PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Officials have told a Germantown community that, after their lengthy battle with developers to keep a historically designated property safe from demolition, it is only a matter of time before the house comes down.
"We found the dumpster, and they were taking down the chimney and tearing off the roof," said Anne Peters, a neighbor leading the charge to save the Pearson House from demolition.
The home, on the 5100 block of Wayne Avenue, was built in the 19th century and was owned by a Philadelphia painter.
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Peters and fellow neighbors like Aaron Wunsch said they have been playing by the rules, but they fear they are fighting a losing battle.
"I think there is a widespread feeling that, among neighbors and other people that have been supporting the preservation of this house, that the leverage of city government has been working against us," said Wunsch.
The home received a slot on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places on April 9. Two months later, the developer that owns the home received a demolition permit from the city.
"What you see here is a premature move toward demolishing this house without the proper notification or process that goes with that," said Wunsch.
Now, a permit for a sidewalk closure is pending, but once it would be approved, the property would be set for demolition.
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State Rep. Darisha Parker (D-Philadelphia) said she understands the frustration and sadness, but the process is at its end stages and the property will be demolished.
"Right now, I'm not sure when that will take place, but it's going to happen," she said.
"The neighbors in the community are concerned that the preservation of a historic building will no longer be preserved."
The Historic Commission said the agency has no power to stop demolition.
Parker is urging neighbors to start engaging the developer about working together and minimizing conflict to keep the peace.
KYW Newsradio spoke to Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections at the site of the home, but the agent had no comment.
Requests for comment from the developer and the Philadelphia Streets Department regarding the pending permit have gone unanswered, as of Monday evening.
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