In Center City, From Bank to Billiards?

A zoning hearing is set for this week on plans for what's being billed as the first upscale billiards parlor in Center City, in the old Beneficial Bank building. But the project has some neighbors up in arms.

The historic building at 12th and Chestnut streets has been vacant for a decade, and now developer Paul Giegerich has grand plans:

"The lobby of the building will be an upscale billiard club with 17 pool tables. The mezzanine will be a bar and waiting area, where you can watch people play."

And Giegerich plans a rooftop lounge with retractable cover.

Residents of a condo across the street are fighting the project. Their attorney, John Kaskey, said the roof deck would bring the sounds of hundreds of bar patrons and live music just 45 feet from the condo's windows.

The developer has vowed not to exceed the city's noise ordinance. And on Wednesday, the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear from both sides.

Reported by KYW Newsradio's Mike Dunn