About East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN) RCO

East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN) serves as a Registered Community Organization (RCO) in the 8th Councilmanic District of Philadelphia, operating under the guidelines established by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission.

EMAN RCO’s responsibilities in Zoning Appeals

Maintaining Neutrality:

EMAN’s role is to act as a liaison, ensuring community input is accurately represented. The purpose of an RCO in zoning appeals is not to advocate for or against specific projects but to facilitate communication and transparency between developers, city officials, and the community.

Convening Public Meetings:

EMAN is responsible for organizing and facilitating public meetings to discuss zoning appeals cases, including variances and special exceptions, ensuring community members and stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input.

Reporting Meeting Outcomes:

Following zoning meetings, EMAN RCO documents and reports the results to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), the appropriate City Council office, and any other affected RCOs, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.

EMAN RCO’s responsibilities in Civic Design Review (CDR):

Advisory Role:

As part of the CDR process, EMAN RCO reviews significant development projects to assess their design and impact on the neighborhood. The organization provides input on urban design standards and community preferences..

Organizing Public Input:

For projects requiring CDR, EMAN RCO hosts meetings where the community can evaluate design elements such as massing, aesthetics, and compatibility with the neighborhood.

Recommendations to the City Planning Commission:

EMAN submits feedback and recommendations on project designs to the CDR committee, advocating for revisions that better align with the community’s interests.

Civic Design Review (CDR) is a process established by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to evaluate the design of significant development projects, ensuring they positively impact the public realm and align with community interests.

Upcoming RCO Community Meetings

EMAN RCO Zoning Appeal Meeting, TBD

Property Address: 514 E SEDGWICK ST

Appeal description

Permit for the creation of an Accessory Dwelling Unit within the existing detached structure that is accessory to the existing Single Family Dwelling.

Appeal number ZP-2025-000607

ZBA Hearing date and time

August 6, 2025

03:30 PM

EMAN RCO remains committed to fulfilling its role in accordance with these responsibilities, promoting constructive dialogue, supporting informed decision-making, and ensuring thoughtful, community-centered development in East Mount Airy.