12 Single-Family Homes Set for Manayunk Ave.

Developers have secured city permits to build 12 single-family homes in a currently vacant and hilly stretch above at Manayunk Avenue and below at Shurs Lane, the Office of City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. said.

Harman Deutsch Architecture received permission from the Department of Licenses and Inspections to divide two properties into 14 separate lots, according to an Oct. 2 permit. They will be located at the currently vacant 231 Shurs Lane and 4000 Manayunk Ave.

Joshua Cohen, special adviser to Councilman Jones, said he learned of the project, which he said is permitted by right, when researching a residential complaint about trees at what he thought-to-be a vacant property.

"They are combining lots to erect 12 single family homes with pilot houses, roof decks and interior parking stalls," he said.

Patch reached out to architect Rustin Ohler, the name listed on the permit, for comment on the project in September. Originally, the architectural firm agreed to an interview about the properties. However, it never secured permission from the owner—listed as Manayunk Ave Limited with a Richboro, PA, address—and Patch did not receive a response.

Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association President Andrew Bantly shared the news with residents at the group's September meeting. Because the project is permitted by right, he said, the ownership was not required to meet with the community.

Located below Manayunk Avenue, the space on Shurs Lane seems as if only unit can fit in. This forces the majority of the project to Manayunk Avenue, where parking is already restricted on that side of the road.