In this two–part series, we examine the effects absentee landlords have on neighborhoods, and what residents are doing to fight them. In the first part, we hear from Mayfair residents.

During their patrols as Mayfair Town Watch President and Vice President, John Vearling and Len Roberts heard the same complaints from residents over and over again.

The owner of this property did not shovel his sidewalk when it snowed. This owner failed to maintain the lawn. The renters in this household would not put their trash outside at the proper time on the proper night. The sound of barking dogs and blasting music that came from this apartment never ceased, day or night.

Roberts said the gripes escalated as time passed. Some neighbors told him that certain properties on Cottman Avenue were known drug houses. Vearling heard from others that residents would move out in the middle of the night. continue reading »

Mayfair Town Watch began 2010 by announcing it will host an open meeting Jan. 20 to mark the beginning of PSAs in the 15th District.

At their first meeting of 2010, Mayfair Town Watch members — along with 15th District Lt. Bugieda — discussed the upcoming implementation of Police Service Areas in the district. To mark the occasion, the Town Watch will hold an open meeting Wednesday, Jan. 20 for police officers, politicians and local businesses owners to meet one another. All in the name of community relations. continue reading »

Mayfair Town Watch has moved one step closer to its goal of street patrols by finishing up its member training session, with plans to hit the streets this weekend.

“I think we need to get out there on the streets ASAP, and that’s what this is all about,” President John Vearling said. continue reading »

Pride for Mayfair and the Philles was in abundance at last night's Mayfair Town Watch meeting.

The still-developing Mayfair Town Watch will need members “from every age group” to be effective, the group’s president said at last night’s meeting.

Other town watch organizations “are made up of middle-aged guys,” President John Vearling told about a dozen members in the meeting room of the John M. Perzel Community Center. “We need that next generation to have our vision for town watch.” continue reading »