Last week’s meeting saw updates from City Councilman Bobby Henon, the Insectarium and Bridge Way School.
City Councilman Bobby Henon addressed last week’s meeting of the Holmesburg Civic Association, telling members he is happy with the opening of the bridge carrying Frankford Avenue over Pennypack Creek.
Dave Wyszynski, an aide to state Rep. Mike Driscoll, said the lawmaker thanks the community for its patience during the renovations, which lasted more than five months.
Henon spoke of upcoming training classes for CPR certification. He also wants to see all pharmacies carry Narcan, an FDA-approved emergency nasal spray that can be used to counter opioid overdoses. No prescription is needed for Narcan, which costs $75, though identification is required.
The councilman reminded residents that the House of Correction remains standing, though it is closed. He said the facility is aging, noting it was built during the Ulysses S. Grant administration. The prison is being studied, with demolition possible.
Henon invited constituents to visit his office at 6730 Torresdale Ave. for any needs.
In other news from the Sept. 11 meeting:
• Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion CEO John Cambridge told the crowd of the creatures that were stolen by former employees and interns. The civic association is donating $500 to help the museum recover.
Cambridge also gave an update on the Greater Holmesburg Business Association, which will meet Thursday morning and sponsor the Philadelphia Oddities Expo on Nov. 3 at the Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Holmesburg Community Development Corporation is working to secure funding.
• The civic association’s executive board approved legalization of a duplex at 8012 Craig St.
Members unanimously voted to not oppose conversion of an illegal triplex into a duplex at 7737 Walker St.
• The Bridge Way School, 7360 Jackson St., will hold an open house on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bridge Way is a tuition-free high school for students in recovery. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 267–437–2194 or visit thebridgewayschool.org
• Holmesburg Civic Association will meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center, Rhawn and Ditman streets. ••
