Cedar Park Development Proposal


By Nathaniel Lee UC Review Correspondent


R


esidents of West Philadel- phia had an opportunity to listen to developers of a


proposed building project seek- ing to erect a property on the vacant lot at 4812 Baltimore Ave. The meeting was held at Calvary Community Center at 48th


& Bal-


timore and was the first public meeting with the developers but the second meeting with mem- bers of the Cedar Park and other organizations which was infor- mational.


The developers, Diversified Re-


alty, met with members of the com- munity to present their plan for the site as well as to request certain variances, or exceptions to current zoning requirements, as well as to


hear from the residents about their issues and related concerns. “The discussion proceeded variances which they [the devel- opers] were requesting which would be considered dimensional variances on height, open area, parking and things like that, so that was the primary topic of the meeting,” said Maureen Tate of the Cedar Park Neighbors Zoning Committee.


During the meeting, the devel-


opers presented floor plans for the proposed project which, if built would consist of five apartments on four stories and a retail busi- ness on the ground floor. According to Tate, residents of


the area welcome development of the now vacant lot but had some concerns about the variances which might change the look of


4812 Baltimore Ave. Proposal


the neighborhood and its unifor- mity.


UNIVERSITY CITY


Parking was another concern of some in the already congested area.


“I can’t say that there was a consensus reached, but, for my- self, I am pleased that someone is going to build on this vacant lot,” said Tate.


Nevertheless, she remains con- cerned about the variances that the developers are requesting. “This [the requested variances]


are the result of too much density proposed for this one small lot,” said Tate. “Five apartments and a retail space is a lot of use for this lot and in order to accommodate that they need to build up to four stories which is inconsistent with the streetscape along Baltimore Avenue.” “There were questions about


continued on page 4 Review


University City Science Center Celebrates 50 Years of Helping Entre- preneurs Invent the Future


By Haywood Brewster Staff Reporter


T


he University City Science Center, the oldest and largest


urban research park in the nation, is celebrating its 50th in 2013.


anniversary


“As we embark on our 50th anniversary, we have two goals” A 501(c) 3 nonprofit, the Science Center supports entrepreneur- ship, innovation and technology commercialization in the life sci- ences and emerging technologies. It accomplishes this by providing office and lab space, access to investors and business-building advice, and equally important – a community of entrepreneurship and innovation. Together, this support helps companies move technology into the marketplace where it can have a positive im- pact on people’s lives.


Community optimistic over proposed bakery at 43rd


and Spruce Streets


Highlights of the year-long cel- ebration will include: the intro- duction of a new 50th


Dr. Bernardo Cordovez, Co-founder and CEO of Optofluidics, Inc., in his lab at the Science Center’s Port business incubator. Photo by Conrad Erb/courtesy of the University City Science Center.


anniversary


logo, hosting of the Association continued on page 5


4323 Spruce Street, possible site for proposed Chinese bakery and café. Photo: N.C.


By Nicole Contosta Staff Reporter


W


est Philly developer Guy Laren and Chinatown bak-


ery owner Winnie Chen hosted an informal meeting with other Spruce Hill business owners and


residents last Wednesday, Janu- ary 16th


. The objective? To discuss


Chen’s proposal for opening a bakery in the building owned by Laren at 4323 Spruce Streets. If approved by the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustments


continued on page 4 January 23, 2013


Flyer posted on the Locust Street fence of the Penn Alexander School this past Friday. Photo:


C. Christian


SHCA statement to Superinten- dent Hite regard- ing Penn Alexan- der enrollment


Dear Spruce Hill community, A


s many of you are likely aware, the Penn Alexander School enrollment line was dispersed on Friday evening with a sudden announcement from the school district regarding a new lottery policy. Today the superin- tendent is meeting with the 70+ parents who were in line at that time. Regardless of how the issue is resolved for the incoming fall 2013 classes, the capacity issue will continue to be a crucial one for our neighborhood. Below is a letter from the Spruce Hill Com- munity Association that was sent to Superintendent Hite this morn- ing underscoring the necessity for our community to be a collab- orative partner in deciding what happens at the school now and in the future.


The text of the letter was decided by the Spruce Hill Education Committee with input from as much of the full board as was pos- sible on short notice. Andy Lochrie, President, Spruce Hill Community Association


continued on page 4


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