RTQ Properties cleared to open social‑services office on West 10th Street

RTQ Properties LLC received zoning relief to operate a social‑services office at 2804 West 10th Street after the Chester City Zoning Hearing Board approved the applicant’s request to change the property’s use in the R3 residential district.

James Cen, who said he represents RTQ Properties and RTQ Family Services, told the board the organization has active contracts with Delaware County Children and Youth Services and plans to provide family mediation, community engagement and meeting space for the neighborhood. "We have one or two people there on a daily basis," Cen said when asked about staffing; family‑engagement meetings would occur at times convenient to families, sometimes midday or in the evenings.

Cen said the primary exterior changes would be to make the entrance ADA‑compliant and to add a sign; he told the board there are no plans for major new lighting that would shine into neighboring windows. Board members asked about anticipated landscaping, lighting and the number of daily staff; Cen reiterated the focus on ADA accessibility and limited daily staffing.

A public commenter, Thelma Green Miller, spoke in favor of the proposal and said mental‑health services are needed in the city. Following a motion to approve the zoning relief (moved by a board member identified as Michelle in the record), the board voted to grant the application and said a written decision will be issued within 45 days.

The application record includes the submitted exhibits and the applicant’s statements that the space will be available to neighborhood groups for meetings outside business hours.