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

The self-professed architect of a Pennsylvania House Republican scheme to pay for political campaign computer software with taxpayer dollars is headed for jail.

The former state House Speaker, John Perzel, has been sentenced to up to five years in prison. He also was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution, as well as thousands in fines. continue reading »

The Stokes House at 2876-80 Welsh Rd. in Holme Circle. Photo/Shannon McDonald

There are major developments happening in Holme Circle. Or at least there will be.

The Stokes property at 2876-80 Welsh Rd. has a new owner, though he insists whatever is to come for the property isn’t happening any time soon.

John Parsons of BSI Constructors was at the Holme Circle Civic Association meeting Wednesday night to deliver the news of no news. BSI has purchased the home from Samuel “Buzz” Stokes to, as Parsons put it, “help a family friend.”

Stokes was unable to care for the rambling property and instead decided to attend to his legal fees accrued in the corruption trial for former Pa. Rep. John Perzel, in which Stokes pleaded guilty to helping divert state money to Perzel’s political funding. BSI has hired Perzel, Stokes’ brother-in-law, as a consultant. You might recognize Parsons for his work at Island Green Golf course, numerous charter schools and the Holy Family University proposal for Liddonfield.

“Termites have taken over that property completely,” Parsons said. The spacious lot once compromised many of the surrounding neighborhood before the Stokes family sold off portions of it for development in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Now it’s limited to a single home facing Pollock School and Winchester Swim Club with property that backs up to the 2800-block of Walnut Hill Street. And it’s decaying. continue reading »

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

UPDATE: Stokes and McClintock have pleaded guilty to one count each of criminal conspiracy Wednesday, and Stokes also pleaded guilty to one count of conflict of interest. Friday, Towhey pleaded guilty to one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of conflict of interest.

Three men linked to and charged in connection with the John Perzel corruption trial are expected to plead guilty this week. The former state representative’s brother-in-law, Samuel “Buzz” Stokes, former campaign aide Don McClintock and former chief-of-staff Paul Towhey are set to enters pleas between today and Friday. continue reading »

RecycleBank's Carla Castillo encourages Holme Circle residents to sign up for the citywide program and earn rewards for reducing waste.

The hour-long meeting last night of the Holme Circle Civic Association drew about 20 people. And while most came out for an update on the Stokes property, many took interest in the city’s Recycling Rewards Program. continue reading »

Mock-ups for the proposed duplexes at 2976-80 Welsh Rd.

“I will carry that message back,” is the answer most Holme Circle residents heard Wednesday night as they voiced concerns over the future of the Stokes house.

The house — a notable farmhouse among a sea of twins at 2976-80 Welsh Rd. — faces a questionable future as the owners, the Stokes family, prepare to move on.

Though the house dates back to the 19th Century, the Stokes family has owned the house for the last 70 years. But with the family spreading out and the cost of upkeep increasing, Samuel “Buzz” Stokes has plans to sell. And Holme Circle residents have plans to protect their neighborhood. continue reading »