Lawncrest is reminded that
property tax appeal is due

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

A Board of Revision of Taxes official last week reminded members of the Lawncrest Community Association that they have until Monday to file an appeal of their property tax increase.
Eugene Davey, director of assessments for the BRT, said property owners can send back the appeal form that was included in the mailing indicating the tax hike. The appeal is free, and a hearing will be scheduled in front of the board.
The appeals process is interesting, Davey said, because property owners basically have to "trash" their homes, blocks and neighborhoods to win the case.
Davey, a 35-year veteran of the BRT, invited property owners to call him at 215-686-4351 (or 4371). More information is available at www.phila.gov
In Philadelphia, there are 573,000 properties. About 380,000 of them will be paying higher taxes this year. The BRT tried to keep the tax increases to 7.5 percent.
Sixty percent of real estate taxes go to the School District of Philadelphia, with the rest deposited into the city’s general fund.
At present, properties are assessed at 32 percent of their value, and the real estate taxes are determined by multiplying that figure by a millage rate.
Davey explained that there is a proposal to assess properties at their actual value. To move to that system, City Council would have to lower the millage rate and create discount homestead exemptions.
In other news from the Sept. 18 meeting, Rally Motors owner Roger Santos outlined a proposed $300,000 renovation to his property at 6701 Rising Sun Ave.
The centerpiece would be a new brick stucco building that would be home to office space, a showroom and a service bay. Rally Motors specializes in sales and service of quality used vehicles.
Also, 2nd Police District Advisory Council chairwoman Lynn Genetti presented a citation, sponsored by state Rep. Dwight Evans (D-203rd dist.), to police officer Terrance Black and Lawncrest Town Watch president Ken Hyers. Black and Hyers helped nab a man who allegedly tried to abduct a girl off her porch on Sanger Street.
The suspect was on a crime spree that included a rape allegation.
Hyers asked residents to join the Town Watch by calling 215-745-1200 or by sending an e-mail to lctownwatch@verizon.net
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Friends of Lawncrest Library will hold a book and video sale.
On Monday from 3 to 7 p.m., the group will sell hardback books. The library is located at 6098 Rising Sun Ave.
The Friends of Tacony Creek Park will meet on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Salvation Army Citadel, at Rising Sun Avenue and Van Kirk Street.
Lawncrest Community Association’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., at St. William parish hall, at Argyle and Robbins streets. ••