Voters who hope to get a last look, or even a first look, at hopefuls for the May 19 municipal primary election may want to head to East Torresdale in the coming weeks.
Two neighborhood condominium complexes will host separate “Meet the Candidates” programs, according to leaders of the East Torresdale Civic Association. During the ETCA’s monthly meeting on March 9, the group’s education committee chairwoman, Adelaide Martin, reported that Baker’s Bay will host one forum on April 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., while neighboring Delaire Landing will host another on May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
In unrelated business, ETCA President Lew Halas reported that there was no new information available about a proposed credit union branch that has drawn skepticism from residents. Philadelphia Federal Credit Union wants to open a new office at Frankford Avenue and Academy Road on a portion of the James D. Morrissey Inc. property. A third party would buy the land and build a structure that the credit union would lease.
Problem is, the intersection is very busy with traffic, while the proposed site has limited access. ETCA members voted against the plan in January. Later, an attorney representing the developer offered to commission a traffic study of the area. That study has not been completed, Halas said.
The plan was supposed to go before the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment on April 1, but there is no ETCA meeting scheduled before then. So either the hearing will be postponed or the civic group will not revisit the issue.
The Upper Holmesburg Civic Association is also considering the proposal and has yet to take a vote to support or oppose it.
The ETCA is lining up several guest speakers for its April 13 meeting. Possible speakers include City Councilman Bobby Henon, who is running for reelection; a judicial candidate; and a representative for the Philadelphia Gas Works’ EnergySense program. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Liberty Evangelical Free Church. ••
