ZBA Hearing - August 26, 2020

Vista Neighbors Association, which there are in non-opposition to this matter, they actually

referenced the fact that these were positive attributes which gained their non-opposition

to this matter, as well as a letter of non-opposition from Councilman Squilla.

After this is our application appeal to the ZBA, and then after this is, you know, a zoning

map showing where we are in this, you know, in the city of Philadelphia.

Again, we're Fitzwater, 6th Street, 7th, Catherine's here, and here is Climber Street. It's one of these unique streets in South Philadelphia.

Yeah, one of those. And exactly, Mr. Chair. And, you know, here are photographs of the property. Oops, let me not go too quick. I think I'm going backwards. All right. And you'll see that there's, you know, on Climber Street there, especially across the street, there is parking on both sides of the street. So again, it's not uncommon, especially because there's no parking on the street.

so most people are now able to park off the street. And then here's a copy of the zoning

notice for today's hearing. And then here are the architectural plans. And again, the rendering

really speaks about the height. Because of the mansard roof, it actually diffuses the height

of the building. And then the glass railing up top also diffuses any question about the height

of the building. Again, this is a single-family house. Here's the garage, which is a wide garage.

Because the lot is so wide at 26 feet, eight inches, we were able to put a really wide garage.

So it's actually a functional garage where you see a lot of times where they try to squeeze in a small garage and you can barely squeeze in the car.

Here, it's a rather wide width.

So we believe that this will be used by someone who actually wants to park their car in the garage.

And here are floor plans.

And then, you know, most importantly, you know, we met with the Bella Vista Neighbors Association, and as you can see, they are not opposed.

And they did mention specifically about the height of the building, you know, about the mansard roof and the glass railing mitigates the appearance of an excessive height sought.

And it's in scale with what's around in the surrounding neighborhood as well.

And here's the vote.

No one was against this project.

And then here is the letter from Councilman Scuola, who's also in non-opposition to this project.

And then here is the letter from Councilman Scuola, who's also in on.

Mr. Massario, are you on the line?

Can you virtually raise your hand?

You have to unmute yourself, Mr.

Yeah, I'm here.

Yep.

Hi.

Ed, do you want to swear him in?

Yeah, please identify yourself.

Spell your name for the record.

Sure, it's Edward Massaro, M-A-S-S-A-R-O.

Your address?

Right now, I live at 1821 Catherine Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146.

Do you swear and affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

Yes.

Thank you.

All right, Ed, you heard everything I stated today.

yes and is it true and correct yes yeah we we uh met with the association actually had neighbors

even write to us and say they're excited about the way the house looks and appreciate taking a

car off the street there because you know the only thing i'll mention is with the width of the garage

it's only um still for one car parking because of the turning radius that's what the architects drew

So we only have one car and it's just a one car parking garage.

So noted. And everything you heard, everything I stated today is true and correct, right?

Yes.

And you adopted it as your own testimony?

Yes.

Okay. No further questions.

Anyone else who wishes to testify on this matter, please raise your hand.

No hands, Chair.

Thank you. Anyone, any questions from the board?

No.

No.

Planning Commission.

Good afternoon.

This property is indicated for residential use on the comprehensive plan.

Climber Street is a narrow mid-block lane, and no other properties on Climber Street have front-loaded garages.

We feel that the creation of a curb cut and parking space is difficult due to the extremely narrow cartway

and the location of a utility pole directly in front of the house.

The applicant has not demonstrated a unique hardship, and accordingly, we oppose the granting of the variance.

Thank you very much.

M-I-2020-000793, my vote is yes.

My vote is yes.

My vote is yes.

My vote is yes.

My vote is yes.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Have a great day.

You too.

is that it carol we have that's it that's it it's a wrap any uh any unfinished business tanya

or sharon uh no chair but if i could just remind all who are in attendance who um need to know when

a continuance date is you would just look at the zba calendar the following week of the hearings

and you should have those dates there thanks thank you all right everyone thank you and

Everyone, stay safe.

Thank you.

Have a good night.

Bye, everyone.

Bye.

Good night.