THE COUNCIL CRIER

February 2002


We're Back In Business...
And It's Thanks To You!


A Sincere Thanks

The board of Manayunk Neighborhood Council would like to thank all who took the time to register and vote at the November 2001 election. We appreciate the many Manayunkers, old and new, that joined in a show of support. Also many thanks members who came from other civic organizations and the civic leaders that helped us through tough times.

We appreciate the generous donations we received- We have a long way to go. It helps knowing you are with us. If you have not sent in your membership for 2002 please take the time now to do so. Registration in November did not count for 2002. This neighborhood is worth preserving. It can be a model for others if we continue to work together.

Jane Glenn, President
Kathy Tomosky, Vice President
Gerald Harrison, Treasurer
Karen Smith, Recording Secretary
Kevin Smith, Corresponding Secretary
Arte Verbrugghe, Sgt at Arms
Doug Cowley, Trustee


Sunset for Zoning Overlay?

The Manayunk Zoning Overlay will expire March 19, 2002, unless it is renewed or revised by City Council. The conditions to which the legislation responded five years ago have not changed significantly. It would be detrimental to the residential community to remove the zoning prohibitions that provide some protection for our quality of life.

Manayunk Neighborhood Council and Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association have asked Councilman Nutter to take the steps necessary to hold public hearings in City Council on legislation to make the zoning overlay permanent.


Lower Main Street - Apartments and More

Representatives from Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association, Manayunk Neighborhood Council and Wissahickon Interested Citizens Association met with Bart Blatstein, owner of property on lower Main Street, to discuss his plans for new construction. The residential community is concerned about such issues as facade design, traffic congestion, landscaping, public park space, lighting, fencing, security, and disruption to the neighborhood during the construction.

A 7-story, 60-unit apartment building is proposed for 3742 Main Street, next to the CVS. All units will have 2 bedrooms. There will be 91 parking spaces for a ratio of 1 1/2 spaces per unit. A river walk will be preserved for public use. The building will be cantilevered over the floodway but will sit entirely within the 100 year floodplain.

Changes to the movie theater include adding 4 new auditoriums for a total of 598 new seats and renovation of 1 of the existing 6 auditoriums. There will be a net increase of 495 seats for a total of 1,844 seats. Parking will be reduced by 41 spaces for a total of 343 spaces. The theater project will not proceed until after the apartment project is underway.

Mr. Blatstein intends to go before the Zoning Board with plans for the apartments within the next few weeks. This scheduling may not afford us time to meet with his architect to discuss our concerns and make the necessary changes to our agreement. If this happens, the civic associations will seek a continuance from the Zoning Board until an agreement has been revised.


Rentals, Rentals and More Rentals

Faster than trends seen anywhere else in the city, Manayunk shifted from a community of largely owner-occupied, single-family homes to a profile of multiple resident, rental and non-community owned conversions.

The North Light Leadership Team, a group of neighbors formed by the Eastern Pennsylvania Organizing Project, has made this problem their primary focus. Ed Dougherty, a member of the team and neighbor, will make a presentation at the February 6th MNC meeting.

Whines & signs

The Wine and Spirits Shop has relocated to the property that used to be Jefferson Bank. Feelings were mixed about this move, the belief being that the old location was more accessible by foot traffic. But the greatest onslaught of personal feelings is about the new "Welcome to Main Street Manayunk" sign installed at Ridge Avenue and the start of Main Street. Designed by the renowned firm of Venturi, Scott-Brown, it has prompted a barrage of calls to the Manayunk Development Corporation. Kay Smith, Executive Director, said, "People either love it or they hate it", proving once again that Manayunkers are passionate about their feelings and do not hesitate to express them. It's a good thing there will NOT be a sign on the historic PRR bridge.



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Calender of Events

Sat., Feb. 2: 9:30-11:30AM Central Roxborough Civic Recycling at Leverington St parking lot, between Ridge & Mitchell
Mon., Feb. 4: 7:30PM Wissahickon Neighbors Civic meeting, Pilgrim Church, Terrace & Dawson Sts.
Wed., Feb. 6: 7:30PM Manayunk Neighborhood Council meeting at Venice Island Rec. Center; Presentation on the Rental Issue
Thurs., Feb. 7: 7:30PM Central Roxborough Civic Assoc. meeting, Leverington Presbyterian Church, Ridge & Hermitage
Sat., Feb. 9: 8PM-12AM Ridge Park Civic Beef 'n Beer, Hattal Taylor Post, 376 Lyceum Ave. $20, Call Rob at 483-3905 or email: Ajentcoop@aol.com
Sat., Feb. 23: 2-5PM Winter Wissahickon Walk, Join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Fairmount Park for a family friendly walk through the woods- Followed by hot cider and storytelling in Thomas Mansion. Meet at Thomas Mansion, 6245 Wissahickon Ave, RSVP by Feb. 20 to Mindy at 215988-8843. In case of bad weather, activities will be indoors.
Thurs., Feb. 28: 7:30PM "Cycles of Destruction, Preservation, acrd Repair in the Wissahickon" lecture by Carol Franklin, Andropogon Assoc- Free at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, phone 482-7300


Zoning Updates

CHEMISTRY NIGHT CLUB

Manayunk Neighborhood Council and Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association have been working on an agreement with the club owners for over a year. We expect to have it signed soon. Highlights of the agreement are that the club agrees to:

- Provide adequate security personnel each night that it is open. They will remain on the premises until an hour after closing.

