I just received this email -

A zoning notice posted on the empty convent site says they are building a 'CHARITABLE INSTITUTION HOTEL - THEY ARE GOING TO BUILD A ONE STORY 21 UNIT BUILDING WITH 21 PARKING PLACES.

WHAT DOES THIS SOUND LIKE TO YOU? A DRUG REHAB UNIT?

Do you think Fumo is going to have a Charitable Institution Hotel on his street? Does anyone want one on the Parkway across from the Art Museum, does Fairmount want one at the edge of the neighborhood, do I want one across from where I live - No
And I dont want them digging up the grass for parking spaces either.

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Philly Chit Chat
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The FCA zoning committee will be looking into this. There had been rumors about a year ago that Ronald McDonald House was looking to use that convent building at 24th and Green as a residence for parents & family of kids at the RM House in West Phila. Not sure if this is that proposal or another one.

You're right, Hugh: We need to keep an eye on this. I'll report back when I know something more.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Applies for Zoning Changes at 2322-32 Green Street
November 18, 2004
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has applied for three use, 6 zoning, and one certificate for 2322-32 Green Street, which is the former St. Francis Xavier Convent building. The Association has taken no position on this application, which is being published here for the information of neighbors and members. This location is within the boundaries of the Fairmount Civic Association as defined in the bylaws. The zoning notice is provided here exactly as provided to the Association.

[Material in brackets added by FCA Webmaster. "Sic" means exactly as provided. ]

[ZBA Docket] 04-1561 2322-32 Green Street "3 use; 6 Zoning; 1 Certs." Permit/certificate for the erection of a completely enclosed one-story addition (maximum height not to exceed 35' 0"). An open canopy addition, nine(9) double faced projecting signs, six (6) single faced flat wall signs (all proposed sinage [sic] completely within property lines), 6' high fence and gate, 6' high wall surrounding proposed trash enclosure. Enclosure of exiesting [sic] open two-story portico, accessory to the charitable institution/hotel with twenty-two (22) units for the exclusive use of non-profit charitable foundation, with the creation of twenty-three (23) accessory open-air, off-street parking spaces including one (1) handicap slot, the installation of a landscaped buffer (4' wide x 6' high) along residential property line, and the legalization of the erection of a 6' high fence along Green St frontage.

[Hearing Scheduled for] Wed Dec 1 at 2:00PM

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The FCA intends to request a continuance to delay the zoning hearing until we can get more information on this project. I'll keep the board here updated.

More info is becoming available...looks like this is NOT going to be a drug rehab center of the type that the Archdiocese unsuccessfully attempted to install in the former St. Hedwig's church back in 2000.

I believe there will be some sort of presentation on this matter at Thursday's meeting of the Fairmount Civic Association, so all who are concerned about this proposal should be sure to attend. 7:30 p.m. at 860 N. 24th (the Mennonite High School).

It's my understanding that the request for a continuance was denied and the hearing is scheduled for 2PM today.

There will be a presentation at the FCA meeting on Thursday, followed by a vote on the proposal. It seems to me that this particular project is moving very quickly. Other recent requests for zoning changes (Perot and Poplar) have had separate community meetings to discuss the proposal and receive input. Those meetings were productive and resulted in some revisions and modifications to the plans before an FCA vote took place. Obviously that is not a requirement, but those behind this project don't seem to be making the same effort.

I am relatively new to the FCA (and the neighborhood) so comments from those with more experience would certainly be welcome.

pkav, you're right that this is moving quickly. And, if I may speak as a private citizen, I too feel that those behind this, aka the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, are indeed moving quickly without a lot of chance for neighborhood input.

It should be pointed out, however, that there was apparently some sort of meeting that included Sen. Fumo (who lives a block down from this site) and members of the Spring Garden Community Development Corporation, among others. Those involved professed surprise that this was "in" Fairmount and/or a Fairmount issue - which to my thinking is suspiciously disingenuous. Anybody who's lived in the area for any length of time knows that St. Francis Xavier is a cornerstone institution for Fairmount's Catholic community. Of COURSE this is a Fairmount issue.

On another point, my wife, who's in a position to know, also has pointed out that the Art Commission (I hope I have that title right) should have a say in the design of any changes or additions to this building, since it fronts on the Parkway and they had extensive input on the original convent building's design when it was put up in the 1950's. She has alerted the head of the Art Commission to this issue; we'll see what comes of it.

Look here for the updated FCA meeting notice with a bit more info on this issue (at the bottom of the thread):
http://phillyblog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=76448#76448

A continuance was in fact issued by the Zoning Board this afternoon. Representatives from the organization that will run this facility (which is not the Archdiocese - they just own the property) will be at tomorrow's FCA meeting.

Thank you thank you for the good news. Not only was it a surprise the FCA wasn't notified, but how about the Philadelphian. NIMBY I want to have a say about what I will be looking at from my terrace, let alone how this might effect my property values and the traffic on Pennsylvania Ave. and the fact its going to have 8 lit signs on the side of the building and a wall surrounding it.

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Yes, the signage is a major issue for me. If I remember correctly, the zoning notice calls for 9 projecting two-sided signs and as many as 6 other signs, bringing the total to something like 15!! What the heck do they need that many signs for??