State Sen. Tina Tartaglione discussed laws targeting shops that sell food and alcohol at last week’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting.
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) visited last week’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting, explaining a new law that increases the authority to deal with stop-and-go nuisance businesses.
Gov. Tom Wolf on Nov. 1 signed a bill allowing the Liquor Control Board to suspend the license of a business that does not meet the requirement for seating, square footage, food or health.
For example, large food establishments must have at least 30 chairs.
“They can’t have them stacked up in the corner,” Tartaglione said.
Tartaglione said she’s been part of a 20-year effort to pass the legislation. She said a turning point came when a leading Republican lawmaker discovered he was able to receive a shot of Jack Daniels in a Dixie cup through Plexiglas.
Tartaglione also spoke of a $500,000 grant that will support the city Department of Streets’ plan for pedestrian improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard at Adams and Summerdale avenues.
The senator reminded residents that the deadlines are Dec. 7 to enroll in Medicare and Dec. 15 to sign up for Obamacare.
In other news from the Nov. 21 meeting:
• Rachel Meadows, an aide to City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, outlined a bill introduced by Parker intended to better regulate nuisance businesses and stop-and-go establishments that sell beer or liquor. The bill proposes to clarify requirements for food establishments to obtain and maintain their licenses. It would better align with state law.
The bill was introduced on Nov. 2. There will be a public Health and Human Services Committee hearing in City Council on Dec. 4. The legislation could be passed and signed into law as soon as Dec. 14.
To testify, call 215–686–3410.
• Capt. Thomas McLean, commander of the 2nd Police District, and community relations officer Mark Mroz provided crime updates.
• Lawndale Holy Grace Presbyterian Church, 346 Levick St. (at Oakley Street), will hold a Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3 p.m. A fellowship supper will follow. Admission is free. Call 215–745–2881.
• Michelle Price-Randall, of the city Department of Commerce, introduced herself, telling residents she will begin work on Dec. 4 overseeing a portion of the commercial corridors on Rising Sun, Bustleton and Castor avenues.
• The city has approved a red light camera for the intersection of Rising Sun Avenue and Levick Street.
• The LCA observed a moment of silence in memory of neighbor Mary Jane Halbherr, community activist Lorraine Brill and former 35th Ward Democratic leader George Naulty.
• Members sung Happy Birthday to civic group president Bill Dolbow, who is 60.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet again on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at St. William parish hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. The group will hold its annual Christmas party that night. ••
