The Burholme Civic Association paid tribute last week to the late Paul Andris, one of its founding members.
Andris, 90, died on Feb. 24, and a large crowd gathered at Presentation BVM Church for his viewing. Civic members observed a moment of silence in his memory.
A daughter, Mary, attended the civic meeting. Longtime treasurer and secretary, Pat Donnelly and Jeanette Scally, spoke fondly of Andris, who helped found the group following the 1994 beating death of teenager Eddie Polec.
Andris was remembered for recruiting Town Watch members, teaching new members how to patrol, explaining the proper use of 911, delivering flyers to boost meeting attendance and replying, “Faaantastic,” when someone would ask him how he was doing.
“Paul, we miss you. We love you. We’re here because of you,” Scally said. “He was a good guy. He was a wonderful asset to this community. His reward in heaven is great.”
In other news from the March 9 meeting:
• The group opposed a bid by the owners of Rosario Trucking, 7353 Oxford Ave., to legalize their vehicle repair shop and 6-foot-high fence. The property is zoned residential.
Neighbors had numerous complaints: the high number of tires, a car wash, ATV joy riding, late-night music, parking, violation notices, too much lighting, cars parked on the sidewalk and the overall look of a junkyard.
One man said when he complained about the spray painting of tires, a worker told him, “Get the f— off this property.”
The vote was 12 opposed, zero in favor and two willing to consider provisos.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is scheduled for April 12.
• Mark Mroz, community relations officer in the 2nd Police District, said the district will be on the lookout for underage drinkers on St. Patrick’s Day.
Capt. Marc Metellus, the new commander in the 2nd Police District, introduced himself to the crowd. He’s a Haiti native who lives in Jenkintown. He will hold a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road.
• Burholme Civic Association will meet on Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. Candidates in the May 16 primary have been invited. ••
