Burholme residents take a peek at SEPTA's plans for Ryers Train Station.

If all goes according to plan, Ryers Train Station will have a whole new look come Spring 2012. Representatives from SEPTA attended last night’s meeting of the Burholme Civic Association and Town Watch seeking a zoning variance for signs that will accompany the renovated station.

Described as a project “worked on by SEPTA and the community,” the proposed plans include new platforms, and expanded parking lot and smaller amenities like a canopy, benches and heated wind screens. Problems with the bridge over Cottman Avenue will also be addressed, as many residents at last night’s meeting pointed out the concrete has started to fall apart. continue reading »

District Attorney Lynne Abraham says a temporary farewell to Burholme's community groups.

There is nothing more important than a community “involved in its own life,” District Attorney Lynne Abraham said to attendants at last night’s monthly meeting of the Burholme Civic Association and Town Watch groups.

Abraham, a frequent guest of the Burholme groups, came to say farewell, as she is stepping down as District Attorney after 19 years on the job. She will be replaced by Democratic District Attorney-elect Seth Williams. continue reading »

Residents from all over the Northeast attended the Burholme community meeting to learn about the Northeast's history. Photo by Christopher Wink.

The promise of Northeast Philadelphia historian Dr. Harry Silcox drew even larger crowd than usual to last night’s meeting of the Burholme Civic Association and Burholme Town Watch.

About 100 people showed up – more than the group of 65 for a similar presentation in Tacony, and more than a past Burholme meeting the mayor attended. President Al Taubenberger called the meeting to order as folks set up more chairs and pressed themselves against walls to hear Silcox discuss the history of Burholme and other parts of the Northeast.

Keep reading for Northeast trivia and a video. continue reading »

Police Inspector Tom Lippo addresses the Burholme Town Watch and Civic Association groups about the police radio system. Photo by Christopher Wink.

Last night’s meeting of the Burholme Town Watch and Burholme Civic Association touched on many neighborhood issues, but the dominant one, by far, was the discussion of the police radio process.

Police Inspector Tom Lippo, commander of the 911 system, led the discussion with help from Paul Andris, president of the Police Radio System Advisory Board and vice president of Burholme Town Watch. continue reading »