PennDOT last week provided an update on I-95 construction at the Tacony Civic Association meeting.
Sandi Yeakley, project manager at Alfred Benesch, showed a slide indicating that the first two phases of the construction have been completed.
But when she told residents that phase three would not begin until 2021, they began to grumble and asked to know why there would be a delay.
Yeakley said federal funding for the $50 million phase will not be available until then. Bidding still has to take place, and the work will be finished by 2023.
Previous work went from 2011-18.
Upcoming work will feature a southbound ramp at Cottman Avenue and reconstruction of Wissinoming Street, from Cottman to Princeton Avenue. Lighting and landscaping will be added.
In related news, neighbors are skeptical about a proposed 200,000-square-foot warehouse coming to 7071 Milnor St. (at Princeton). Some years ago, Princeton was converted from one-way eastbound to two ways, but neighbors worry that more truck traffic will come to the avenue if the warehouse opens.
Also, turn lanes are planned for New State Road at Magee Avenue, where MaST Community Charter School recently opened. The work will be done by either PennDOT or MaST. The turn lanes will be in both directions, with two lanes of traffic remaining each way.
For more information, visit 95Revive.com.
In other news from the Nov. 13 meeting:
• Joe Sannutti, president emeritus of Tacony Civic, has replaced Mike Thaete as president, and will serve until an election in May.
• Tacony Masonic Temple, 4400 Magee Ave., will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $8, or $5 for kids ages 6-12. Toys for Tots will be collected. Food items will be accepted for the cupboard at Ronald McDonald House.
• Tara Gontek, an aide to state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, welcomed constituents to visit his office at 4725 Richmond St. Gontek said Hohenstein is looking to open a second office near Frankford Avenue in the Mayfair area.
• Tacony Library, Torresdale Avenue and Knorr Street, welcomes people to visit on Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, to place online Christmas shopping orders. Staff will train people who do not know how to order online. The library will also participate in Winterfest, on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. The afternoon will include a visit by Santa Claus, trolley tours and crafts.
• Megan McLaughlin, community relations officer at the 15th Police District, will no longer be attending Tacony Civic meetings, as she has been placed on steady day shift.
• The office of City Councilman Bobby Henon, 6730 Torresdale Ave., is a dropoff site for Toys for Tots and coats for the needy.
• Tacony Civic Association will meet again on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at Tacony LIbrary. ••
