The Lawncrest Community Association approved a proposal to build an age-restricted 49-unit apartment building at 7040-52 Oxford Ave., a site zoned for single-family housing.
The location is in Burholme, but the city assigned the case to the 35th Democratic Ward.
Before the presentation, LCA vice president Heather Miller read a letter of support for the project from state Rep. Anthony Bellmon.
Attorney Alan Nochumson, along with the applicants, explained that Oasis Manor Senior Housing is seeking to expand. Oasis Manor already operates a 57-unit apartment building for people 62 and older.
The proposal calls for the demolition of an adjacent 1-story building and construction of a 4-story building, with a roof deck. The height would be 39 feet, 9 inches. The building would be open to anyone 55-and-older, with 37 one-bedroom apartments and 12 studios, all with a kitchen.
The number of parking spots will remain at 29. The lawyer and applicants said 29 spots for 106 units is fine, as there are only five residents with cars in the existing building.
A few trees will be removed, while seven new ones will be planted. There will also be shrubs and a garden.
The property has offered senior living for decades. It’s the former home of the German Baptist Home for the Aged, North American Baptist Home, Pilgrim Gardens and Wesley Enhanced Living Burholme.
Applicant Josh Mathew said Oasis Manor is affordable, since there is no entrance fee. Mathew said Oasis Manor serves middle-income seniors, and will accept government vouchers for those who have them. Monthly rates, he said, range from $900 to $1,800, with an additional fee for parking.
The entrance is handicapped-accessible, and there are elevators inside. The campus has security cameras and a secured entrance. Pets are allowed.
After the presentation and questions, Nochumson and the applicants were asked to leave so the LCA could discuss the proposal. The discussion was brief, as local young people were getting ready to watch the Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup game in the meeting room. Members overwhelmingly voted to support the plan, with only two people opposed.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for Aug. 12.
In other news from the June 18 meeting:
• City Councilman Isaiah Thomas discussed the recently passed budget, noting Council did not approve the proposed taxes that would have affected consumers.
Thomas, chairman of the Education Committee, said he opposes the School District of Philadelphia’s proposed school closings.
On other issues, Thomas said he is a proponent of decreased taxes on businesses, looks forward to debate on proposed regulations of fast-moving electric bicycles and prefers speed cameras to speed bumps to slow traffic at school arrival and dismissal, pointing out the poorly installed speed bumps across the city.
Thomas will hold his annual free camp, including basketball and other activities, for children 5 through high school age from Aug. 10-14 at MaST Community Charter School II, 6501 New State Road. Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/twbasketballcamp/2026-basketball-camp-sign-up-form
• Lt. Danielle Saxton and community relations officer Mark Mroz provided a crime update in the 2nd Police District. Mroz mentioned the June 10 shooting death of a John Doe on the 1600 block of Tyson Ave.
Mroz said there will be a 1-mile bicycle ride that starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. All children participating will be entered in a raffle for a new bike. National Night Out activities will continue in the schoolyard from 6-8 p.m.
• The Lawncrest Community Day and Fireworks Celebration will take place on Sunday, July 5, at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave. There will be a car show, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, food trucks and a DJ from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fireworks will be at dusk.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. at St. William’s Monsignor James E. Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. ••
