Shops at The Arsenal Update

The Shopping Center at the Arsenal

Arsenal Associates, the developer of the Shopping Center at the ARSENAL, looks forward to continuing to work with the Tacony Civic Association as well as the other surrounding civic and business associations in the development of the Shopping Center at the ARSENAL. We are still in the demolition phase of the property. There were approximately 487,867 sq. ft. of space in 24 buildings on the approximately 47 acres. This proprty will ultimately be developed at the Shopping Center at the ARSENAL.

All of the buildings have been demolished except for Building #301 which is a 33,228 sq. ft. building. We are now waiting for the demolition permit to be issued for this building which we anticipate receiving within the few days, after which the demolition of that building will proceed. It should take approximately two (2) months to demolish Building #301.

The next phase of the site preparation includes what is called a “surcharge” which provides for the piling stone and crushed concrete on approximately 15 acres to an elevation of approximately 10 ft. as part of a soil compaction program to ready this portion of the site for construction. This program should take approximately six (6) months.

All other above ground demolition has essentially been completed. We are now working on the demolition of the roads and the tunnels as well as the removal of any other underground improvements which may need to be removed in order for construction to proceed.

We have been in intensive discussions with multiple large retailers ranging from a
supermarket to apparel shops, clothing stores, movie theaters etc. to lease approximately 487,867 sq. ft. of space. We are currently primarily working with these larger retailers for approximately 4,000 sq. ft. to 70,000 sq. ft. units. All of these negotiations must be kept confidential in order to protect the integrity of our negotiations with them.

We tentatively plan to begin construction of the underground site improvements including utility installation, grading and parking lot construction over the winter and into midsummer. During mid-summer or early fall, we intend to start construction of the buildings with the first group of stores to open in the first or second quarter of 2014.

This is a very exciting project which we feel will be a wonderful addition to our community. The Shopping Center at the ARSENAL shall create approximately 250 construction jobs and approximately 900 permanent retail jobs most of which should go to local residents as retailers prefer to hire local residents to insure that they will be able to arrive at work regardless of weather conditions.

Zoning Variances

Louis M. Iatarola, Tacony Civic Zoning Committee Chair

6606 Hegerman - permit to construct a one story side yard addition to an existing garage as part of a single family home. Meeting was held with applicant at property on May 2nd for a May 22 ZBA hearing. TCA opposed application as it was to be constructed on what should be a side yard buffer. ZBA denied application on May 22.

5301 Tacony Street - application to construct a major shopping center to be known as Shoppes at the Arsenal on a 47 acre site at the north end of the property. To include 15 to 17 buildings including a gas station, one story supermarket, up to eight restaurants and 1,560 parking spaces. A meeting was held with the applicant and TCA Board and Committee on July 25 to prepare for an August 1 hearing. TCA did not oppose and is awaiting news on ZBA decision.

4731-33 Levick Street - permit to reface existing non-illuminated bracket sign, have an office for auto tags, bill payment and money transfers on the first floor as well as tire sales and installation at the rear with a second floor insurance office. Meeting was held on July 24 for an August 7 ZBA hearing. TCA opposed the tire and automotive component and did not oppose the two office uses on each floor. Awaiting news on ZBA decision.

7212-16 Keystone Street - permit to legalize banquet/meeting hall for assembly of more than 50 persons. City Zoning Code does not have a banquet hall classification and the permit calls for a nightclub. ZBA hearing on August 8 was continued to October 3 so a meeting can be held with neighbors to determine if enough provisos can be implemented to restrict use to a banquet hall for a non-profit with no serving of alcohol. Meeting date will be announced at General Meeting.

Next General Meeting - Tue, Sept 11

Tacony Civic Association
General Meeting
September 11, 2012
7:00PM

Disston Recreation Center
      (Disston and Glenloch Streets)

Guest Speakers:
         -Tom Branigan—DRCC
         -Ian Litwin—City Planning        
                 Commission

All are welcome to attend

Refreshments will be provided

Next scheduled TCA meeting:  November 13, 2012

Renew Your Membership for 2012!
If you haven’t done so, please  
renew your membership.  Still  
only $5.00 but we accept larger
donations!

