Frankford crime confab
has a meager turnout

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Crime and safety in Frankford attracted a handful of people to a meeting at Frankford Hospital’s Frankford Division last week.
Frankford Y executive director Terry Tobin moderated the meeting. Also in attendance were City Councilman Dan Savage (D-7th dist.); Elizabeth McCollum Nazario, Savage’s chief of staff; Dan Lodise, chief of staff to state Rep. Tony Payton (D-179th dist.); Harry Palumbo, Frankford High School’s dean of discipline; Theresa Hanas, coordinator of Frankford Community Development Corporation’s Main Street program; and 12 Step recovery house director Bob Beck and his fiancee Rose.
The low attendance was in sharp contrast to the first crime and safety meeting held in May, which had 20 people participating, along with police from the 15th district and SEPTA. SEPTA police did not attend a May follow-up meeting.
While other Frankford organizations, including the Future of Frankford, Frankford Business and Professional Association, East Frankford Civic Association and Special Services District committee, discuss crime, it’s not their only focus.
Tobin suggested that before the group meets again in September, group members put forth a concentrated effort to bolster attendance, so that blight removal, funding and public relations committees, among others, could be formed.
"A committee can be two people," Tobin said.
The funding committees would look into possible ways to cover projects, such as bringing back the safety ambassadors, as well as a possible police mini-station.
The public relations committee would help show all the positive events taking place in the neighborhood, including the September concert series and outdoor movie night designed to attract people from outside the neighborhood.
"Perception has to change. The perception is that Frankford is a dangerous neighborhood. It’s not all unfounded. We’re making progress, then shootings make us take two steps backward," Tobin said.
McCollum Nazario pointed out that crime statistics in Frankford are down, despite the fact that as of March, the 15th district was down 19 police officers.
"Bachmayer has been a plus to this neighborhood. He’s going after quality of life crimes — the broken window theory," Savage said, referring to the district’s commander Capt. Frank Bachmayer and the notion that small crimes lead to larger crimes.
"I believe that," Tobin said.
Before he leaves office in January, Savage intends to spruce up the appearance of Frankford Avenue. From Wakeling Street to Womrath Park, he’s getting the neighborhood new banners and trash cans on the avenue.
"That’s a start," Tobin said.
Additionally, Savage has secured $1 million in NTI and Restore Philly Corridor funds for the area between Sellers and Orthodox streets for streetscape improvements, including re-striped crosswalks, new pedestrian lighting, tree plantings and flower pots.
That section of the avenue, which includes Joan Oliveto’s mozaic jazz restaurant, art galleries, and other improvements by developer Jim McCarthy, is seeing the most revitalization in the neighborhood.
Additionally, Savage explained, the Frankford Historical Society is also in that area. Savage hopes the art galleries and historical society will draw visitors through the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
While Savage intends to pinpoint that area for improvements, he hopes to bring it down to the gateway of the Margaret SEPTA station.
Beck told those gathered that he’d also like to get involved in the crime and safety effort in Frankford. Members of his recovery houses have helped the Frankford community in the past, volunteering for cleanups, and tree planting. He hopes to work with the crime and safety organization on other fronts, as well. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com