Thursday, March 31, 2016

The Right To Demolish

The latest chapter in the destruction of Norristown's historical architecture seems to have begun this week when the Preservation Society posted the photo at the right with the caption "This building at 826 DeKalb Street, Norristown has been condemned and is scheduled for demolition." I say "seems" because the story began long before that.

826 Dekalb and its twin 824 were built in 1899. They're Greek Revival style (no arches over the windows and double chimneys), but also have some Italianate elements, which was another popular style at the time. 826 in particular has a unusually nice historical facade on the front, with marble stone facing. Both houses were built 3 stories in front with a 2 story section in back. 826 has another add-on in the rear (as you can see in the next photo).

I asked NPS what they knew of the situation. It was from them I found out that the demolition plan had gone before Norristown's Historical Area Review Board, so I asked a friend on the HARB. (I should note that the volunteers on the HARB, unlike many of the other board, are all professionals in the field of historic architecture or have considerable knowledge of it--they go out of their way to help our historical homeowners keep within the HARB guidelines without going over-budget. They are our most underappreciated board for the work they do.)

Apparently the HARB believed, after reading the engineer's report, that only the back of the building needed to be demolished. My friend went to take a look at the building himself yesterday. Here are his observations:

"The street (west) front façade and the north façade of the front portion of the house are plumb and without significant damage. The floor structure runs north-south and appears level. The rear wall of the front portion and the rear of the structure proper are collapsing and should be removed... still has many of its original details, has a degree of formality that is unique to the neighborhood and represents the period in which it was built very well...It is worth noting that in general, the removal of one half of a twin never looks as good as would an intact pair. Arguably it reduces the property value of the neighborhood to have the rhythm of the buildings disrupted and having the north façade of the 824 property covered with stucco and without windows. It certainly must have a negative impact on the value of the 824 property. "

Moreover, the loss of everyone of these historic buildings decreases the value of our town.

So I posted my own question to Facebook yesterday -- "...someone please explain to me why we have a HARB to supposedly protect the historic areas if no one in the municipal government listens to them and keeps allowing our historic buildings to be demolished? What will we have then? A review board for all of our vacant lots?"

Response from Councilwoman Valerie Scott Cooper: "In response to the post regarding the property at 826 DeKalb St, both the Municipal Engineer and the owner's inspector have deemed the structure dangerous. And it is too expensive for the owner to repair. He does have the right to tear it down."

Response from Councilwoman Olivia Brady: "This is an unfortunate situation and too often what happens in Norristown - demolition by neglect. But yes, as Councilwoman Scott Cooper said, the building has been deemed dangerous by our engineers and the property owner is within his rights to demolish. HARBs, by law, all over the state can only advise and have no real teeth in preservation so they cannot demand the building be saved."

The owner listed in the Montco Property Records is GMAC Mortgage of Ft Washington, but on looking them up, I found they'd filed for bankruptcy in December of 2013, only 2 months after they came into possession of the house. They were taken over by Ocwen Financial of West Palm Beach, FL. Ocwen is the owner listed on the HARB application. So I looked them up. Their assets in December of 2015 totaled (you might want to sit down) 7.405 BILLION. Their sales numbers for the last quarter of 2015 were estimated to be 1.4 MILLION.

Pardon me if I don't feel real sorry for them, with how "expensive" shoring up a single wall would be after demolishing the back section of the house. All the more so because Ocwen has been in trouble more than once for taking advantage of their borrowers, according to the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. People have lost their homes because of Ocwen's misconduct.

I do agree that, by law, we can't demand our historic buildings be saved. Yet, rather than demand, we could at least coax. We apparently don't DO anything. Council could ask questions when situations like this arise. If Codes is doing its job, we should have more than enough notice of a building's deterioration long before it gets to the point where demolition is necessary. We could ask owners "How can we as a town help you save this historic structure?" We could let the HARB help them. And if we're dealing with out-of-town, absentee slumlords, as we are in the case of 826 Dekalb and elsewhere, then we need some laws on the books that would make owners more accountable for maintaining their properties, so we never need get to the point where they solve their problems with demolition.

So what will happen to 826 Dekalb?. Possibly its removal will so weaken the remaining twin that 824 will have to be torn down as well. Then we'll have a big vacant lot in that block and someone like Sarah Peck will come along wanting to build a hundred condos on the spot. Hmm. I wonder if that's what Council is thinking. Level all of our historic districts so we can become Condo City, with people living elbow-to-elbow so we have more residents to tax.  I might also point out that 826 Dekalb is 463 feet from Arbor Heights, the erection of which, Ms. Peck insists, cleared up all the blight in the neighborhood. There are other neglected historic properties within 2 blocks of Arbor Heights. Is Council doing anything about them or will they be destroyed as well?

Hopefully, some of the interior historical features of 826 Dekalb will be salvaged. There are marble fireplaces, chandeliers, etc.

