Jackie Ng, community outreach specialist for the Philadelphia Water Department, addressed last week’s meeting of the Fox Chase Civic Association.
Ng outlined Green Stormwater Infrastructure, a 25-year plan that began about 12 years ago.
Stormwater runoff can lead to pollution and flooding.
The city mitigates the runoff by absorbing the water via tree trenches, rain gardens and bump outs.
Homeowners pay for the program through a charge that can be found on their water bill.
For more information, visit water.phila.gov/projects.
In other news from the April 10 meeting:
• State Sen. Jimmy Dillon invited the crowd to visit his district offices at the Parkwood Shopping Center (next to the Pretzel Factory) and at 10007 Ferndale St.
Dillon will hold ScamJam on Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon, at American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. Learn how to protect yourself from scams and identity theft. Register at 215-695-1020.
Dillon’s opponent, Joe Picozzi, was also at the meeting.
• The group heard from Capt. Scott DiDonato, the new commander of the 2nd Police District; 7th Police District community relations officer Joe Staszak; and Rockledge Police Chief John Gallagher.
DiDonato, who has 21 years on the job, said his transition has been helped by all the good officers in the 2nd.
Staszak mentioned someone stole $600 from the cash register and cartons of cigarettes from E-Z Gas II, 8275 Bustleton Ave., while it was closed. He also announced that a man was arrested as he tried to steal a Hyundai at Algon Avenue and Fox Chase Road.
Gallagher promoted the second annual St. Cecilia School Legacy Run, which will take place on Saturday, April 20. The event is a 5K run/1-mile walk that raises money for a scholarship fund that benefits students at St. Cecilia who have a parent who is an alum of St. Cecilia or St. William. Sign up at https://runningintheusa.com/details/137457.
• City Councilman Brian O’Neill will host three events on upcoming Saturdays, all from 9-11 a.m. at his district offices. There will be an e-cycle event at 1701 Bowler St. (at Bustleton Avenue) on May 18. A shredding event, sponsored by the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, will take place on June 1 at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. There will be a recycle bucket giveaway on June 8 at 432 Rhawn St. in Fox Chase, behind American Heritage Credit Union. ••
