The East Torresdale Civic Association began Monday night’s meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and 30 seconds of self-reflection about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The guest speaker was Erin Czech, waterways conservation officer for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Czech, of Cheltenham, has been in her job for 28 years, following seven years as a Fairmount Park ranger.
Czech’s territory is Philadelphia and a portion of Montgomery County. East Torresdale residents rely on Czech and the 8th Police District to monitor noise and illegal dirt bikes in and around Pleasant Hill Park. In general, Czech said she works well with New Jersey law enforcement that patrols the Delaware River.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll has introduced legislation that would crack down on illegal street vehicle activities – such as those in and near Pleasant Hill Park – saying they are a danger to the public. Possible penalties would be a $2,000 fine and seizure of their vehicle. The legislation has passed Council, but has not been signed by Mayor Jim Kenney.
Joe Carson, ETCA president, said he’s heard the law department has some concerns about the bill. If Kenney does not act on the bill, it will become law. If he vetoes the bill, Council will override him.
Jerry Czech, Erin’s husband and a Pennsylvania Game Commission officer assigned to Montgomery County, said he believes the only way illegal vehicles will be seized is if the police department uses a special detail.
People can go to fishandboat.com to obtain a license to fish or use a boat or jet ski and to learn boating safety tips such as life jackets that fit for every person on a boat.
In other news, Driscoll and state Sen. Jimmy Dillon will hold a paper-shredding event on Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at InnovAge, 4401 Megargee St.
Ross Mitchell, executive director of Glen Foerd on the Delaware, will speak at an upcoming ETCA meeting about the property’s planned new parking lot. ••
