HomeNewsNeighbors discuss possible pool center in Somerton

Neighbors discuss possible pool center in Somerton

A developer last week presented a proposal to put a day spa, sauna and pool center on Byberry Road.

Ready to dive in?: Developer Furkat Khusenov and his attorney presented a proposal to turn an industrial property on Byberry Road into a day spa, sauna and pool center during a Somerton Civic Association meeting on Dec. 11. JACK TOMCZUK / TIMES PHOTO

Somerton residents last week heard about an ambitious proposal to turn an industrial property on Byberry Road into a day spa, sauna and pool center.

The project would involve repurposing the former Tague Building Supply, 250 Byberry Road, into a center with several pools, a jacuzzi, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna, a juice bar and other amenities, according to planning documents.

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Developer Furkat Khusenov and his attorney David Orphanides presented the idea at the Somerton Civic Association’s Dec. 11 meeting.

Orphanides said his client wanted to consult with the community before moving forward with the project. No zoning applications have been filed yet, he said.

Residents raised some concerns about whether the proposed center would be offering massage services. Massage parlors have, at times, been linked to prostitution rings.

Orphanides said any massage therapists at the site would be licensed, and he said members of the community would be invited to inspect the premises. He seemed open to provisos, or conditions, relating to possible massage services.

“There’s going to be a substantial financial investment into this property,” Orphanides said. “I find it highly unlikely that somebody’s going to risk that type of investment by doing something untowardly.”

Orphanides said the idea for the project is to do something “really upscale.” Plans presented at the meeting called for an outdoor pool area and multiple indoor pools. The clientele would be a mix of members and people purchasing day passes, Orphanides said.

JACK TOMCZUK / TIMES PHOTO

Khusenov owns a daycare center in Feasterville and his family has opened similar spa centers overseas, according to his representatives.

The building is currently vacant, Orphanides said. It is zoned for residential multi-family use, although it has been operated commercially for years. The property is assessed at about $837,000, according to city records.

In other news from the Somerton Civic Association meeting:

  • Joe Staszak, community relations officer for the 7th Police District, asked residents to be careful of phone scams. He told people not to answer the phone if they don’t recognize the number. Staszak mentioned that there have been reports of fake IRS and charity calls. Above all, don’t give out personal information over the phone unless you know for sure who is on the other end, he said.
  • Pam Henshall, president of the Greater Northeast Chamber of Commerce, spoke to the civic association about her organization. She told residents about the second annual Northeast Philadelphia Restaurant Week, which was held in October. Henshall said the chamber covers an area that offers a wide variety of cuisines and asked residents to think about which neighborhood restaurants they think should be involved next year. ••

Jack Tomczuk can be reached at jtomczuk@newspapermediagroup.com

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