Oxford Circle Civic
takes plan personally

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Oxford Circle residents are fed up with lots of things in their changing neighborhood -- crime, trash, parking, traffic, dealing with the school district as it builds the new Fels High School, and Section 8.
Throw in a developer who proposes to build 63 two-story townhouses with only 70 parking spots and one way in and out of a cul-de-sac emptying on to their already congested streets and you've got a community at their boiling point.
That temperature was evident at last week's Oxford Circle Civic Association meeting where Robert Rosenthal and Tom Chapman of The Revinvestment Fund (TRF) brought their plans for residential development at the old Craft Iron factory site, 1000 E. Comly St. to the community.
"We're dealing with so many changes. Why are you trying to clump everything there side by side with no parking, no breathing room," said one frustrated woman.
"You're taking my parking spot and that's a no-no," another resident told the developers as he wagged his finger at them.
According to its Web site, the not-for-profit organization builds wealth and opportunity for low-wealth people and places through the promotion of socially and environmentally responsible development.
The developers proposed to build the 3 bedroom, approximately 1,450-square foot homes, without garages and offer them for $220,000.
"While new developments always have some negative, it also brings new neighbors, good neighbors and create strength," Rosenthal said.
The city's 10-year tax abatement for the new homes, while 48-year residents of the community are faced not only with handling current increases in property taxes but the promise of future increases if the new construction brings up the value of the neighborhood, didn't sit well with civic members either.
"I don't know who is going to live here anymore. We're all moving out," an elderly woman said.
TRF needs the community's support as they would need to seek a zoning variance from the zoning board of adjustment since the property is not zoned for residential development.
Councilwoman Marian Tasco (D-9th district) facilitated the meeting between the developer and the community.
"I don't have to eat the whole cow to know the beef," she said, calling an end to the topic as voices got more belligerent and comments were targeted more at the TRF spokesmen than the project itself.
"This is not about them. It's about an idea by a credible organization," Tasco said.
In other business, Officer Mark Mroz, the 2nd Police District community relations officer told civic members that with Halloween approaching they needed to be extra vigilant as a form of crystal meth that looks and smells like strawberry pop rocks has been circulating across the country. Other flavors are also available such as chocolate.
Mroz warned that children should be told not to accept this type of candy from anyone, even a friend or an adult, as they may be unaware of the substance's true identity.
Civic president Nancy Hampson told residents that the association was opposing a mural in the business district.
"We don't feel it's proper in a business district," she said.
Hampson also informed them that a charter school may be interested in the old Benner Theater property at 6044-52 Castor Ave. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com