What's up with the new ZBA? - PhillyBlog

romano · #1 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008, 03:50 PM

Okay, so NIMBYs get a bad rep on this site, many times deservedly so. However I'd like to bring to light a recent ZBA decision that flies in the face of the perception of NIMBYs getting in the way of development.

The first Tuesday of this month, the FNA (Fishtown Neighborhood Association) Zoning committee held a community vote on construction of a mixed use building on Frakford Avenue. For those unfamiliar with the area, the building's location would've been along Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor, an initiative by NKCDC (new kensington community development corporation) that encourages mixed use development with an artistic slant. Here's the announcement:

Quote:

A proposal for new construction of a three story mixed use building with commercial space on the ground floor and two apartments on the second and third floors at 1717 Frankford Avenue. This is a community meeting, and all residents of Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence in the form of a driver’s license or a photo id and a recent piece of mail addressed to your home.

The vote was unanimously in favor, a rare occurence at a FNA zoning meeting. Now, to my great surprise, it turns out that the ZBA blocked the variance necessary to proceed with construction. Apparently, no reason was given. So what kind of a message does that send to the community and developers when the "right" kind of development gets rejected by the new, supposedly fair-minded, ZBA. It's frustrating.

random · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:40 AM

My only wild guess would be that the new ZBA is awaiting the conclusions of the likewise new initiative to plan, review and change the city's zoning code overall and in the mean time won't go for the former "business as usual" hodgepodge of variances all over the place with no comprehensive planning.

niel · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 09:56 AM

I hope that's not the case, because zoning reform could take years. Is all new construction supposed to come to a screeching halt indefinitely to wait for a zoning overhaul?

Mixiboi · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niel

I hope that's not the case, because zoning reform could take years. Is all new construction supposed to come to a screeching halt indefinitely to wait for a zoning overhaul?

It's Philly, so yes..

Seriously, http://philly.metro.us/metro/local/a...che/11751.html

Quote:

Gonzalez, along with other residents and developers long frustrated by the inconsistency and ambiguity of city zoning, are hoping for reform with the five new members Mayor Michael Nutter appointed to the board last month.

The board is expected to meet with the Department of Licenses and Inspections today to discuss changes that could simplify the approval process, which could cut down on the number of cases that require a hearing.

So, I'd give it another month...