The owner of a Fox Chase duplex needs a zoning variance to legalize the property’s multi-family dwelling classification. Image/Google Maps

There are three identical sets of twin duplexes on the 8100-block of Ryers Avenue in Fox Chase, and 8124 is part of them. They’ve always been duplexes, and city documents recognize them as such.

But city documents also list 8124 – as well as many other properties throughout the city – as having a different zoning classification. As Fox Chase Homeowners Association President Matt Braden explained at Wednesday night’s meeting, records for the property state both that the home is zoned for single-family occupancy and that it’s used as a multi-family dwelling. continue reading »

Photo/Shannon McDonald

An idea Councilman Brian O’Neill, R-10th, proposed in June will be presented to voters on the November ballot, and could affect the future of the city’s police and fire departments.

Initially proposed by a constituent, the city charter change would give bonus points to the grandchildren of police and firefighters who’ve died in the line of duty. The bonus points would raise their scores on the service tests needed to qualify for those careers.

continue reading »

This is a follow-up story to our  coverage in “District 172: The Politics of Change after State Rep. John Perzel,” a collaborative effort with Philadelphia Neighborhoods funded by J-Lab.

If any assumption was ever made about the Northeast, by any Philadelphian, it would be its position as a younger brother to Center City Philadelphia, not unlike Philadelphia in comparison with New York. However, Mayfair Civic Association President Joe DeFelice said that was an image his neighborhood aimed to defy.

One year ago, after and extreme fundraising effort, DeFelice met with NEast Philly to discuss the renovation and reopening of the Mayfair Memorial Playground. At the time, Mayfair was struggling with the recent political changes caused by the indictment of Pennsylvania House 172nd District’s Rep. John Perzel. The indictment, coupled with a downturned economy, forced the district into a difficult era.

State grants, which were freely given in previous years, dried up. Pennsylvania voted in a Republican governor and a Republican majority who created serious budgetary constraints. In the 172nd District freshman Rep. Kevin Boyle was elected in 2010. 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 »

Bandit signs at Oxford and Rockwell avenues in Fox Chase before Town Watch member Mike Bobby removes them. Photo/Maryline Dossou

On January 26, Councilman Curtis Jones, D-4th, formally introduced a bill that would legalize the bandit signs that residents say litter the streets and create blight in their neighborhoods. The bill was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, D-3rd.

“I can’t figure it out,” Councilman Brian O’Neill, R-10th, said. “We’re trying to do everything we can to get these signs down rather than trying to legalize them. They are blight, they lower the quality of light and they lower neighborhood values.”

The term “bandit signs” refers to signs posted on telephone and utility poles offering to buy house and cars, and provide various services. According to Philadelphia City Code 10-200, these signs are illegal and owners face fines from $75 up to $300 for each sign posted.

It has become increasingly difficult for the city to keep track of who is posting the signs, making it a challenge to enforce the fines.

After years of seeing the signs around, residents have taken it upon themselves to fight the issue. continue reading »

(L to R) 7th District Community Relations Officer Rich Simon and 2nd District Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz talk about Block Watch with Fox Chase residents.

Mark Mroz told Fox Chase residents what he tells members of all the community association meetings he goes to: having an alarm on your home may not prevent a burglary, but it will keep the thief from staying in your house.

The 2nd District Community Relations Officer and Rich Simon, 7th District Community Relations Officer, talked with Fox Chase residents last night about crime reporting and prevention. It came as a response to a rash of burglaries on the 7300-block of Hasbrook Avenue. continue reading »

Despite the snow, the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch will still hold a meeting tonight. The group, which meets every other month, has important homeowners issues on the agenda.

Fox Chase Homeowners Association President Matt Braden

The focus of last night’s Fox Chase Homeowners Association/Town Watch meeting was Go Ape!, and adventure course looking to take root in Pennypack Park.

The UK-based Go Ape! first introduced itself to the Northeast at last month’s Friends of Pennypack Park meeting, where members hotly contested the idea of using the park as an adventure destination. 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 »

Medical Mission Sisters presented plans for a zoning variance with the Fox Chase community groups.

Zoning was the main focus of last night’s joint meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch groups, with two presenters making appeals for variances.

The biggest and most controversial presentation — the second of the night — came from the owners of 8504 Bergen Terrace. Craig Turner, zoning officer for the Fox Chase groups, asked the Zoning Board of Adjustments to postpone a hearing on the property, as the homeowners were unable to make their case at the Association’s November meeting.

With photographs, blueprints and petitions in hand, the owners made the case to the 30-plus residents and political figures at the meeting — the first for 2010. continue reading »