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Board approves conversion of 101 North Eagle Road to two one‑bedroom units with conditions
Summary
The zoning board approved FBGM Holdingsrequest to convert 101 North Eagle Road from commercial to two one-bedroom residential units on condition that rental licenses be obtained, parking meet code, and work be completed within one year; neighbors raised concerns about past commercial activity and paving.
The Haverford Township Zoning Hearing Board on July 16 approved a use variance allowing FBGM Holdings LLC to convert 101 North Eagle Road into two residential units, imposing conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts.
Attorney Lee Stival presented the application on behalf of FBGM Holdings. Principal Michael Dowd described the lot as roughly 7,500 square feet with a building that retains a residential character, separate entrances and a proposed parking plan showing five on-site spaces (four at grade plus the garage). "The property itself is not conducive, not viable for commercial uses," Stival told the board, arguing conversion to two units would better fit the block.
Neighbors testified with mixed views. Uri Caine, who lives two houses from the property, recounted a history of disruptive commercial use and police calls under a prior owner and urged caution about expanding parking or commercial activity. "There's quite a history to this property... they used to have, like, five utility vehicles outside, so we couldn't get into Garfield Avenue," Caine said. Another neighbor, Lisa Thomas, said she would support conversion to residential so long as restrictions prevent overcrowding and prevent the garage from being rented to a third party.
The board discussed lot-size nonconformity (the board noted the O2 district minimum lot area is 12,500 square feet), parking layout and impervious coverage. The applicant said the proposed parking plan would yield five spaces and that the driveway and garage would accommodate the units; the applicant agreed to obtain required rental licenses for each unit and to comply with township impervious-surface rules.
The board approved the variance with conditions: each unit must remain a one-bedroom, rental licenses must be obtained for each unit, parking must be provided in accordance with the zoning code, and work must be completed within one year in accordance with testimony. The board recorded the approval with a unanimous vote.
The record closed at the meeting; enforcement and compliance will be handled by the township zoning and code office.
