City Council Tables Zoning Proposal For Massive Apartment Building In Eastwick
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Philadelphia City Council committee has 'tabled' a proposed zoning change that would allow the Trevose-based Korman Company to put up an enormous, 722-unit apartment complex in the Eastwick section. Many neighbors showed up in Council Chambers to express their concerns.
The 35-acres of vacant green space that is home to wildlife, suffers from flooding and short dumping issues.
Pamela Williams says Eastwick neighbors don't trust Korman.
"You've been talking on your phones, you've been whispering, and going out into the hallways cutting deals. You're cutting them on the backs of people who are taxpayers."
Attorney Amy Laura Cahn of the Public Interest Law Center says residents who live nearby were blindsided by Korman's proposal to put up the $102-million apartment complex.
"The only reason the community members and the refuge knew about this project was by accident."
Korman says right now, the site has no storm water management whatsoever. Lawyer Peter Kelsen, representing Korman, says the company will make sure the project is fully code compliant.
"That will reduce the amount of runoff generated from this site, and will ameliorate flooding that occurs in the area."
While in favor of the project's benefits, District Councilman Kenyatta Johnson asked that the bill be held, to allow for more community input.
