The Lawncrest Community Association last week unanimously rejected a bid by a businesswoman to build an eight-unit apartment on an empty lot at 6324 Newtown Ave. (between Robbins and Levick streets).
The more than 5,000-square-foot space used to have one home there. The zoning allows only single-family housing.
A Zoom Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for July 7. The property will be purchased only if the ZBA allows a variance.
The proposal would be for two three-story structures, with a total of eight parking spots. Construction would take 12 months. Rent would be $1,300 to $1,500 a month.
Neighbors worried about, among other things, a lack of parking, though they acknowledged that part of the problem is with current residents of the block who park on the street rather than their driveways.
In other news from the June 17 meeting:
• Hailey Stern, of the Philadelphia Water Department, discussed planned green infrastructure in Lawncrest. The work consists of infiltration trenches, rain gardens and stormwater tree trenches, planters and bumpouts. More information can be found at water.phila.gov.
• The Rev. Al Concha, pastor at St. William, announced that the city will be offering the Moderna vaccine on Fridays, June 25, July 2 and July 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot across from the church, 6200 Rising Sun Ave. Second doses will also be provided at later dates.
• Lt. Ed Pisarek and community relations officer Mark Mroz, both of the 2nd Police District, gave a crime update. Recent local crimes include robberies with guns on the 5900 block of Rising Sun Ave. and the 400 block of Adams Ave.
Anonymous crime tips can be made by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS or emailing tips@phillypolice.com.
• The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Road, is interviewing candidates for dining service workers on Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All shifts are available for wait staff, utility workers and prep cooks. Bring your resume.
PPH is also hiring experienced part-time security officers for weekend shifts. To schedule an interview, call Ted at 215-697-8045.
• The LCA will meet again on Thursday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Monsignor James E. Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. Elections will be held for leadership positions. ••
