East Falls Community Council
EFCC Elections, Queen Lane Reservior, Rental Housing Task Force PDF Print E-mail
By Tom Sauerman, President   
May 2012

Uncontested EFCC Election to be Held
The Nominating Committee submitted its slate for the EFCC Officers at the April meeting. Nominated were Tom Sauerman (President), Barnaby Wittels (1st VP), Claire Stilley (2nd VP), Drew Myers (Recording Sec.), Chris Caporellie (Corresponding Sec.), and Joe Leube (Treasurer).  Although invited, no additional nominations were made from the floor.  The election will be held at the June 11 meeting.  Officers begin their terms on October 1.  Nominating Committee members were Paul Elia (chair), Sarah Taylor, Patty Cheek, and Drew Myers (who recused himself).

“We’re very pleased with the slate that was accepted by the membership last month,” said Chair Paul Elia. “Three of the six officers are new in these leadership roles. We’re appreciative as well of the leadership provided by those retiring from the Executive Committee: Joe Doherty, Meg Greenfield, and Roger Marsh.”

Queen Lane Reservoir  
We have been in dialogue with the Philadelphia Water Dept. (PWD) for more than three years regarding its plans to reduce significantly the community's access to green space along Queen Lane, add 12’ fencing that appears almost prison-like, and add lighting that will shine into the homes of Queen Lane residents across the street.  The space has long been used as a passive park, for dog walking, quiet strolls, and conversations with neighbors.

Through the intervention of Councilman Jones, who contacted Congressman Fattah,  we met with the PWD and a representative of the Department of Homeland Security.  Before that meeting, after much probing, we were told by the PWD that it was necessary to put up the fence and lights to protect the reservoir from “backpack bombers.” 

Dubious, to say the least, neighbors persisted in their effort to find a better solution, making several proposals for less intrusive, equal, or more effective security, measures.  The proposed measures simply do not appear to offer much protection from the type of danger posited.   (At the meeting with the Congressman's staff, Councilman Jones, PWD, and Homeland Security, PWD said other undisclosed measures would be put in place as well.)

Under pressure from the Congressman and Councilman, PWD agreed to erect a mock up of the proposed fence and lighting for review by neighbors.  Rather than install the mock up opposite the potentially affected homes, it elected to place the mock up at a place where its impact on the homes could not be experienced, A viewing of the mock up was held on April 30.  A report on the outcome and the overall project will be made at the May EFCC general meeting.

Rental Housing Task Force
With support from Councilman Jones and in collaboration with Councilman Henon, an East Falls Rental Housing Task Force has been formed to address unruly tenants and negligent landlords. The Task Force includes East Falls representatives, the Police Department, the Department of Licenses & Inspections, and Philadelphia University. The goals are to prod landlords to accept responsibility to encourage proper tenant conduct, to make sure that all landlords can be easily found and held accountable, and that all landlords and their tenants respect their neighbors' right to peace and the quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhood.  

To that end, in addition to encouraging stronger enforcement of the present Code, the Committee will propose enhancements to the City Code and regulations to make landlords more likely to invest the time to assure tenants will respect their neighbors.

 
East Falls Community Council Agenda PDF Print E-mail
By The Fallser   
May 2012

The East Falls Community Council represents and advocates for residents of the community; it is dedicated to improving their quality of life. Residents are encouraged to attend both the EFCC General and Zoning Committee meetings.

Notice of EFCC General Meeting
Monday, May 14, 2012, 7pm
Location: Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale Avenue & Vaux Street

Agenda
Treasurer’s Report
Report of Grants Committee Recommendations
Report on Cresson St. wall (Darin Gatti, Streets Dept.)
Report of Queen Lane reservoir (Phila. Water Dept.)
EFCC Committee Reports
Other Announcements    
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment

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Revised Plans for Rivage Site PDF Print E-mail
By Tom Sauerman, President   
March 2012

On Monday, April 9, at the monthly meeting of the East Falls Community Council (EFCC), the developer, Onion Flats, will present revised plans for the Rivage site (to be called The Ridge).

“The changes are fairly small,” says developer Tim McDonald.  “The most significant change was reorganizing the community garden on the second level of the project. We wanted to make a more open and much larger contiguous green space.”  This and other changes are in response to the community meeting held last November.

Onion Flats has changed some of the residential units as well as the ratio of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units.  Another change under consideration relates to materials for interior construction.

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Zoning and Land Use Committee Report PDF Print E-mail
By Meg Greenfield, Chair, VP, EFCC   
March 2012

The Zoning Committee considered two proposals at its March meeting. Matters coming before the Committee require variances, or special permits not issued as of right by the City.

1. 3628-3630 Stanton Street. Proposed construction of two new single-family homes. After consideration of the plans that include off street parking for one car for each property, the Committee endorsed the plan subject to agreement by the Owner to commit to following the plans as presented and to minimum landscape requirements. A variance is required for failure to meet minimum sideyard requirements.

2. 3314 W. Coulter Street. Proposed construction of two storey addition to single family home. The addition would replace an open non-conforming one storey carport that extends into the required sideyard setback to abut the fence along the property line. The proposal would expand the footprint of the non-conforming one storey carport to an enclosed 27+ feet long, two storey brick structure. The closest neighbors objected to the long brick wall, which would face their yard.

This kind of case is particularly difficult for the Committee because well meaning neighbors have different perspectives and concerns. Both the Applicant and the neighbors are “good neighbors.” After full consideration of the plans and the concerns of immediate neighbors, the Zoning Committee voted to oppose the project because it would result in an unnecessary imposition on the immediate neighbors.

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