Chelten Plaza seeks ZBA approval for signage

The Chelten Plaza shopping center that dominated much community discussion in Germantown last year is coming before the city again, this time for approvals on signs.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a hearing to consider one zoning variance and six use variances for 301 W. Chelten Ave. at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at 1515 Arch St., 18th floor.

The application seeks to create eight retail tenant spaces from six, for use as a recently-opened Citbank branch, two take-out restaurants with seating, the Anna’s Linens and Deals dollar stores and three empty spaces.

It also seeks approval for the erection of permanent signage on the retail plaza, with 11 flat-wall signs and nine double-sided sign panels on the existing 65-foot tall sign already on the site.

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While it shouldn’t generate the controversy Chelten Plaza did last time it came before the ZBA, signs on the property had been a topic of frequent discussion among members of the Germantown Community Connection’s design review committee.

The group had sought wall-mounted letter signs rather than flat-panel ones, and objected to the tall pylon sign. They didn’t win those concessions, but Carl Primavera, attorney for property owner Pulaski Partners, said the signs were reduced in size after community input.

Since the shopping center reopened in December, retail tenants have had smaller, temporary signs out front.

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NewsWorks has partnered with independent news gatherer PlanPhilly to provide regular, in-depth, timely coverage of planning, zoning and development news. Contact Amy Z. Quinn at azquinn@planphilly.com.

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