The East Torresdale Civic Association recently voted 20-3 to oppose a variance request for a home at 9230 Cambridge St.
The owners made a presentation to legalize canopies that were built to prevent rainwater from going into the basement.
The maximum allowable area for the lot is 2,000 square feet. The area, though, is 2,675.75 square feet.
Also, the minimum required side yard width for the structure is 10 feet. However, the side yard width, measured from the side canopy addition to the side lot line, is only 5 feet, 6 inches.
ETCA members were concerned that the property, zoned for single family housing, has two gas meters and will have too many people living there. They also think the structure is too big for the lot and contended that the rainwater spilloff could get into other homes.
The owners said they had 31 letters of support.
The neighbors on both sides of them and a man who lives across the street attended the meeting.
“We don’t get any extra water, and I’m right next door,” said a woman named Maureen.
“It doesn’t bother me,” said the man across the street.
However, another next-door neighbor described the property as a “boarding house.”
In other news from the Dec. 9 meeting, Ross Mitchell, executive director of Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., invited the public to a free community celebration for all ages on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to enjoy an afternoon of seasonal festivities, including a bonfire by the river, hot drinks and light refreshments. There will be a fire-building demonstration (2 p.m.), a craft workshop and a guided walk focusing on the winter solstice. For more information or to register, call 215-632-5330 or visit www.glenfoerd.org/events.
Joe Carson, the ETCA president, attended a recent meeting where the city spoke of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s plan to put 640 beds for addicts and homeless at 7979 State Road, in the former Riverview Homes, near the prisons. The site is expected to open next year, and Carson will be part of an oversight committee that will meet monthly.
To be admitted to the program, people will have to have spent at least 30 days in a treatment program. They could stay on site for 6 months to a year, with a goal of finding a job.
Carson said he wants to know more about the service providers and how individuals will be discharged.
Also on the committee will be Stan Cywinski, president of the Upper Holmesburg Civic Association and an aide to City Councilman Mike Driscoll. Cywinski attends all ETCA meetings. ••
