Check-cashing place, 22nd & St. Albans

**lee** · 10-18-2012, 02:18 PM

Has not been touched. According to L&I, no applications for permits or zoning have been filed. The new owners apparently had to do the demo to satisfy L&I citations dating to 2009. I'm giving it another month and then contacting 311 to see if something can be done. I doubt it, though.

**Lolly** · 10-18-2012, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by lee

Has not been touched. According to L&I, no applications for permits or zoning have been filed. The new owners apparently had to do the demo to satisfy L&I citations dating to 2009. I'm giving it another month and then contacting 311 to see if something can be done. I doubt it, though.

You'd think the "doors and windows" rule would apply, no?

**lee** · 10-18-2012, 04:42 PM

Lolly, you would think so, but I believe the law applies differently to intact structures than to buildings "undergoing" renovation. (For instance, the windows citation vaporized with the demo.) I don't know how long someone can go without starting the renovation process. If the person needs to go through zoning, he would need time to get renderings and studies to support the application. I just don't know. Optimo opened more than a year after that building was razed, and I know that Max went through many, many months of zoning and permit hassles before the demo.

**MariusPontmercy** · 10-18-2012, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by lee

Lolly, you would think so, but I believe the law applies differently to intact structures than to buildings "undergoing" renovation. (For instance, the windows citation vaporized with the demo.) I don't know how long someone can go without starting the renovation process. If the person needs to go through zoning, he would need time to get renderings and studies to support the application. I just don't know. Optimo opened more than a year after that building was razed, and I know that Max went through many, many months of zoning and permit hassles before the demo.

Like anyone cares about the doors and windows violation anyway. If people can go 30+ years without paying property taxes they sure as heck can go without paying L&I citations as well.

**Spicoli** · 10-19-2012, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by lee

Lolly, you would think so, but I believe the law applies differently to intact structures than to buildings "undergoing" renovation. (For instance, the windows citation vaporized with the demo.) I don't know how long someone can go without starting the renovation process. If the person needs to go through zoning, he would need time to get renderings and studies to support the application. I just don't know. Optimo opened more than a year after that building was razed, and I know that Max went through many, many months of zoning and permit hassles before the demo.

I called 311 on about this place about a month ago. The pulled the only permit it has, a demo permit. Unfortunately, that permit doesn't expire until Feb. 2013. So according to the nice lady I spoke with, they until then to complete the demo. Until then, the (whatever it is) can remain exactly how it is.

Come February however, all bets are off. I'm calling 311 every single day until L&I or the new owners get out there and do something. Who knows, maybe the city will finish the demo. After all, a gutted out building like that isn't safe for the neighborhoods children, right? Maybe we can recruit some Kater crazies to jump in.

**Jayfar** · 10-19-2012, 06:18 AM

A couple freeze thaw cycles may finish the job judging by the appearance of the brickwork. Really, at least to the untrained eye, it looks imminently dangerous.

**topogigio** · 10-19-2012, 04:40 PM

In reference to an inquiry requesting the status of the property located at 2200 St Albans Street, I received the following information just moments ago from the City of Philadelphia's 311 Contact Center:

L&I has issued violations for this property. The 3rd inspection is scheduled for 11/6/2012. If not complied at last inspection, property will be referred to court for a judgment from the court demanding the owner to resolve the problems. In a rare case where the owner has been removed from the property by city agencies, coordinated efforts will be made to correct the outstanding violations.

I did say that the property has been sold and the new owners, Titan Acquisitions, have completed an interior demolition yet the building has been left to deteriorate.

**lee** · 10-19-2012, 05:10 PM

I just checked the L&I map again. It now lists Oct. 6 zoning approval of "change of use" to a four-family dwelling. Guess we aren't going to get any commercial. Two new violations appeared -- license for vacancy and window and door replacements. But the demo permit is still active.

**KMA** · 10-19-2012, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by lee

It now lists Oct. 6 zoning approval of "change of use" to a four-family dwelling.

So, does this mean that it was subject to approval to become a 4 family dwelling? Just wondering, if neighbors could have had any input. I never saw ZBA notices. The place is a mess now. I was really looking forward to an improvement over the previous condition!

Nothing like sitting at the new, wonderful Ultimo, and looking out at the mess (Lucky Day included) across the street.

Here's hoping that they will eventually fix this place up!

**torts** · 10-19-2012, 08:28 PM

I find the Ultimo-Lucky Day-Check Cashing store interplay kind of cute in its own way.

**Lolly** · 10-19-2012, 09:08 PM

I'd heard the owners of SoWe were going to do some other sort of business there, but then I just heard maybe not. Guess SoWe's biz needs to pick up a bit first before they'll be ready to venture further. Bummer. (Or on second thought... Let's all dine at SoWe tonight!!)

**Reader** · 10-19-2012, 09:26 PM

Actually just came home from SoWe. I really like that place. Also had coffee at Ultimo twice this week, and both times kids were playing in the park and lots of people were sitting outside. Love all the new things in the 'hood.
I would love to see this place become a great BYO to round out that intersection and further connect the businesses on South Street to the south side of the neighborhood.

**benfox** · 10-19-2012, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by KMA

So, does this mean that it was subject to approval to become a 4 family dwelling? Just wondering, if neighbors could have had any input. I never saw ZBA notices. The place is a mess now. I was really looking forward to an improvement over the previous condition!

It's my understanding that 2200 SA has never been zoned commercial. Apparently the original building was all residential, then there was a fire at that address and it was rebuilt with the business on the first floor (no zoning approval in those days).

That's why you're hearing it's going to be all residential...no zoning changes. If a business were to be put on the first floor, THAT would require a zoning change. I know, it makes no sense at all.

Ben

**KMA** · 10-26-2012, 05:14 PM

It was zoned as R10A, single family/twin residential - use change to 4 units.
But, the active demo permit is for interior non-bearing demo only (but that exterior rear wall has definitely been demolished).

City of Philadelphia: Home
Use Permit - City of Philadelphia: Home
Interior Demo Permit - City of Philadelphia: Home

From the link:
2200 ST ALBANS ST PHILADELPHIA, PA

Permit Number
415823

Application Type
DEMOLITION PERMIT

Permit Type
DEM-INTERIOR NON-LOAD BEARING

Status
ACTIVE

Date Issued
July 13, 2012

Last Updated
August 13, 2012

Work Description
FOR THE INT DEMO OF NON LOAD BEARING PARTITIONS AND FINISHES. 2266 SQUARE FEET, INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF NON LOAD BEARING WALLS AND CEILINGS ONLY. NO OTHER WORK ALLOWED UNDER THIS PERMIT. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR INTERIOR RENOVATION.

Contact Information
HARMAN DEUTSCH ARCHITECTURE

**lee** · 10-27-2012, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by benfox

It's my understanding that 2200 SA has never been zoned commercial. Apparently the original building was all residential, then there was a fire at that address and it was rebuilt with the business on the first floor (no zoning approval in those days).

That's why you're hearing it's going to be all residential...no zoning changes. If a business were to be put on the first floor, THAT would require a zoning change. I know, it makes no sense at all.

Ben

Right. No zoning hearing required because no zoning change from the original. The zoning board has approved the structure as a four-unit apartment building.