I have to say, unless I start hearing ideas out of Council soon about better ways to preserve our historic districts and the architecture they contain, I will work actively to make sure none of our current council reps get re-elected. In less than 2 years, we've lost Montgomery Hospital, we're slated to lose the Ersine Tennis Club at 1529 Dekalb and now 826 Dekalb. Council has shown nothing but indifference in each case. We don't need people running this town who nonchalantly let our crown jewels be destroyed. 

Friday, March 25, 2016

Egg Hunts and More This Week

I'm very tempted to post an event to Norristown.org's calendar for April Fool's Day next week with the title "FIX THE #%&! CALENDAR." I'd have it repeat every day until someone down at Municipal Hall actually fixes all the erroneous items. Theatre Horizon's Lobby Hero is still listed on an ongoing basis, though the show closed 2 weeks ago. And under the library's name is a repeating listing for their Comic Con which doesn't take place until April 16th. Still, if these were the only 2 instances, I wouldn't say anything, but this sort of thing has been happening regularly for nearly 2 years, to the point where I don't know if I can trust the listings at all. Come on, Municipal Hall, you're making our town look bad. Someone down there please take ownership.

But, on to the week's events:

Saturday, March 26, 7 am to noon at Elmwood Park. Join the Stony Creek Anglers for a litter cleanup of Stony Creek. RSVP to email mike66th@gmail.com

Saturday, 10-11:30 am at UCC Christ Church (1003 W Marshall), Easter Egg Decorating & Easter Egg Hunt. Bring friends and neighbors.


Also Saturday at GN PAL (340 Harding Blvd), from 11 am-12:30 pm, Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 4-12. Bring your Easter basket. To register or for info, call 610-278-8040.

Tuesday at 6:30PM at George Washington Carver Community Center, Community Volunteer Recruitment Night. Come hear the exciting news about their 2016 summer programs and the awesome renovations that will be taking place in the coming weeks. Refreshments will be provided and a raffle gift over $200 for the person who brings the most guests. Please call Carver and ask for Buck in order to register. 610-272-7480 or their FB page (gwcarver19401) or gwcarver19401@gmail.com

Next Friday, April 1, from 8-11 am at Suburban Community Hospital Cancer Center (2701 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton), FREE Skin Cancer Screening. Dr. Harold Milstein will perform screenings, answer questions and provide additional info. Refreshments provided. Giveaways by the hospital, Amer. Acadamy of Dermatology, and Amer. Cancer Society. Free raffle. Call to make an appointment or for information: 610-278-2510.

Next Sunday, April 3, 11 am-2 pm at Stewart Middle School, FREE Boy's Lacrosse Clinic for grades 5-8. Dress in t-shirt, shorts, sneakers or cleats. No equipment needed. For information, contact friendsofnorristownlax@yahoo.com

Friday, March 18, 2016

Welcome Spring! - Lots of Things to Do This Week

A little bit of nice weather and all of a sudden, events are popping up all over town.

Today, Friday March 18, at 10 am, live Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones. Your chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services. Go to the Norristown Municipality Facebook page at that time.

Tonight from 6:30-8 pm at Greater Norristown PAL. Family Science & Invention Night, for students K-8 (all students must be accompanied by an adult). Hands-on science. For info call 610-278-8040.

Saturday morning at 8:30-10:30 am, Hancock Fire Company (820 West Airy) presents an all-you-can-eat Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast. Adults and children over 8, $7. Children 4-8, $5. Under 3, Free. Includes Children's Easter Egg Hunt.

Saturday from 11 am-12:30 pm at Norristown Library (Swede and Powell), NCAA Informational. For student athletes in grades 7-12 and their parents. Presented by Coach Williams and others. Refreshments will be served.
Also Saturday from 12:30-2 pm at the Montgomery County Historical Society (1654 Dekalb St). The Aftermath of Loyalism in Pennsylvania, presented by Rene Silva. Explore the Revolution from the perspective of those Americans loyal to Great Britain. FREE program. For info contact Barry Rauhouser, 610-272-0297, barryr@hsmcpa.org


Also Saturday, 7 pm at the Centre Theater. "Off Broadway on Centre--A Night of Art, Cabaret and Comedy." $30 admission includes show, light hors d'oeuvres and one drink. Cash bar. All proceeds benefit the production of Venus In Fur.

Sunday from 3-5 pm at MLK Jr. Park (Oak and Arch)--Easter Funday. Prizes and refreshments. Easter egg hunts for ages 1-12.

Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 2:30 pm at Eisenhower Middle School. Bake Sale. Most bake items $.50- $1. All money raised will be used to send students to educational field trips.

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7 pm at Norristown Library (Swede and Powell). Volunteers are available to help students K-6 with their homework. English or Spanish.

Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm at the Carver Center, 249 Jacoby St, Community Education Meeting presented by the Norristown Fire Department, the American Red Cross and others. Learn how to best protect yourself, your family and your belongings in a fire. Hosted by the Norristown NAACP.

