Street Level: House heights are out of control
Philadelphia recently altered height restrictions in its zoning code, which allows developers to construct four-story structures without local vetting.
About the RCO Project:
We all love living in Philadelphia. However, there are so many little, absurd things – crosswalks blocked by cars, garbage that doesn't get picked up on scheduled dates, parks that resemble Amazonian jungles – that add up and grind us residents to the ground. It's great the mayoral candidates are talking about big issues like crime and poverty and public schools. But realistically, shouldn't we expect the mayor to tackle the little problems too, if not more so?
So, we've reached out to civic associations (known as RCOs, or registered community organizations, in city government-ese) to find out about the little things that seemingly never get solved, and we'll be talking to RCO leaders once or twice a week while voters wrestle with who ultimately should be elected the next mayor in November. If your RCO would like to participate in the project, email gregg_gethard@yahoo.com or call (215)854-2267. Below is the fifth in our series:
RCO: Queen Village Neighbors Association. The RCO represents one of the city's most well-known neighborhoods, as it represents the transition between Center City and South Philadelphia. Its bistros, coffee shops, and gastropubs attract city residents and tourists alike, who then cram their cars into the closest available seven inches of parking space.
RCO members: Mike Hauptman and Jeff Hornstein
At issue: Philadelphia has recently altered height restrictions in its zoning code, which allows developers to construct four-story structures without having to go through the RCO process. This makes it easier for developers to construct new housing much higher than neighboring properties with the added ability to slip in an extra bedroom unit as well. These new structures stand taller than their neighbors and, in some people's opinions, are hideously tacky and should be the setting of various home improvement makeover shows. Developers seeking to build these types of properties no longer have to meet with RCO members – the people who actually live in these neighborhoods, as opposed to house flippers or out-of-town landlords – before the start of the permitting process.