When my client bought it, he was going to continue to use as a triplex, a three-family.
But as the RCO pointed out, the family that was in there stopped using it as a triplex.
So when my client stepped in, he thought, all right, let's move forward with the triplex.
And he found out when he invited some of the neighbors in that they weren't very happy about that.
So I'll show you photographs which indicate that he has ripped out the meters, the heaters, and the gas meters to just use this property for a two-family duplex.
what's unique about the corner properties in this neighborhood is that there's a side entry
to the basement as well as an entry to the first floor historically the basement was used as one
unit and then there was another dwelling unit on the first floor and another on the second floor
my client has removed the meters installed new meters and i'll show you this photographs
and he's not using the basement for any type of multi-family or any living quarters
When he showed the neighbors the property, however, he did have a unit in the basement
because there was one there.
And I think that was his fatal flaw where he showed the neighborhood a triplex, but
he is applying for a duplex.
And then inadvertently, when we had the RCO meeting, I told the community, this is a duplex
application, not for a triplex.
And my client, who has a little bit of problem with the English language, got on the call
eight. And when he was asked the question, what do you want this to be? He said, I'd love it to
be the triplex. But I stress to the community group, we're not asking for a triplex. We're
asking for a two family dwelling. So we have some, some signatures of support, but we were
asked by the community group to stop going door to door, which we did. So I think we could have
had more signatures than what we have. But nevertheless, I just want to go over the RCO
letter if I could and indulge the board's patience here. It's noted that most of the properties
are wide on the corners, as I just said. Historically, this was used as a triplex.
Again, there's a lot of agreement between ourselves and the RCO. And it says currently
the new owner is seeking a variance to have the property shown as a duplex, not a triplex.
And then it goes through all the things that I said. But then when the owner was questioned about the occupancy, he said he would like to keep it in two or three years, he would like to have a triplex.
And I said to the community group, we're not asking for a triplex. Any client may come back later at a later point and ask for something larger, but that's not what we're asking for here. And that's not what we're seeking from the board.
this is the property directly across the street uh this is a triplex and i'll show the board an
aerial photograph of some of the multifamily in the neighborhood so again this is a corner lot
it's larger than all the interior lots it's 30 by 85 the exact duplicate of what is directly
across the street this is the interior of the apartments kitchen some nice hardwood floors
The rest of the documents are my typical pro forma documents that you would see when I come before the board, tax clearance, notification to the community, application for appeal.
What I wanted to get to was the zoning map.
Again, just to show the board that the corner properties are larger than the interior properties.
than the interior properties.
And if I could, bear with me.
Can the board see that the other aerial view?
Yes. OK, so what I did, I peppered the the aerial photograph
with the red dots indicate two-family.
And this is our property here.
It's not two-family now.
We're asking it to be two-family.
This is three-family, again, a large lot,
large lot on the corner.
This is a two-family directly, excuse me,
that's a three-family, 1347 Upsall Street.
The two properties on Weaver Street,
which I'm indicating here with red dots,
they're two-family.
And then across the street at 1326,
another red dot that's two family. And then here's some of the historical zoning records.
This is 1347 at the corner showing three units. And then I also wanted to show the board
what my client has done. There used to be one heater in this property which served all three
units. You can see these are new units. He's taken out the one heater and put into just for
two apartments. Same thing with two gas water heaters simply for two apartments and two panel
boxes just for two apartments, not for three. There were meters on the outside. He withdrew
one of the meters that was here. So you have a meter for each of the units and a meter for the
common space. And again, some interior photographs to show the board. That's a kitchen on the first
floor, bathroom on the first floor, and bathroom on the second floor. So in conclusion, I would
just like to summarize my findings here. I have a unique circumstance, which indicates that most
of the corner properties in the surrounding area are multifamily. This property used to be
multifamily, a triplex. We're not asking for a triplex. We're seeking a duplex. The corner
properties are all large properties. There's ample room on the side for trash storage for
both units. There's also a dry vial in the back with access to a garage underneath if
trash wanted to be put in that area. We're not really altering the essential character of the
neighborhood. The corner properties are consistent, multifamily. We're not asking for any relief with
regard to height, open space, rear yard. And we believe that this is in harmony with the neighborhood
and harmony with the code. And had my client not said that in the future, he may try to get a
triplex, I don't know that we'd have this disagreement with the RCO. But hopefully,
they're on the call, and maybe they can speak for themselves, Mr. Chairman.
Hi, would you want your testimony adopted with your client?
I would like that, yes. Mr. Doce, can you raise your hand, please?
Doce has been allowed to speak.
Mr. Doce, I think I've already sworn you in earlier.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Clinton, why do you proceed?
Mr. Doce, were you on the entire call when I presented the case before the board?
Yes, sir.
If you had the opportunity to testify, would you adopt my testimony as your own and as true and correct?
Yes, true and correct.
Thank you, Doce.
Thank you.
Questions from the board?
no Mr. Chairman no Mr. Chairman questions or comments from the virtual audience
Mr. Chair Mr. Dylan Mahoney has his hand raised I will allow him to speak at this time
good morning Mr. Chair good morning Mr. Mahoney could you please spell your name for the court
reporter dylan d-i-l-l-o-n last name mahoney m-a-h-o-n-e-y do you swear or affirm to tell
the truth the whole truth nothing but the truth yes sir proceed uh we received the letter from
the 50th ward rco um indicating a essentially unanimous vote in opposition i agree with um
mr clinton's um characterization of the case ultimately i think there was some confusing
created by the triplex conversation, but ultimately when the vote was taken, it was clear that the
application was for a duplex. I believe Mr. Clinton explained that at the meeting, and ultimately
with the RCO's letter in mind, our office is opposed to the case. Thank you. Thank you. Any
other questions or comments from the virtual audience? We have Avera Primus with our hand
Sure. Could you state your name and spell for the court reporter, please?
Thank you.
My name, excuse me, my name is Vera, V-E-R-A. The last name is Primus, P as in Paul, R-I-M-U-S.
All right. Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Yes, sir.
Thank you. Proceed.
Okay. I just wanted to reiterate on some of the things that were said. I am a neighbor. I am one of the neighbors that have been living here for over 50 years and knew the people that lived at the end of the property.
Some of the concern that we had was that during the conversation, it was mentioned that the owner wanted his focus was a triplex. And we were concerned about that for the neighborhood. If he's sticking with the duplex, it's no problem.
But if he stated that he was going to go back after a year and apply for a triplex, and that's where the concern came in for the neighborhood.
Thank you. Thank you so much for calling. We really appreciate your call. Thank you for your input.
Is there any other questions or comments from the virtual audience?
I see enough further answers this time, Mr. Chair.
Planning Commission.
Morning, Chair Bergman. Ian Hegarty for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.
that's h-e-g-a-r-t-y right do you swear affirm to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but
the truth yes sir i do thank you proceed all right good morning board members um the comprehensive
plan recommends no change to the existing single family zoning at this location however this
property like many of the end of row buildings in this section of the city was built as a two
family dwelling so there is a pretty clear pre-existing physical condition of this building
that is consistent with what's being proposed just to be clear which is a two units in this
single dwelling in this property and so therefore the city planning commission recommends that the
grant the variance. Thank you. MI 2022 001 940 1325 East Upsall Street I vote yes proviso two family
unit. Carol Tenere, my vote is yes with proviso. Ishmael Shaheed, yes with proviso.
Thank you, Mr. Clinton. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Have a great day, everyone.
You too. Number two, MI 2021-004-985-1500 to 14 North 15th Street. Ruman Asia is the attorney.
Every RCO meeting was convened in the 5th District Council Office.
Meeting summary form with recommendation of support.
Mr. Ezio will be back as a panelist, sir.
Hello, this is Ruben Asia.
Hi, could you state your name, please, and spell it for the court reporter?
Absolutely. Reuben, R-E-U-B-E-N, Asia, A-S-I-A, like the continent.
Right. Do you swear a firm to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth?
