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River wards groups face off on unite against zoning overlay (UPDATED)
The new citywide zoning code was meant to obviate Philly's crazyquilt of special controls districts. But City Council isn't having it.
River wards groups face off on unite against zoning overlay (UPDATED)
If there's one thing Philly developers hate, it's zoning overlays. (If there's two, it's the crotchety community groups with whom they have to negotiate when they want to build in locations where overlays are in place.) Philly's shiny new business-friendly zoning code was designed to, among other things, make the current patchwork of overlays unnecessary. But the code, which is up for adoption before City Council adjourns for the year, went through a few tweaks by Council. And Council opted to keep the overlays, termed special controls districts, in place for East Falls, Lower and Central Germantown,Overbrook Farms, Fairmount Avenue and North Delaware Avenue Area.
Now, the proposed preservation of that last special controls district — the site of a controversial planned music venue — is spurring a fresh debate in the neighborhood over whom zoning should serve: incoming businesses, or the existing community.
The New Kensington Community Development Corp. is pushing to eradicate the overlay, urging local businesses to campaign against it.
"An unintended consequence of the overlay is that it makes opening some appropriate and desired types of new business take up to 3 months longer and costs up to thousands of dollars more. Councilmen Clarke and DiCicco have decided they want to keep the North Delaware Avenue Special Controls District against the wishes of the Zoning Code Commission.... Would you consider sending a letter to the councilmen and the ZCC to voice opposition to these onerous requirements that make it harder to open a legitimate small business?" NKCDC wrote to local companies.
At least some at Olde Richmond Civic Association were none too pleased. In an open letter, ORCA zoning committee's Mike Fennerty wrote: "It seems that NKCDC is again unilaterally carrying the flag of the developers rather than the community as it did with regard to the casino issue. (on which ORCA was neutral).... I believe that the overlay is necessary and applaud the council members for attempting to retain it. To be sure, we haven’t always agreed with Councilman DiCicco on development issues lately. However, in our opinion the creation of the Special Controls District was one of his greatest accomplishments and we applaud his efforts and those of Councilman Clarke to maintain it.
"The new zoning code drastically minimizes the impact that community opinion will have on the development process. Incredibly, you seem to think that is a good thing. Perhaps, we should see how the new code works before we begin to abandon the only real protection we have against unwanted development.
"We each have our own opinion. Ours is based on experience. I am curious as to the basis for yours as I find your solicitation of opposition to maintaining the overlay an act of betrayal to the community."
UPDATE: NKCDC and ORCA say they're in agreement on this issue. In a letter dated 11/23:
Dear Editor:
New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and Olde Richmond Civic Association (ORCA) would like to clarify the nature of our work and our partnership. The blog entry “River wards groups face off on zoning overlay” mistakenly presents one individual’s open e-mail as a reflection of a larger conflict between NKCDC and ORCA, when in reality the two organizations work closely and mutually value the partnership we share.
NKCDC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the physical, social, and economic fabric of the community by being a catalyst for sustainable development and community building. ORCA is a nonpolitical civic association of resident citizens and resident businesses united for the purpose of maintaining and improving the quality of life for those who reside within its boundaries.
Because Mike Fennerty’s e-mail was not reviewed or endorsed by the ORCA Board, it does not represent the position of ORCA as a whole but rather Mr. Fennerty’s own point of view. The letter can be confusing because it mixes opinions, emotions, and even factual inaccuracies which were not discussed with ORCA’s Board or verified by Naked City.
ORCA is committed to maintaining a safe, stable, and valued community by uniting neighbors. NKCDC draws on the strengths of the community to empower residents and promote resident-driven development. Together our mutual support is critical, and combining our efforts allows both organizations to more effectively support the community’s efforts to make this a great place to live, work, and play.
Sincerely,
Sandy Salzman: Executive Director, NKCDC
Peggy Potts: President, ORCA
Dear Editor:
New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and Olde Richmond Civic Association (ORCA) would like to clarify the nature of our work and our partnership. The blog entry “River wards groups face off on zoning overlay” mistakenly presents one individual’s open e-mail as a reflection of a larger conflict between NKCDC and ORCA, when in reality the two organizations work closely and mutually value the partnership we share.
NKCDC is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen the physical, social, and economic fabric of the community by being a catalyst for sustainable development and community building. ORCA is a nonpolitical civic association of resident citizens and resident businesses united for the purpose of maintaining and improving the quality of life for those who reside within its boundaries.
Because Mike Fennerty’s e-mail was not reviewed or endorsed by the ORCA Board, it does not represent the position of ORCA as a whole but rather Mr. Fennerty’s own point of view. The letter can be confusing because it mixes opinions, emotions, and even factual inaccuracies which were not discussed with ORCA’s Board or verified by Naked City.
ORCA is committed to maintaining a safe, stable, and valued community by uniting neighbors. NKCDC draws on the strengths of the community to empower residents and promote resident-driven development. Together our mutual support is critical, and combining our efforts allows both organizations to more effectively support the community’s efforts to make this a great place to live, work, and play.
Sincerely,
Sandy Salzman: Executive Director, NKCDC
Peggy Potts: President, ORCA
Questions or concerns can be directed to info@nkcdc.org— NKCDC
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