[Jayfar]

Society Hill neighbors fight latest proposal for condo tower at the historic Dilworth House | Philly.com

Excerpt:
In its appeal, the Society Hill Civic Association argues that Turchi’s proposed high-rise violates zoning rules that govern the area near Independence Hall. Specifically, the groups allege that Turchi’s tower does not comply with setback requirements, meaning the amount of distance that a portion of a building is required to be from the street. In addition, the Society Hill Civic Association said, Turchi’s tower would extend past the Dilworth House’s current footprint — something they allege is not allowed for building lines established in the area after 1954.
“The zoning code has protections for properties near Independence National Historical Park,” said Paul Boni, chair of the Society Hill Civic Association’s Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee, adding that the group believes L&I’s decision was “an error.”

While the appeal hearing has not been scheduled in front of Philadelphia’s Zoning Board of Adjustment, it could threaten Turchi’s plans for the site. Since 2004, when Turchi introduced plans to demolish the house and build a condo tower in its place, neighbors have fought fiercely to keep it standing. Plans and appeals have wound their way all the way up to Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court. All the while, the house has sat abandoned, while other high-end condo buildings — including, most recently, developer Tom Scannapieco’s 500 Walnut tower — have risen in the area.
Still, even with the appeals submitted, Turchi is able to forge ahead. According to city spokesperson Paul Chrystie, developers typically can begin work on a property as soon as they have approvals from the required agencies, even before the zoning board renders a decision on the appeal. In this case, with Turchi’s zoning permits from L&I already secured, all that is likely standing in his way is Historical and Art Commission approvals before the final building permits are approved.

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