PlanPhilly’s got an interesting piece about Fox Chase, and how much of its development — and sustainability — is propelled by nearby Fox Chase Train Station (formerly the R8 line).

Reporter Andy Sharpe also spoke with Craig Turner, zoning officer for the Fox Chase Homeowners Association, about what kind of development Turner would like to see in the neighborhood. 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 »

Gary Weyhmuller, senior VP and COO of Fox Chase Cancer Center discusses building a stronger Fox Chase.

Much-anticipated updates from the Fox Chase Cancer Center were the focus of last night’s joint meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Fox Chase Town Watch groups.

Gary Weyhmuller, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Cancer Center gave a presentation following to neighborhood residents, providing updates on construction, services and finances. Matt Braden, president of the Homeowners Association, told the more than 30 people in attendance: “We’re very thankful and appreciative of Fox Chase Cancer Center for updating us and including us.” continue reading »

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The Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Town Watch groups held the first meeting of the season last night, and two main subjects were on everyone’s minds – the new train station and the growing graffiti problem.

Councilman Brian O’Neill addressed the attendees first, to acknowledge that the new train station will be completed two years ahead of schedule, and mentioned that he believes the station will be “a real good thing” for Fox Chase. continue reading »

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By Shannon McDonald

Fox Chase will have a new train station, likely by the end of this year, SEPTA announced last week. The station, which is nearly 35 years old and in poor condition, will see part of SEPTA’s federal economic stimulus money, receiving $3.2 million in funding.

The project could being in the next six weeks, and is set to be completed no later than early 2010. Improvements to the station – on Rhawn Street between Oxford and Rockwell avenues – will include a new brick and stone facade, bathroom facilities, ticket office, new curbs, platforms and railings. In an effort to deter vandalism, shatterproof windows will be installed, with covers that prevent graffiti.

A temporary building will go up soon to keep trains running on a different track during the construction. Other stations benefitting from the stimulus include Chestnut Hill and the Broad Street Line’s Spring Garden and Girard stops.