Oxford Circle gets update
on Fels construction

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Oxford Circle Civic Association president Nancy Hampson told the 20 members present at last week’s meeting that she might consider changing the meeting night from the third Tuesday of the month because the meeting conflicts with other meetings within the 2nd Police District.
That conflict kept not only Officer Mark Mroz, the 2nd district’s community relations officer, from attending the meeting but kept folks from the Philadelphia Department of Streets’ recycling department from getting to the 7 p.m. meeting until after 8:30 p.m. Other commitments also kept representatives from Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sanchez’s office away as well.
Lisa Borine from state Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s office and Pat Trinkle from City Councilwoman Marian Tasco’s office were in attendance.
Hampson also gave an update on the Samuel S. Fels High School construction with a letter from the Philadelphia School Improvement Team’s director of external and community affairs, Anton Hackett.
"The building is pretty well up," Hampson said.
According to the letter, the pool’s shell has been placed and the building to house it has been erected. Structural steel is complete, while roofing and exterior work is continuing. Windows, sheetrock, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations are progressing.
Hampson reminded residents that if they have any problems or complaints regarding the construction to call 215-400-8815.
She also urged residents to put house numbers up on the back of their homes. The numbers not only make it easier for emergency services to find the right house but also help ensure that city agencies driving around looking for violations will send the ticket to the right address and not fine you for your neighbor’s offenses.
Hampson asked them to be vigilant when they see orange zoning signs go up in the neighborhood, so that there is time for the community to address any issues. She also updated members on zoning matters, including:
• 1000 E. Comly St. – The civic group opposed a zoning variance to allow the property to be used as an auto body and repair shop. However, some neighbors signed a petition of support for the use, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment granted the variance with provisos. They include hours of operation, commercial trash pickup, disposal of tire, oils and fluids, and vehicle delivery during business hours.
• 1151 Rosalie St. – Applicant applied for a zoning variance to permit a recording studio in the basement of his row house. The ZBA denied the application. Hampson urged Rosalie Street residents to be vigilant if they continue to hear loud music from the house. They can call L&I at 215-686-2463. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com