The following is currently the lead article in the on-line edition of the University City Review: _http://www.ucreview.com/_ (http://www.ucreview.com/) The vote by the University City Historical Society is groundbreaking. The letter by State Representative Roebuck is gratifying. Always at your service & ready for a dialog, Al Krigman -- 36-year local resident & housing provider ------------------------- PA State Representative James R. Roebuck joins opposition on 400 South 40th St. By Nicole Contosta UC Review Staff Reporter
Dateline: 5/16/08 -The Philadelphia Commission Planning staff might recommend approving the construction of the 11-story Campus Inn Hotel at 400 S. 40th St. when it goes before the planning commission next Tuesday, May 20th but PA State Representative James R. Roebuck, Jr. has decided to back the project’s opposition. “I am concerned about building an 11-story hotel in what is essentially a residential neighborhood,” said Roebuck over a phone interview, adding that his apprehension results from “the long-term effects of density and parking.” “It’s a very stable place to live and I’m not sure [how the hotel] would affect the quality of life there,” explained Roebuck going on to add that, “I can’t believe a better location can’t be found for this.” While the Spruce Hill Zoning Committee has yet to take a public position on the Campus Inn, the University City Historical Society (UCHS) did vote on it earlier this week. “It was the second in two votes,” on Campus Inn, explained the UCHS’s President Belynda Stewart who requested that the outcome of this week’s vote not be published until she has had the opportunity to issue a public statement. When asked if the statement would be published before the hearing on Tuesday, Stewart responded, “possibly by Monday.” Below is the copy of the letter that Roebuck sent to Andrew Altman, Chairman of the Philadelphia Planning Commission: Dear Mr. Altman: My constituents have informed me of the growing opposition to the proposed Campus Inn at 40th and Pine. They have brought me over 600 signatures addressed to The 3d District Councilwoman by residents and especially by immediate neighbors of the site, all opposing the project. I am myself concerned about the building’s excessive height and mass and its total lack of parking. It appears to run into insoluble problems because it attempts to place an out-of-scale high rise on an inappropriate parcel, encumbered by the preexisting historically designated mansion. This is not a good way to revitalize a long-neglected corner in a historic residential neighborhood. It is a development that rezones by variance and will bring new problems of traffic, noise and congestion. The dilapidation of the mansion, which has been allowed to go on for five years, is certainly no good reason to trade its restoration for an 11-story slab. The lack of preliminary consultations with the community and the disregard of the neighbors’ objections on the substance are disrespectful and objectionable. In sum, I ask you to join me and a growing group of my constituents in opposing the proposed Campus Inn. I thank you for your consideration, James R. Roebuck, Member PA House of Representatives 188th Legislative District **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
