Tacony Civic Association
looking to increase membership

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Tacony Civic Association president Anthony Naccarato was talking up membership at last week’s meeting. The association has 340 on the rolls but is shooting for 500.
"We’re all in this together," he said.
The $5 dues covers printing costs and stamps for newsletters and mailings.
A large membership also offers other benefits.
"The more members we have the stronger our voice is," said civic group secretary Christine Woolslayer.
Camille Capobianco, a civic association board member and chairwoman of the quality of life committee, said that although the neighborhood has seen a lot of change of late, not all change is bad.
Capobianco said Taconyites should also use education, tolerance and patience when dealing with quality-of-life issues.
"It’s very important to keep an open mind. New people also bring new life and new energy to the neighborhood," she said.
Capobianco also encouraged members to volunteer at the 15th Police District curfew center. To volunteer, call 215-744-2990.
In other business, civic vice president Lou Iatarola Jr. gave an update on zoning issues, including:
• 6430-32 Edmund St. — Owners sought legalization of spray painting operation and two accessory, non-illuminated signs. The TCA opposed the variance and the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment denied the variance on May 23.
• 4201 Levick St. — Petitioners sought a permit for a retail grocery store plus wraparound awning sign on the first floor of a mixed-use property. TCA did not oppose and the ZBA granted the permit with various provisos, including limiting hours of operation and prohibiting sales of cigars or rolling papers.
• 7200 Marsden St. — Owners sought permit for a two-family dwelling on upper floors, and for commercial use on the first floor. The ZBA denied the duplex variance and delayed a decision regarding the first floor until a specific office use is cited by the applicant.
• 4631 Princeton Ave. — Applicant sought a permit for a dental laboratory on the first floor. TCA did not oppose and the ZBA granted the permit.
• 7114 State Road — Applicant sought a permit for the retail sale and installation of auto accessories in part of a four-unit building. TCA did not oppose and the ZBA approved it with provisos limiting hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and prohibiting more than three vehicles parked out front.
• 6425 Torresdale Ave. — Applicant sought a permit for the retail sale of water ice with the dispensing window completely within the property line. TCA did not oppose and the ZBA approved with provisos limiting hours of operation and insisting on commercial trash pickup.
• 7240 Walker St. — Owners sought legalization of a prefabricated gazebo in the front yard enclosing a hot tub. TCA did not oppose on a temporary three-year basis. The ZBA denied it and the gazebo has been removed. ••
The next Tacony Civic Association meeting will be held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Disston Memorial Presbyterian Church, at Tyson Avenue and Glenloch Street.
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com