Tag: northwood civic association

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The Bridge Asks Northwood to Support Expansion

Joe Krause, President of the Northwood Civic Association told residents attending the meeting on February 16th that The Bridge, located on Adams Avenue, sent out a brief email to the effect that they would be seeking community support to expand the facility to accommodate an additional 35 residents.  They propose to use temporary modular units at first but will eventually want to build a permanent expansion.  In 2011 there was a great controversy over approval for the move of the Bridge into Northwood.

The Bridge from their web site:  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 E3Center 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.

Notice to residents will be given by the Civic when the Bridge makes a formal presentation so that as interested residents may attend the meeting.

Terri Heiser updated the group on the Castor Avenue project.  In the early Spring we should see work start.  In addition, Heiser is now taking a look at the problem of truck traffic at the intersection of Adams and Ramona.

Work at the old K Mart is being done.  Permits for interior work and new signage do not disclose the names of any future tenants.

Tom McAvoy reports that the No Truck Parking signs are up and that means no 18 wheelers may be parked at any time wherever there is one of those signs.  That includes in front of Frankford High School on the weekends.   You should call 911 to have them ticketed.

Several residents have reported men living out of their cars in the area of the String Theory School.  That is a potential problem and you should report it to 911.

Joe Krause is scheduled to attend a Conservatorship hearing to support the acquisition of 1301 Wakeling Street by a non profit organization that will then rehab it and sell it as a single family residence.

One resident complained about the ever growing number of dumpsters on Frankford High School property and how they are block the sidewalk.  Joe Krause will talk to the dumpster company and the school about cleaning up the mess.

The next Northwood Civic Association meeting will be held on March 15th at 7 PM at St. James Lutheran Church at Pratt Street and Castor Avenue.

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Northwood Civic to Meet February 16th

Northwood Civic Association meeting Tuesday February 16th, 7:00 PM at St. James Church. Progress at 1301 Wakeling Street will be discussed. We will also be taking an emergency vote to make a monetary donation to the victims of the recent fire around the 4600 block of Griscom Street; discussion. Please bring a neighbor and share this post with other neighbors.

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Castor Avenue Traffic to Slow Down

Terry Heiser, Northwood resident has been working with the Streets Department on the issue of speeding traffic on Castor Avenue between Foulkrod and Pratt Sts.  He appeared at the Northwood Civic Association meeting on January 19th along with Nick Cinciruk of the Streets Department to present the plan to implement a traffic slowing strategy that will be implemented when the weather turns warmer in the spring.

Terry Heiser, Northwood Resident and Nick Cinciruk from the Philadelphia Streets Department

Terry Heiser, Northwood resident and Nick Cinciruk from the Philadelphia Streets Department

The strategy will consist of “soft rumble strips” placed on every block between Foulkrod and Pratt sts. on Castor Avenue.  It has been proven effective elsewhere in reminding drivers to slow down.  The speed limit will also be painted on the street in the travel lane at mid block and additional metal signs will be posted.  The effectiveness of this strategy will be evaluated after implementation to determine whether additional steps are necessary.

State Rep. John Taylor spoke about the Conservator Act (Act 135) which he sponsored.  It allows non profits to take over problem properties in a neighborhood and return them to productive use.  There are several properties in Northwood that are in line to be included in this program.  Possible list includes 1301 Wakeling, 1208 Dyre and 5050 Oxford. He also recapped the experience of trying to get a budget passed in Harrisburg.

State Rep. Jason Dawkins talked about the possibility that the new city Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections will be more aggressive in addressing the issue of recovery/boarding homes.  Dawkins went into the issue of how this often comes down to poverty compounding the problem.  You may be an addict and or you may just be poor and you have no choice but to live in these boarding homes.  These places should be licensed and properly maintained at the very least.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will be on Tuesday, February 16th at 7 PM at St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt St.

 

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96 MPH Should Be Fast Enough

Terry Heiser, a member of the Northwood Civic Association, reported at the meeting on October 20th, that the State traffic study of Castor Avenue between Foulkrod and Pratt Streets has been completed.  The report confirms what residents knew all along.  Drivers go to fast on that stretch,  Most are happy with going a bit over the speed limit but there are some who are actually speeding and one who hit 96 MPH on a weekday afternoon.  The state will propose some traffic calming solutions to the problem.  That means that something like a raised crosswalk may be installed to force drives to slow down.  In order for any action to be taken the residents must request it so a petition was available for those interested to sign.

Other good news at the meeting came in regard to Simpson Recreation Center.  As promised by Councilwoman Maria Quinones=Sanchez, work is moving forward to repair the building.  If everything works out the completion date will be in September of 2016.  No decision has been made yet on closing the building during the repair phase.  The work could also effect the use of the pool next summer.  More new will be coming as the job moves ahead.

Joe Krause, President of the Civic, spoke about the ongoing burglary problems that have come about in the last few months.  He recommended that residents attend the 15th District PSA1 meeting this month to hear about the Town Watch being organized.  Tom McAvoy is the only active member of the Northwood Town Watch and does an outstanding job for one person but he needs more help on the ground.  Vigilance and reporting any unusual or suspicious activity is often all that is required.  You can reach Tom at nwtownwatch@hotmail.com.

Jason Sherman who is producing the documentary The Kings Highway, spoke briefly about the project and said they are looking for financial support to submit the film to as many film festivals as possible.  The link to the web page for more information is here.  Several of our most prominent Northwood historians are included in trailer.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will be held at 7PM at St. James Lutheran Church on November 17th.