; I informed him of the other neighborhood activities that day, and agreed I would add it to upcoming emails.◦       Also, as folks know, Saturday 9AM-9PM is the Liberty Lands flea market, “taco takedown,” and Music Fest. The Music Fest – from about 4 to 9 – is always in need of volunteers to help with setup and breakdown, and with serving beer and selling beer cups. Contact Don or Larry to help out.

  • Spring Garden Greenway – At a presentation at the June General Membership Meeting, DRWC’s Sarah Thorp said the RFP for the underpass should be going out in the next several weeks, with an artist/contractor selected by early fall, and – hopefully – the project will get off the ground in the fall.

3. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPER RELATIONS

  • Tower Investments – The Piazza is having more 104.5 “block party” events over the summer, approximately once a month. I have emailed Tina Roberts (of Tower) and Bryan Dilworth (of Gunner’s Run, and organizer of Piazza events) reminding them that the sound volume was too loud at the 104.5 event on May 5, and telling them that we should not have to contact them to turn it down.
  • Finnegan’s Wake – There are two City Council ordinances to allow their proposed plants to more forward on Bodine and Spring Garden. The Planning Commission has weighed in, in favor of the former and against the latter. We will discuss these matters and take votes, in the Zoning Committee report.
  • Club Aura – This club is still generating complaints. L&I has ordered them to cease operations. They have 35 days, with the clock having started a couple of weeks ago. Councilman Squilla is working with City agencies to try to get the cease operations order enforced more quickly.

4. OUTREACH/EVENTS/GENERAL MEETINGS

  • General Meetings – Please notify me of any agenda items or ideas for the June GM. I am still trying to get Council President Darrell Clarke to come, but given the City’s property tax and budget issues, I’m thinking he won’t be available until September (which is probably better anyway, attendance-wise).

5. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY

  • Internet – The email list is closing in on 1,800. I would like volunteers to help post to our Twitter account.
  • Web site – Handing off responsibility for the design and maintenance of the web site was one of my conditions for accepting the nomination for President the year. Katrina has reaffirmed her role in heading this up and will continue to work with Micah Gold-Markel on taking the new web site live.

6. OTHER ITEMS

  • Board Polls – Ratification of any online or online board polls since last month’s board meeting.

 Community Center ReportHere's the latest on the Garage Project. We have received a grant from the Special Services District for $60K. When finished the garage, 702 N. 3rd St. adjacent to the Community Center, will be a one story commercial rental. We hope to get something in the $1400 range for the monthly rental which translates to $16,800 per year.Ira Upin is our project manger (volunteer) and all subs have been hand picked from a larger pool and all prices negotiated for the best project outcome.

NLNA Election Committee Report

June 4, 2012Committee: Irene Lambrou, Paula Gansky, Katrina Mansfield, Shelley Marcus, Sharon RichmanThe Election Committee conducted the 2012 Board Election at the May 31, 2012 General Meeting. There were 29 registered voters who signed in and received ballots. The candidates spoke briefly and votes were collected and tallied by the committeee. The following individuals were elected:President: Matt RubenTreasurer: Steve RichmanAt-Large Board members (2-year terms to end May 2014):Rick AngeliMichael CoyneLarry FreedmanLystra HarrisChris SomersAnne WagingerThe election of Steve Richman to office of treasurer leaves one open at-large seat, term to end May 2013. A special election is required, and nominations were accepted at the GM as follows:Harvey BellBill RussellMatthew EmersonErika GoldbergSharon RichmanJoe MikuliakMike SimonsFrank RobertsonAll nominees meet eligibility requirements. So far, everyone has declined except Erika Goldberg, Mike Simons and Frank Robertson. The special election will take place at the General Meeting on June 28, 2012. EC will gather candidate statements and provide due notice re: election procedures to the NLNA membership in advance.

Liberty Lands June Report 2012

Activities during May:

