Zoning Board Approves 'La Maison Jaune' Cafe in Fitler Square

With zoning approval now secured, the cafe “La Maison Jaune” at 244 South 22nd Street can officially open in Fitler Square.

In a decisive meeting on September 25th, the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) granted approval for the proposed "La Maison Jaune" cafe at 244 South 22nd Street in Fitler Square. The decision marks a significant step forward for the project, which had previously faced both support and opposition from community members.

Key Details from the Zoning Meeting

• Hours of Operation: Confirmed to be 7 AM to 5 PM daily.

• Seating Capacity: The cafe will accommodate fewer than 18 patrons at any given time.

• Deliveries: Owner Zahra Saeed clarified that supplies would be brought in personally, without the need for truck deliveries. As attorney Vern Anastasio explained, "We're talking about croissants, a tray of croissants, maybe some bagels. This isn't a large volume sort of [operation]."

• Trash Management: All waste will be stored internally and removed by a licensed company, addressing previous concerns about outdoor trash storage.

Community Support

Though some residents expressed written opposition to the project before the meeting, only those who supported the cafe showed up to speak at the hearing.

Local residents and community members expressed why they support the cafe:

• William Faust, a long-time resident, emphasized the positive impact of mixed-use development on the neighborhood's safety and vibrancy. He stated, "22nd street has always been a mixed-use street... [the proposed coffee shop] increases pedestrian traffic that puts eyes on the street and that in turn enhances safety."

• Alexander Roederer, a local resident, voiced his support: "I think the cafe would be a positive addition to the neighborhood which already, as we've heard, has several food establishments and would benefit from the addition of the business in question."

• Joseph Kay, another neighbor, highlighted the potential community benefits: "I have a young daughter who's not quite old enough to go to elementary school yet, but I'll be walking up 22nd eventually every day to go to Greenfield, and I would just love to have this as a public space... Third spaces are key to the health and vibrancy of the city."

• Wade Albert, representing the Center City Residents Association (CCRA), reiterated the organization's non-opposition to the project, stating, "The center city residents association believes that this project is no different than the overwhelming majority of similar coffee shops and prepared food shops that seek special exception relief from us every year, or sometimes even every month."

Accessibility Concerns Addressed

Board member Michael Johns raised concerns about wheelchair access, sparking a detailed conversation about the cafe's plans to accommodate all potential customers.

Johns pressed for a clear commitment to accessibility: "It sounds like this is going to be a very great thing for the community, but if folks that are in wheelchairs can't use it, it's not such a great thing for the folks that are in wheelchairs."

Attorney Vern Anastasio cited challenges in retrofitting the 19th-century building, but stated that there would “be assistance for people who need it to get up to that first step.” 

As the conversation progressed, property owner Zahra Saeed made a clearer commitment to ensuring the restroom would be handicap accessible.

The board then grappled with how to document and enforce this commitment. While board member Johns requested a revised plan showing the accessible bathroom, the ZBA's attorney clarified that such plans weren't required for a change of use application. Anastasio ultimately reiterated, "Our commitment stands to the ADA bathroom plan... we certainly will do that at the building code level."

Despite these assurances, the accessibility issue remained a sticking point for some board members. When the final vote was taken, Michael Johns voted against the proposal, citing these lingering concerns about accessibility.

Zoning Board Decision

The ZBA voted to approve the special exception for the cafe, with the following provisos:

1. Interior trash storage only

2. No deliveries or trash pickup from the 2200 block of Rittenhouse Street

3. No exterior amplified music

The vote was not unanimous, with board member Michael Johns voting against the proposal, citing lingering concerns about accessibility.

Looking Ahead

With zoning approval secured, "La Maison Jaune" is now poised to move forward with its plans to open in Fitler Square. The cafe's progress will likely be closely watched by both supporters and those who raised concerns during the approval process.