As the State Representative for the 172nd Legislative District in Northeast Philadelphia, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various city departments on a variety of issues.  An issue of extreme importance in my district and our city is blighted properties and negligent out-of-town property owners.  These disregarded homes not only denigrate the quality of life, but force hard working families to move.

I am elated that License and Inspections Commissioner Fran Burns has taken bold steps to help combat this plague.  According to a Philadelphia Daily News article on Oct. 26, Commissioner Burns state she would, “Extradite out-of-town owners and usher them into the city’s new blight court.”  It is encouraging to know that the city is willing to take the necessary actions to address these cancers that have affected neighborhoods. continue reading »

A backhowe moves a ballast as SEPTA continues repairs to the Fox Chase Line. Photo by G.E. Reutter

SEPTA’s Fox Chase Line improvement project closed Oxford Avenue late last week. The grade crossing improvement project in the 7800-block of Oxford Avenue resulted in detours for area residents.

Northbound traffic was detoured onto Rockwell Avenue and southbound traffic onto Hasbrook Avenue to Central Avenue. continue reading »

Marcus Rieker, third generation owner of Reiker's Prime Meats in Fox Chase. Photo by G. E. Reutter

Rieker’s Prime Meats has been a staple of Fox Chase since moving to 7979 Oxford Ave. from Lawncrest in 1972.

Rieker’s specializes in handmade luncheon meats and sausages on site. In addition, Rieker’s offers premade meals like chicken parmesean, stuffed peppers, black forest pork and chicken, Bavarian stuffed chicken, rouladen and other specialties that are popular with seniors, families and singles throughout the community.

The store is also well stocked with salads, premade soups, pierogi and spaetzle, as well as imported candies, cookies, condiments and other items from Germany. The store offers holiday meal packages that must be ordered well in advance of the holidays. continue reading »

Medical Mission Sisters Celine Bernier, Elona Stanchak and Helen Marie McGrath in Pakistan before returning to Fox Chase.

They have spanned the globe for decades in their mission to provide medical care and in the name of social justice. Dr. Anna Dengel founded the order in 1925 in Washington, D.C. in response to a lack of medical care provided to women and children in North India. They are The Medical Mission Sisters.

The order moved their North American headquarters to the sprawling Fox Chase campus at 8400 Pine Rd. in 1939. Their missionary work expanded to encompass five continents and has had an immeasurable impact on social issues, medical care for those in need, addiction, women’s rights and providing the basic needs for life that many of us take for granted. continue reading »

The Carpet Shop in Fox Chase has received many calls for help since the record rain fall in August and earlier this month.

“Most calls deal with how to clean and restore carpets, replace carpets and insurance issues,” said Pamela Dollack, marketing manager for The Carpet Shop.

Dollack says the Carpet Shop is there to help neighbors through these tough times: “The shop is willing to visit homes/businesses and assess damage and offer expert advice on restoration and replacement of damaged carpet.”

Dollack recently released the shop’s top floor-clearing tips. They may come in handy as heavy rains remain in the forecast. continue reading »

It is often referred to as the heart of Fox Chase and one visit to the Fox Chase Recreation Center leaves no doubt that is.

Located at 7901 Ridgeway Ave., the center is full of energy, both inside and outside the main building. The recently renovated playground is heavily used.

Tina Majewski brings her kids, Faith and Sanap to the playground at Fox Chase. “I like coming to the rec,” she said. “The people are very nice and there is always something to do.”

Liz Greenawalt agreed; “I bring the kids to play; it’s safe, comfortable and very friendly.”

Anthony Bocchiccio, facility supervisor, and his staff of 11 guide the programs provided at the center in conjunction with the various community groups who provide services through the center. No matter what season it is, there is always something to do at the recreation center. continue reading »

We’d like a little help from our readers on this one.

Tell us how you think Action News decided 8300 Bustleton Avenue — actually in Bells Corner — is in Fox Chase.

When a car crashed into a storefront Sunday, Sept. 11, on that block, Channel 6 rushed to the scene to grab a photo and cover the story. Somewhere en route from Action News’ Main Line headquarters, it was decided the crash happened in Fox Chase. continue reading »

One of the many bandit signs found regularly in Fox Chase.

There are a lot of bandit signs in Fox Chase, but there’s also Fox Chase Town Watch. A Fox Chase Town Watch member has taken it upon himself to help remove the neighborhood’s graffiti and bandit signs — the signs illegally posted on poles that advertise things like, “we buy houses.”

On Aug. 31, an accounting of signs collected since July 15 was taken to tally what their owners owe, since the City of Philadelphia charges $75 to $300 (based on how many offenses there have been) for the bandit signs.

Here’s the information the FCTW shared with us: continue reading »

SEPTA crews work on the Fox Chase Line along the 7800-block of Oxford Avenue.

Buses will be used to replace train service between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. this month on the SEPTA Fox Chase line from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 and throughout September.

The interruption in service is due to a tie replacement project on the Fox Chase Line. SEPTA has moved in a track gang to replace ties on the line and constructed a temporary rail yard at Rhawn Street and Elberon Avenue to stage equipment. continue reading »

Mare Carrie relaxing in her stall at Solly Stables

The stable sits between two twin homes where Tabor Road meets Solly Avenue in Fox Chase. Tim Martin has worked at Solly Stable for almost 20 years. He is currently the Head Hostler for the stable, which he said was built in 1955. Located at 1140 Solly Ave., the stable is currently managed by The Solly Stable Riders Association a nonprofit for The Fairmount Park Commission. continue reading »