Plans for Wayne Junction industrial conversion altered after neighbors’ input

Plans to convert an empty industrial site near Wayne Junction are changing in response to questions and concerns expressed by community members, the project’s attorney said.

Robert A. Rosin, who represents property owner Peer Investments, notified representatives of three civic groups on Tuesday that the daycare center planned for the first floor of 4700 Stenton Ave. had been removed from the plan, to be replaced by more residential units and indoor parking.

In an interview Tuesday evening, Rosin declined to discuss further details of the plan, including whether the owners had made current the taxes on the property.

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Plans for Wayne Junction industrial conversion altered after neighbors’ input

Plans to convert an empty industrial site near Wayne Junction are changing in response to questions and concerns expressed by community members, the project’s attorney said.

Robert A. Rosin, who represents property owner Peer Investments, notified representatives of three civic groups on Tuesday that the daycare center planned for the first floor of 4700 Stenton Ave. had been removed from the plan, to be replaced by more residential units and indoor parking.

In an interview Tuesday evening, Rosin declined to discuss further details of the plan, including whether the owners had made current the taxes on the property.

Other questions, Rosin said, would be answered at a community meeting scheduled for next Monday.

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Some details change

At a recent meeting jointly held by Germantown Community Connection, Germantown Restoration CDC and the Wakefield 49ers, a trio of registered community organizations whose areas include 4700 Stenton, neighbors expressed concerns about parking.

They also asked questions about the proposal — many of which they said the developers’ representatives were not prepared to answer.

According to Rosin’s letter, the total number of apartments proposed has not changed, though the type of units has.

The building would still include 23 apartments, but with three two-bedroom and two three-bedroom units, along with a nine-space interior parking area.

In the original plan, all but two of the apartments had one bedroom, leading some to question whether residents would have use of the now-scuttled daycare center.

Environmental report coming

Also, at the community’s request, an environmental report on the property is being prepared, which Rosin’s letter says “will not show hazardous conditions in the property.”

That report may not be complete in time for next week’s meeting, but should be complete before a zoning board hearing scheduled for June 26.

“You should know that these changes are effectuated because of your valuable suggestions and insights for your community,” the letter states. “The Owner/developer is one who listens and hears the community in which it hopes to commit significant resources in developing positive changes.”

NewsWorks has partnered with independent news gatherer PlanPhilly to provide regular, in-depth, timely coverage of planning, zoning and development news. Contact Amy Z. Quinn at azquinn@planphilly.com.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

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