The hourslong affair featured a flood of public testimony — both for and against the proposed development, which will sit squarely in Graduate Hospital at the border with Point Breeze.
Opponents argued the project would have a detrimental impact on the neighborhood, in part because it could lead to the displacement of longtime residents.
They also told the board the building’s design is a bad fit for the area.
“My neighbors would be living in the literal shadow of this development,” said Vivian Truong, whose home on South Chadwick Street will be directly across the street from the project.
Supporters said they welcome the project because of the negative impact the largely vacant site is having on the community’s quality of life. They also voiced support for Feibush’s push to write a new chapter for Washington Avenue, once a significant industrial hub featuring coal and lumber yards.
Today, some light industry remains, with a number of building supply companies still dotting the thoroughfare. But there are a growing number of mixed-use developments, including the two OCF Realty built at 2201 and 2101 Washington Ave.
The property at 2101 Washington Ave. is home to 247 units, as well as an Aldi supermarket and CVS Pharmacy on the ground floor. The project at 2201 Washington Ave. is a 52-unit apartment building featuring a gym and a chiropractic office on the ground floor.
“This is falling in line with what the future brings,” said Thomas Donatucci, managing partner of the Washington Avenue Property Owners Association. “We’re very excited to see it come to fruition.”