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Zoning board approves Preston Avenue rehab variances after neighbor raises safety, staging concerns
Summary
Blackbird Investment LLC won variances to rebuild rear sections at 725 and 727 Preston Avenue in the same footprints despite short sideyard setbacks; the board attached conditions requiring proper site maintenance, no materials in rights-of-way, measures to prevent runoff harm and a six-month completion timeline after hearing neighbor complaints about lumber and masonry left in the street.
The Haverford Township Zoning Hearing Board approved variances for Blackbird Investment LLC to rebuild rear additions at 725 and 727 Preston Avenue in the same footprints where prior foundations were found insufficient, allowing a 7-foot sideyard for portions of the rear additions where 12 feet is normally required.
Counsel for the applicant (Jen) told the board the properties were purchased in July 2025 and that demolition during rehab revealed portions of the rear additions had been built without proper footings. Counsel described the request as the "least variance we can ask for," saying it would restore the structures to their previous size and allow proper foundations to be installed.
Owner Ahmed Oscan confirmed the intention to rebuild in the exact prior footprint with proper foundations. During public comment, neighbor James Maloney said construction materials had been left in the street for days and presented a photograph (marked P1) showing stacks of lumber and masonry. "They continued to place materials there, including lumber, masonry, a tall stack of masonry just sitting in the street," Maloney said, and urged the board to condition any approval on maintenance, compliance with codes and stop-work enforcement for violations.
After an off-the-record conference, counsel acknowledged the problems and said the client had hired a local project manager to improve on-site oversight. The board voted to approve Z2603 and Z2604 subject to conditions that the construction area be properly maintained (no storage of materials or debris in any right-of-way or sidewalk), that the project not create runoff impacts on neighboring properties, and that work be completed within six months; failure to comply will render the variance null and void.
Board members admitted the applicant's exhibits into the record, heard neighbor testimony and recorded unanimous votes to approve both cases with the listed conditions.
