Noted in the Northwest
A brief look at news in Chestnut Hill and surrounding neighborhoods
Appeal could cost Woodmere time, money
A zoning appeal filed on behalf of a group
opposing Woodmere Art Museum's expansion plans could ultimately
delay the construction of an addition for as long as two years,
museum officials said in a letter to supporters last week.
The North Chestnut Hill Neighbors, a group
of about 20 nearby households, have fought the museum's plan
to build a two-story, modern-style wing for the last year. Last
month, after five public hearings, the Philadelphia Zoning Board
of Adjustment (ZBA) unanimously granted Woodmere a variance
from its residential status. On July 12, the neighbors appealed
that decision.
Now, a Common Pleas Court judge must review the record of the case to determine whether the ZBA abused its discretion or committed an error of law. In Philadelphia, the process can be time-consuming. And while neighboring Montgomery County requires appellants to post bond for a court listing, the city has no such rule.
The case could be months from a judicial review, said Michael Schantz, director and chief executive officer of Woodmere. Even if the ZBA decision were upheld, the neighbors could file another appeal in Commonwealth Court, he said.
While Woodmere has the requisite building permits to start construction, it will not break ground until the legal process is finished, Schantz said. The delay could cost the museum millions of dollars as construction costs rise, he said.
Still, museum officials are hopeful that the situation will be resolved in the long term.
“From the perspective of those who
will occupy and use the Museum fifty years hence, this postponement
will be viewed as an inconsequential interruption in the evolution
of this venerable institution,” said Schantz and Joseph
Nicholson, president of Woodmere's board of trustees, in a letter
to the museum's supporters last week.
—Michael J. Mishak
PGW continues work on Highland
Gas main work and routine maintenance by Philadelphia Gas Works is to blame for construction headaches on Highland Avenue over the past couple of weeks, a utility spokesperson said.
According to a PGW representative, the
construction, which has so far been concentrated between Germantown
Avenue and Shawnee Street, will continue for the next few weeks,
moving down to Navajo Street, up Gravers Lane and along Shawnee.
The project's end date is unknown.
—Amy Brisson
