4731 Griscom St. Photo/Frankford Gazette

By Bob Smiley for the Frankford Gazette

In an at times contentious meeting of the Frankford Civic Association on April 4th, the membership voted unanimously to oppose the opening of a Crown Fried Chicken at 4731 Griscom St.  continue reading »

There were no zoning issues to discuss at the Frankford Civic Association meeting on March 7, but there was a host of old business to update. continue reading »

Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd, led last week’s panel on methadone clinics. Photo/Tiffany Goforth

Beverly Haberle, executive director of The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc., opened the Frankford Civic Association meeting Thursday by addressing an issue that has residents of several Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods up in arms.

On Jan. 30, Pa. Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-172nd, held a hearing at the Mayfair Community Center discussing methadone clinics, their impact on neighborhoods and access to treatment. With zoning approval for two Holmesburg clinics pending, no one is quite done talking about the issue. continue reading »

Christmas Land in Frankford. Image/Frankford Gazette

Below is a video from the Frankford Gazette of Christmas Land, and all-out holiday light display at Frankford Civic Association board member Pete Specos’ house. continue reading »

Friends and family of Christopher Spence gathered outside Frankford’s T&T Bar in February 2011 after the 20-year-old was fatally shot there. The new owner wants to turn the property at Hawthorne and Margaret streets into a grocery store. File photo/Shannon McDonald

Eighteen months after a 20-year-old was fatally shot at the T&T bar, the Frankford Civic Association will hold a special meeting to discuss the property’s future.

A new owner took over after the bar was shut down in May 2011, and that owner wants to open a a grocery store at the Hawthorne and Margaret streets site. continue reading »

The main presentation at the June 7 Frankford Civic Association meeting was by David Orphanides on behalf of the Harry Patel, owner of the Quicky Mart at Frankford and Unity.

A zoning application and liquor licencing is in the works to allow for beer sales at the Mart.  The owner says he needs the new business to stay competitive.  The result would be a remodeled Quickie Mart with indoor seating for over thirty with tables and chairs where you can eat in or take out.  There was some fervent discussion on both sides of the issue.  Mr. Patel is seeking community support for the change.

Read more about the June Frankford Civic Association from our partners at the Frankford Gazette.

Neighbors around the 4700-block of Griscom Street between Arrott and Foulkrod say they're worried about drug sales. Image/Google Maps

A long discussion on the issue of drug sales on the 4700- block of Griscom Street involved what can be done to bring it back to a livable environment.

As discussed at Thursday’s Frankford Civic Association meeting, there are several vacant properties which have become home to squatters which are part of the problem.  Vacant buildings are attractive for stashing drugs. Neighbors say drug sales are rampant all day long with numerous out of state cars making stops long enough to complete their transactions.

Residents are encouraged to go to the May 22 PSA1 meeting to meet with the police directly about this issue.

Read the rest of the meeting recap from the Frankford Gazette here.

Family, friends and neighbors gathered outside the former T&T bar last winter after 20-year-old Chris Spence was fatally shot following a scuffle inside the establishment. Photo/Shannon McDonald

The Frankford community is once again confronted by the issue of the property at 4691 Hawthorne St., which was formerly the T&T bar.

The T&T was the scene of the murder of Chris Spence last winter, and a new owner has taken over the property with the intention of opening a grocery store.  A zoning petition has been filed, and therefore, support (or lack thereof) from the Frankford Civic Association will be considered before the use can be approved.

Because of community concerns, a meeting is being planned within the next few weeks at the Second Baptist Church at 1801 Meadow St.  The civic will follow the will of the community, as is determined at that meeting.

Read more about Thursday’s Frankford Civic Association from the Frankford Gazette.

Family and friends gathered last February outside the T&T bar to remember Christopher Spence, who was fatally shout outside the now-closed establishment. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Mention of the T&T bar once again raised eyebrows at the Frankford Civic meeting on Thursday night.

Neighbors have been watching with concern as work has been going on at the now-closed bar at Margaret and Hawthorne streets. It has been not quite a year since young Christopher Spence lost his life there in a senseless shooting.

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Before the Frankford Civic Association meeting got started Thursday, zoning officer Pete Specos had an announcement.

Alice Henry will withdraw from the board for personal reasons, with Specos taking the helm. Henry joined the board as vice president in January. continue reading »