Jeff George, a community liaison for City Councilman Allan Domb, last week encouraged members of the Take Back Your Neighborhood civic association to file for the Earned Income Tax Credit, if they are eligible.
George, a Tacony native now living in Parkwood, explained that Domb championed the EITC during last year’s campaign.
Some 40,000 eligible Philadelphians do not file, leaving a total of $100 million in federal funds unclaimed.
The deadline to apply is April 18. For more information or for income eligibility requirements, call 215–686–9200 or visit www.youearneditphilly.com
Domb, a successful Realtor, is donating his Council salary to schools. He recently gave a $2,500 grant to Harding Middle School, in Frankford.
Domb’s other focus in Council is trying to recover much of the $1.8 billion in business and real estate taxes owed to the city.
In other news from the March 21 meeting:
• Councilman Bobby Henon spoke of a Spring Fling he is co-sponsoring with Domb. The event will take place on Friday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Ave. There will be a complimentary brunch and live music by Irish Mist. To RSVP, call Henon’s office at 215–686–3444.
Henon also said he would support the civic association if it appeals a Zoning Board of Adjustment decision on 6600 Bustleton Ave. (at Magee Avenue). At the group’s February meeting, members voted 35–5 against a proposed special exception to the building that is the former home of the David G. Neuman Senior Center and a couple of schools.
Owner Jeff Fuchs wants to open a residential home for 25 to 35 women who have already gone through drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The average length of stay would be 90 days. There are 18 off-street parking spaces.
No medical treatment or drug dispensing would take place. Visiting hours would be limited to Sundays from 1 to 4:30 p.m. There would be 24-hour staffing, and the women would have a 10:30 p.m. curfew.
Members were skeptical, saying such a proposal would be better in an industrial setting and hoping that the building could be put to better use.
Despite the opposition by neighbors, the ZBA approved the special exception.
While siding with the civic association, Henon had kind words for the new ZBA chairman, James Moylan, a chiropractor and former president of the Pennsport Civic Association in South Philadelphia.
• Abby Gilbert, program manager of Rhawnhurst Naturally Occurring Retirement Community, is looking for volunteers for Sunday, April 3. The group will help senior citizens prepare their houses for the spring. Some 100 volunteers will also team with Habitat for Humanity to rehab 14 homes owned by low-income senior citizens. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer, call 215–320–351, Ext. 5 or email jjankovic@jfgp.org
• Councilman Derek Green spoke of his past service as a civic association president. Members asked him about Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed soda tax. He is undecided on whether to support it. Green welcomed residents to contact him at 215–686–3450 or derek.green@phila.gov
• The Rotary Club of Northeast Sunrisers will sponsor its 12th annual spaghetti dinner on Thursday, March 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church, 7701 Loretto Ave, (at Napfle Street). The cost is $12, or $8 for ages 5–11. Children under 5 eat free. Takeout and vegetarian meals are available. Proceeds will benefit Fox Chase Elementary School and the fight against polio. For tickets and more information, call 215–830–8829.
• Two representatives from PECO Energy distributed free energy-saving light bulbs.
• Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet again on Monday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at Max Myers Playground, 1601 Hellerman St. ••
