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Council members and residents back Greenhouse Project’s move to underused commercial site
Summary
Council members, local churches and residents urged the zoning board to approve Greenhouse Project’s conversion of 128 East 24th Street, highlighting youth programs, food outreach and neighborhood partnerships as reasons to grant parking relief.
Multiple city council members, community leaders and neighbors testified in support of Greenhouse Project’s plan to open a church and community center at 128 East 24th Street.
Councilwoman Williams told the board she has observed Greenhouse Project’s community engagement and urged approval, saying the project “has the potential to improve access to fresh food, educational opportunities for our youth, and support workforce development.” Stephon Roots, who noted experience on the planning board, argued that some City of Chester parking requirements are “prohibitive” for re‑occupying long‑vacant commercial spaces and said the project’s services deserve flexibility from the zoning code.
Representatives from Media Presbyterian Church and other local organizations also backed the application, describing long‑standing ties to Pastor John Clifford and the program’s benefit to walkable neighborhood residents. Supporters emphasized that the proposed use would activate an underused building and expand youth programming rather than generate commercial traffic that would conflict with residential parking on Sundays. The board took the testimonials into account and approved the special exception with conditions by a 3‑1 vote.
