Some neighbors see that as "spot zoning," an end-run around the city's zoning process, though Philadelphia's City Charter protects the right of Council members to do just that.
And so, for what seems like the zillionth time (see: battle over Chestnut Hill College expansion, among others) in Chestnut Hill, neighbors are warring about what fits in their affluent community and what doesn't.
The sides agree on one thing: They support a mixed retail and residential complex at the site.
"Please quote me as saying this: 'We're not against developing this. It's just that we want a say,' " said Terry Halbert, who lives around the corner from the project proposed for the 8200 block of Germantown Avenue.
They fear the project will threaten the Hill's walkable character and village feel.
Halbert and others have gathered 1,000 signatures opposing the development as planned.
"It's just too intense. It's too out of character with Chestnut Hill. At six stories, it will totally change the way it feels around here," said Gayle Brown, who has worked with Halbert to collect the signatures.
Others find the objections overblown.
"We think that this particular Fresh Market will be an absolute boon to the Chestnut Hill business corridor," said Greg Welsh, president of the Chestnut Hill Business Association. "We absolutely look forward to the increased traffic it will bring to the avenue."
Leo Hesser, manager and buyer for the O'Doodle's toy store on Germantown Avenue, agreed.
"Any more businesses on the hill is a good thing," Hesser said. "In a business district, the last thing you want are empty buildings."
