PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Demolition of a historic house in the Germantown section of the city has begun, following a lengthy fight between the developers and neighbors.
The Pearson House, once owned by artist Joseph T. Pearson, was built in the 19th century on the 5100 block of Wayne Avenue.
“Many of us attended the meeting of the Historical Commission, where the house was officially designated as historical," said Ann Peters, one of the neighbors protesting the demolition and the actions of developers.
"They are selling their connection to City Hall, because what they’re selling is the land without the historic house on it, a permit to build a huge building right to the edge of the property, and the architectural plans for that building.“
“We filed an appeal to their demolition permit because the house was designated (as historical) and we believe there was a lack of transparency with their demolition permits," neighbor Oscar Beisert added.
But that historical dedication came in April 2021, five months after the builder received the first zoning permit to demolish the property.
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L&I Communications Director Karen Guss explained in an email that government can’t change the rules on a property owner after he’s already taken action under the old rules.
“There is a legal process to appeal the permit June 29th. Rushing to demolish it before that meeting means there will be nothing left to appeal," Peters added.
Filing an appeal is not enough to stop demolition. Guss said the court must be petitioned for a temporary restraining order, which the group’s lawyer failed to do.
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Demolition crews took the roof off the building on Thursday.
“It’s very sad. It’s like watching an act of violent vandalism," said Heather Levi, who was visibly shaken by the wrecking.
“It’s not like every old house needs to be saved, but this was a property of clear historic and aesthetic value.“
She joined others in saying that while the work that crews were doing might not be illegal, she doesn't believe it's right.
"This shows disrespect for a neighborhood that is not wealthy," Levi said.
"This would not be happening in Chestnut Hill.“
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