- Maintain and clean the area immediately surrounding the Property.

- Eliminate outdoor music amplification and hire an acoustical consultant to set the decibel level for music played inside so it cannot be heard outdoors. The consultant will periodically monitor and maintain the decibel level.

- Make valet parking available each night they are open.

- Direct patrons who do not use valet parking, to park in designated parking areas. Signs will be posted inside the entrance directing patrons to the parking areas and instructing them not to park on neighboring properties or residential streets. Personnel will ask if patrons parked in the designated areas and request that patrons who have not done so, move their vehicles to a designated parking area.

LEVERINGTON AVENUE & MAIN STREET

Construction began at 100 Leverington Avenue. The zoning variance was opposed by Manayunk Neighborhood Council at the hearing in May, 2000 because of the congestion at the intersection. Plans are for a 5 story apartment building with a maximum of 56 apartments with accessory meeting room and 123 parking spaces.

RED BELL BREW PUB

The previous site of a restaurant at 4421 Main Street has been renovated by Red Bell Brewing Co. The brewpub should be opening soon. No zoning was required because this had previously been a restaurant with a liquor license.

STARBUCKS

The property at 4415 Main Street was purchased. The building will be renovated for a Starbuck's coffee shop. This was the site of Alberta's Flower Shop. A zoning change was required but we did not oppose it.

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE

A Triumph Motorcycle dealership is proposed for 4026-28 Main Street, the Reisbord building. Some motorcycle repairs will be done on site but the main use will be sales. The owners committed to improving the landscape around the building. Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association came to an agreement for a deed restriction with the property owners to insure appropriate use.

VENICE ISLAND

The Venice Island appeal is still pending. We are waiting for Judge Wolf to write the detailed version of her decision. Once that is obtained, it will still be several months till actual hearings.

WALL WRAPS

The Architecture Committee of the Historical Commission reviewed an application for a wall wrap December 18, 2001. The proposed wrap (sign/bill board) was 25 feet by 30 feet on the side of 4217 Main Street, Riverside Pizza. A wrap sign was there illegally last year.

Councilman Nutter was notified of our opposition. We also contacted Mary Tracy of SCRUB, Society Created to Remove Urban Blight.. They both presented strong, detailed letters against the wrap. In addition to MNC, SCRUB, and Councilman Nutter, the Preservation Alliance stood in opposition to the wrap. The Architecture Committee voted against the wrap and recommended the full Commission deny the proposal. The proposal was subsequently withdrawn before it went before the full Commission. This means there will not be a wall wrap at that location - at least for the moment.


MNC Garden Club

The Garden Club is planning to design and plant the flower bed in Pretzel Park. The bed is the old stairway along Rector and Cresson Streets. The group will meet in February. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jane at 482-5528.

FRIENDS OF PRETZEL PARK

The Friends of Pretzel Park has over $6,000 for improvements to the park. At the last meeting, the group decided to spend $4,800 for a 24 inch high iron fence around the Memorial Garden, located at the corner near Silverwood and Cotton Streets. Paul Loschiavo, Umbria Street, constructed the dog run fence and will be hired for the new one.

Compost has been ordered for the central grass area. Volunteers will be asked to help spread it so the area can be seeded.

A grant for $2,500 was recently approved from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for a kiosk or sign board in the park. We are researching designs and welcome additional information.

Plans will be reviewed soon for a revised tot lot area and equipment. New and improved lighting, especially around the dog run, may be part of these plans. Graffiti has been a problem in the park and other areas. If you see or suspect any type of vandalism, please call 911 and report it to the police. The number is not for emergencies only and is the only way to report unwanted activities.


Good Homes Needed...

For Five Hedge Maple Trees (Acer Campesstre) Growing to a height of 30', the dense, low branched rounded form makes this an excellent street tree. The trees are on order from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for delivery in March at a cost of $15. If you are interested in reserving one, let us know.

Take A Few Minutes...

The January 2, 2002 General membership meeting was called to order by President Jane Glenn at 7:37PM The financial report was given by Treasurer Gerald Harrison, with MNC having a current account balance of $171.92 and $1,095.00 to be deposited from the fundraising mailing. Recording Secretary Karen Smith read the minutes of the December meeting, which were approved.

President Glenn announced that MNC was now accepting members, with an annual membership running concurrently with the calendar year, from January to December. In spite of deep financial debt, membership will remain at $5 for an individual and $10 for a family.

