A record number of Northwood and Frankford residents attended the most recent 15th District PSA meeting, which covers the southern portion of the district up to Bridge Street. Image/Philadelphia Police

At a recent Northwood Civic meeting, some members had complained about crime issues and a point was made that they should attend the PSA meeting. At the last Frankford Civic meeting, complaints about the 4700-block of Griscom and the long ongoing drug problem were raised and it was suggested that they come to the PSA meeting.

Everyone showed up, and some folks from the 4600-block of Leiper were there, as well, to get help with their drug problem. Residents of the area around Horrocks and Herbert streets reported acts of vandalism as an ongoing problem continue reading »

Three congregations around the Northeast have agreed to participate in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, the Northwest Philadelphia-based organization that enlists the help of churches to act as temporary housing for families experiencing homelessness.

Faith Lutheran Church at 4150 Woodhaven Rd., Rhawnhurst Presbyterian at 7701 Lorretto Ave., and Oxford Circle Mennonite at 900 Howell St., will begin taking in families starting in August. continue reading »

A weekend distribution of fliers throughout Northwood brought about 30 people to the initial organizational meeting of the Northwood Town Watch at St. James Lutheran Church Tuesday night, prior to the regular civic meeting.  An hour was spent on discussion of the role of the Town Watch, discussion of the proposed bylaws and election of temporary officers.

A second organizational meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 19th at 9 AM at the Knights of Columbus at 5323 Oxford Avenue.  Anyone who is interested in participating in Town Watch in any capacity is encouraged to attend.  Future Town Watch meeting will precede the Northwood Civic Association meetings.

Read more from the Northwood Civic Association meeting from the Frankford Gazette.

The 2011 Lawncrest Fourth of July parade rolls down Rising Sun Avenue toward the rec center. Photo/Bill Achuff

With less than two months to go before Lawncrest’s annual Fourth of July celebration, organizers are working to finalize the events and secure donations.

The 97th annual festivities are being organized once again by the Lawncrest Community Association’s Fourth of July Committee, which has chosen “A Community United” as this year’s theme. continue reading »

The 2011 Lawncrest Fourth of July parade rolls down Rising Sun Avenue toward the rec center. Photo/Bill Achuff

With less than two months to go before Lawncrest’s annual Fourth of July celebration, organizers are working to finalize the events and secure donations.

The 97th annual festivities are being organized once again by the Lawncrest Community Association’s Fourth of July Committee, which has chosen “A Community United” as this year’s theme. continue reading »

The owner of 542 Levick St. wants to open an accounting business on the first floor of the residential property. Image/Google Maps

The house at 542 Levick St. in Lawncrest is three stories and zoned residential.

If owner Chandler Le gets his way, the Zoning Board of Adjustment will vote later this month to approve a variance allowing Le to operate his accountant business from the first floor of the home.  Currently vacant, the house would be converted to accommodate Le’s business on the first floor, while Le and his wife and children would live on the second and third floors.

Though Lawncrest Community Association members voted 26-11 last night to support Le’s plan, members had several questions about Le’s intentions and the future of the property.

Members approved the plan with three provisos: continue reading »

Image/Philadelphia City Planning Commission

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission has scheduled its second meeting for the Lower Northeast District.

Stakeholders from Frankford, Northwood, Summerdale, Lawncrest, Oxford Circle and part of Castor Gardens first met in early April to identify their neighborhoods’ strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. They gathered around seven large maps of the area to discuss the assets and detractors. continue reading »

Facebook photo/Jeanes Hospital

Construction will last approximately two more years in Fox Chase as Jeanes Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center merge their services.

Work is already underway at the Cancer Center on 24,000 square feet of research space. A request for proposal was issued Wednesday afternoon for work to be done inside the Jeanes Hospital founders building. That project is expected to last this fall and last 18 to 20 months. continue reading »

From left: City Council members Maria Quinones-Sanchez, Mark Squilla, Kenyatta Johnson, Marian Tasco, Darrell Clarke and Bill Greenlee. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Can a City Council budget hearing be called such if only six members attend? Last night was Northeast Philadelphia’s turn in a series of meetings Council is holding to take public testimony about the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

President Darrell Clarke led the hearing and was joined by a mostly silent but present 1st District Councilman Mark Squilla, 2nd District Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, 7th District Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, 9th District Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Councilman-at-large Bill Greenlee. continue reading »

Neighbors around the 4700-block of Griscom Street between Arrott and Foulkrod say they're worried about drug sales. Image/Google Maps

A long discussion on the issue of drug sales on the 4700- block of Griscom Street involved what can be done to bring it back to a livable environment.

As discussed at Thursday’s Frankford Civic Association meeting, there are several vacant properties which have become home to squatters which are part of the problem.  Vacant buildings are attractive for stashing drugs. Neighbors say drug sales are rampant all day long with numerous out of state cars making stops long enough to complete their transactions.

Residents are encouraged to go to the May 22 PSA1 meeting to meet with the police directly about this issue.

Read the rest of the meeting recap from the Frankford Gazette here.