Attorney Meredith Ferleger, representing PECO Energy, outlined a switchgear and transformer replacement project at last week’s meeting of the Lawncrest Community Association.
The work will be done at the PECO substation at 651 Foulkrod St. The outdoor switchgear is 70 years old, and the replacement will be in an enclosure that is 16 feet, 7 inches high.
Electric service will not be affected, and there are no environmental issues on site.
The property is zoned residential, and PECO needs a variance. Members voted unanimously to support the project.
A zoning board hearing will take place in late March. Work is expected to continue through April 2026.
In other news from the Feb. 15 meeting:
• The 2nd Police District was represented by Capt. Marc Metellus, Sgt. Matt Lowe and community relations officer Mark Mroz.
The Civilian Police Academy is looking for members. The class meets nine times on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the police academy, 2838 Woodhaven Road. The deadline to enroll is March 22. Contact Cpl. Megan Fabrizio at 215-934-4147 or Megan.Fabrizio@phila.gov.
Meanwhile, a benefit will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6-10 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road, for three 2nd district officers shot in October during an incident on the 7500 block of Whitaker Ave. The event will honor Sgt. Mitchell Farrell and Officers John Hesdon and Samantha Gress. There will be a silent auction, DJ and raffle baskets. No tickets will be sold, but monetary donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, call Officer Judy Kinniry at 267-515-8887, Cpl. Christopher Bennett at 215-605-0414 or Erin O’Donnell at 215-205-1922.
• State Rep. Anthony Bellmon said he authored a resolution that extends the disaster emergency declaration for the I-95 overpass that collapsed last June. The declaration, which allows PennDOT to access emergency funding, now extends to May 29.
Bellmon also helped secure $50,000 for Lawncrest Recreation Center renovations.
The lawmaker welcomed constituents to call his office at 215-560-1315.
• Lawncrest Recreation Center is expected to close as soon as March in anticipation of construction beginning in the spring.
The rec center will have a new playground, concession area, gym flooring, bathrooms, ADA ramp and steps, windows, doors, tennis courts, soccer mini-pitch, walking loop, benches, trash cans, landscaping, trees and HVAC system, lighting and electrical upgrades, relocated basketball courts and an addition that will have a volleyball court and half-court basketball.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. at St. William’s Monsignor James E. Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. The group will hear a proposal about a triplex at 632 Devereaux Ave. ••
