The long-vacant, 17,000-square-foot property at 3515-21 Welsh Road is expected to soon be home to a restaurant, catering hall and adult day care.
Holmesburg Civic Association last week voted 5-0 to not oppose the plan. A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for May 22.
Attorney Mike Mattioni made a presentation at last week’s civic meeting. He explained that a variance is needed because the property is zoned residential.
In addition to onsite parking, the new business has an agreement with the nearby Holmesburg United Methodist Church for use of its back parking lot.
The adult day care will be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can accommodate up to 169 people. The restaurant, perhaps a diner, will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mattiani described the site as “turn-key.” It’s the former home of Midwest Beef and Guido’s Ristorante Italiano, which has been closed for more than a decade.
Opponents of the proposal cited issues such as parking, food waste, debris, rodents and drunk patrons. One woman said “junkies” are on the property now, adding she supports the adult day care but opposes the restaurant and catering. She and some others who are not members of the civic were not permitted to vote.
In other news from the April 9 meeting:
• The Water Department provided an update on its 25-year Water Revitalization Plan, which began in 2019. The goal is to make drinking water clean, safe and affordable. The department wants to deliver water reliably and at the proper pressure. In the city, 58 percent of the water comes from the Delaware River, while 42 percent comes from the Schuylkill River. There are three water treatment plants, including the Samuel S. Baxter Water Treatment Plant, 9001 State Road.
Water Department representatives spoke of the disinfection, filtration and treatment process. The department welcomes public input via a stakeholders advisory group.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and will include upgrades to the Baxter plant. A significant number of construction jobs will be created.
• State Rep. Pat Gallagher will sponsor a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, May 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River.
• The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on May 31 and June 1-2 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, at 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at the Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, like the group’s Facebook page, follow the group on Twitter @starplayersPPR or email Starplayers2013@gmail.com.
• Holmesburg Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, May 14, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center. ••
