Busy schedule approaches
for Lawncrest

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Just one week before they lost to Michael Nutter in the Democratic primary for mayor, candidates Tom Knox and Dwight Evans made late campaign stops at last week’s meeting of the Lawncrest Community Association, which is gearing up for several summer activities.
On Saturday, June 23, the 2nd Police Department Advisory Council will sponsor an event at Roosevelt Mall. The day begins at 8:45 a.m. with a bicycle ride. Police officers will fingerprint children and take DNA samples from them. Adults and kids can also have their cars and bikes registered to make it easier to find if they are stolen.
The Lawncrest 4th of July celebration is set for Independence Day, which is a Wednesday. A planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Seaport Inn, at 6328 Rising Sun Ave. Organizers aren’t pleased that a couple of banks in the neighborhood have not made contributions. Bank of America has donated, as have Fox Chase Bank and the Fox Chase branch of Citizens Bank.
On Saturday, July 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., St. William Parish will hold its first beach party for all alumni and friends of the parish. The event will take place on the beach in Wildwood, N.J., at Schellenger Avenue.
The cost is $30, which includes beer, soda, food and entertainment. Family signs are available for $100. The parish will provide bus service for an additional cost.
Guests will also honor popular teacher Pat Meehan.
All proceeds go to the school. Call 215-745-1389 for more information.
In other news from the May 8 meeting, held a week earlier than normal to avoid a conflict with Tuesday’s election:
• The LCA discussed several zoning matters. The civic group is monitoring a day-care center at 5807 Rising Sun Ave. It wants to know if the facility can legally care for as many as 40 children, as the provider wants.
An applicant is expected to withdraw a proposed variance that would allow the conversion of a single-family home into a duplex. The house, a twin, is on the 6500 block of Martins Mills Road. The LCA and City Councilwoman Marian Tasco (D-9th dist.) oppose the idea.
The civic association also opposes a large sign on a produce market at 5908 Rising Sun Ave., the former home of Jiffy Lube. Neighbors agree that the sign is attractive, but they believe it’s too big and that no permit was issued.
The association will consider accepting a telephone-service tower on a five-acre tract of land that houses 10 industrial buildings at 6610 Hasbrook Ave, but only if management works to keep the grounds graffiti-free.
• Evans, the mayoral candidate and a state representative, said he will work with neighbors on the 5800 block of Newtown Ave. who are concerned about the actions of a man they say is mentally ill.
The windows of the man’s home are boarded up because, they say, he smashed the windows.
The problem has been ongoing for a year, and residents signed a petition for the city to take action.
According to neighbors, the man has tried to break the party wall separating his house from his neighbor’s. He’s also allegedly squirted his garden hose at houses, dumped bleach on properties and uttered slurs to neighbors.
• Evans will hold office hours on Thursday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Salvation Army Citadel, at 5830 Rising Sun Ave. (Alcott Street entrance).
• Friends of Tacony Creek Park will meet on Thursday, May 31, at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army.
• Lawncrest Community Association will next meet on Tuesday, June 19, at 7 p.m. at St. William parish hall, at Argyle and Robbins streets. Nominations for officers will be accepted. ••
For more neighborhood information, go to www.lawncrestcommunity.com
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com