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Zoning Board OKs "penal" project in Southwest Philly
The Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted its approval for a proposed "penal" project at Grays Avenue and 52nd Street, in Southwest Philly.
Zoning Board OKs "penal" project in Southwest Philly
The Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted its approval for a proposed "penal" project at Grays Avenue and 52nd Street, in Southwest Philly.
Last month, City Paper reported on the battle over the project. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and some neighbors support it. The developers call it a "day reporting center," where ex- and non-violent offenders will receive services (and sometimes beds) in lieu of being sent to jail. The supporters of the project argue that it will save the city money and reduce recidivism rates. Some other neighbors who are opposed to the development, however, call it a "prison" and say it's too close to a residential area. According to the city's zoning code, it is a "penal" project — however, it should be noted that the code has not been rewritten since the 1960s, and according to judicial sources, day reporting centers did not exist then.
No matter its name, the Zoning Board has granted a needed use variance for the project.
The developers, Ronald and David Watts, still need to win a contract from the city.
"We're very happy to receive the use variance. … Another hurdle has been crossed," says David. "We realize we have not gotten to the finish line yet."
Marsha Wall, president of the Southwest Community Advisory Group, says that neighbors will continue to fight the project, and will soon be filing an appeal against the Zoning Board's decision.
Read about another proposed "penal" project in the area, which many of the same neighbors oppose, in this week's A Million Stories.
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