When it comes to a neighborhood group supporting a new project, sometimes the question is less about the actual proposal, and more about what the developers can alternately build by right. Such is the case for developers' plans to construct 14 single-family homes on four connected parcels at 1123-27 Earl St. in Fishtown. Neighbors voted to support the plans at a November Fishtown Neighbors Association zoning meeting.
Right now, the parcel includes four properties, including vacant lots on Earl Street and a garage on Palmer Street. All are currently zoned for commercial and mixed-use. “We've gotten into the habit of explaining what can be built by right,” said Matt Karp, FNA zoning chair.
By right, developers could construct a 34-unit building with 10 parking spots and no commercial use. This may seem odd that the code doesn't require commercial use in a commercial district, but that's what we've got. Instead, because neighbors voted to support plans, developers (assuming the ZBA allows it) will construct a project designed by JKR Partners that will build a private road parallel to Girard Avenue (perpendicular to Earl and Palmer) down the middle of the lot, and build 14 single-family homes that back up to the rear of the buildings on Girard and face the private road.
“It's not the question of what's there versus what someone's proposing,” Karp said.
Because neighbors are already sensitive about rapidly increasing density numerous blocks in Fishtown are realizing, they were wary of the potential of a big apartment building rising in this lot, a building that would that would have ended up being right next to many people's windows. So while neighbors may have not been thrilled about the project, according to Karp, it made sense to support it. Just looking around the neighborhood, this type of project seems to fit in well with several others. Like these guys, many developers seem to agree that now is a great time to build in Fishtown. As new businesses keep popping up on East Girard, it makes this location even nicer.