Apartment Building Catches Bad Looks from Roxborough Residents

Whether legal or not, Roxborough residents say the facade from a 7900 Ridge Avenue apartment complex is distasteful and the lit sign too bright.

The Ridge apartments at 7949 Ridge Ave. recently renovated its front building by painting it bright green and installing an illuminated sign. Neighbors have complained to the city councilman's office and Patch, hoping a change can occur.

"I live close by, and it's quite an eyesore. The lime green paint looks very tacky. They need to work on the side of the building, which still looks like a total dump," Michelle Riggins said on the Roxborough-Manayunk Patch Facebook page.

In Roxborough and Manayunk, the Galman Group owns several properties, including Donna Court (631 DuPont St.), DuPont Towers (6100 Henry Ave.), and the Ridge View Apartments (6725 Ridge Ave.).

Formerly the Cheswick Square Apartments, the Galman Group recently renovated and rebranded the complex at 7949 Ridge Ave. as The Ridge.

In May, the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the sign erection, according to city permits. The Upper Roxborough Civic Association supported that application, said Joshua Cohen, special adviser to Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

On Monday, Cohen said neighbors raised issues with the sign and how bright it is.

"One resident says it's so bright she can read by the light," he said.

Following a request from a reader, Patch posted a general question about the building to our Facebook page, which generated nearly 20 comments—all negative.

"They did a great job of catching people's attention. Unfortunately, I almost rear ended someone staring at those seizure inducing lights," Chalee Supplee said.

Another reader, Lori Rotzell McGrorty, said: "I was hoping it was a base coat and that they were waiting for the 'real' paint to be delivered."

Patch reached out to the Galman Group but did not receive comment from Vice President Jeff Slipakoff before publication.

In his conversation with the company, Cohen said the way the sign is lit doesn't allow for a dimmer—it's on or off. He hopes to continue conversations, however, and get them to alter it. Cohen also said he would look into the specific law and see if the Ridge is legally lit.

"If they're not willing to make dimmer, and if in violation, then we'll ask L & I to look into it," Cohen said.

As for the building's color—though neighbors may disagree with the choice—no legal recourse exists to change it.