Fall Flea Markets

Tacony Civic Flea Markets

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012

and

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012

(no rain dates)

Place:  Disston Park – 6900 Keystone St
(between Longshore & Disston)
Time:  8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fee:  $10 per space

Snacks, beverages and restroom facilities will be available onsite.
For more information, please call (215) 338-2575 or email taconycivic@yahoo.com.

News from the Delaware River City Corp

Our Website  http://drcc-phila.org/ has been upgraded and is now available. .

Delaware River City  Corporation Update  August 2012    The ribbon cutting for Lardner's Point Park took place on May 14.  The park was then opened to the public and some minor construction activities continued.  The newly renovated pier has attracted a lot of fishermen. There are now two gates so the parking area can be closed at night.  The original wetland plantings did not survive and some have been replaced.  We hope to have a volunteer effort in the fall to add more plants.  We are also planning to initiate a Friends of Lardner's Point Park in the fall.  Anyone interested in this activity should contact us. The Port Richmond section of our trail was bid on July 12 and a contractor was selected.  We expect construction to start in September or October.  This will add a 1.5 mile section along Allegheny Avenue and Delaware Avenue which should be completed by late summer 2013. The Delaware Avenue extension from Lewis Street to Orthodox Street, a City Streets Department project, should be in construction in early 2013 and will include a piece of trail.  We also expect that the K&T section (Carver Street to Unruh Street) to start construction in early 2013.  2013 should also bring the construction of the Baxter trail section (Pennypack Creek to Linden Avenue).  It will be a busy year along the river. Red Bellied Turtle      View from the Gate Delaware River City Corporation 5301 Tacony Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19137

Tacony History Day - Sat, Sept 15th

Don't miss this day of fun for the whole family! 

 The Historical Society of Tacony, in conjunction with the Tacony Civic Assoc. and Tacony CDC, are planning the 21st Annual Tacony History Day festivities, scheduled for Saturday, September 15.  The event is highlighted by a parade kicking of at 11:00 AM from Hellerman and Torresdale, proceeding north on Torresdale and west on Princeton Avenue, making its way back along Cottage Street to Disston Recreation Center, 4510 Disston Street, site of the annual Disston Festival.  This year's History Day Grand Marshall will be rock and roll legend Charlie Gracie.  Other participants include Greater Kensington String Band, Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums, Ferko String Band, Polish American String Band, Father Judge High School Band and much more!

     The Disston Festival will run from noon until 4:00 PM and will feature kiddie rides, food, refreshments, games, contests, sand art, spin art, face painting and a large indoor exhibit of local history and live entertainment featuring Anna Marie's Academy of Dance, local acts Bison and F-3 and a headlining performance by Philly's own Tommy Conwell!  Guided trolley tours of the historic Disston Estate will also be available to attendees.  For information on how to participate or how to be a sponsor, please call the History Day line at 215-338-8790.  This event is made possible by contrbutions from local businesses and a grant from the Philadelphia Department of Recreation with the assistance of Councilman Bobby Henon.

Tacony Civic Assoc Approved to be a Registered Community Organizaton

From: Richard Redding
 To: Mary Benussi, Lou Iatarola • Tacony Civic Association
 Cc: Ian Litwin
 Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 3:52 PM
 Subject: RCO application: Tacony Civic Association

 

Dear Mr. Iatarola:

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has received your application to become a Registered Community Organization (RCO). We are pleased to inform you that your application is approved. Your organization will be listed as a Local RCO.

Your RCO’s boundaries and contact information will be shown both on a map and list that will appear on a public website created by the City. The City Planning Commission website will link to the RCO list. In addition, the City’s zoning map will include this information. The website will be operational by August 22nd when RCO.officially take effect with the new zoning code.                                                 
In order to retain RCO status, organizations will need to submit a renewal application each year in June. PCPC will send you a renewal application several weeks in advance of the renewal period. There is no cost to renew your RCO status.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. You can contact your community planner or myself (see my contact information below). Thank you for participating in the new RCO program.

Richard Redding
RCO Registrar
 _____________________________

_​_____
 Richard Redding
 Director of Community Planning
 Philadelphia City Planning Commission
 One Parkway Building, 1515 Arch St., 13th floor
 Phila. PA 19102