Fox Chase Homeowners Association President Matt Braden

Nearly 40 people were on hand for last night’s meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch meeting, and residents brought their lists of neighborhood concerns.

601 Rhawn St. The home at 601 Rhawn St. next to St. Cecilia’s Church has been for sale, and Councilman Brian O’Neill was at last night’s meeting to address rumors of what the buyers plan for their new home. O’Neill’s office has received letters stating the new owners have plans to convert the home to a Buddhist temple. Though O’Neill said he’s unsure of the owners’ intentions, he assured neighbors the property is not zoned for such use. continue reading »

In this two–part series, we examine the effects absentee landlords have on neighborhoods, and what residents are doing to fight them. In the first part, we hear from Mayfair residents.

During their patrols as Mayfair Town Watch President and Vice President, John Vearling and Len Roberts heard the same complaints from residents over and over again.

The owner of this property did not shovel his sidewalk when it snowed. This owner failed to maintain the lawn. The renters in this household would not put their trash outside at the proper time on the proper night. The sound of barking dogs and blasting music that came from this apartment never ceased, day or night.

Roberts said the gripes escalated as time passed. Some neighbors told him that certain properties on Cottman Avenue were known drug houses. Vearling heard from others that residents would move out in the middle of the night. continue reading »

A jury yesterday found Mustafa Ali guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of Joseph Alullo and William Widmaier.

Ali faced murder charges in the 2007 deaths of the two Loomis employees, who were shot outside a bank at Bustleton and Bleigh avenues while working. The 38-year-old was acquitted of attempted murder charges against a third guard who was in the armored truck at the time of the shooting.

It will now be up to the jury to determine Ali’s (formerly Shawn Steele) punishment. He faces the death penalty.

Trial proceedings will continue today in the deaths of Loomis employees Joseph Alullo and William Widmaier.

Closing arguments are expected today in the case against 38-year-old Mustafa Ali, who is charged with murdering the two former police officers at Bustleton and Bleigh avenues in October 2007.

If convicted, Ali could face the death penalty.

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia City Council held a hearing to learn more information on the death of 63-year-old Joaquin Rivera, who died last November in the E.R. waiting room of Aria Health-Frankford. Rivera, having been told to wait, sat and died over an hour later. A few minutes after, camera caught three men robbing him. In turn, the hospital is defending its handling of the situation.

Continue reading for an update on a 2007 murder/robbery, news on Chile students at Holy Family, and more. continue reading »

It was Oct. 4, 2007 when Loomis employees William Widmaier and Joseph Alullo were murdered while on a job for the armored truck company.

Now the killer is set to face trial, with jury selection beginning this week. continue reading »

A 24-year-old man was fatally shot on Dungan Road last night.

Clinton Zimmerman was shot in the head on the 7400-block of Dungan Road near Bleigh Avenue around 9:20 p.m. He was taken to Einstein Hospital, and was pronounced dead less than 30 minutes later.

As CBS reported, a newer model white Cadillac with tinted windows was scene driving away shortly after the shooting, but authorities are still investigating the crime.

An unidentified man was found unresponsive early Saturday morning in the middle of a Rhawnhurst street.

Though reports are conflicting (listing the man’s age as early 20s and early 40s), police said the man was found on the 1700-block of Bleigh Avenue around 4 a.m. Saturday. He had suffered trauma to his head and body, but the cause of death is still under investigation.

Those who think they may have information surrounding the incident are urged to call the police department’s homicide division at 215-686-3334 or 3335.

By Michael Feeney

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Retired police officer Christopher Kaullar – of Trout Road near Rising Sun Avenue, has been charged with the murder of his ex-con brother, Robert Kaullar. The two argued over motorcycles when Christopher fatally wounded Robert by shooting him in the left hand and side at about 3am Monday. Robert Kaullar’s sister-in-law was also shot, but only grazed, police said. He was pronounced dead at Aria Health-Torresdale.

Keep reading for the latest on a local Phillie draft pick, a hometown welcoming for Bonnie Raitt, a local Michael Jackson impersonator and more.

continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

A Mayfair priest was struck by a drunk driver outside his parish. Pastor Joseph Accardi was struck outside St. Bernard’s Parish at Cottage Street and Bleigh Avenue Tuesday night. He was taken to Aria’s Torresdale campus, where he remains in stable condition with broken ribs. continue reading »