Demolition at 5901-09 Ridge Avenue?

**roxygirl2012** · 10-28-2012, 10:50 PM

We walked by the house the other day and saw that there were fences up around the houses. I also read that people want to get it onto the hearing list for the historical aspect. We used to live in that house and I have been back there to pick up mail that has been delivered there despite my forwarding my mail to my new address. Oh by the way Erb law has a ton of mail sitting in the box inside the front door. Other than that I tried to find a valid phone number for the owners and none of the numbers work anymore. I needed to get a copy of something from them and have had no luck. That is not a good sign either, they stop all communication with people like that.

**taxgirl** · 10-29-2012, 08:24 AM

Thanks for the heads up re the mail. We've been getting mail at the new office just fine so that's surprising (we were checking regularly for a bit).

**taxgirl** · 10-29-2012, 11:10 AM

I checked in re the fencing and it's up because of thefts at the property, not for demo.

**the mule** · 10-30-2012, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by taxgirl

I checked in re the fencing and it's up because of thefts at the property, not for demo.

I would take that explanation with a grain of salt if it came from the owners. That's a construction fence plain and simple. Doesn't mean they're going to going to demo the Bunting House, but it definitely looks like they're securing the entire site for imminent construction.

**mixiboi** · 10-30-2012, 07:52 PM

Seeing that the sign was tagged..I take it that people know its going down...

**Jerry19127** · 10-30-2012, 08:09 PM

The rumor is that Taco Bell/KFC is going in.

**Additional** · 10-30-2012, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Jerry19127

The rumor is that Taco Bell/KFC is going in.

Sorry, could not resist.

**Debbie1125** · 10-31-2012, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by the mule

I would take that explanation with a grain of salt if it came from the owners. That's a construction fence plain and simple. Doesn't mean they're going to going to demo the Bunting House, but it definitely looks like they're securing the entire site for imminent construction.

Yes. This is the same type of fencing that went around the former Maggiano's Auto Repair on Silverwood before it was demolished.

I wouldn't trust anything the owners of those buildings say. They've been telling nothing but lies from the get go.

**carloss** · 10-31-2012, 04:05 PM

Word is that scavengers broke in and stole copper and appliances. Can anyone post a current pic of the house?

**mixiboi** · 10-31-2012, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by carloss

Word is that scavengers broke in and stole copper and appliances. Can anyone post a current pic of the house?

I'll try to get some before I go home.

**RollinRox** · 11-01-2012, 07:16 AM

I had noticed a few weeks ago some paver type stones had been taken from a short wall that bordered a parking area for one of the houses, so the fencing to prevent theft sounds plausible. I also noticed a broken window in one of the buildings the other day.

**the mule** · 11-01-2012, 10:58 PM

Good thing the fence is up now. It should really confuse the heck out of those thieves!

**mixiboi** · 11-02-2012, 08:43 AM

**JasonMcElroy** · 11-02-2012, 09:13 AM

Hard to believe that building is in "fall down" shape as claimed given its appearance.

That must be one hell of a spit-shine job on the exterior.

I've driven past this corner for years and have always loved that place. I remember always being disappointed that it had already been converted into offices. Was not aware there was still a residence upstairs.

Jason

**roxygirl2012** · 11-07-2012, 09:55 AM

I was inside the house not too long ago to pick up mail that was piling up for me despite my forwarding my mail to my new address and nothing looked out of place. If there were vandals they did not have much to take because there was nothing left to take. Unless they wanted what we left in the basement which was a few empty boxes.

**Juntonian** · 11-26-2012, 09:08 PM

Any new developments regarding the future of these properties? We're well past the negotiated 30-day reprieve at this point in time.

**Debbie1125** · 11-27-2012, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by Juntonian

Any new developments regarding the future of these properties? We're well past the negotiated 30-day reprieve at this point in time.

This is from the Central Roxborough Civic's last meeting:

5901 Ridge Avenue/Bunting House

Communication lines with the developers remain open. Several civic association leaders as well as the Roxborough Development Corporation are involved in trying to locate a tenant that would want to retain the building’s exterior appearance.

Appeals are in place but the injunction is on hold. This secures the public’s interest in avoiding a demolition at the present time. Another meeting is scheduled for November 29th(tonight’s meeting was postponed).

It was suggested, by attendants at tonight’s meeting, that a representative from the Preservation Alliance be invited to a future CRCA meeting.It is thought that getting homes onto the Historic Registry may prevent last minute scrambling to save the historic look that represents Roxborough.

**ehotham** · 11-30-2012, 10:01 PM

Developers have decided to tear it down. Appeal will be decided in court this tuesday. CRCA and MNC are appealing.

**56MARKET** · 12-01-2012, 07:52 AM

It should be quite a battle when The ''Developer''comes in and tries to get approval to stick his McDonald 's or Taco Bell on the site.The Neighbors and the Civics will make this type of project very difficult to do.

**billy ross** · 12-01-2012, 09:42 AM

And then leave an empty lot? That's the calculation, I guess.

I thought they couldn't demolish without an approved redevelopment plan? Vacant lots are illegal uses, and you can't create an illegal use.