The first topic on the agenda for discussion was the need to do some major fundraising. Gerald Harrison is working on a Pool Tournament at Riverside Billiards. Being an excellent player himself, he has arranged for MNC to have use of the facility on a Sunday afternoon. There would be a $20 entrance fee that would include use of the eight tables, food and beverages. For an additional $2 per game, you can get the chance to challenge Riverside's champion. Having a guest appearance by one of the Phillies would create more draw for the event.

The idea of having a Bingo Night was discussed, however, MNC needs the input of some bingo players to work out . the details. The new synagogue in Wissahickon has expressed interest in allowing MNC to hold a fundraiser there.

The topic of nuisance problems began with an update on the agreement with Chemistry.before they can renew their dance hall license. Before the scheduled hearing date, the lawyers for Chemistry made some changes in the agreement, causing a postponement for one month- It was reaffirmed that Councilman Nutter and the City Solicitor support the neighborhood in the terms of this agreement.

Corresponding Secretary Kevin Smith said that a letter to Captain Smith had been mailed that day requesting that he meet with a few neighbors to discuss the on-going problems with some of the bars. It's the same list: Grape Street Pub, Pitcher's Pub, Flatrock Saloon and Club Bliss (upstairs at Amore). The question was raised as to whether Club Bliss even has a dance hall license, a matter MNC will look into. It was also pointed out that the Flatrock Saloon has been renovating the second and third floors of the building without any visibly posted permits.

Gerald Harrison emphasized drat there "must be enforcement of the existing laws", i.e.: music should not be heard outside of the building, patrons cannot go outside with open containers and taking responsibility for patrons' activity for a 500' radius around the building. Jackie Clark made MNC aware that the private company that empties the dumpsters for most of these bars does so at four in the morning. The vandalism in the Lock Street parking lot on New Year's Eve was mentioned, raising the question of police presence. It was noted that the atmosphere of the Main Street corridor was better when there were additional police on duty, paid by grant money that had been available to the Fifth District. It was the general consensus that businesses with the privilege of operating with a liquor license need to take responsibility and hire additional police from midnight to four in the morning, the time of the greatest portion of nuisance behavior.

When Vice President Kathy Tomosky made a suggestion that MNC should send a letter to all the establishments with a liquor license, outlining a checklist of the city and state laws regarding operations, there was discussion as to whether the letter should be sent to just the businesses identified as being a "nuisance". Tim Downey stressed the importance of continuing to make calls to 911 to report nuisance behavior, in spite of the frustration neighbors are feeling. Even if no action is taken, all calls are recorded, showing areas that are problematic. (It was noted that there are 31 liquor licenses, of all types, between Green and Shurs Lanes.) A motion was made by Doug Cowley that, after the meeting with Captain Smith, a letter should be sent to all the establishments with a liquor license. Gerald Harrison amended that motion, adding that the letter should be certified to those known to be a nuisance. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

The next item on the agenda was the posted application to change ownership of the liquor license at Thomas'. Since no one recounted any problems with Thomas', it was decided that no action would be taken.

The use of wall wraps was discussed next, with Riverside Pizza applying for one from the Historical Commission. Like a billboard, the advertiser pays for the space on the building to its owner. An exception would be as in the case of Chaddsford Winery, where the advertiser is the occupant, making the picture of a glass of wine covering the second and third floors an "accessory sign". It was agreed by all that non-accessory wall wraps were definately not a welcome addition to Main Street.

Other zoning issues that members of MNC would be looking into were the permit for a three family dwelling at 158 Fountain Street, a parking lot at 250 Fountain Street for use by the congregation of The Church of the Living Savior and the proposed plans for Lower Main Street. The on-going search for a site for the Tom Ridge Charter School was brought up, noting that, although it would be using public school funds, the school would hire non-union teachers and select its students.

When the topic of traffic and parking began, Jackie Clark told the group that she counted five cars making the left turn onto the Green Lane Bridge off of Main Street where the signal has been changed. Although this in itself is a good thing, the trade off is that traffic is backing up even more on the other side of the intersection where traffic funneling down from Umbria Street is trying to make a right turn onto the bridge. Art Verbrugghe said, "The only thing that will change traffic is for people to get out of their cars and use public transportation."

It was noted that the installation of stop signs on Shurs Lane was a "done deal". Stop signs will replace the traffic lights at Pechin and Mitchell Streets and will be added at the intersection at Cresson Street. It was again noted that permit parking, particularly in the area of Shurs and Cresson, would help deter employees and renters who are not registered to an address in the neighborhood. It appears the resistance to permit parking may be softening.

Officer Walter Edenbom wished a healthy and prosperous New Year to all. He maintained that the S.A.V.E. program and the free etching are good deterrents to theft. You can call the auto squad at 215-685-9133, Monday to Friday from 9:30AM to 3PM for an appointment.