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Cheltenham zoning body records decisions on five appeals, grants multiple conditional uses
Summary
Cheltenham’s building and zoning committee reviewed five zoning hearing board decisions June 8, including denials and several granted uses (a mixed-use studio, temporary equalization tank, an empanada takeout, and a Dunkin'/Jimmy John’s with revised parking). Staff flagged the need for zoning-code updates and minutes corrections.
Cheltenham’s Building and Zoning Committee on June 8 reviewed five decisions from the borough’s zoning hearing board, recording one denial and several approvals with conditions that the board said should inform future zoning-code updates.
The committee opened the agenda with a continuance for appeal 26-3815 and then addressed appeal 26-3808 for Elkins Park Square Associates (8080 Old York Road). Julia Detwiler said the zoning hearing board denied that application because it did not meet Municipal Planning Code requirements. The committee took no further action on the matter.
The committee then considered appeal 26-3809 (Doon Marie, 221 South Easton Road). Detwiler said the board granted relief with conditions for what was described as a dance and arts studio that would include living space; commissioners welcomed the project as a new commercial addition to the corridor.
Appeal 26-3810 (Melrose Development LLC, 7600 Tuscany Creek Parkway) was granted by the zoning hearing board with several conditions. Detwiler described that approval as applying to a temporary equalization tank, a use not permitted in the district absent relief; the committee recorded the board’s decision and noted conditions attached to the permit.
Appeal 26-3811, for retail takeout at 7852 Montgomery Avenue (an empanada business), was also granted with conditions. Commissioners raised a code inconsistency: retail and restaurant uses can be treated differently in the zoning text, and one condition explicitly barred frying on the premises. Detwiler said testimony indicated the business plans to bake its product, and the restriction reflected building-code and fats/oils/grease concerns related to sewer connections.
The committee also accepted appeal 26-3812 (Grama Foods, 230 South Easton Road) for a combined Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s; Detwiler said the zoning hearing board granted relief with conditions, including revised parking-space language. Chair and staff asked that the minutes reflect an updated decision that corrected the parking requirement.
Committee members repeatedly urged staff to pursue periodic zoning-code reviews to clarify use categories (for example, retail takeout versus restaurant) and to reduce confusing or inconsistent restrictions that require repeated relief. The meeting concluded with acceptance of the Planning Commission minutes and routine staff reports.
The board adjourned at 8:40 p.m.; appeal 26-3815 remains continued and will return when the applicant and zoning hearing board schedule it for review.
