Frankford Gazette photo/Bob Smiley

The following is a letter to the editor. It’s content is independent of NEast Philly’s editorial team.

Most of you who know me are aware of my interest in history.  So you know it was a nice little small homecoming of sorts when I went to attend mass at St. Joachim for the first time in who knows how long this past Sunday.

As a member of the class of 1988 there, transferred from St. Martin of Tours, I was elated to be able to attend a parish where the role model of all priests, Father Anthony Silvestri, was pastor.  I remember being jealous of my cousins who attended SJS (St. Joachim School) for their whole grade school experience.  continue reading »

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 »

A reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in a Frankford sexual assault. Surveillance photo/Philadelphia Police

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect who sexually assaulted a woman in Frankford late last month.

A 24-year-old female reported being assaulted early in the morning on Aug. 29 near Church and Griscom streets, telling police she was approached from behind, forced into an alley and had her purse stolen. continue reading »

Flying Kite Media will set up shop at this never-opened education center under the El in Frankford. Image/Google Maps

Flying Kite Media held an advisory meeting Friday morning at the Frankford CDC office on Griscom Street to gather input from neighborhood stakeholders about possible opportunities to report on under-covered stories about Frankford. continue reading »

Sunday - A man died around 2 a.m. after bring struck in a hit-and-run on Roosevelt Boulevard. Another driver found the man lying on the 7700-block of the Boulevard near Hartel Avenue. A description of the suspect and the car have not been released.

- A 32-year-old woman was killed around 3 a.m. from gunshot wounds she sustained in Frankford. The victim was shot twice in the stomach on the 47oo-block of Griscom Street.

The Northeast – Frankford in particular – is crawling with history buffs and Civil War afficianados.

Doesn’t sound like City Paper consulted any of them when it ran its cover feature on strange Philadelphia Museums. Two Northeast establishments made the cut, but the Northeast only got credit for one. continue reading »

A record number of Northwood and Frankford residents attended the most recent 15th District PSA meeting, which covers the southern portion of the district up to Bridge Street. Image/Philadelphia Police

At a recent Northwood Civic meeting, some members had complained about crime issues and a point was made that they should attend the PSA meeting. At the last Frankford Civic meeting, complaints about the 4700-block of Griscom and the long ongoing drug problem were raised and it was suggested that they come to the PSA meeting.

Everyone showed up, and some folks from the 4600-block of Leiper were there, as well, to get help with their drug problem. Residents of the area around Horrocks and Herbert streets reported acts of vandalism as an ongoing problem continue reading »

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.

There are more than 80 events on the calendar for Philly Tech Week 2012, and the Northeast is taking part with a computer training series.

The Frankford Community Development Corporation,  the People’s Emergency Center and Pa. Rep. Tony Payton, D-179, will sponsor a free computer training class April 24, 25 and 26. continue reading »