I'm not sure what happened with the G'Town forum, so I'll put this here.

There are apparently plans to put up 36 condos at the corner of Morris & Rittenhouse (near Wissahickon Ave. & Lincoln Dr.) that will start at $399K.

At first, I thought my eyes were tricking me, but sure enough...that's what the sign at the property says.

I don't know how the owner/developer is going to fit 36 condos on the site, unless they're going to be incredibly small or they're going to build up. Secondly, $399K?! The area is pretty nice, but the most expensive home in the area is valued at $170K. Based on my discussions with a homeowner in the area, it would seem that there has been some back and forth over what is going to go there. Apparently, it used to be an apartment building or buildings...workers have been gutting it for at least 3 months.

Germantown (at least, west of Germantown Ave.) has a lot going for it. The current housing stock appears to be be good, crime is not bad (other than the stabbing over at Victor's Tavern Friday), community organization seems strong and there's a diverse population. I think things are definitely on the upswing here...but $400,000 condos? That's gotta be a typo on the sign.

Lady Syc and I have been here only 2 months, but we love it thus far...I'm sure I'll find things to complain about soon though.

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"If these walls could talk, I'd listen to the floor."--Rev. Horton Heat

Wow, that starting price is higher than for the Cigar Factory condos in NL (4th St near Girard) that are going for something like 350+

I agree west G'town has a lot going for it. I almost rented an apartment on Green St last year but decided not to due to transportation concerns.

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There have been several City Council Bills talking about Rittenhouse Lane,
I think some were zoning/ redevelopment, so it's possible the owner got the density rules changed to let the project go through.

Hal

What? All the bus and train routes weren't enough for you?

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"If these walls could talk, I'd listen to the floor."--Rev. Horton Heat

Are these available to view online, Hal? I'd like to look at them.

On one hand, I can't imagine anyone dropping $400K on a condo in this area. On the other hand, it wouldn't surprise me, given the housing market here.

__________________
"If these walls could talk, I'd listen to the floor."--Rev. Horton Heat

I had just gotten here (actually, I hadn't even gotten here. I was living in MD) and didn't know a whole lot bout the system. At the time I decided the 23 wasn't reliable enough (still don't think it is) and the the RR lines in the area were too infrequent and way too expensive (still think so. There's no way I could afford to get around on RR on a regular basis). At the time I didn't find any other bus lines that would've served my purposes. I also ended up getting rid of the car I had at the time, FWIW.

__________________
Welcome to Philadelphia. Here's how you can help us make our great city even better:

• Write to your state and local elected officials
• Report suspicious activity to the police department

Yep, check www.hallwatch.org for the Bills index,
and also check www.phila.gov which has the official information.

Hal

This is the only one I could find:

BILL NO. 040467
Introduced May 6, 2004
Councilmember Miller
Referred to the Committee on Rules


AN ORDINANCE

To amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by Rittenhouse Street, Pulaski Avenue, Chelten Avenue and Morris Street.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 14-103 of The Philadelphia Code, The Philadelphia Zoning Maps are hereby amended by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land within an area bounded by Rittenhouse Street, Pulaski Avenue, Chelten Avenue and Morris Street, from the existing zoning designations indicated on Map "A" set forth below to the zoning designations indicated on Map "B" set forth below.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

Unfortunately, they don't show the maps. Based on the zoning map I'm looking at, the area is zoned for multi-family housing (R14--the same as my complex).

It'll be interesting to see where this development goes...

__________________
"If these walls could talk, I'd listen to the floor."--Rev. Horton Heat

UPDATE: The prices of the condos have dropped to $349K, and they have a 10-year tax abatement.

Still not worth it, IMO.

__________________
"If these walls could talk, I'd listen to the floor."--Rev. Horton Heat

You can download the original ms word .doc file, which does include the before and after map:

http://www.hallwatch.org/councilnoti...85323/download

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Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.