Every month, the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) Zoning Committee plays their part in maintaining the neighborhood’s character, staying consistent with their master plan. And on the 200 block of Poplar Street, they are taking this responsibility very seriously.
Take, for example, 233-37 Poplar St., a vacant lot that’s next door to the excellent and underrated Kaplan’s Bakery. This month, developers for the project came to present to NLNA for the third time. Their most recent proposal was for a four story building with setbacks on the upper floor, twelve apartments, and ten parking spots. The project originally featured four stories without setbacks, eighteen units, and nine parking spaces. Despite the changes, the committee still isn’t satisfied with the project and has requested the developers make changes and come back. Fourth time’s a charm, ya know?
Big Poplar St. lot
Members of the NLNA zoning committee have seen more applications than ever this year. This could be cause for letting shoddy projects slip through. But the zoning members have stuck to their guns, demanding that developers change their plans if they don’t fit in with the street or would create new homes that block others’ views.
On the same block, developers came to NLNA back in July for two single family homes at 223-25 Poplar St., also a vacant lot. The zoning committee asked the developers to change their plans to reflect the commercial zoning for the property, according to chair Larry Freedman. Freedman explained the NLNA wants to encourage those streets that shoot off its 2nd Street business corridor to remain commercial. We imagine they’ll be back to present again next month.
More vacant lots on the block
We like the NLNA’s vision of trying to stretch their commercial corridor while working with developers to ensure the development that they want to see. When these projects come back in September, we’ll be sure to update you on whether the developers and NLNA can agree on plans that work for both parties.
–Lou Mancinelli