SPHINC has no vote tally for OCF Realty’s Point Breeze Ave development

Remember that OCF Realty project in Point Breeze that was ostensibly the topic of a pitched zoning meeting in late January? Word is that OCF still doesn’t have an answer from South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S. (SPHINC) about the community’s vote to support or oppose the project.

Why?

Naked Philly wrote today that OCF (Naked Philly’s parent company) was informed that SPHINC says they’re still counting votes. Given accusations that voting sheets were tampered with, Naked Philly figures that SPHINC actually can’t correctly tally the votes and calls on the organization to write a letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment saying that they don’t have a final count. All anyone can confirm at this point is that there was vocal opposition but some people at the meeting supported the project.

Naked Philly’s post goes on to urge SPHINC to change its ways: Take a chance to grow from the experience. Recognize that there are hundreds of people in Point Breeze who feel like they have a real stake in their neighborhood and try to foster a dialogue between groups that don’t see eye to eye.

Bring some new blood into your group. Hold open elections. Publish bylaws. Don’t allow anyone to refuse or reject someone because they’re new to the neighborhood…. Please, SPHINC, don’t run and hide on this one. Don’t kill the possibility of a pharmacy in your neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to stand up to the fringe and do the right thing for your community. As the post mentions, the idea of a pharmacy tenant was broadly supported at the divisive meeting. Turns out, OCF has identified a possible pharmacy tenant for the commercial space in the development in question. PharmDirect Rx is interested in the space. I sense an olive branch being offered.

So is there hope for peace in the valley?

OCF’s ZBA hearing for the project will be on Wednesday, February 15, with or without SPHINC’s letter.

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