The civic association also heard from 8th Police District community relations officer Patricia Rosati about car thefts.
The East Torresdale Civic Association is planning to appeal a recent decision by the Zoning Board of Adjustment to approve an outdoor patio at Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe, located at 9242 N. Delaware Ave.
Bill Kennedy, the association’s vice president, told the Times at the group’s Sept. 10 meeting that the community organization is raising money to mount a court appeal.
As previously reported, the ZBA in July approved Maggie’s request for the outdoor patio but denied the restaurant’s application for an employee parking lot on Arendell Avenue. The patio has to be closed by 9:30 p.m.
Maggie’s and the civic association have been at odds for years over a number of issues, including zoning and noise.
Kevin Goodchild, the restaurant’s owner, was in attendance at the Sept. 10 meeting but did not have any updates for the association.
In other news from the meeting, 8th Police District community relations officer Patricia Rosati urged residents to lock their cars due to a high number of vehicle thefts in the area recently.
“Ninety-five percent of our theft from autos is them trying the door and the door being unlocked,” she told residents.
Rosati said criminals used to break into cars by smashing windows. Now, they just try the door handle, looking for cars that are unlocked, she said.
One resident said she saw someone go around on the Fourth of July and touch every car on her block.
Rosati also told those at the meeting that they should not keep their owner’s card, registration, electronics, jewelry and other valuable items in their vehicles.
The civic association’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at Liberty Evangelical Free Church, Linden Avenue and Minor Street. One zoning matter, regarding an addition to a home at 4503 Arendell Ave., will be on the agenda. ••
