Amy Kurland, Philadelphia’s inspector general, told members of the Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association that her office is trying to erase Philadelphia’s reputation as being “corrupt and contented.”
Kurland worked for 24 years as an assistant U.S. attorney. She was hired by Mayor Michael Nutter, who she said ran on a platform of “throw the bums out.”
Kurland, who has 20 investigators on her staff, credited city employees with providing most of the tips that lead to probes.
Kurland urged people to report corruption, fraud, abuse and misconduct by calling 215–686–1770 or visiting www.phila.gov/oig
In other news from the March 12 meeting:
• Mike Thompson, of the City Planning Commission’s Central Northeast District Plan, said the five points intersection of Cottman, Oxford and Rising Sun avenues will be the focus of future improvements in Burholme.
In all, there are about three dozen recommendations.
Specifically, there are plans to add lighting and improve the war memorial.
As plans move forward, Thompson will work with the newly formed Burholme Business Association.
The project is part of Philadelphia2035.
For more information, visit phila2035.org
• Dianne Murphy, community relations officer in the 2nd Police District, reported a rise in thefts from autos. Murphy welcomed residents of the district to call her with questions or complaints at 215–685–7276.
• An aide to City Councilman Brian O’Neill said recycling buckets are available at the councilman’s office at 432 Rhawn St.
• Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association will meet on Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, at Cottman and Lawndale avenues. Members will discuss a proposed nail salon at 1254 Cottman Ave. ••
