Controversial St. Mary's Site Rezoning Proposal Pulled

MANAYUNK, PHILADELPHIA – A controversial topic in Manayunk has frustrated residents in the area for a while now. But the proposal that irked so many Manayunkers has been pulled, according to the the Manayunk Neighborhood Council.

Kevin Smith, president of the council, said Councilman Curtis Jones Jr decided to pull the bill that would re-zone St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church.

"Thank You to everyone who participated in the meetings, flyers, calls, letters, posters and everything," smith said in the announcement.

Initially, the planning commission was set to hear the case for rezoning at Tuesday's meeting, but since Jones pulled the proposal the commission didn't have to hold the hearing.

However, Smith said St. Mary's will still be redeveloped.

"The bill is being pulled, but Saint Mary's is still going to be redeveloped and I am sure we will be back at the table soon enough," Smith said. "The Councilman has committed to a 'holistic plan to address parking and traffic issues.' We look forward to that process and to working with all parties to make Manayunk better for everyone."

Jones' proposal was aiming to create an area were American Living Concepts of Manayunk could potentially build a 101-unit development.

"This development had its merits and may work in other areas, but it is not right for this location," Jones said in the statement. "As it relates to the St. Mary’s bill, I will withdraw the bill at the next state meeting of City Council on Thursday May 18th."

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