Comcast is doing good work in Philly
Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to work directly with a number of the nonprofit organizations that Comcast supports in its efforts to increase Philadelphia’s broadband penetration rates, close the digital divide and improve digital literacy skills.
A misconception to so many is that cost is the primary factor that keeps so many Philadelphians from broadband adoption, but that is not the fact. The largest barriers to Philadelphians’ adoption of broadband are their perceived lack of relevance and not understanding the value of broadband access.
Since launching the Internet Essentials Program in August 2011, Comcast has directly sponsored hundreds of digital literacy classes to thousands of Philadelphia residents for free, enabling them to learn basic computer and Internet skills.
Classes like Introduction to Computers, Computer Basics, Internet Basics and Finding and Applying for a Job Online have helped parents, the unemployed, the under-employed and many of those approximately 35 percent of Philadelphians who are on the wrong side of the digital divide, to recognize the relevancy and value of computers and Internet access at home for themselves and for their children.
Mayor Michael Nutter, the city of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia and many of Philadelphia’s leading nonprofits are working hand in hand with Comcast to raise the level of digital literacy and close the digital divide in Philadelphia.
Comcast’s efforts in Philadelphia and throughout the areas of the United States that it serves has made significant meaningful progress to close the digital divide while increasing broadband penetration rates, and they are making a positive difference for the people and, most importantly, the school children of Philadelphia.
Kevin J. Cafferky
Center City
Absentee landlords a problem in the Northeast
There is a blight growing in Northeast Philadelphia It is caused by people who buy up multiple homes, and then immediately rent them out, without modifications (like soundproofing) as rental properties.
I now experience this problem, first-hand. A loud rental family, a barking dog and a mysterious owner have suddenly made my recent retirement very unpleasant.
I have been told that some investors buy multiple properties, take ownership using a false identity, and rent them out with no concern for the neighbors — because the investors don’t live here.
I think my problem can be resolved, but where do I make a complaint?
A lawyer traced the new owner to an address in New York. So far, no response. City agencies just hem and haw.
Is there nothing we can do?
Nothing?
If a purchaser gives false identity at settlement — then the property transfer should be revoked. Also, no one buying a single-family home should be able to rent it out until they meet and discuss it with the immediate neighbors and provide direct phone and mail access for complaints.
In the 35 years I’ve owned my home, I have paid over $50,000 in property taxes. I have earned a say in any decision that affects me 24/7.
If you are facing such a problem, please contact your local elected officials. Let them know our community is being degraded by absentee landlords. I can be reached at [email protected].
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
