OUR
SPONSORS
If you would like to donate to CCRA, click below.
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
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ZONING
TRENDS: RULE OF LAW OR LEGISLATORS?
Recent
proposals for large projects in Center City raise a troubling procedural
question, should large developments be ruled by law or by legislators? Less
dramatically put, should new developments be regulated through the City's
recently revamped Zoning Code, enacted in 2012, or should development proposals
be green-lighted by Council ordinance approving buildings which fail to conform
to the Code's provisions?
A developer advocating a building which does not conform
to the Code has a choice - the legal track or the legislative track. The legal
option is really more like an Olympic track set up with hurdles, three to be
exact - review by Licenses and Inspections, then a mandated appearance before
the local registered community organizations (in our neighborhood, that's CCRA),
and finally an appearance before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Not only does
the legal road present hurdles, it is a toll road: payment is tendered in time
(all these steps means delay) and lawyers fees. By contrast, the legislative road typically presents
only one hurdle - the area's District Councilperson. More often than not, when a
Councilperson pitches a project in their district, the other 16 Council members
defer. No offense intended but it's a human response - you scratch my back,
I'll scratch yours.
From the developer's perspective,
the legal route involves all those nit picking height, density, and parking
requirements and hearings where knowledgeable people on the Zoning Board of
Adjustment ask pointed questions. Who needs that when you can get the law
changed by City Council, the same wonderful folks who passed the legislation
which called for the planning standards and those pesky hearings in the first
place?
So far, in our neighborhood, the
legislative work arounds have been benign. Developers seeking an ordinance have
presented to the Association's zoning committee in much the same fashion as if
they had been pursuing a Zoning Code variance, although, without the ZBA to back
up community requests, the disclosures are more likely to be sub-par. Even so,
there is no guaranty that all legislative work arounds will be handled so
responsibly. And the work around approach raises issues of equity. Joe and Judy
Townhomeowner who want to build a back yard addition not in conformity with the
existing zoning are far less likely to have an entrée into Council chambers than
Harry Hotelier who has plans for a high rise Hilton.
All 17 members of City Council
are up for election this year. It might be wise for our neighborhood to inquire
of each candidate their position on this zoning by Code v. zoning by
Council issue.
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CCRA
MERCHANT MEMBERS DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Support our
local merchants and save money too. These local merchants will provide a
discount (described
here) to any member
who shows a current CCRA membership card (Di Bruno Bros. has its own CCRA card)
and personal identification.
Di Bruno Bros., 1730 Chestnut St. and the Market at the Comcast Center
(215-665-9220)
Uber - Limo service Uber
provides a 10% discount for CCRA Members using code CCRA14.
Philly Foodworks - Use the
code "CCRA" when signing up for home delivery and receive a $20 discount on
delivery charges.
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PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR
FAVORITE CHARITY WITH A HOUSE TOUR BOOKLET AD
CCRA's Oct 19th 2014 House Tour includes a Tour Booklet
describing Tour houses distributed to each of the 600-750 Tour-goers. Please
consider placing an ad in the Booklet to promote your business, a favorite
charity, or simply to congratulate the Tour or CCRA. Rates are $250 for a full
page; $150 for half page; $80 for qtr. page. The proceeds support CCRA
activities that preserve, enhance, and celebrate urban living. Click here for an ad form or contact the CCRA
office at centercity@centercityresidents.org or
215-546-6719.
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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND
EVENTS
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE
PHS POP-UP GARDEN UNTIL 10/3, 1438 SOUTH STREET
Help the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society while enjoying summer in the
Pop Up Garden.
PHS needs volunteers to work from 11am to 2pm in the Pop UP Garden. Your
duties will be to welcome visitors and provide information about PHS and the
City Harvest Program. PHS will provide all the information you need. If you would like to help PHS, please contact Jessica
Wong, PHS Volunteer Coordinator at: jwong@pennhort.org
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THE GOLDEN LIFE SENIOR
FAIR, TUES, 8/12, 1PM - 4 PM, LEON SULLIVAN CTR, 1415 N. BROAD
ST
Part of
the L.I.F.E.(Life Improvement Festival & Expo) Series, Come join a
celebration of Philadelphia's Seniors. There will be senior service providers,
city services kiosks, activities, music, food, and much
more.
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FITLER
NEIGHBORHOOD WALKING TOUR, SUN 8/24, 2PM, 23RD & PINE ST
The
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia will be offering their 1 1/2 to 2
hours "Littlest Streets Fitler Square" tour. $10 Adults; $8 Students; children
10 and under accompanied by adult are free; $5 Preservation Alliance Members
(Please show your member card). Meet at center of Fitler Square
and pay cash or check to Preservation Alliance. Limited to the
first 25 people to arrive.
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RITTENHOUSE SQ. WED. WALKS
FOR SENIORS
Friends
in the City, Friends Life Care and Feet First Philly, jointly invite seniors to
walk around Rittenhouse Square every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Meet Pam at the Goat. Walk at any speed that is comfortable for
you.
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OPCC'S
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM RETURNS BEGINNING MON, 9/8, 3PM - 6PM, 401 LOMBARD
ST
The Old Pine Community Center is back for another year
of enriching the lives of children through, educational, and fun activities
including homework-help and a specialized literacy program. They will also be
highlighting healthy living through various physical activities paired with an
emphasis on healthy & adventurous nutrition.The program for children of elementary school age is open every day while school is in session.
Interested? Contact Jeanne Johnson at 215.627.2493 or center@oldpine.org.
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