Reed Estates passes through Civic Design Review despite split opinions on project’s density

We recently shared with you plans for Reed Estates, a development that would bring 26 single-family homes to Pennsport.

The project for 116 Reed St. was reviewed by the Civic Design Review this week. Two board members expressed split opinions on whether the density and lack of greenery is a “missed opportunity.”

From PlanPhilly:

“Open space in the city is so precious and this is such a dense, appropriately dense, insertion into this neighborhood,” said Garafalo. “If you look at the footprint of this big contiguous block in the middle of this dense urban neighborhood you are devoting 31 feet to cars, plus 20 feet on each side to parked cars. I just feel like there is a missed opportunity.”

Garafalo’s monologue about the possibilities missed in the drive aisle brought a quick retort from Addimando, who firmly disagreed with his colleagues’ assessment.

“I’m going to thank you on behalf of the future parents for making it an asphalt ballfield, which is what it will become,” said Addimando. “That driveway will be used by people who are living their lives in a very urban setting. Put a basketball hoop back there, people will play ball. I live in a very similar setup in Center City. There is no need or want for green space back there. I applaud you for the design, it’s very nice.”