[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6476860,"mediaKeyId","5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e","parentId",5716565,"title","Chester sketch plan proposes 21-unit neighborhood on former Pulaski School site","audioSeconds",2018,"startMs",260000,"endMs",2278000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e&start=260&end=2278","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e/thumbnail_260000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6476860/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Chester-sketch-plan-proposes-21-unit-neighborhood-on-former-Pulaski-School-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476860-a5b0303ef0c22ffa0a971c02758f0166/orig.mp4?Expires=1773650792&Signature=cin1Vxzx1ep7QBdbWPSocWHtPpjatjyDw8e1pcnV3sMUy28ta0bLgo6UipzYLQOY-fZUPpHPGJ5w0XCwvB4dY9MATIkzexKlo~yLbGEQKR-TkTNHUHmEQQQ~HSPLbkR0jxOV-3z469-ZZosmshcu0yny6WZUo4nK-sZH6jVzh-OS2CSAXnGgQCAiJIKy8ZROsq0Cj8bKk4kCQRzecxZdoaskoSKSbNpeFZEFYXYEA3cVNoGAsf1sjowjMjqLV~xfMlBzP9vLlBrr24TY5HBgj02Dz3aRfQJhJf6QsJjra6s8b5E-xxoONhAw32IchqpVSpNE2D~yGkurUzwzv3YWKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Chester, PA","date","2025-09-04T11:55:26Z","article","A sketch plan presented Aug. 13 to the Chester Planning Commission proposes converting the former Pulaski School parcel at 0 West Seventh Street into a 21‑lot residential subdivision with nine side‑by‑side semi‑detached dwellings (twins) and three single‑family detached homes.

Planning staff described the property as in the R‑3 medium‑density residential district and inside the city’s transit‑oriented development overlay near the Highland Avenue SEPTA station, and said the plan is consistent with the comprehensive plan goal of revitalizing underused land through medium‑density infill housing that encourages walkability.

The planning director said the sketch plan shows narrow front setbacks and rear alleys that would make West Seventh Street more pedestrian friendly, and highlighted seven review comments in a written review letter. He singled out two items for further work: (1) the proposed alignment of Harwick Street, which is offset from the existing right‑of‑way and could create awkward vehicle movements and emergency‑vehicle access issues; and (2) the absence of a clearly programmed common open space on the site, which the subdivision ordinance requires when a certain number of units is proposed.

Mike Galante, the project civil engineer, said the development — presented as “Grama Manor Homes” — would be built in phases. He stated the city received grant funding to demolish Pulaski School and that initial construction intends to complete infrastructure and the first 10 houses (phase 1) with the remainder built as funding becomes available. Galante said utilities (PECO, Comcast, Verizon) and a water‑main loop requested by the water authority affect the proposed alignment of Harwick Street; the team prefers avoiding time‑consuming relocations of utility equipment and is willing to shift the roadway alignment to address traffic and emergency access concerns.

Lisa Gaffney of the Chester Economic Development Authority described ownership and delivery: the city will transfer the land to the Chester Redevelopment Authority, which will enter a redevelopment agreement with the Chester Community Improvement Project (CCIP) to construct the units; the Chester Economic Development Authority will fund and complete the first phase of infrastructure work, after which CCIP will build the homes and sell them to income‑eligible buyers at or below 80% area median income.

Staff and the Shade Tree Commission provided informal landscaping comments that the applicant should consider: planting‑pit sizes, diversifying species beyond two types, planting trees in backyards where feasible, and ensuring root‑ball planting depth is correct. Planning staff also recommended a bulk dimensional table when a formal land‑development submission is made, and noted the alley depicted appears to meet zoning intent for rear loading.

The sketch plan review is informational; staff and applicants agreed to continue coordinating details for Harwick Street alignment, required ADA pedestrian ramps, common open‑space programming and utility coordination before any formal preliminary/final submission. No formal action was taken by the Planning Commission on the sketch plan at the Aug. 13 meeting.

