PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Kenney Administration announced the appointment of Frank DiCicco to fill the vacant seat on the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). Mr. DiCicco will serve as Chair of the five-member board. His first meeting will be Tuesday, April 18.

Mr. DiCicco played a key role in the creation of Philadelphia’s current Zoning Code.  While a Member of City Council, to which he was elected in 1995, Mr. DiCicco introduced legislation calling for a charter change to create the Zoning Commission. The charter change was approved in 2007, and the work of the subsequently-appointed Commission resulted in the Zoning Code that was adopted in 2012.

Mr. DiCicco was a leader on zoning and development issues throughout his 16 years on the Philadelphia City Council.  Mr. DiCicco served as chair of the Streets and Services Committee’ launched the Market Street East Master Plan and the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Renewal Program; and fought the siting of a second casino along the Central Delaware Waterfront.  In 1989, Mr. DiCicco founded what is now the Passyunk Square Civic Association to give the community more of a voice in neighborhood development.

“During our time on Council together, I watched Frank passionately battle for the best interest of Philadelphians as our city continues to grow and change,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “He is attuned to the community’s voice and passionate about the community’s role in the development process.”

“Having been involved with zoning issues for thirty years, I fully understand the importance of a strong ZBA,” said Mr. DiCicco. “I’m honored to be asked to lead the Board, and I look forward to serving alongside its dedicated members.”

Matt Ruben, President of Northern Liberties Neighbors Association and chairman of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group, added, “Frank has the political experience and zoning expertise to lead the ZBA effectively. He understands that while the ZBA must balance the needs of communities and developers, its first priority is to uphold the integrity of the zoning code.”

For the last several months, the ZBA has been chaired by ZBA Commissioner Carol Tinari. Ms. Tinari is the sole member of the Board who also served on the ZBA during the last mayoral administration.

“I was so pleased when I came into office and Carol agreed to my request that she stay on,” said Mayor Kenney. “And I’m very grateful for the way she stepped up to serve as interim chair of the ZBA when the City needed her.  I know she’ll be invaluable to Frank as he transitions into his new role.”