Bustleton neighbors heard updates from police among many other updates at Greater Bustleton Civic League’s March meeting.
Capt. Robert Ritchie, commander of the 7th Police District, said they were able to catch the people who robbed an elderly man at a CVS thanks to tips from the public. The tips led them directly to the residing place of the robbers. The 85-year-old man whom they robbed suffered a stroke as a result of being pushed over during the robbery, but he has since been released from the hospital, Ritchie said.
Ritchie also reported a robbery in a Somerton residence where the resident was attacked by a man in his own home with a wrench, knocking the resident out and stealing his car. There were no signs of forced entry into the home, Ritchie said.
Police also arrested a group of thieves who were stealing catalytic converters from cars and selling them, Ritchie said. The person who was buying the parts was also caught. The number of charges they will face is yet to be determined.
He also reported a series of related thefts targeting coin-operated machines such as washing and drying machines in apartment complexes, saying there were four similar instances in four days. Ritchie recommended that apartment complexes in the area that use coin-operated machines change to a card-based system to avoid thefts such as this.
In other news:
- Neighbors voted almost unanimously to support a variance request to add signage to Jefferson Hospital at 9501 Roosevelt Blvd. Rothman Institute requested to add signage of the institute’s logo on the exterior of the fourth floor of the building, which they occupy. The sign will be illuminated but will turn off at night around 9 p.m. A variance is required to display signage above the second floor of a building.
- It’s been one year since an announcement was made about a massive warehouse being constructed at the former Budd plant site at 1 Red Lion Road, and little information has been made known about the site since, said GBCL president Jack O’Hara.
“We just want assurances that our best interests are being looked out for,” O’Hara said. - GBCL annual executive board elections for president, vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer will happen in May, with nominations being submitted in April. Contact Tommy James at junie412@hotmail.com for nomination information and election volunteering.
- There will be a cleanup Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the area of the intersection of Grant Avenue and Welsh Road where the train trestle bridge is.
- The Bustleton Bengals are holding a clothing drive Saturday, April 27, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is also baseball opening day. They are holding a community field cleanup day April 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are looking for volunteers. They will also host a yoga class April 7 and 28 at 9 a.m.
- GBCL recently launched a website. Visit GBCL.online for updates and more information.
- Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month. Next meeting will be held April 24 at American Heritage Federal Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road.