For now the applicant has indicated intent to dedicate the new streets to the city rather than keep them private, and said James Street will be reconstructed as part of required water‑main work. The project team said it will submit required permit applications (water authority, utility permits) and consider traffic‑calming and fire‑truck turning templates as the design advances.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting | August 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A sketch plan presented Aug. 13 to the Chester Planning Commission proposes converting the former Pulaski School parcel at 0 West Seventh Street into a 21‑lot residential subdivision with nine side‑by‑side semi‑detached dwellings (twins) and three single‑family detached homes.","taxTitle","Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania","taxId",64857,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476851,"DelCora seeks addition and renovations to West Front Street campus; commission supports concept with standard review comments",978,3682000,4660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e&start=3682&end=4660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e/thumbnail_3682000.jpg","/articles/6476851/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/DelCora-seeks-addition-and-renovations-to-West-Front-Street-campus-commission-supports-concept-with-standard-review-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476851-3e724e64c4b8cd7ab5c0fb534a7e4ab0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773650792&Signature=Yt~di3~JdYnzP3U8qzEBC~JXPfDOSZkZhU5WbWPhWG7ClBiu63oH3Z60i7iqSa6SynLi8BHn2vxS99QjrPzdt5a9Bi9C77NEhQ2JB1R5sXj3z9nuwFqDyBCwrdatnVmN-vJJU8zsvP8thz3fgUpgX77OMR-2v8vcWj~f~HFIgdUv~qwyVGvCs7Khm6Gsls7ZPLqQ2JfLXp7dikbWjA9C3LR6~P5CGdrk6iuENvQfPHTR5ttQJQmz26bBcrDaKP6ENPOCzIFL5PEEuJjdgWnGEYLNTgKabAsbzY33~5ErTPP0tN33mn0N4qeS4EUICR7umn7Txl8T5mORQBtSXXITVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DelCora presented a sketch plan Aug. 13 to expand and renovate administrative, operations and laboratory space at its West Front Street treatment campus. The proposal calls for a new 15,900‑square‑foot, two‑story building addition (with a designed‑in 5,000‑square‑foot third‑floor option), an 1,800‑square‑foot locker room addition and about 11,800 square feet of interior renovations to existing buildings.

Site improvements in the sketch include expanded off‑street parking (about 97 spaces total), landscape islands, improved ADA accessibility and circulation modifications. Planning staff said the site is in the HIC (heavy industrial commercial) district, that office and warehouse uses are permitted there and that the proposed dimensional standards appear to be met at sketch level.

DelCora representatives said the project is intended to improve lab and pretreatment functions, improve operations and provide space for future staff increases (the agency expects to add employees and expand engineering and operations staffing). Project presenters explained the demolition of an older control building (B2) and the phased approach: build the blue/new addition first, move lab/operations into the new space and then demolish the older B2 building to avoid service disruptions.

Staff and the city engineer voiced general support for the project and requested clarifications in a formal submission: quantify current and future employee counts and parking demand, confirm dumpster/loading locations, comply with landscape/tree requirements (one deciduous tree per each 10 new parking spaces), and demonstrate stormwater management and ADA compliance. Planning staff also encouraged sustainable roof options (green or white roof, or solar panels) because of the large roof area.

DelCora said dumpsters would remain at the loading dock with private pickup and that the agency will coordinate construction phasing to avoid disruption. The commission did not take formal action; staff advised DelCora to address the engineering comments for a subsequent preliminary/final submittal.","DelCora presented a sketch plan to the Chester Planning Commission proposing a two‑story administrative and operations addition (with a third‑floor option), locker rooms, interior renovations and expanded parking at its West Front Street treatment campus.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476855,"Developer seeks 3‑story mixed‑use building at West Third; city flags parking, fire access and zoning shortfalls",1302,2342000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e&start=2342&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e/thumbnail_2342000.jpg","/articles/6476855/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Developer-seeks-3story-mixeduse-building-at-West-Third-city-flags-parking-fire-access-and-zoning-shortfalls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476855-817a4d36ba4b3a8bd404b7358bf2337e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773650792&Signature=lfs1ZB781eDc9Xrq6G-W733eRtyxskC4bW7aPPTFQpX829yELi7t~SoLWUm4QiwQvWHqg2AWvQAVxcDm8OchN8Py~zIra~-wTl02tDAQeu~6gW7lfkRoEoS3e4dSm7t9t~e9d6m1jpU2KsG8QlLqbaukt2rvrw4FW7tobaoG2aFJCBT9BGFtOyz9vodOlkUvzdP5xZJwy7khuQzsEa-TOnQqqq4Rc8EaodEuV9nu4bKyEysX7qbJyqS0txcK-uZKt5tqzNVGF0iA7m7sZ6V4H9-VfeHjtoJ2yIhKS1Bg7wJhLxFjZfE3X6X1h6TMW59-hvzoHZRwqZ2Mtk-QEwz2og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A sketch plan for 720/724/1729 West Third Street presented Aug. 13 would consolidate three parcels, demolish an existing 1,200‑square‑foot commercial building (a tire shop) and construct a new three‑story mixed‑use building with one commercial space, 18 residential units (12 one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom) and 14 interior off‑street parking spaces.

