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Traffic Woes May Get Worse

Thanks to Joe Krause for the tip, PGW has updated us on the continuing work in Frankford replacing those old pipes.  It will disrupt traffic.

1300 – 1600 Sellers St; 1600 – 1900 Kinsey St; 2000 – 2100 Bridge St; 4500 – 4600, 4900 – 5100 Ditman St; 1300 – 1400, 1600 Sellers St, 4300 – 4400, 4600 E Wingohocking St
Projected Start: July 2016
Projected End: January 2017
Status: Pending

1600 E Cheltenham, 5400 & 5800 Saul St, 5400 Akron
Projected Start: June 2016
Projected End: September 2016
Status: Pending
Contractor: ULS

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Another Undiscovered Sit Down Restaurant in Frankford

It is hard to believe but we have uncovered another sit down restaurant in Frankford that somehow has been kept a secret.  Located at 4507 Frankford Avenue, it seats at least 30 people and has a good crowd outside apparently waiting to get in.  Its conveniently located next to the Nurturing Nest Learning Academy.

4507 frankford edit

The picture below is a little fuzzy but it says “License Type: Restaurant Liquor

4507 frankford

 

And from the Information Booklet for retail licenses date 06/15 it says: Restaurant Liquor (R) In order to qualify for a restaurant liquor license, the establishment must be a reputable place habitually and principally used for the purpose of providing food for the public. The establishment shall have an area within a building of not less than 400 square feet and must be equipped with tables and chairs to accommodate at least 30 persons at one time.

I haven’t seen a menu yet but we’ll try to get one.  The space for the tables looks kind of tight too unless they’re in the basement.  Well if the food is that good, it should be no problem.

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15th District PSA1 Meeting

The first question asked of Lt. Duane Gordon at the 15th District PSA1 meeting on June 23rd was about the string of homicides and aggravated assaults in the area of Bridge Street from Torresdale Avenue to Charles Street.  Lt. Gordon could not comment about the details of the investigation except to say that there are leads that are being investigated.

Ronald Ryan made a presentation on Town Watch and it was agreed that he would attend the Frankford Forward meeting on July 27th to train their participants.  Stephen Bowne has been forming a town watch within that group and those members are ready for training.

Allen Leppert made a presentation on the Civilian Police Academy which allows civilians to learn more about police work by attending a multi week course at the police academy.  It is 2 hours per week for 13 weeks beginning on September 7th.  For further information, contact Allen through the Gazette at gil@frankfordgazette.com.

A Margaret Street resident complained about lack of enforcement by police of parking and extreme noise violations in that area.

Joe Krause raised the issue of two armed robberies in Northwood in June.  Residents want a dedicated patrol in that area.  Lt. Gordon said this is an issue for Tactical who will then put out plain clothes cops into the area.  Krause was not entirely satisfied with that response.

Lt. Gordon spoke about the problem of making arrests only to see the suspects out on bail the next day.  He says citizens have to monitor what the judges do after the arrest is made in order to see how the system works.  Judges are elected officials.

The next 15th District PSA1 meeting will be held on July 14th at Aria Hospital at 7 PM.  This is earlier than usual in the month and had to be rescheduled due to the Democratic National Convention being held at the end of the month.

 

 

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Frankford CDC Awarded Grant by Wells Fargo

After Diane Richardson, President of the FBPA (Frankford Business and Professional Association) brought the June 22nd meeting to order and asked everyone to introduce themselves, she introduced Mr. Harold Epps, Director, City of Philadelphia Department of   Commerce who visited the Frankford CDC and had a walking tour of parts of the   Frankford Avenue corridor and Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez.

Epps made brief remarks about his experience visiting Frankford and assured the group that this will not be the last time he visits Frankford and he will be   following-­‐up on the progress and the goals met.

Diane introduced Mr. Stephen Briggs of Wells Fargo who explained Wells Fargo’s interest in the Frankford CDC’s current   projects in Frankford. Mr. Briggs presented Kimberly Washington, Executive Director, Frankford CDC with a $5,000 check from Wells Fargo.

Allison Merrick, Community & Economic Development from Philadelphia VIP made a brief presentation on Philadelphia VIP. Philadelphia VIP offers free legal advice to Philadelphia residents who   meet their income guidelines. Volunteer attorneys provide clients with   legal advice/representation in a variety of issues. They assist small business owners and entrepreneurs with various issues   which include deciding/applying to be an LLC, employment law and employee guidelines, contract negotiations, landlord & tenant issues.   For more information on Philadelphia VIP, visit: www.phillyvip.org

Officer Matthew Crosson, Community Relations Officer, 15th Police District reported that the district has begun to deploy the bike task force. There are   currently 14 bicycle officers and a lieutenant that patrol the area between   the Frankford and Torresdale communities. There are also 3 patrol cars that are patrolling Frankford Avenue. The Police Department has experienced a decrease in applicants and they   have changed the requirements to apply. You can apply to the Police Academy with only a high school diploma and you can be up to 39 years of age.

Ralph DiPietro, Deputy Commissioner of the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspections who took questions about L&I and their procedures. DiPietro explained there are various divisions that comprise L&I which include: permits & certificates, zoning and codes &   regulations. He addressed the issue of grocery stores that sell shots of liquor. The issue with a grocery store that sells shots is a zoning issue. There is nothing in the L&I code that states there is a specific kind of food to be sold and specific hours to operate. Businesses can sell any kind of food and operate any kind of schedule they would like. The liquor issue is a state level issue that L&I has no discretion over.

Diane asked about the issues with boarding homes. There are several   boarding homes/halfway houses located in Frankford that house several   people. Commissioner DiPierto explained this is an issue with rental licenses.   People can apply for a rental license and there is no limit to how many   people can reside in the property.   When L&I tries to visit a property in question, usually they don’t allow   them to enter the property for fear of being evicted, etc. and L&I can’t move forward or resolve the issue.

The L&I Supervisor in the north division is putting together a   program/database of complaints and warrants so courts can reference it if there are any complaints. Diane stated there are about 120 unlicensed boarding homes in Frankford. Officer Crosson asked about abandoned properties and people who are sold fake leases and occupy an unsafe environment.

Commissioner DiPietro explained that fraudulent leases are a crime and the District Attorney’s Office can resolve the issue.   If the person has a fake rental lease, you can make a complaint with L&I and they can seal the property.

Ellie Devyatkin, Commercial Corridor Manager, Frankford CDC announced that the market study draft has been released by Urban Partners. The report addresses the need for supermarkets and retail spaces on Frankford Avenue.

Ileana Garcia announced that the Frankford CDC, State Representative Dawkins and Councilwoman Sanchez will be hosting the 2nd Annual Frankford Community Day on 8/13 at Gambrel Recreation Center from 11 AM to 3PM.

The next FBPA General Body Meeting will be in September or October on a date and time to be announced.

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Long Lines at the Terminal Deli Must Be the Food

There is a hidden gem in Frankford.  Its a dining establishment so busy that a patron can never get inside.  Yes its the Terminal Deli at 4705 Frankford Avenue (Frankford at Margaret).  Did you know that it has an Eating Place Retail Dispenser (Malt) license from the PA Liquor Control Board.  That means it has to have seating for at least 30 people.

no loitering

The guy sitting out front under the No Loitering sign must be waiting for a table.  Its busy every afternoon and with the line out front, you better make reservations early.

4705 frankford

eating place