The East Torresdale Civic Association voted 51-1 against a plan to build three 38-foot-tall homes with rooftop decks on a property at 9655 Milnor St.
The 80,000-square-foot property just south of Glen Foerd was formerly owned by Pete Ciarrocchi, owner of Chickie’s & Pete’s.
In June 2023, the owner’s then-attorney, Kevin Greenberg, presented a plan for 12 houses. Unsurprisingly, the ETCA rejected this idea.
At this meeting, one man suggested to the owner that only three houses should be built, and the other ETCA members applauded.
There was no applause at the meeting on August 12.
Opponents cited a number of reasons, including the homes’ proximity to the Delaware River. They also argued that there is no need for 15 parking spaces and two-car garages per home. They also believe the property is out of step with the rest of the neighborhood, as it includes a parking lot, basketball court, tennis court and a private road.
Before the vote, ETCA President Joe Carson called out “ELMO” – enough, let’s move on.
The owner was represented by attorney Rachael Pritzker, architect Carolina Pena and civil engineer Michael Fina.
More news from the meeting:
• The ETCA voted 41-14 to begin construction on two parking lots in Glen Foerd on the Delaware.
In total, the project will cost $2.1 million and will include a new entrance and exit on State Road. Neighbors noted that Glen Foerd has been talking about an entrance and exit on State Road for 30 years.
Glen Foerd needed approval from the ETCA because he was approaching a deadline to spend a $400,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation.
Glen Foerd is also able to use some federal funds as part of the overall project and continues to raise money.
Construction of the parking spaces is expected to begin in November.
Entry and exit via State Road will be later and will only be possible as a right turn. A gate will block access to the facility via State Road at night.
Representing the project were Glen Foerd’s Managing Director Ross Mitchell, Board Chairman Joe Forkin and Rich Montanez, Deputy Transportation Commissioner for the Department of Highways.
• April Street, from the public unit of the Register of Wills, spoke about the importance of having a will and a living will, as well as giving power of attorney. Street said a person needs to tell two people where their will is.
• Senator Jimmy Dillon has several upcoming events. He will join Councilman Jim Harrity for a shredder and e-cycle event on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at Archbishop Ryan, 11201 Academy Road.
Dillon will join City Election Commissioner Lisa Deeley for an outdoor family movie night and voter participation event on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be shown at 7:30.
Dillon and Councilman Isaiah Thomas will co-host a shredding and e-cycle event at George Washington High School, 10175 Bustleton Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Fox Chase Cancer Center will bring its mobile mammography unit to Dillon’s office at 12361 Academy Road on Thursday, October 7. To schedule an appointment, call 215-695-1020.
A representative of the Veterans Multi-Service Center will be at the office on Dillons Academy Road on the second Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• The ETCA meets on Monday, September 9th at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Guest speaker is Elvis Solivan of Oak Street Health. ••
