Author: Joe Krause

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Burglary in Northwood Topic at the Civic Meeting This Month

Thanks to Lieutenant Cannon from the 15th district for attending the Northwood Civic Assoc. meeting July 19th on a minutes notice. He came to the meeting prepared with the crime stats for our area and explained what was being done to combat these problems.

There were residents in attendance who were recently burglarized and told their stories; and hinted on why they may have been targeted. Open and/or unsecured windows seem to have been a factor in many of these burglaries, leading one to believe these are crimes of opportunity.

Keep our homes secure and work with neighbors through phone, text, and email to notify each other of anything you notice.

Other things discussed were abandoned homes and what we’re doing to get these places fixed and sold. Illegal fences in the neighborhood were discussed, as I have gotten dozens of calls in the past 2 weeks. All the ones reported to me were forwarded to 311 and L&I to let them handle it. If the fences remain we will discuss a civil action. We’re not trying to be bad neighbors, we’re simply preserving the value of everyone’s property and investment in our area. These fences destroy a neighborhoods character and other people’s home values.

I am working with a couple places to get great deals on home surveillance systems so they can be affordable to everyone, as well as motion lighting. I will be creating a survey to see who would be interested, this information will help me negotiate the best cost.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will be on August 16th at 7 PM at St. James Lutheran Church.

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Northwood Civic to Take Up Deed Restriction Issue

The new owner of the property at 5114 Castor Avenue has applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment to convert the property to a triplex. This is a direct violation of the Berk Deed Restriction which has preserved the value and integrity of our neighborhood for nearly a century. The applicant (owner) will present their plans to the Northwood Civic Association and neighbors of Northwood at the June 21st meeting.

It is extremely important that all residents attend this meeting to voice their opinions and concerns and question the applicant as to their intent for our neighborhood. If you are unaware of what the Berk Deed Restriction is comprised of and what value it has to the value of your home, I urge you to attend this most important meeting and we will discuss its content.

Also at the meeting will be the new organizer of The Friends of Northwood Park group. This is a new resident to Northwood who recognized the value of our park and took action. Just last week this group had 6 city trucks at Northwood Park filled with garbage and articles from illegal dumping. Please attend to hear the plans this group has for Northwood Park going forward.

Northwood Civic Association Meeting
June 21st, 2016 7:00PM
St. James Church Castor Avenue and Pratt Streets

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The Bridge at Northwood Civic Tuesday

Northwood Civic Association meeting is Tuesday the 15th. Michael Ogden from The Bridge will be discussing his plans for the expansion of the facility. It is important that we get plenty of feedback from residents.

Please bring a neighbor and spread the word about this important meeting. 7:00PM St. James Church at Castor and Pratt.

The Bridge is a nonprofit behavioral health treatment and youth opportunity program for adolescents and their families seeking to overcome substance abuse, mental health issues, truancy and other challenges. The Bridge includes a comprehensive continuum of services, accredited by the Joint Commission. The Bridges’ services include a residential substance abuse treatment program for 38 adolescent males, the only one in Philadelphia; an outpatient treatment program for people of all ages; a licensed private school; and the E3 Center West in West Philadelphia that helps out-of-school youth and youth returning from juvenile justice placements develop academic, vocational, and life skills. Since 1971, the Bridge has become a leader in the treatment of high-risk youth by helping more than 15,000 adolescents and families in the Philadelphia region.