Residents at a recent Frankford Civic Association meeting discussed a recent fire near the CDC and a proposed drug recovery house.
A recent fire near the Frankford Community Development Corporation building and a proposed drug recovery house were the main topics of conversation at the Nov. 1 Frankford Civic Association meeting.
The fire burned in two buildings adjacent to the CDC’s office on the 4600 block of Paul St., according to Ellie Vamos, the organization’s commercial corridor manager.
“Fortunately, our building was not damaged by the fire, but we did sustain some pretty significant smoke and water damage,” Vamos said.
Vamos said the blaze did cause significant damage to a boarding house on the block. A family with a 4-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were displaced by the fire, and the CDC and state Rep. Jason Dawkins’ office are collecting clothing, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, toys, books and other supplies for the family, Vamos said.
“They lost pretty much everything in that fire,” she added.
The CDC will operate out of its old office on the 4900 block of Griscom Street for the time being. Vamos said they haven’t been told when they will be able to move back in to the Paul Street property.
Dawkins’ office, which was housed in the CDC building, has also moved to 4900 Griscom St. and will be providing “extremely limited services,” according to a Facebook post. He advised residents to contact state Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s office at 215–533–0440 for state-related concerns.
Residents at the meeting also discussed a controversial drug recovery center planned for a property at 4800 Frankford Ave.
As previously reported by the Times, the Wedge Recovery Center is applying for a zoning variance to put a 16-room group living facility on the site for young men struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
Residents at the Oct. 12 Neighborhood Advisory Committee meeting expressed significant opposition to the proposal, and people at the civic meeting reiterated some of the same concerns.
Pat Smiley, who facilitated the meeting, and others urged residents who are against the proposal to show up at the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on the property, which will be held Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. at 1515 Arch St.
In other news from the meeting:
- Vamos said the CDC wants to have a tree-lighting ceremony and holiday market next month at Pause Park near Frankford Avenue and Paul Street. More details will be released soon, and interested vendors should contact the CDC at 215–743–6580 or info@frankfordcdc.com.
- The Frankford Library, 4634 Frankford Ave., will be holding an open house Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Residents will be encouraged to get involved in the library. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP by emailing SantosG@freelibrary.org
- The Frankford NAC will hold a zoning meeting Thursday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1801 Meadow St. Several matters are expected to be on the agenda, including the legalization of a rooming house at 1713 Dyre St., a proposed personal service establishment on the first floor of a residential property at 2001 Bridge St., an application for a four-family dwelling at 2008 Orthodox St., a proposed second-floor expansion of a bar at 4101–07 Paul St. and an application for a third-story addition and pilot house at 4500–14 Frankford Ave. ••
Jack Tomczuk can be reached at jtomczuk@newspapermediagroup.com
