Let’s be friends, L&I
guy tells Lawncrest group

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Tom Sciulli knows the public likes to bash city employees.
Sciulli, East District supervisor for the Department of Licenses and Inspections, hears complaints at his office.
"We’re the guy you love to hate," he said at last week’s meeting of the Lawncrest Community Association.
Sciulli’s office is at 6000 Rising Sun Ave. (at Benner Street). He oversees all of the Northeast, Port Richmond and an area that extends west to Fifth Street and Lehigh Avenue.
The district office conducts field inspections of construction projects to ensure conformance to L&I-approved plans and to the city’s building and plumbing codes. The office also issues "fast form" building permits, subject to qualification and payment of fee.
In addition, the local office is home to the construction audits unit, which investigates whether the estimated cost of construction submitted with a building permit application is accurate. Sciulli welcomes calls at 215-685-0580. He also invites citizens to visit www.phila.gov/li
The supervisor said his office stresses safety, especially considering that Philadelphia is an old city.
"We really are an ally. We’re not here to say, ‘I got ya,’" he said.
At the same time, L&I I asks the public to report any instances of construction without proper permitting. Tips can be made anonymously. Callers are asked to provide exact addresses.
Sciulli, who meets monthly with LCA zoning coordinator Art Kramer, reminds Philadelphians that the process can move slowly, but all matters will be investigated.
"We will look at every complaint that comes in," he said. "Don’t be afraid to keep on calling. The squeaky wheel gets the grease."
In general, L&I inspects residential and commercial properties, vacant and neglected buildings and illegal construction. The telephone number for those cases is 215-686-2463 (4).
"That number is the catch-all," Sciulli said.
Sciulli’s advice for residents looking to preserve their properties is to keep rain gutters clear, roofs in good shape and nearby trees trimmed. Anyone looking to build a wood deck should know that they are legal only in the rear of properties, not in the front or side. Stairs are not permitted. Homeowners must provide a plot plan and sketch, and purchase a zoning permit for $25 and a building permit for $27. The city regulates decks so users can be safe while they’re having fun.
As for fences, Sciulli explained that they can be 6 feet high in the rear of residential properties and 3-1/2 feet high in the front and on the side.
Anyone not happy with an L&I ruling, Sciulli said, is permitted to appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
In other news from the May 10 meeting:
• The Lawncrest 4th of July Committee will hold a bowling fund-raiser on Saturday, June 4, from 9 p.m. to midnight, at Thunderbird Lanes, at Willits Road and Holme Avenue.
Tickets cost $20. The cost includes bowling, shoes, beer, soda and pizza. Call Steve at 215-464-7434.
The theme of the 90th annual July 4 celebration is "Memories from the past, Hope for the future." The rain date is July 9. T-shirts are being sold at the Bank of America branch at 6425 Rising Sun Ave. The bank will also accept donations.
Chances are being sold for $1 apiece, or six for $5, at the Seaport Inn, at 6328 Rising Sun Ave. The top prize is $500.
More information on the celebration is available at www.lawncrestcommunity.com
• A community meeting will be held to discuss the new Fels High School on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Glading Memorial Presbyterian Church, at Loretto and Cheltenham avenues.
o State Rep. Dwight Evans will hold district office hours on Thursday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Salvation Army Citadel, at 5830 Rising Sun Ave. Staffers for Evans are there on the first Thursday of every month.
• The incumbent slate of LCA officers was re-elected without opposition. Staying on for terms through May 2007 are president Bill Dolbow, vice president Jim Decker, secretary Phil Grutzmacher and treasurer Jan Decker.
• Two zoning issues were discussed briefly.
A Wawa store and gas pumps will be built soon at Rising Sun and Longshore avenues. Also, an individual wants to open a day-care facility at 5719 Rising Sun Ave. (at Sanger Street). The LCA wants to know more about the proposal.
• The next meeting of the Lawncrest Community Association will be on Tuesday, June 21, at 7 p.m., at St. William parish hall, at Argyle and Robbins streets.
The Friends of Tacony Creek Park will meet on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m., at the Salvation Army. Norine Quinn, a probation officer with Family Court, will be the guest speaker. Anyone wishing to join Lawncrest Town Watch can call Ken Hyers at 215-745-1200. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com