... Fix It Before You Build It!

10 E. Bethlehem Pike is a 11,113 sq. ft. lot at the corner of Bethlehem Pike and Summit St., previously a Sunoco gas station.  New owners are proposing to develop a five-story, 33-unit, multi-family apartment building with only 8 parking spaces. The building will have only a 9-foot setback from the historic 1835 Baptist Church of Chestnut Hill, and its adjacent graveyard, and next to or across the street from the historic homes on Summit Street.  The proposed apartment building will be only 5 feet from the property line of the home at 8 Summit Street.

What you need to know

The developer submitted what it claimed was a “by right” plan (i.e., one needing no variance) to the City Licensing and Inspection Department and was granted a zoning permit. The pro[posed apartment building will include below grade retail space, a residential lobby and 33 one and two bedroom apartments. 

The near neighbors asked the Chestnut Hill Community Association to press for changes to the project, and the CHCA met with the Frankels and shared ideas for improvements that would fix many of the problems with their design.  When the Frankels refused any compromise and went forward without making changes the community had requested, the CHCA and neighbors appealed the City’s approval of the zoning for the proposed building. Their top concerns are:

• The historic church may sustain damage during the construction process
• Existing nearby homes will be literally overshadowed by the new building, depriving them of sunlight and sky
• Increased traffic congestion and lack of parking
• Adverse impacts on water, sewage, and stormwater runoff
• Out of character for a historic neighborhood 

* Our appeal was denied on November 30, 2021. The CHCA and the neighbors filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas on December 29, 2021 to reverse this action.  , On September 13, 2022, the Court of Common Please ruled in our favor, granting our Appeal and reversing the ZBA's decision to approve the building permit for the site.  The Frankels have filed a notice of their intent to Appeal the Court's ruling.

Project Details
 

Developer - Max Frankel and Zachary Frankel of Frankel Enterprises doing business as TPM, LLC. - https://frankelre.com/

Architect -  Coscia and Moos http://www.Cosciamoos.com

Building Height - 46’ 9-1/2”

Basement - 1st floor: 3000 square foot commerical space for retail sales of food and

 drink, plus a residential lobby and mechanical 

2nd. Floor - 5th floor: 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments

Roof - Green roof

Parking - Cars: 8, Bicycles: 12

We would like your thoughts & feedback: