Author: Gil

The meeting last night was as usual a fast moving event that did not waste any time in getting to the issues.  The only thing that might have made it more interesting would have been to have some folks come in to try to intimidate the members.  However, given the usual representation by the 15th district, that would have been foolish.

• The Sergeant, standing in for the district commander, spoke about the recent task force that was deployed to capture the serial rapist that had been haunting Frankford.  A secondary effect of the increased police presence was that most criminals went back under their rocks to hide.  Now that the task force has been disbanded, the criminals are back to their normal business.  Tips on narcotics or any other criminal activity should be called in to the 15th district directly.  911 is for emergencies and these tips require some investigation.  215-686-3152 is the number.  Call during the day.  You certainly can be anonymous.
• Amy Hollister, CEO of the Northwood Academy Charter school on Castor Avenue, spoke on the recent opening of a new branch in the St. Joachim school building.  150 students are arrive and leave by bus each day.
• Rachael Steener of the District Attorney’s public nuisance task force discussed the functions of the office and how the community can use it.  Property owners are subject to losing their property if it is used as a nexus for drug activity.  It takes time but it does happen.  The good thing is that the owner does not have to be involved in the drug activity.  Property owners are notified that a tenant is a problem and then they have to take action to remove them.  It seem so reasonable.
• The zoning issues are varied and the list was fairly long.  All are being addressed.  One person attending raised the issue that some zoning violators never appear on the zoning issue list at the meetings.  The problem is that the people living in the community have to raise the alarm when they see something going on without permits, licenses and other legal documents.  That starts the process.  The Civic can’t protest an application for zoning if there is no hearing.  Call L&I when you see something going on that is just not right.
• if neighbors are having issues the Human Relations Commission may be able to help resolve them.
• The recent gun buy back was rated as very successful and another is planned for the future.
• Talk is still going on about a town hall meeting to discuss the presence of the many drug rehab facilities and residences in the community.  No time or date have been finalized but this is an issue of momentous importance for Frankford.  Plan to attend.

The next meeting is scheduled for October 2nd.