  • Movies: Sadly, the proposed partnership with Philadelphia Film Society fell through. However, another group (The Awesome Fest, run by neighbor Josh Goldbloom) approached us with an interest in doing the movies this year. Janet and then Janet and Liz talked with him a few times and we've come to a basic agreement. Awesome Fest will program and run the 10-movies series for 2012, starting June 28 and running on Thursdays (a change from the regular Tuesdays) through the summer. They are planning an all-80's series and should have a final list this week. Liberty Lands will pay $2,000 for the series (a $1,500 savings from what we'd budgeted) and NLNA can do announcements and solicit donations at the movies. Awesome Fest is seeking sponsorship to cover the additional costs, but we've agreed with them that they will not serve or sell alcohol at the park – they may give away drink vouchers from a sponsor and/or plan afterparties at local venues. Josh seems to understand that the movies at the park should be quieter than the large events his group has programmed at the Piazza and other locations. Concession sales at the movies are still in limbo – we agreed that if he found a sponsor who wanted to sell concessions, we could discuss a deal rather than having NLNA do the sales.
  • In other movie news, Maureen Wellner and Tom Lennon are working on filming a few short trailers to show before the movies that introduce people to Liberty Lands. We can also attach an NLNA trailer or “slide” if desired. . . and if someone wants to develop it.
  • The bathroom continues to go well. The trellis should go up soon.
  • We ordered a new set of signs encouraging park reservations and potty subscribers.
  • The May 12 Love Your Park workday was nicely attended and a bunch of small projects were completed.
  • Weekly weeding club continues, every Saturday from 9-11, and is attracting a small but steady set of volunteers. Drop-in volunteers always welcome, coffee and (usually) donuts provided.
  • The new gardens on Laurel continue to progress slowly. The wall has been repaired and the next job is to replace the fence so that it is directly accessible from Laurel Street and level the ground for the planting beds. The vertical garden is installed and planted, and plants are ready to go for the City Harvest plot in this garden.
  • The Night Market left behind an almost empty dumpster on Laurel Street which we – with their permission – filled with most of the Compost Pile from Hell. Controlling and removing that pile is a continual project for the park.
  • A group from Norris Square – Art Factory, part of My Neighborhood Project – did a talent show for city teens on May 25. It was very loud (and not notably talented), and a fight broke out among some of the audience, but the organizers did a good job of settling it down and the event did end by 8 p.m. Allowing this event was an experiment we will probably not repeat.
  • There do not seem to have been any more campfires at the park. There were several comments from neighbors about people overnighting at the park in early May, but none in the past two weeks.
  • City Harvest is up and running and has made several donations to our local food panty already.

Activities for June:

  • June 9 is the Spring music festival and day of events. Kathy Vissar is organizing the flea market, which will begin at 9 a.m. A Full Plate's Taco Takedown will go from 12-3, the Water Department's Spokesdog contest will happen from 3-4, and the music will begin at 4. The PBC truck arrives at around noon, and volunteers to help with cup sales and beer pouring are needed through the day, please! Dos Segundos will be dropping off some free snacks for the volunteers during the day.
  • Movies begin June 28 with THE BLUES BROTHERS.

Board action:Do we want board representatives to be at the movies through the summer?We need Music Fest volunteers! 

