For information and updated meeting schedules contact rco@eastmtairyneighbors.org.
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 that 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 among developers, city officials, and the community.
Convening Public Meetings:
EMAN is responsible for organizing and facilitating public meetings to discuss zoning appeals cases that have been assigned to them by their district council office, 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.
Upcoming RCO Community Meetings
The public can participate in ZBA hearings and attend Civic Design Review meetings.
EMAN RCO Community Meeting for 368 E. Upsal Street on Zoom.
When: Jun 2, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/RjCYWD9WTsmgH8_X1GlHzw
378 EAST UPSAL STREET
Appeal numberZP-2026-001060Appeal TypeZBA Permit Denial - Special ExceptionApplication TypeZoning Board of AdjustmentPrimary applicantALAN NOCHUMSON DBA: NOCHUMSON P.C.Meeting IDMI-2026-000847Permit application numberZP-2026-001060Coordinating RCOEast Mt. Airy Neighbors
ZBA Hearing Date: 6/17/2026
Appeal description
Permit For the expansion of the existing use, Child Care Center, to the second and third floor levels on an existing structure. AP# 383117, CAL# 17331 Granted 6/26/2012: FOR A DAYCARE ON FIRST FLOOR FOR PERIODS OF LESS THAN 24 CONSECUTIVE HOURS WITH ACCESSORY PREPARING AND SERVING OF FOOD WITH ACCESSORY SIGN AND FOR A DWELLING UNIT ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND A DWELLING UNIT ON THE THIRD FLOOR (TWO (2) DWELLING UNITS TOTAL). NO USE OF BASEMENT AS PER ZBA PROVISO.
EMAN RCO’s responsibilities in Civic Design Review (CDR):
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.
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.
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.
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.
EMAN RCO Resources
Licenses and Inspections (L&I) Resources
Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) Resources
Learn more about the purpose and responsibilities of the ZBA.