Category: Civics

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Northwood Deed Restriction at Risk

Joe Krause, President of the Northwood Civic Association, revealed at the meeting on May 17th that an application for a variance is pending for the owner of 5114 Castor Avenue to increase the dwelling units from two to three.

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The address is within the deed restricted area and that would prohibit anything other than single family homes.  The owner or his representative will make a presentation at the next Civic meeting on June 21st.

This is the first zoning issue in about 2 years where the Northwood Civic has been recognized at the coordinating RCO (Registered Community Organization).  During that period issues in Northwood were covered by the Frankford NAC at their meetings.  Krause raised the issue and the result is that Northwood now gets a say in what happens in Northwood.

Votes by residents are critical since the deed restriction is widely believed to be important to the quality of life in that area.  Residents are urged to attend.

In other business at the meeting:

Krause noted the ongoing lack of participation in the 15th District PSA1 meeting each month.  Northwood residents are complacent until something happens and then unwilling to take next step to do something about it.  Complaining does not fix the problem.  Go to the meetings.

The conservatorship hearing for 1301 Wakeling is on June 1st.  The owners must have the property fixed and on the market by that date or the non profit will take it over and do the job.  This is a victory for Northwood in either case.

There are now 3 individuals selling cars and a car wash in Northwood on the streets.  Calls to 911 have been ineffective in shutting them down.  They do not belong in a residential area.

3 bikes were stolen from a residence on Castor Avenue across from Northwood Park.  Be on the lookout for kids in the afternoon.

The Castor Avenue traffic project is on schedule and its just a matter of time before we start to see implementation.  Continuing to look to improvements to Ramona and Adams.

There will be a cleanup at Arrott and xxx on May 28th.  Volunteers are welcome.

Joe Hohenstein, representing Frankford Friends Meeting reported on the funds raised for the relief of the fire victims in February.  $1,500  was raised but only $500 was disbursed to 2 families.  They are looking for anyone else who suffered financially from the fire.  Northwood Civic donated $500 of that total.

There is a major 15th District PSA1 meeting on May 26th at the Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club.  This is an opportunity to show the police and City officials that the community wants solutions to our problems rather than promised.  The start time is 7 PM and the address is 2901 Bridge Street.

The next Northwood Civic meeting will be on June 21st at 7 PM at St. James Lutheran Church at Pratt St. and Castor Ave.

 

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Conservatorship in Northwood a Success

Project updates rounded out the meeting of the Northwood Civic Association on April 19th with a about 25 residents attending.

Joe Krause, Civic President, says the Conservatorship hearing for the property at 1301 Wakeling Street was held with many residents attending.  The judge ordered the owner to do the repairs and get the house on the market for sale by June 1st or the conservatorship will go to the nonprofit working on behalf of the Northwood Civic.  They will then rehab the house and put it up for sale as a single family residence.

1301 wakeling St. – photo from Google maps

This project has been so successful that the Civic is considering conservatorship for several other properties in the same situation.

Terry Heiser gave an update on the traffic improvement to Castor Avenue between Foulkrod and Pratt Streets.  The planning is finalized and job is set to begin.  New signage, soft rumble strips, speed limits painted on the roadway all should slow down the traffic and reduce accidents.  Heiser notes that he has had great cooperation from the Streets Department.

Now under study is the intersection of Ramona and Adams Avenue because of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.  Also residents of the 900 block of Foulkrod complain that it is hard to back out of their driveways with the traffic coming down the street too fast.

Rodney Moore from the Streets Department gave an update on trash issues.  Trash should not be put out before 7 PM.  Join Recycling Rewards and get free stuff for recycling.  To join, go to the link or call 888-727-2978.  Bed bugs are still a big concern to the guys picking up trash.  They will pick up mattresses and box springs only if the are wrapped in a plastic bag.  If they are not, they will not be picked up and you could be fined for putting them out for pickup improperly.  Moore noted that 50 new Trash cops have been hired recently.  They will be out enforcing the regulations, so be on guard.

Tom McAvoy, President of the Northwood Town Watch, says truck parking is under control now but requires constant monitoring.  Tom can be reached at nwtownwatch@hotmail.com.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic will be held on May 17th at 7 PM at St. James Lutheran Church at Pratt Street and Castor Avenue.

