Zoning issues highlight executive committee discussion by MEREDETH SONDERSKOV Representatives from Chestnut Hill Academy asked for a letter of support from the executive committee of the Chestnut Hill Community Association for changes to a campus reconstruction project, one of several zoning issues to be considered at a July 19 meeting at Hiram Lodge. The school will request that the cityís zoning board approve their updated request for variances needed to construct new buildings. Plans ran into a roadblock in March when the Philadelphia Historical Commission rejected CHAís request that it be allowed to demolish its campus dining commons and Woodward Gym. Last week, revised drawings were shown of proposed additions to the dining commons and a new field house, gymnasium and science building. The motion to recommend that the CHCA board of directors give its support was passed by the executive committee with one abstention. CHCA Physical Division vice president Sanjiv Jain asked the committee to support George Robertson and Son, Inc.ís request for a variance to change a property line. The DRC had voted to support the change earlier that evening. A Philadelphia Zoning Board hearing is planned for Wednesday, July 27, but Robertsonís had asked for a continuance so they could get a motion for support from the full board. Executive committee member and traffic and transportation committee chair Bob Previdi spoke about plans for a meeting with PennDOT, held July 26, at which the Cresheim Trail rails-to-trails project, PennDOTís Germantown Avenue renovation and other issues were to be discussed. Reporting for the aesthetics committee, CHCA president Maxine Dornemann said that additional tree planting will be done along Germantown Avenue to replace dead and dying trees. This was one of the suggestions made by the recent Cope Linder streetscape study to make the shopping area more attractive and welcoming to visitors. Another item was a communication from Michael Schantz, director of the Woodmere Art Museum, that the neighbors have appealed the ruling approving the construction of the addition designed by Robert Venturi and that this will probably hold up construction of the new wing for at least a year. Association matters A discussion of the proper contents of CHCA meeting minutes was instigated by board member Ann Spaeth, who asked about the lack of mention of all those present in the minutes of the previous meeting. Dornemann responded that the minutes did not need to be a narrative of the proceedings, they only needed to give a sense of the meeting and report any motions brought to the floor and actions taken. The suggestion was made that Robertsí Rules of Order should be consulted and this was agreed to by Dornemann. Chris Kemezis, chair of the Operating Committee, announced that Walter Sullivan will act as parliamentarian for CHCA board meetings for the current year and Rob Hendricks will serve as vice-parliamentarian. Kemezis also announced that Martha Haley, who ran for a board seat in May and narrowly missed being elected, will fill a vacancy on the fifty-member board. Committee member John Shea emphasized the need for support for the CHCA, both financial and otherwise. ì We need to listen to the community and get them involved, whether it is donating their money or sprucing up their yard,î he said. At this point Spaeth reinforced Sheaís comments, saying the board needs to listen and respond to the concerns of community members. Dornemann replied, ìWe listen, we discuss and we sometimes disagree with your proposals but we will respond to all your concerns.î Spaeth again stated her opinion that there is the need for more discussion. The meeting on Monday night of the Water Tower Recreation Center committee drew some fifty people who were generally upset over the condition of the building which was described as being in disrepair and needing the immediate expense of a new roof. The cost is estimated at $430,000; $200,000 is available. Dornemann indicated that the whole issue will be addressed at the July board meeting. Tia Burke announced that the Black and White Gala, a major CHCA fundraiser, will be held Sept. 24. Burke also reported on the success so far of the outdoor Pastorius Park concerts on Wednesday evenings, which she said have been very well attended and enjoyed by audiences. Dornemann concluded the meeting by emphasizing that ìthere is work for everybodyî on one or another community project and supported a suggestion that new residents be contacted personally by board members in order to build membership in the CHCA. Editor James Sturdivant contributed to this report.

CHCA Agenda Thurs., July 28 7:30 p.m. Hiram Lodge, 8425 Germantown Ave. Board of Directors Moment of Silence Approval of the Minutes of the Last Meeting Financial Report Action Items • Robertson's, 8501 Germantown Ave. • Bowman Properties —, 3-9 E. Gravers Lane, 8401-03 Germantown Ave. Committee Reports • Physical Division (Sanjiv Jain) — Chestnut Hill Academy — Traffic Committee — DRC — LUPZ — Aesthetics — Building Oversight Committee • Operations Division (Chris Kemezis) — Nominating Committee (Stewart Graham) — Membership Committee (Jane Piotrowski) — Black & White Gala — Publisher's Committee — Hiram Lodge Acquisition Committee (Sanjiv Jain) — Development Committee (John Shea) — Water Tower Committee (Bob Previdi and Jeremy Heep) • Social Division (Dina Hitchcock) — Pastorius Park Concerts — September Blood Drive Old Business New Business Community Manager's Report President's Report Adjournment Survey on the Water Tower Released (PDF)

 

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