Fishtown: Church Proposal Causes Controversy

https://vimeo.com/18391723]

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The building at 2424 E. York St. is huge, spanning an entire block, and the inside looks like a half-finished warehouse. The hallways are cold and the walls are brick, giving off an industrial look that no one would ever want his or her home to have. But for one church, this space has appeal.

This building officially  known as 2424 Studios has for years been a source of controversy for the residents of Fishtown and the neighboring community of Old Richmond. It’s such an imposing space so naturally there is a base of opposition among some community residents.

The large property was transformed in early last year from a vacant, broken-down building into a space for artists and other artistic types to work in. While seemingly a harmless renovation, the community is concerned with the further use of the building. Community residents have held multiple zoning meetings regarding what should fill the space, with the latest idea being the Presbyterian Liberti Church.

People at a recent meeting at the property discussed the possibility of the church finding a permanent home at 2424 Studios.

Residents living in the houses immediately across the street from the commercial space have mixed feelings, some regarding the building’s existing studios and the proposed church’s presence, but not solely because of religious beliefs.

2424 Studios advertises “ample parking” on its Web site, however, neighbors on the block disagree. The parking spaces in front of 2424 Studios do not seem to be enough, creating an overflow of cars onto the opposite side of the street and even to other blocks. Inhabitants of the row homes facing the property constantly deal with the studio visitors leaving residents with no place to park.

“All the cars here are not the people who live here,” block resident Anwar Murray said. “The parking’s the main [concern], but it is what it is.”

The idea of Liberti Church moving in may seem like it will agitate the parking issue further. Leo Addimando, co-manager of the building at 2424 York St., disagrees.

“Well, the services are on Sundays,” Addimando said, “and if you come by here on Sundays, there’s really not a lot of cars in the street. Over half their members walk to church.”

Maria del Pilar has lived across the street from the building at 2424 York St. for four years.  She complains of having nowhere to park as well as a lost sense of community.

“At first,” del Pilar said, “it was very peaceful and very nice, until they put [2424 Studios] there. It’s not like a neighborhood – you never know who is who.”

Del Pilar said she thinks she should have first priority for parking because she lived in her home before the studios existed. She was also one of the first to ever buy a row home on that block.

“I have to work early and this is not fair,” del Pilar said. “I pay a lot of money for this house. I thought they’d have parking numbers to park [when I moved in].”

Parking is not the only issue that concerns the neighbors of the block. 2424 Studios has been known to host parties which not only contribute to the parking issue, but also add the issue of noise.

“No one wants a mess at 2 a.m,” del Pilar said. “[The parties are] too loud, too many people.”

Anwar Murray, as well as del Pilar, said he’s noticed the parties at 2424 and isn’t a fan.

“They’re real crazy parties,” Murray said. “They’re loud.”

Others don’t seem to be bothered as much by the new 2424 Studios. Charles Wogan, a local attorney, is happy the building is being used.

“I bought [my] place in March of 2008, and it was vacant, all boarded up,” Wogan said. “I think [the neighbors] are just worried about parking. Neighbors like having a say.”

The tenants within the 2424 building also see the tension between the two sides of the 2000 block of York St. Doug Sakmann is a producer at Backseat Conceptions, located on the third floor of the 2424 Studios.

“It is kind of an issue and they were here first,” Sakmann said. “And it’s kind of a tough situation. People that live in the immediate community, they look out for their best interests before the community’s interest – what immediately is going on, like ‘What time can I go to bed?’ and ‘Where can I park my car?’ So it’s just something that’s going to have to be worked out.”

There are no plans for an expansion on parking yet. Managers of the building continue to bring suggestions for new businesses to fill the spaces at 2424 Studios while keeping the community involved. Recently, the Fishtown Neighbors Association held a voting meeting regarding the allowance of a private tattoo parlor into the building.

Addimando is in favor of Liberti Church’s occupation of first floor of 2424 York St. for the good of both the building and its surrounding community. Parking, of course, is an issue brought to him often, but he’s sure it could only better with Liberti Church’s proposal to occupy.

“They count on average that 20 to 25 cars drive to church on Sundays, and all of those can be parked right here on the street,” he said. “I think there won’t be a lot of cars on York St. I think it’ll be fine.”

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