Perhaps developers interested in Northern Liberties have caught wind of how the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association zoning process works. If a developer presents a proposal that seems out of character with the neighborhood, NLNA asks them to make changes and come back with a proposal that better fits the area. Sometimes, developers have to present three or four times before they’re able to finalize a plan that NLNA agrees to support.

Last week, developers appeared before the NLNA Zoning Committee with an initial proposal to build seven single-family homes at 927-31 Front. St., on a block that’s currently being redeveloped across the board. The lot was purchased in May 2012 for $600K.

The lot

“Just to see if neighbors would support the basic setup,” said Larry Freedman, NLNA zoning chair. According to Freedman, the developers will need to reappear with more developed elevations drawings before NLNA will agree to support the project. The owners can take the recommendations from NLNA and reflect them in their plans, as opposed to having to create new plans.

Other development nearby is nearly finished

As we’ve covered previously, development is really bustling on the 900 block of Front Street. In early September we told you Crossfit gym was taking over the old 941 Theater space. That location will serve as an amenity for the new residents who might eventually occupy any of the projects on Front St., or on the other side of the highway on New Market Street, where redevelopment is also swinging like an MLB squad making a September run. In June, NLNA approved plans for eight new homes just about next to this project. Just across the street from the new gym 11 new homes are almost complete. All told this block will see the addition of nearly thirty units in a very short period of time. What was a very shabby block just a couple of years ago is well on its way to a much brighter future.

–Lou Mancinelli