Northwood concerned
about a pair of houses

The chief concerns at last week’s Northwood Civic Association were residential properties that neighbors on two blocks labeled as nuisances.
There is outrage among residents of the 900 block of Fillmore St. about a property that some liken to a loading dock.
On an otherwise "green" street, one homeowner has removed grass and replaced it with concrete, including a ramp.
The city Department of Licenses and Inspections has issued a cease-work order for the exterior of the property.
Neighbors wonder whether the owner has a permit for the work, including an extension on the back of the house.
The civic group’s attorney, Alex Talmadge, said he would investigate the matter. In the meantime, a scheduled July 22 hearing in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been postponed.
An L&I inspector visited the home and reported that the owner is not planning on converting the property into a duplex or triplex.
The other reported trouble spots are on the 1100 block of Herbert St. A homeowner contends that a neighbor is using his property as a used-car dealership. She also is blaming a family that rents through the federal Section 8 program for throwing trash on the street and suspects them of committing an act of vandalism against her car.
In other news from the July 15 meeting:
• State Rep. Tony Payton (D-179th dist.) has secured a $5,000 grant for the civic association, which will use the money for its legal and general funds.
Payton also announced that his office will be moving at the end of the month from 4915 Frankford Ave. to a larger space at 4503 Frankford Ave.
• The civic association will hold a bake sale on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 2 p.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, to raise money for its legal fund. The group is looking for volunteer bakers to contribute cakes, cookies or cupcakes.
At last week’s meeting, members held their first 50-50 drawing to add money to the legal fund.
º The deadline is July 31 to apply for the Philadelphia Police Department’s Civilian Police Academy. Classes start on Sept. 4.
The course is open to Philadelphians age 18 and older. It is offered at the Philadelphia Police Academy, at 8501 State Road.
For an application or more information, call 215-685-8120 or 215-685-8080.
• Northwood Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church. ••