‘East’ goes south
for Frankford civic group

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

After approving the minutes of its November meeting, the first order of real business for East Frankford Civic Association’s newly elected officers and board members was to change the organization’s name.
Noting that not all of its members live on the east side of Frankford Avenue, the decision to change the name of the group to the Frankford Civic Association was unanimous.
"We all are Frankford," said civic association board member Thelma Young.
When member Franny Quinn heard that the name change came with a $70 price tag to cover processing fees, she pulled the cash out of her pocket and laid it on the table.
"No hesitation. We need to keep going," she said.
In zoning issues, the membership agreed to support the legalization of a triplex at 1707 Harrison St., with the proviso that owner Jaquel Crews makes himself available to the civic group should there be any problems with his tenants.
The civic group, however, will request a continuance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for consideration of a use variance for an auto repair, body and fender and tire shop at 4563 Torresdale Ave. so that the owner might attend the January civic meeting. The civic group would then make a decision on whether to support the variance.
The civic group also discussed the possibility of appealing permits issued to the owner of a property at 4834 Penn St. to demolish the current building and erect a 10-family dwelling, as well as one for 4243-47 Frankford Ave. for a medical center.
The neighbors are concerned that the Penn Street property could become a rooming house and that the Frankford Avenue medical center, which is located near the Police Athletic League, would be a drug treatment facility.
The organization would need to come up with $200 for filing fees for each permit it opposes. The two properties located on four lots have been issued four permits, which would bring the civic group’s bill to $800 as it starts out the new year.
The civic association board does not know the financial status of the organization and is awaiting a reply to written request, dated Dec. 4, for all documentation, equipment and bank records from former president Peggy Hoch.
Liz McCollum-Nazario, chief of staff for outgoing City Councilman Dan Savage, said her office will see if there is a way to reduce the fees so that they are only paying for opposition of each property, not each Board of Revision of Taxes-designated lot.
The civic group has just 30 days to appeal and is not guaranteed a win if it does oppose the requests.
Northwood Civic Association’s newly elected president Barry Howell told those gathered that he agreed they are all Frankford and needed to hit the rehab centers and halfway houses in their pockets.
"They’re funded by the city of Philadelphia with our money...Addicts don’t pay. We’ve got to stop the funds," he said.
Howell drew applause when he said that they needed to change course and work together.
"We’ve got to stand up — all our civic groups," he said.
In other business, the 15th Police District Advisory Council is looking for volunteers to help serve the police officers at the annual holiday dinner this Saturday at district headquarters at Harbison Avenue and Levick Street.
The next meeting of the Frankford Civic Association is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., in the second-floor conference room at Frankford Hospital, Frankford Avenue and Wakeling Street. ••
For more information, e-mail frankfordcivic@gmail.com
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com