Planning staff said the proposed use is allowed in the C2R zoning district and the project supports comprehensive‑plan goals for infill and mixed use on West Third Street, but the sketch plan appears to conflict with multiple dimensional and site standards. Staff identified shortfalls in density, rear yard setback, maximum building coverage and impervious surface limits. The plan also falls short of the zoning ordinance’s off‑street parking requirement: 18 dwelling units plus an unspecified commercial use would require 21 parking spaces under the ordinance, but the sketch shows only 14.

Staff and the city engineer raised concerns about the planned interior parking layout: parking‑space dimensions and the drive‑aisle width are undersized (the plan shows an aisle of about 17 feet, 10 inches versus the zoning requirement of roughly 24 feet, 5 inches). The city engineer and planning staff said West Union Street — the proposed access for parking — is in poor condition and may require reconstruction and reconfiguration for one‑way traffic to function. They also noted that Flower Street is a state road and removing curb cuts or altering curb lines could require a PennDOT highway occupancy permit.

The applicant, Raiki Stewart, who owns the existing tire shop at Third and Flower, told the commission he is pursuing acquisition of additional city parcels to enlarge the lot and reduce the number of variances. He said that if the applicant can acquire adjacent parcels it would “give us more parking room” and reduce the zoning relief needed. Stewart also said he is considering changing the unit target to a 62+ senior occupancy to take advantage of reduced parking requirements for elderly housing.

City staff recommended the applicant re‑evaluate the design to minimize the number and extent of zoning variances, consider acquiring adjacent parcels (including a nearby publicly owned parcel), retain a civil engineer experienced in land development, and coordinate with the fire department on truck turning templates and with PennDOT on any work affecting Flower Street. The applicant was also advised to resolve loading/unloading, dumpster location and ADA parking and ramp details before a preliminary/final submission.

No formal approvals were taken on the sketch plan; staff asked the applicant to return with revised plans or an expanded property footprint to reduce required zoning relief.","An 18‑unit, 3‑story mixed‑use sketch plan for parcels on West Third Street would provide one ground‑floor commercial space but falls short of zoning parking and dimensional requirements; staff urged the applicant to consider acquiring adjacent parcels or changing unit type to reduce required variances.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6476846,"Planning commission approves meeting minutes; no votes taken on sketch plans",43,142000,185000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e&start=142&end=185","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5716565-fd84f37878c12247804b051a9314c48e/thumbnail_142000.jpg","/articles/6476846/Chester/Delaware-County/Pennsylvania/Planning-commission-approves-meeting-minutes-no-votes-taken-on-sketch-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6476846-5152cf79ec9d8007089dd02bbea67c1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773650792&Signature=grQ~tkwZjarxHG0KUWhZo8pjtfk-yEEhj-9oj2i2zQsBQU3kfW-2yemTVAM8PhMQpFWhBX4tu7LRpPQO2xTgs~oIhZ9KzXl3ROg1rJsUzUkJyJP0C-k22TQdCwC0BOdracq2zd9eK2U~2nKqTl0oODDi9lPHmwmRLNBaFNopfJzxx4wnP1EnWiyxpsGfXfaljcSilu5ymRJLQBXUzORTbASUyYvKTD6LL~V2NOU95QR9dWXPMzlUenzN2fbLjRvNW8VYOAljVUOJG8ffBc107bCUmktW6fPeYLKwbgzLpEK1CQC51q6UvP1MRlkojd7DJDp2HXM8YHHA0ZckeFMkpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chester Planning Commission approved the June 11 and July 9, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote at the start of the Aug. 13 meeting. Commissioners indicated assent with “Aye.”

No formal actions or motions to approve any of the three sketch plans presented that afternoon (0 West Seventh Street / Grama Manor Homes, 720–724 West Third Street mixed‑use, and the DelCora campus expansion) were taken; each sketch plan was presented for informal review and staff commentary.

Summary of recorded motions at the Aug. 13 meeting:

• Motion to approve June 11 meeting minutes: moved and seconded; vote: approved by voice (Aye).

• Motion to approve July 9 meeting minutes: moved and seconded; vote: approved by voice (Aye).","At the Aug. 13 meeting the commission approved the June 11 and July 9, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote. No formal votes were taken on the three sketch plans presented.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chester sketch plan proposes 21-unit neighborhood on former Pulaski School site

DelCora seeks addition and renovations to West Front Street campus; commission supports concept with standard review comments

Developer seeks 3‑story mixed‑use building at West Third; city flags parking, fire access and zoning shortfalls

Planning commission approves meeting minutes; no votes taken on sketch plans