We were passing through East Kensington the other day and were intrigued when we spotted zoning posters at 2100 N. Front St., a blighted and clearly vacant building. You may recall, we wondered about several properties on this block a few months ago, and were hopeful that a brave developer was taking a shot with this corner property. We had visions of a rehab, perhaps a mixed-use project which could start a trend on the block. Doing a little research, we've come to understand that the proposal for this property is far more complicated, and has created a serious debate in the surrounding neighborhoods.
According to the L&I Map, the propery owners are proposing additions to the building and the creation of a parking lot for a "medical, dental, and health provider (group practitioner) (counselling and mat facility). According to a rather lengthy and somewhat exhausting thread on Fishtown.us, this L&I-speak translates into methadone clinic. Currently, Kensington Hospital (which is no longer much of a hospital, apparently) runs a methadone clinic just a couple of blocks to the west, across from Norris Square. At a community meeting back in November, representatives from the hospital indicated that their patient load is currently 132 but they're applying for a building occupancy of 300 at the new facility. Many neighbors, as you can imagine, are deeply concerned about the proposal, and found the hospital's presentation to be lackluster at best. Neighbors voted to oppose the project 54-8.
The project was continued by the ZBA to a special hearing, taking place on January 22nd at noon. If you'd like to see some extremely detailed feedback from folks who live nearby, we again suggest you thumb through the thread on Fishtown.us. There seems to be a belief among neighbors that there's been political groundwork laid for the project and that its approval is likely despite opposition from neighbors. It should be a very interesting ZBA hearing later this month, and we'll be sure to update you afterward.
How do you feel about this? Would you oppose a methadone clinic if one were proposed in your neighborhood?