A new development proposal by TierView Development aims to introduce 81 units of workforce housing and 2,700 square feet of commercial space on Germantown Avenue in East Mount Airy. Situated steps from Gorgas Lane and near Lovett Memorial Library, the planned four-story building also includes provisions for parking, with 11 spaces, 42 bike stalls, and a green roof.
The site where the development is proposed currently accommodates over 50 trees, including a significant number of heritage trees that are protected under city zoning laws. Residents have expressed apprehension about the project, voicing concerns over traffic congestion, public safety, and the loss of green space in the neighborhood.
Jenn Patrino, principal of TierView, asserts that her mission is to provide homes for the ‘forgotten missing middle.’ During a recent presentation before the city’s Civic Design Review committee, she emphasized the intent behind the project, aiming to develop housing options that cater to the community’s needs.
The proposal aims to accommodate an array of living spaces, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. However, the current zoning allows for only 55 units on the half-acre lot. To facilitate the development, TierView is seeking two zoning bonuses which would permit a greater height limit and increased density for the structure.
One of the key conditions for the mixed-income zoning bonus is the requirement to designate 10% of the units as affordable housing, specifically for families earning around 60% of area median income (AMI)—approximately $64,500 for a family of three. Patrino noted that the projected average AMI for the remaining units would hover around 80%.
Despite the promises of affordable housing, the scale of the project has not sat well with many locals. Residents at the Civic Design Review meeting expressed significant reservations about the impact the new development may have on the surrounding community, particularly in terms of increased traffic and the potential for slower emergency response times given the proximity of Fire Department Engine 9 and Ladder 21.
Claudia Becker, a resident of the 100 block of East Gorgas Lane, articulated her concerns regarding the development’s enormity. She described the area as a ‘refreshing green pause’ between commercial districts, arguing that the proposed building would severely disrupt the existing tranquility of the neighborhood.
The development plan includes the removal of three heritage trees along with numerous other trees to clear space for construction. In an effort to mitigate some of the environmental impact, TierView has committed to planting 33 new trees and paying a fee to offset the removal of additional foliage.
After the presentation to the Civic Design Review committee, feedback indicated that further revisions to the proposal may be necessary. TierView has been asked to return for a second and final review, while a zoning hearing to finalize the development timeline remains to be scheduled.
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