Could you identify your client in a relationship to the property?
Yes. Our client is Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC.
They are a sub-licensee. The ground is owned by Temple University.
It has been ground leased to a third party. That third party entered into a license agreement
with 5G LLC with the express purpose of then sub-licensing the use of the roof to Comcast
Cable Communications Management LLC. Right. Thank you, Mr. Asia. Our Vice Chair,
Carol Tuneri, has a few questions. Hi, good morning. Do you agree to waive
the reading of the refusal and stipulate to its accuracy? I do. Have you emailed the exhibit
packet with proof of ownership tax compliance refusal referral photos under plans of this
property five days in advance of this hearing and have you met with the rco and do you have a letter
yes you may okay great you may proceed and please begin to share your screen
great thank you thank you
you can confirm that you can see the packet that would be great yes great so once again
my name is Ruben Asia I'm attorney at Fabry Drinker representing Comcast Cable Communications
Management LLC I'm here with Lauren Hahn from Comcast and Joe Goldshack from Fullerton Engineering
comcast is seeking a special exception for 1500 north 15th street the application is in exhibit a
and they're applying for a permit to install a 5g
and they're applying for a permit to install a 5G wireless service facility on the top of the
building. The property is zoned in RM1, which necessitates a special exception. Here is the
referral that we received. And I explained earlier Comcast property interests.
I'm sure you ain't got any more questions.
You got more questions?
Proceed.
Sorry, Mr. Asia.
Not a problem.
Exhibit H is a copy of the plans that we provided.
Exhibit J and K show the building and the required postings, as this is a rehearing.
And Exhibit L is the letter of support from the RCO.
And with respect to the requirements for a special exception, I'll reference the special
exception application.
As I explained earlier, this is the installation of a 5G wireless facility on top of the roof.
So with respect to any congestion in the public streets, it's going to be on top of the roof,
so will not lead to any congestion, will not lead to any overcrowding of the land.
will have very minimal impact if any on the adequate supply of light and no impact on the air
does not use any water sewer or other utilities will not impair the use of any adjacent properties
I've been told this is going to be painted to match the existing colors of the building to be
as unintrusive as possible and it will not materially in any way impair the supply of light
or air on any adjacent properties. And as noted below, the installation is designed to minimize
the visual impact as much as possible on the adjacent areas. If I could bring Lauren Hahn
on to the call and have her adopt my statement, that would be great. Sure, thank you.
Ms. Hahn, please raise your virtual hand.
Good morning. Hi, could you state, good morning, could you state your name and spell for the
the court reporter, please. Of course. Lauren Hahn, L-A-U-R-E-N-H-A-H-N. Right. Do you swear
or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? I do. Proceed, counsel.
Thank you. Lauren, have you been on the call during my presentation? I have. Great. And well,
would you adopt what my statement says your own if you were asked to do so? I would. Thank you.
okay questions from the board yes no Mr. Chairman no Mr. Chairman questions or comments from the
virtual audience let's see no further answer Mr. Chair planning commission thank you chair
Bergman Ian Hegarty for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission members of the board the
comprehensive plan recommends no change to the multi-family zoning at this location
the proposed wireless facility will have no more of an impact than a wireless service facility would
be expected to have at this location and so therefore the city planning commission recommends
that the board grant the special exception. Thank you. MI 2021-004-985-1500 to 14 North 15th Street
I vote yes. Carol Tenere my vote is yes. Ishmael Shahid my vote is yes. Thank you council. Thank
members of the board have a nice day you too okay um number four mi 2020 00752 1528 west gerrard avenue
burn anastasio stagio and harry cook um
Um, RCO meeting was held March 29th and notice is sent.
Good morning, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, Mr. Anastasio.
Could you state your name and spell for the court reporter, please?
I will.
It's Vern Anastasio, A-N-A-S-T-A-S-I-O.
Mr. Chair, I think you said 1528, Gerard.
I said 1528 Gerard. It's 1528.
It's 1528.
I'm sorry, 1528 West Erie. If I said that, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, 1528 West Area.