Zoning minutes 5/21/12

Present: Larry Freedman, Joe Mikuliak, Ira Upin, Jonathan Sher, Charlie Abdo, Tim McDonald, Barb Muklyhase,Absent: Sue Patterson, Mike Simone, Chris Isaacson6:30  Finnegan’s Wake – Return visit with a proposal for Bodine St. and Spring Garden St. changesIntro: Read previous motion. Councilman Squilla presented discussion of how the street striking process would work. Street could remain a thoroughfare even if incorporated by Finnigan’s. It depends on the new proposal and what can be agreed upon. City Council would hold a ‘Streets & Services’ hearing on the proposal. Such a hearing has not been scheduled yet. Then the proposal would go to committee to draft a resolution, which would be then voted on by City Council.Finnegan’s presentation: Two balconies proposed off the Bodine side of the Finnegan’s building for outdoor space. Small outdoor space at street level. Trash enclosure proposed to replace the dumpster on parking lot of the DCC office. Bought a bottle crusher to minimize the trash. Listened to the objections about closure and no public access to the street. Still proposing elimination of vehicular traffic to the street. Shifting the 6 ft width to the east to both allow for tables and a public right of way past the table area. Still exit at rear of Finnegan’s and the Joe Hand boxing gym. Additional stair to upper floor proposed at front SE corner. Current entrance is too tight. Current valet area would be gone and it would be moved to Spring Garden Street. Bus stop remains, and two parking spots. Valet area also serves as truck unloading. Low planters used as a divider between the walkway and the seating area. Sold parking lot that will be built, so now there is no parking. Why is the trash so far away? Will have a nasty, sticky drag line to the dumpster. Opposition to trash door on Greene Street. Can move trash storage closer to door where it is removed from? Capacity of the bar will not be increased (1150—1200 people). How many spots in DCC parking lot? 14-20. What’s to stop people from congregating outside? Will have seating only, no standing. Would there be security guards outside to take care of problem patrons? Spring Garden façade proposed changes: Removable stantions to line up patrons entering. Two balconies over the sidewalk. 8 feet width in front of vestibule (necks down), otherwise full width of the sidewalk. Columns at front edge of balconies. Each deck around 840 square feet, on the catering floors. Are 2nd and 3rd floors for catered events only? Or will also be for ground floor patrons to spread out. 3rd floor completely catered. 2nd floor want to maintain the option for ground floor patrons to move up. Capacity of deck is 36 people each seated. 3rd floor might have standing capacity for catered parties. Structure will be 100 lbs per square foot = shoulder to should people. Seating only or standing & seating? Open railing on outside on top of a 6” curb. No smoking in dining space, but smokers would be encouraged to move from 3rd street to Spring Garden St. Real awnings over fake windows. Three door ways on Spring Garden. All go into the lobby up 5ft from street level. Streets department requiring 6 ft width for pedestrians on Spring Garden. Streets has not yet approved loading zone/parking/valet configuration. Catering expansion timing will take time. Couldn’t commit to transition to catering only and phasing out bar. Food delivered in loading zone, up corner stairs on SE side. Construction time: will stagger with the different entrances. Discussion: What do you want to see? Vehicular or non-vehicular? Put operation of side seating into ordinance. How to make this work? Possibly redesign the front but balconies only 7 ft not 14 ft deep. Scale to extreme? Is there a consensus about to what degree it is reduced? Restrict top two floors/balconies to catering only? Seating only on the decks. Hours: Balconies and outdoor seating 11:00 to 11:00.Motion (Joe) 2nd (Tim ): We thank you for your presentation. Please address the following: Bodine St.: 1. Eliminate access from the dining area to the walkway 2. Sound barrier on northern edge of the dining area 3. Bodine Street landscape maintenance agreement on east and west sides will be owned and maintained by Finnigans 4. Move trash storage to opposite Finnigans trash removal door 5. Pick up of trash from the DCC parking lot 6. Use of dining area ends and is vacated by 11 pm      Spring Garden: 1. 2nd and 3rd floor use as catering only 2. 2nd floor balcony can be used for seated dining only in addition to catering not to exceed 36 seats 3. Please provide a valet parking plan, which is required for all catered events 4. Spring Garden sidewalk cannot be a smoking area 5. Spring Garden balconies overwhelm the street and the façade needs to be designed better. They should be dedicated to seated dining only, 36 seats max. We would like to sit down and talk about a design that buffers the edge from the seating area that prevents objects from falling over the edge. 6. Provide a security staffing agreement  7. A reverter clause will be included in the ordinance that is tied to operation and maintenance 8. Discuss with an attorney the use of a performance bond as connected to successful execution of this project Vote: 5-2-08:00  211 Brown St. ( NE Corner of American & Brown) – John Hollander – Legalization of the two 2nd floor decks on American St. Discussion: Unit 21 on separate permit. Deck already built. Inspector didn’t catch it. Got CO. Never saw the actual permit. Didn’t know that deck was never put into the original zoning plan, nor that the permits for the decks were ever applied for. Discovered by the inspector when checking into covered entrance issue. Stairs from the deck to the back yard require a variance.Motion (Barb ); 2nd ( jonathan ): Vote: 7-0-0

