I have 18 years experience on the Northern Liberties zoning committee. Today the Inquirer reported Philadelphia plans to draw an entirely new zoning map. Patrick Kerkstra wrote how the present zoning system is arbitrary, flawed, and obsolete. He gave us opinions from a builder, developer, and a former city planner but not one neighborhood leader.
The article never mentioned how zoning protects residents from having their neighborhood become an entertainment district or overrun with tall apartment buildings.
Zoning frequently requires variances because club owners and condo developers are moving out of Center City and building in nearby, three-story, rowhouse neighborhoods. When this happens, neighbors object. We sometimes win at the Zoning Board of Adjustment so present zoning does stifle some growth. Some growth should be stifled. Don't expect the police to come to an entertainment district to disperse noisy patrons leaving clubs so you can go back to sleep. Don't expect to keep a rowhouse neighborhood where you know your neighbors if tall condos are built all around you.
In Northern Liberties, all developers needing variances have met with neighbors. Some have reduced building height, compromised on density, and increased parking to get our support at the ZBA. Condo developers who don't need variances are building tall ones right next door to rowhomes, without any consideration by neighbors. Our Zoning Committee has opposed some condos and all new nightclubs next to our homes. Whenever we lose, our quality of life loses too.
Our city Councilman, Frank DiCicco, has supported positive change in Northern Liberties. We are counting on him to keep neighbors involved in the development process. However, your one-sided article bodes poorly for a balanced new zoning map for Philadelphia.
Sincerely,
Joe
Mikuliak
photogjoe@aol.com
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