Back in February, OCF Holdings presented two projects to the ZBA which garnered both significant support and opposition. First, the developer presented a mixed-use development at the corner of Point Breeze & Titan, with thirteen residential units and a pharmacy on the first floor. After three hours of discussion, they then presented a plan for a coffee shop on the first floor of an existing building on the northwest corner of 20th & Federal.

In March, the ZBA granted variances for both projects, as we told you at that time. It appeared as though both would begin construction in the near future. The one concern for the developer was the thirty-day window during which ZBA decisions can be appealed.

PB and Titan

20th and Federal Sts., currently a campaign office

And wouldn’t you know it, at the 11th hour, both decisions were indeed appealed!

Want to know who’s behind these appeals?

Click here for the Point Breeze & Titan appeal, and click here for the 20th & Federal appeal.

No one can predict what will happen in court, but the odds seem to favor the developer in this case, as the burden falls heavily on the appellants. Regrettably, this process could set both projects back six months to a year, presuming the ZBA decisions are ultimately upheld. That’s right, two projects that could dramatically improve the quality of life for residents of Point Breeze will now sit in limbo, waiting to work their way through the courts. On the plus side, this developer has such a significant stake in the neighborhood that there’s no chance of him backing down to this new (and expensive) challenge.

It’s just a crying shame that it has to come to this.

Disclosure: OCF Realty is the parent company of OCF Holdings and Naked Philly