We were unable to attend the May meeting of the Mayfair Civic Association, but you can view notes from the meeting on the organization’s website.

An excerpt: continue reading »

The final meeting of the season for the Parkwood Civic Association offered new beginnings to residents in the form of tax amnesty and recycling rewards.

With little new business on the agenda, the presentations got underway almost immediately, resulting in just a 60-minute meeting. continue reading »

Voting was once again the main topic at Wednesday’s Greater Bustleton Civic League meeting.

Members were to vote on a new vice president, but the issue over voting and bylaws extended to the subsequent zoning matters, and left a sour taste in many members’ mouths.

An issue at many civic associations in the region, voting regulations have proven to be a particularly sharp thorn in the GBCL’s side. continue reading »

Mock-ups for the proposed duplexes at 2976-80 Welsh Rd.

“I will carry that message back,” is the answer most Holme Circle residents heard Wednesday night as they voiced concerns over the future of the Stokes house.

The house — a notable farmhouse among a sea of twins at 2976-80 Welsh Rd. — faces a questionable future as the owners, the Stokes family, prepare to move on.

Though the house dates back to the 19th Century, the Stokes family has owned the house for the last 70 years. But with the family spreading out and the cost of upkeep increasing, Samuel “Buzz” Stokes has plans to sell. And Holme Circle residents have plans to protect their neighborhood. continue reading »

Northwood Civic Association's board members at a previous meeting. Photo by Christopher Wink.

Lots of things kept us from Tuesday’s Northwood Civic meeting — bad weather, election night and the big-deal Flyers game. The same reasons the Frankford Gazette lists for the unusually low attendance at the meeting. continue reading »

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 »

Holmesburg residents had many questions for CLIP's Cindy Lustick.

UPDATE (May 13, 6 p.m.) — Mayfair CDC Executive Director has told NEast Philly the Department of Rec has not taken over the John Perzel Community Center, nor will the center be renamed. King said the JMPCC and Devon Theater are “still 100 percent owned, operated and controlled by the Mayfair CDC.”

Herb Moskovitz of Holmesburg Rec said as far as he was told — by the Holmeburg Rec Center Director — the name would be changed. A call to the Department of Recreation has not yet been returned.

For Holmesburg residents seeking solutions to pesky neighbors, last night’s meeting of the Holmesburg Civic Association proved valuable.

CLIP employee Cindy Lustick was on hand to explain how the Community Life Improvement Program works, and what its employees can and can’t do.

“No matter what the complaint, we do go out,” Lustick told the nearly 30 people at the meeting. “And the more information you give us the better.” continue reading »

Last night’s Holme Circle Civic Association meeting began with an announcement that came as no surprise to most of those in attendance.

President Sean McAleer announced his resignation from the group, which coincides with his out-of-town move. McAleer’s faced a long commute to work everyday, and will be moving closer to the workplace with his family — a decision he said happened in just a few short weeks.

It’s unclear who will take the lead now that McAleer has stepped down,  though such a position usually falls to an existing board member should no one else express interest. continue reading »

Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywinski announced he will step down in 2010 to allow for "new blood."

The final 2009 meeting of the Upper Holmesburg Civic Association was a short one. About 20 people gathered in St. Dominic’s Marian Hall for the 30-minute holiday meeting.

Much of the focus was on the upcoming year, which will begin with board elections at the January meeting. Nominations began last night, when three-year President Stan Cywinski announced he’ll step down and serve the Association in another capacity.

“It’s healthy for an organization to have these changes,” said Cywinski, who earlier said it’s time for “new blood.” 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 »