At the Frankford Civic Association meeting on August 4th, a bar was once again a topic of discussion.
At the June meeting, a residents raised the issue of the closed Platinum bar at 4101 Paul Street (Paul Street and Torresdale Avenue) apparently being renovated for reopening. It was closed down a few years ago after a series of violent incidents.
A liquor application was filed on Oct. 22, 2015, and was approved for “Prior Approval Safekeeping” on July 22, 2016. That means the PLCB (Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board) has approved the transfer of the license, and the license is now in safekeeping, which means it is not in use. Once the premises are constructed, the PCLB will inspect them. If the premises are completed as they appear on the approved plans, the PLCB can issue operational authority. No protests were received during the protest period. The license is held by 4101 New Additions Inc.
Also at the June meeting, a resident reported that a house that had been sealed at 1941 Ruan Street had an open window on the second floor. A report was made to 311 on the issue.
The issue of zoning prompted a discussion where Franklin Daniel volunteered to report back on the zoning meetings of the Frankford NAC which he regularly attends. The NAC is the official RCO for Frankford and as a result conducts votes by community members on each zoning case involving Frankford. The residents eligible to vote are limited to those living within a 2 block radius of the address seeking a variance. The Frankford Civic however can voice its opinion by either sending a letter or attending a Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting to express an opinion on any case that is of interest. The information provided by Daniel will allow the Civic to decide when their opinion should be conveyed to the ZBA.
A resident of the 2000 block of Margaret Street again expressed his dismay with the conditions of the Harding Middle School property on the Northern part of its property. The grass is up to 3 feet high and is strewn with trash. It a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a playground for rodents. If the Zika virus ever turns up in Frankford, look to the neglect of the Harding Middle School property as the cause. A 311 report was made on the issue (Reference number 10879517) and will be followed up with at future Civic meetings.
The next meeting of the Frankford Civic Association will be held on September 1st at St. Mark’s church at 4442 Frankford Avenue.