Tuesday at 7 pm at Municipal Hall, Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday from 6-7:30 pm and next Saturday from 2-3:30 pm at Norristown Library, Informational meetings for middle school and high school students about Norristown's Youth Dragon Boat Teams. First race will be on June 4th in Philadelphia. For information, contact info@dragonboatclub.org

Wednesday, 6-7:30 pm at Norristown Library. Intro to Web Design. Come learn how to create your own website using WordPress through this introductory course. Cost $10 for full course per person.  Only email address and basic computer skills required. Registration required. Please call 610-278-5100 ext. 0.

Next Saturday, March 26, at GN PAL (340 Harding Blvd), from 11 am-12:30 pm, Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt. Ages 4-12. Bring your Easter basket. To register or for info, call 610-278-8040.

Friday, March 11, 2016

Theatre, Sports, Jazz and More Coming Up

Please remember that if you list an event on Facebook or Norristown.org, include all the pertinent information, plus a contact number or email if people have questions. I'm seeing a lot of events lately missing important facts, like times or if tickets need to be purchased in advance. If they're missing too much info, I don't post them.

Tonight, March 11, at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. This is the LAST WEEKEND. Performances are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Saturday at 8 pm at August Moon, Second Saturday Jazz presents the Julie Charnet Quintet (featuring Larry McKenna on Tenor Sax) Doors Open at 7 pm. Sets begin on the hour. Entertainment Fee: $10, 2 drink minimum.

Monday at 7 pm at Montgomery County Human Services (1430 Dekalb), Genesis Housing presents a Free Money Management Class. Learn how to set up a working budget and prioritize spending.

Tuesday at 6:30 pm Municipal Hall. Council Workshop Meeting. No agenda yet.

Next Friday, March 18, at 10 am, live Facebook Chat with Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones. Your chance to ask questions about our town, up-coming projects and municipal services. Go to the Norristown Municipality Facebook page at that time.

Also next Friday from 6:30-8 pm at Greater Norristown PAL. Family Science & Invention Night, for students K-8 (all students must be accompanied by an adult). Hands-on science. For info call 610-278-8040.
Next Saturday morning at 8:30-10:30 am, Hancock Fire Company (820 West Airy) presents an all-you-can-eat Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast. Adults and children over 8, $7. Children 4-8, $5. Under 3, Free. Includes Children's Easter Egg Hunt.

Also next Saturday at 11 am at the Norristown Library. NCAA Clearinghouse Informational for student athletes (grades 7-12) and their parents. For more information, contact Coach Williams at miltwilliams204@yahoo.com
Next Saturday, 7 pm at the Centre Theater. "Off Broadway on Centre--A Night of Art, Cabaret and Comedy." $30 admission includes show, light hors d'oeuvres and one drink. Cash bar. All proceeds benefit the production of Venus In Fur.

And, of course, check the Library's online calendar for all their ongoing activities. There's always something for kids to do there. Click on the link to the right of this blog.  

Friday, March 4, 2016

Theater, Free Coffee, and More

Great variety of events coming up this week. Something for everyone. Remember, if you've got an event coming up, post it at least 2 weeks before on www.norristown.org/town-calendar.html  and on www.montcooic.org/community-calendar.html . Let people know what's happening. Also check out the library calendar link in the right column. Lots of activities for kids and adults.

Friday, March 4 at 7:30 pm at Centre Theater (208 Dekalb), Comedy Open Mic Night. $5 admission. For info, call 484-477-2058.

Also Friday at 8 pm at Theatre Horizon (401 DeKalb), "Lobby Hero" continues. Performances this week are Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 2 pm, Monday and Thursday at 7:30 pm. The show will run through next weekend. Tickets and schedule at this link. For information, contact Josh Millhouse, 610-283-2230 or go to ticket@theatrehorizon.org

Saturday, 10-noon, at the Senior Adult Activities Center (536 George). Coffee with a Cop.  Free coffee.

Monday, 7 pm at Montgomery County Human Services (1430 Dekalb). Understanding Credit. Free class sponsored by Genesis Housing on understanding credit and credit scores. Obtain a Free Credit Report from Major Credit Bureaus with Scores. Learn How to Improve Your Credit Score. Register online at www.genesishousing.org

Tuesday, 6-8 pm at the Historical Society of Montgomery County (1854 Dekalb), "Reading Your House" a workshop about the fundamental tools for researching the history of your house. They will also host a 2nd workshop, "Researching Your Home", on March 15 from 6-8 pm, that will examine various documents related to house construction and occupancy that will give you more information about how houses and architecture function, plus information on the restoration and preservation of historic architecture. $25 per class for members, $30 for non-members, or $40 for both classes for members, $50 for non-members. Call 610-272-0297 or email us at contact@hsmcpa.org to register.

Also Tuesday, 7-9 pm, Planning Commission Meeting at Municipal Hall. No agenda yet.

Wednesday, 4-8 pm at Municipal Hall. Public meeting by SEPTA about the King of Prussia Rail Project. For info, go to www.kingofprussiarail.com

Also Wednesday at Municipal Hall at 7:30 pm, a special Council workshop meeting. No agenda yet.