Tuesday, March 5, 2013

New Homes on West 4th Street

New homes on W 4th Street
The newer cluster of town-homes on the corner of 4th and Orange never quite appealed to me.  They just don't seem to fit well there among the tradition homes on that street.  Too tall!  That's the problem with some of the new homes going up in the borough; some are done very well, while other leave a bit to be desired.

Further down 4th street, I was glad to see the twin homes being built on the former Tunia property to be well proportioned for the lot.  I went to school with James Tunia and always had an interest in what was going to happen with the property.  Oddly enough the development is being done by another family I also went to school with, Martini construction.  These guys do top notch work!

Looking at the pictures the framing is well underway and sits nicely back from the curb.  I'm told that there will not be driveways directly in front of the house, which I think is a good idea for this street. 

Nice job here!  Looking forward to the finished product.  No word yet on listing price.

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14 comments:

  1. I agree 100% with this. It is very nice to see some nice, and in character for the borough, homes being constructed.

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  2. Tedman, do you or anyone reading this blog know what's going on with the empty 4-unit brick apartment buiding on the south side of 5th Street between Jackson and Monroe? (close to Jackson) It's been abandon for at least 7-8 years! Who is the owner, and are the taxes being paid? What is the reason for letting it sit empty so long??? It's such a shame since it is a great location and could easily be renovated and rented, or torn down and the something nice like these new twins on 4th Street built here. The lot has a large off-street parking lot which could be kept or turned into a front yard. 5th Street deserves better than an abandon building!

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    1. I wrote about that same concern back in 2010. You're right, an update is needed. I'll look into it.

      http://allthingsmediapa.blogspot.com/2010/07/vacant-apt-building-between-monro-and.html

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    2. See if Vince Martini's willing to buy it - he will rock it out in no time and will be aesthetically pleasing too boot!

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    3. The owner's name is Burns.
      Taxes are being paid.
      No idea why it is empty. My guess is that the owner is elderly and is unable to get it up to standard and unwilling to sell.

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    4. ...excellent...


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  3. Not sure I agree Martini Construction is top notch. Just look at the two houses at the top of 4th Street across from the "too tall" townhouses...they are Martini made and are probably even taller! They don't fit in the neighborhood at all. I wouldn't be too excited about these new twins until we see the finished product, ie. how much siding vs. brick/stone, etc. Hope they turn out nice since that's a great block.

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    1. Top of fourth st has different zoning rules then the rest.Martini's put in what was allowed if you don't like it complain to borough council and zoning board they allowed the homes to be built. Knowledge is power ignorance in noise.

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  4. Guess the zoning called for building the largest structure possible, leaving as little yard and greenery allowed and using as much vinyl siding as you can. Those damn zoning laws!

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  5. The homes are within the zoning ---- WINNING

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    1. Homes are not within zoning. Several variances were needed, including side yard width and use (only single family and duplexes were allowed by right). In addition, a variance for no off street parking was granted. But in the end, it was a good example of a developer, planning commission, zoning board and council working together to make a better project.

      Michael Kinsley
      (Posting as anonymous since iPad won't let me post as a name)

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    2. Mike
      We were discussing the homes at the top of 4th and Orange not the current project.

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  6. i am always amused when people have complaints of new homes whether it's the size, look, etc. ready to spend others money! those with complaints should pool their money together and renovate as they see fit! until then, enough with the opinions and worry about your own property

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  7. In my opinion,I don't care the price and the size even the position of the house as long as i live comfortably in it.In a word,a house is just a place to live, it needs to be warm.

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