Hello, I'm wondering if anyone out there has advice on what to expect at a Zoning Board hearing. I plan to attend as an objector to a planned project adjacent to our house. I'm not opposed to the project in general--would much rather have something there than an empty lot for trash--but the developers involved have been so rude and incommunicative so far that I am really concerned about how the project will go and impact the houses and yards abutting the property.

The phila.gov website basically says that the objectors need to present "compelling evidence" that the project will have a negative impact on the quality of life. Well, it already has had a negative impact. And since the developer as far as we know has had any neighborhood zoning meetings to explain what they intend, it's hard to imagine they'll have any regard for the neighbors in the future.

So, I have written a statement I intend to read, and am also trying to get neighbors to sign it with me or provide their own letters which I will bring (because honestly, who can go to a zoning meeting at 2pm on a Wednesday? People have jobs.)

Any thoughts on presenting a successful case for a person who is about as far from being a lawyer as possible? Does the Zoning Board care about what the developers have done in the past, or whether the building is going to be an eyesore totally inappropriate to the neighborhood, or are they really only concerned with use and size?