The Parkwood Civic Association last week listened to a proposal to build housing on a lot at 3114 Byberry Road.
The owners were represented by attorney Rich DeMarco.
DeMarco explained that the initial proposal would bring six large three-story rowhomes to the lot. The houses would each have three bedrooms, 2½ baths and a one-car garage.
City Councilman Brian O’Neill said the proposal would be “dead on arrival” unless it was a perfect fit for Parkwood.
Neighbors had various concerns, including parking and density. DeMarco said he and the owners will discuss the possibility of twins for a total of four homes.
In other news from the Oct. 16 meeting:
• John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, spoke on behalf of O’Neill’s re-election.
McNesby said O’Neill, a Republican, has helped the FOP on issues such as pension, pay raises and the move to its Caroline Road location. The union boss added that it’s no time to elect someone who’ll need on-the-job training. O’Neill faces Democrat Judy Moore.
“Do Philadelphia police officers a solid,” he said, urging a vote for O’Neill.
McNesby is already looking forward to the 2021 election, when he will lead the opposition to District Attorney Larry Krasner.
“He’s terrorizing the city of Philadelphia,” McNesby said.
McNesby added that Krasner’s policies have led to “half-empty” prisons on State Road and threaten the strong neighborhoods in the Far Northeast.
The crowd applauded McNesby’s anti-Krasner comments.
Members were also happy to hear that McNesby will be giving the civic association FOP bar/restaurant gift cards.
• The meeting was moved to Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast Regional Center so the city election commissioners office could bring a new voting machine to a handicapped-accessible location. But it rained, and the machine never made it. The scheduled speaker from Self Help Movement also did not attend.
• State Rep. Martina White will hold a prescription drug take back day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 7th Police District, 1701 Bowler St.
• Parkwood Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. at St. Anselm parish hall, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road. ••
