Zoning board approves development proposal in Roxborough

Plans for a parking-lot extension and retaining wall at the Donna Court apartments in Roxborough got the go-ahead from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, despite some neighbors’ objections.

Peter Kelsen, attorney for developer The Galman Group, said the project received the variance necessary to build the wall and extend the parking lot for the 1960s-era apartment building to add 22 more spots for the 44-unit complex. Donna Court is at 631 Dupont St., just above Henry Avenue, and the current parking lot overlooks a steep slope that leads down to Green Lane and Jeanette Street.

Originally, plans had also included a row of eight townhouses below the 30-foot retaining wall, on Green Lane, but those were scrapped after objections from neighbors. The variance was granted on Aug. 30 with the provision that the townhouses be removed from the plan.

“At this point in time, we have no serious plan to do the townhouses, and it is unlikely that they will come back to life,” Kelsen said. With the variance granted, engineering and design work will commence over the winter, and construction could begin in the spring, he said.

Lynda Payne, one of the neighbors who opposed the project, said they were awaiting official notification of the ZBA’s decision and would “weigh our options” on what further steps they could take.

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Contact Amy Z. Quinn at azquinn@planphilly.com