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Frankford Business and Professsional Association: Taking Care of Your Business

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Heather Hanowitz, PIDC, addresses the April 2016 meeting of the FBPA

Bob and I have been to the last two meetings of the Frankford Business and Professional Association (FBPA) and I have been duly impressed with the content and resources of the bi-monthly programs. This is an organization that is serious about business and yours in particular! The FBPA meets bimonthly at Aria Frankford and I expect they need to be thinking about larger space because the meetings are overflowing. Today’s economy is so volatile that I’m convinced we have to be able to create our own jobs and our children will, too! Thus, connecting with others and learning what resources are out there is critical to your success. The FBPA is “a membership-based coalition of stakeholders that strive to stimulate economic development and provide support to the local business community of Frankford”.1 Members are business owners, entrepreneurs (a growing group), community organizations (Keep the Faith in Frankford), the service industry, religious leaders and neighborhood residents. That’s quite a coalition! You fit in this group!

April’s meeting agenda:

  • A presentation by Heather Hanowitz, Vice President, Market Manager, Commercial Business for the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, (PIDC), whose motto is “Driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia”. Well, we have a nice long stretch of avenue and we’re ready. There are workshops for legacy businesses – family businesses passing on to the next generation and working capital and equipment financing monies at relatively low interest rates – 6.25%. In 2014, PIDC reports that they financed area businesses with over $1 billion.
  • Alice G. Dungee-James, MCA, Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in Philadelphia explained how to do business with the City through contracts and bids for work and selling your goods and services. Do you know what the city spends and all the different types of materials and services they buy? There’s a good chance the city needs what you have and you want a piece of that pie!! To get started, here’s the link – and if you’re a woman, a minority or disabled, there is no registration fee. City Registration Process! Once you’re certified and registered, the City’s department refers to the this list for procurement purposes. Ms. Dungee-James was very informative and her contact information is on the registration link if you need help. Alice also gave us two tips:
    • Here’s the list of agencies that will certify your business. It pays to shop around, it was mentioned New Jersey charges $100.00
    • It’s important to know your NAICS code for your industry because procurement (buying) orders are based on that code. It’s a good idea to put that code on your business cards.
  • We also heard from Jonathan Synder, Senior Manager, Commercial Corridor regarding the Storefront Improvement Program. Jonathan was “pitch hitting” for Giana Lawrence who had a scheduling conflict. I was really impressed with the transformation of some of these buildings. The program will reimburse you up 50% for exterior improvements that you make up to $10,000 for a store front and $15,000 for multiple addresses or a corner store. Your property must be between 1200 – 3100 Frankford Ave. and 4000-5300 Frankford Ave. There is also an InStore Program that is a “loan forgiveness” plan loaning you the money for equipment and supplies to expand your existing business or adding another location. Their latest online application states 4000-5300 Frankford Avenue businesses are eligible. 6200-8500 Frankford Avenue in Mayfair is eligible, too, if you would like to pass that on. Several Avenue businesses have taken advantage of this program. Once you’ve decided to apply, you’re assigned a Relationship Manager who will walk you through the process. If you want to take advantage of these programs, don’t do any work until you’ve been approved for it. Giana’s contact information is on the website.
  • The new 15th Police District Captain, Anthony Luca, along with Officer Matt Crosson, Community Relations, and Officer Sean Kennelly, who just received a PDAC award for his work solving crimes with a focus on burglaries. There was much discussion regarding loitering that businesses much cope with, recent robberies at fast food restaurants. The Captain responded that if 911 calls are not getting responses after several calls, ask for a supervisor. I know that the city establishes a priority response system and what you are calling about might not demand the quickest response. So you’ll have to use your judgement. But this is good to know for the times that require immediate response and it’s not happening.
  • The FBPA is hosting a Spring Networking Mixer on May 19, 5:30 – 7:30 PM at the Historical Society of Frankford. For more information , contact Ileana Garcia at igarcia.fcdc@gmail.com
  • There will also be a 3 mile fun run fundraiser in October to benefit the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club and avenue businesses. More details will be forthcoming.

These are terrific ways to increase your business and your profits. Wouldn’t it be better for you to be there in person hearing about it? Membership is $60 annually and we would love to see join!