Zoning Minutes 5/22/12

Present: Larry Freedman, Mike Simon, Sue Patterson, Joe Mikuliak, Ira Upin, Charlie Abdo, Rene Ermilio, Chris Ricchetti7:00 919-31 N. 5th Street – G2 – Herc Grigos – Proposal for 22 single family dwellings with off street parking Presentation: Will be compliant with typical R10 zoning. 57% open space used for parking & yards. Common landscape area. Home owners association will maintain. Red brick with hardy panels in decorative pattern in grey, with mixture of metal & stucco. Ceder planter areas in front that will conceal meters. 10 ft deep yards with walkway around. House width on 5th: 16 x 40, inside units 15 x 40’. Curb cut will be less than currently exists on 5th. Rear on Orkney: where is entrance? Orkney street will have the front doors on them. Or they enter through the courtyard. Suggest secure gate in walkway from Orkney. 15 cars currently park on Orkney. Cedar fence at end of Orkney along back side of properties. 6” high? High enough to prevent headlights of cars parking from shining into widows of existing houses. Used to be 7 houses on 5 th; proposes 9 houses now – smaller. Other building locations by developers: Hope/hancock/howard, 4 th & Lawrence. Construction staging plan? Parking area will be utilized for construction materials. Some brief closure for installation of water/sewer service. Emails will be sent out to adjacent neighbors with advance warning of potential construction impact. Existing homeowner parking on Orkney has to drive onto opposite sidewalk to get into their garages. Developer has already set the new buildings back and will make sure that the sidewalks that are put in to keep adequate turning radius. Timeline? 8-9 month project. Probably won’t start until September. Sidewalk width on 5 th: 3’6” (allowed next to a 60’ wide  street). Fence at the parking lot on Orkney is actually on the property line, with a 2 foot width to adjust if you include the cedar plantings. Price range? Will be pre-sold > $500,000. Will be luxury rentals mostly, to start, >$2,500/month. The phase into purchase after 5 years or so. Square footage of parking lot? Stormwater: detention system under parking lot + yards + porous pavers + roof catchments. Will wash the windows of neighbors house after demolition. Parking will be deeded to unit. Cannot sell or rent the parking spot. Discussion: Re G2 zoning – ok to do residential? Parking required one to one. Neighbors concerned about parking on sidewalk on Orkney. Suggest sidewalk bollards to prevent parking on sidewalk. Would like to see the stormwater plan. Not done yet. Suggest only preliminary support until see more developed plans. One of the more responsible projects we’ve seen thus far: not too tall, off street parking, willing to communicate with neighbors, meeting most requirements in advance. Suggest going to visit other construction projects. HVAC unit location? In their own back yards. Lighting in the parking lot? Will discuss.Motion (Charlie) 2nd (Joe): Thank you for your presentation. We give preliminary support for 22 homes with a parking lot for 22 cars. Consider ornamental bollards on Orkney. Suggest secure, gated entrances from Orkney. Provide neighbors on Orkney and 5th Street 24 hours notice of potential construction impact. Please provide a view of Orkney street elevation and a storm water management plan. Please present this to the UDC committee. Return to the zoning committee.  Vote: 7-0-07:45 444-48 Fairmount Ave – L4 – Nino Cutrufello – Proposal for three single-family dwellings with parking.  Presentation: Limited industrial = no residential. Currently a surface parking lot with a curb cut. 42’ depth. Common driveway. 27’ x x 30’ wide each lot size. 22 ft deep house. One parking spot returned to the street. Each home with 2 car parking. 350 sq ft outdoor space. Combination of masonry and metal siding. Roof top deck. 41 ft height = lower than the industrial building height, which is 2 additional stories plus a water tower. One story garage right next to it. Pilot house a little over 51 ft. Façade looks nothing like anything else on the street. Counting on the transitional nature of the block. “Dead space” on Fairmount side. Can provide windows or ‘eyes on the street’. Slightly different floor plan for end unit on Fairmount. Brown street properties in a different development moved doors to the corner. (cooper building). Open space percent? Almost 50% by the time you add them up. Driveway, roof top deck, and 5 ft deep and 30 wide, open to all three properties. Rear yard: mostly a separation between properties and roof top is the useful open space. Driveway probably will be open, no gate. Air conditioning units on roof for 1 probably, ground level for 2. Discussion: Any height restriction for this property? L4 = 60 ft. Won’t get a refusal for height. Stair tower could be moved to the back? Garage moves to front which makes eyes on the street more difficult. 333 green good example of surface at street level.Motion (Joe) 2nd (Rene): We would like you present this project to the UDC committee to discuss materials, facades, open space, interior layout, decks, pilot house etc. We would like to see more ground level activity (eyes on the street), a door on Fairmount Avenue, and interior stairs to the roof deck. Vote: 7-0-0927-29 Orianna St. – R10A – Nino Cutrufello – Proposal for two single family dwellings with parking. Presentation: 2 existing buildings that will be demolished, 2 houses with single curb cut but shifted north 10 ft to common property line. 18 x 42 ft each lot. Common driveway. Two parking spaces. Four stories. Solid parapet wall not railing on 4th floor deck. 120 sq ft open space on ground level for each house that includes the parking. 200 sq ft open space on roof deck. Full masonry front, with black framed large windows. 12 ft set back on roof. 36 ft high, then parapet above. Why is this a tear down? South side property is very solid. Parking plan: cars will have to back into the spots. There would be some kind of gate on the front of the driveway to the street. What do you anticipate in the refusal from zoning? Might get something for driveway/parking area. “Stoop street.” Price point probably low 700K. How much construction time? 5-6 months? How many spots would lose during construction? One net parking space. Utility installation is a wild card. What is behind the parking lot? Parking spaces behind other buildings. Grassed area just behind the house. +/- 10ft deep. Discussion: Actual curb cut will be wider than is currently sitting open. 3’ added either side. Deck should be one side or another? Or set back far enough for privacy. Treat deck like a balcony with an 8 ft set back.Motion (Rene) 2nd (Ira): Thank you for your presentation. We give preliminary support to the project. Please address the following: Please push the deck back from the street 8’. Add presence on the street  with benches or stoop. Consider staging the construction from the rear of the property as much as possible. Please present this project to the UDC. Discuss the gate design. Please return to the zoning committee after UDC review. Vote: 6-0-0

Previous
Previous

Learn about the USS United States - a Philly Waterfront Treasure

Next
Next

Updates on Piazza Incident, Finnigan's Wake, & Property Taxes from June General Membership Meeting