Rezoning approved by Planning Commission for 9th and Washington development

In August we told you about plans for a 5-story mixed-use development for the long-vacant lot at 9th and Washington. For this development to move forward, the lot has to be rezoned to accommodate for the height of the development and commercial uses planned for the location.

Yesterday the Planning Commission voted to recommend a bill to allow for the rezoning of the lot from CMX-2 to CMX-3.

More from PlanPhilly:

Does the project reflect the direction that residents and planners think the neighborhood should be headed while respecting the surrounding environment?

Yes, the Commission reasoned. There seems to be general if not universal consensus that Washington Avenue could handle a bit more residential and commercial density, and there’s even greater consensus that the Italian Market could handle a bit more parking capacity, especially if it’s placed below ground.

Midwood Investment and Development, who are responsible for the Cheesecake Factory location in Center City, are behind this development, though they’re calling this the “anti-cheesecake project.” At the Passyunk Square Civic Association meeting earlier this year, the plans were presented for this mixed-use development. It is expected to include 5-stories, 18,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the ground floor, 70 apartments, 8 single-family trinities along Darien Street and approximately 150 parking spaces in an underground parking lot accessible off of 9th Street.

Anastasi Seafood would be moved from the corner at 9th and Washington and temporarily relocated until it can take up residence in one of the commercial spaces of this new development. The retail spaces are expected to blend with the rest of the Italian Market with awnings for the stores to be able to bring their merchandise out onto the sidewalks to keep the street level “alive” and “interactive.” You can read more about the plans for the project here. 

Another community meeting is expected to happen prior to the bill going to a committee hearing in City Council.