The Greater Bustleton Civic League last week discussed the lawsuit filed against the group by the St. Louis-based owner of the property at 1 Red Lion Road, the proposed future home of a UPS sorting facility.
The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas, accuses the GBCL of filing frivolous appeals to prevent Relteva from building a facility that would bring 425 jobs.
The ground is zoned industrial, and Relteva believes it can build “by right.” GBCL is appealing the granting of building and zoning permits to Commonwealth Court.
Opponents cite traffic as the main reason they don’t want the facility built.
GBCL fears that hefty legal bills will cause its insurance company to significantly raise its rates or drop coverage. In that case, the group – founded in 1941 – could dissolve. Renewal for directors and officers insurance is due in June.
Some members are angry about a lack of support from elected officials.
“They haven’t done a goddamn thing for us,” one man said.
Alice Udovich, an aide to City Councilman Brian O’Neill, noted via Zoom that the city has determined that construction can proceed by right, but that courts will have the final say.
In other news from the Feb. 28 meeting:
• Joe Staszak, community relations officer in the 7th Police District, welcomed kids to meet the Easter Bunny on April 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the district at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street.
Staszak will attend Coffee with a Cop on Friday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bustleton Memorial American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.
Capt. Steven O’Brien, commander of the district, spoke on Zoom and offered crime news from the last 28 days. He spoke of an attempted carjacking on the 300 block of Hoffnagle St. and the robbery of an expensive Ducati motorcycle from the rider on the 8500 block of Verree Road.
In addition, there was a burglary of a condo on the 9900 block of Norwalk Road.
There were three commercial burglaries: at the T-Mobile on the 8500 block of Bustleton Ave., a storage facility on the 200 block of Geiger Road and a car wash on the 1900 block of Grant Ave.
There were 72 thefts from autos, with one arrest at Bustleton and Grant avenues. Among the thefts were 39 catalytic converters. Twenty-two vehicles were unlocked. Six vehicles had their windows smashed.
• The GBCL approved a homeowner’s request to add a patio covering and carport to his home at 9722 Walley Ave. The vote was 21-11.
• The Bustleton Bengals will hold a clothing drive on Saturday, April 22, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at President Street and Conwell Avenue. The club will also be collecting accessories, household items, toys, car seats and strollers and accepting payments for engraved bricks to be placed outside the gym.
• The Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet on Tuesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. at American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. ••
