Zoning board approves parking relief for Greenhouse Project with conditions

The City of Chester Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception on July 15 allowing the Greenhouse Project to operate a church and community center at 128 East 24th Street without providing on‑site parking, subject to conditions requiring maintained parking agreements and annual verification.

Dennis Dunn, representing Greenhouse Project, said the building is a vacant one‑story commercial property that cannot accommodate off‑street parking without removing part of the building. Pastor John Clifford testified the organization’s activities—worship services, after‑school programming and weekly food outreach—primarily serve nearby residents who walk to the site. “Last year, we gave away 161,000 pounds of food into our community,” Clifford said, citing the project’s outreach volume.

Traffic consultant Al Federico testified he observed more than 60 on‑street parking spaces available within a block of the site during a Sunday service and a Tuesday outreach visit and concluded on‑street parking could accommodate the proposed use. Several public officials and residents, including Councilwoman Williams and Stephon Roots, urged the board to approve the proposal, citing community benefits. After a brief executive session the board approved the special exception 3‑1 and required the applicant to: maintain the parking agreements while the church operates, provide proof of current agreements to the zoning officer annually, and limit facility capacity to 125 persons. The board said all other relief requested would be considered moot; a written decision will be issued within 45 days.