Capt. Steven O’Brien, new commander of the 7th Police District, attended last week’s Zoom meeting of the Greater Bustleton Civic League. O’Brien replaced Robert Ritchie, who was promoted to inspector.
O’Brien has been with the department for 32 years, with stops in the 15th, 19th and 25th districts, the last of which he referred to as the “badlands.”
Police officials often mention a spike in stolen catalytic converters. O’Brien was a victim, saying his was stolen one day at 3 p.m. while parked at 11th Street and Olney Avenue.
Meanwhile, 7th district community relations officer Joe Staszak will hold Coffee with a Cop on Friday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. at Dunkin’ Donuts, 9834 Bustleton Ave. Also, a cleanup is planned at Lackman Playground, 1101 Bartlett St., on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m.
In other news from the Jan. 25 meeting:
• Lenny Greenfield, owner of Greenfield Manufacturing, 9800 Bustleton Ave., discussed his company’s installment of 964 solar panels on its roof. The site is the former home of Perfecseal, a medical supply store that closed in 2015, with equipment and jobs going to Wisconsin.
Greenfield said the panels will help his company save a lot of money on electricity costs. He expects to recoup the investment in six to seven years.
Micah Gold-Markel also discussed the project. He’s the founder of Solar States, which performed the work.
• The civic group awaits a Court of Common Pleas date for its appeal of a decision by the city Department of Licenses and Inspections to grant permits to UPS for a distribution hub at 1 Red Lion Road.
• Permits have been requested for a Laundromat at 9418 Bustleton Ave. [at Grant Avenue].
A TD Bank branch is being built at Welsh Road and Roosevelt Boulevard.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing on Feb. 2 will be continued as a developer works with City Councilman Brian O’Neill on a proposal to build single homes at 1819-25 Gregg St. O’Neill has said he favors new streets for such developments, which would decrease the density of the plan.
• The Bustleton Bengals will hold their semi-annual clothing drive on Saturday, April 30, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at President Street and Conwell Avenue.
• Philadelphians can request smoke alarms by calling 311 or using the app, and the fire department will install them in your home.
• The Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet on Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. ••
