Daily News | A Philly judge reversed a zoning board decision to allow apartments atop the Painted Bride mosaic
A Philadelphia judge reversed a zoning board decision to grant zoning exceptions to a developer who says he needs them to preserve the Painted Bride Art Center’s signature mosaic as part of his apartment development.
Architect and developer Shimi Zakin of Atrium Design Group, who now owns the building, has said the zoning exceptions are necessary to move forward with his plan to incorporate the 7,000-square-foot mural by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar into the development of an apartment building.“The decision really affirms what we’d been saying all along,” said Harry B. Cook of Anastasio Law, an attorney who represents Franklin Bridge North Neighbors. “I think the developer offered a false choice.
In other situations, Cook said, “murals have gone before the zoning board and the board has stated they don’t do aesthetics, it’s not part of their calculus.” The same should have been the case in this instance, he said.In 2019, the city issued a zoning permit to Zakin to allow him to remove the Painted Bride building and construct 16 luxury townhouses. He changed his plans after talking with advocates in the arts.. His plans include 64 apartments at 230 Vine St.
Cook’s law partner, Vern Anastasio, said efforts to tie the construction of apartments to the preservation of the mosaic “was a hostage situation,” where the Painted Bride mural was the hostage and the ransom “was a monster tower.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Takeaways from one of the largest surveys of Philly rentersThe report documents rental dynamics in the city, including back rent, consequences of prior evictions, and housing quality concerns.
Read more »
Philippine officials meet with Philly mayor, police leaders to discuss lawyer's murderPhiladelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and members of the Philadelphia Police Department met with Philippine Consul General Elmer Cato Tuesday to discuss the murder of attorney John Laylo.
Read more »
Philly DA Approves Charges Against Malcolm White In 2 Unprovoked Attacks On Women In South PhiladelphiaJUST IN: The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has approved charges against Malcolm White in two cases where a total of four women were assaulted in South Philadelphia
Read more »
Juneteenth: No trash pickup in Philly | See what's closed on Monday in observance of holidayThe City of Philadelphia is curtailing services in honor of Juneteenth. In addition, all federal agencies, some state governments and some stores will be closed.
Read more »