Public nuisance tops
latest Parkwood meeting

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

The district attorney’s Public Nuisance Task Force was the big topic of discussion at Parkwood Civic Association’s meeting last Thursday.
Assistant District Attorney Stefanie Cella spoke to the civic group about the job of the task force, which began in 1992 as part of the DA’s narcotics division. It aims to assist Philadelphia residents and community groups in tackling drug- and alcohol-related nuisance homes and establishments in neighborhoods.
Cella formerly served as the task force’s liaison for the 2nd, 7th, 8th and 15th police districts in the Northeast. She now handles predominantly nuisance bars throughout the city. Her replacement as local liaison is Andrew Carobus.
The "nuisances" can include drunken patrons, drug transactions and prostitution. Procedures for handling each property vary — sometimes a chat with a home or business owner corrects the problem. In other instances the ADAs must prosecute the case in civil or criminal court.
The ADAs also communicate with the police and the community by attending meetings and making presentations on the work of the task force, as Cella did at the civic meeting.
To report a drug house or other nuisance property, or for more information about the public nuisance task force, call 215-686-5858.
In other news from the June 14 meeting:
• Civic association president Mike Hatala summarized a June 7 community meeting with Mayor John Street and other city officials held at St. Anselm’s Church.
Street, Deputy Police Commissioner Patricia Giorgio-Fox and Loree D. Jones, the city’s new managing director, talked about getting tougher gun laws and getting parents to take more responsibility for their children. Street also discussed the city’s new curfew centers and efforts to reduce truancy. Parkwood residents asked the mayor about slow 911 response times.
Street said at the meeting that he plans to return to St. Anselm’s.
Resident Margaret Philippi suggested that residents view a monthly 8th Police District CompStat presentation.
The process includes collecting, analyzing, mapping and categorizing crime data and other police performance measures.
• The civic group participated in its annual community cleanup and planted a garden at Academy and Torrey roads. Group officials next want to get a sign that welcomes people to the community.
• The civic group board approved a $100 donation to St. Anselm’s for use of its facility for meetings. ••
The Parkwood Civic Association will recess for the summer. The group’s Web site can be viewed at www.parkwoodcivic.com
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com