There were plenty of topics discussed at the recent 15th Police District Advisory Council meeting.
Capr. Marques Newsome, commander of the 15th Police District, said robberies with guns and homicides in the district are down from last year, while burglaries are up.
A man said he has sent photos to the district about cars parking on sidewalks, in the middle of rear driveways and at corners near fire hydrants.
“Nothing has been done,” he said.
Another man complained of illegal car washes and food vendors.
Newsome said the district is addressing the complaints.
Rich Montanez, a deputy commissioner in the city Department of Streets, said there are 200 vacancies for crossing guards. Montanez said the city is installing LED lighting on streets. In response to a question about speed cushions, Montanez said 360 cushions are installed per year, and the department is seeking money for more. He said anyone requesting speed cushions can use 311 or email Richard.Montanez@phila.gov
One man suggested sanitation workers should be equipped with shovels and brooms to clean up trash that spills from bags. A woman complained that sanitation workers often don’t put trash cans and recycling buckets back on sidewalks. A man requested more paved streets, including the X-in-the-box at some corners.
In other news from the Aug. 26 meeting:
• No arrests have been made in the Aug. 17 robbery of Emporio Latino Grocery, 2837 Tyson Ave. Police said three female employees were leaving the business through the rear to close the store when they were approached by three male offenders armed with guns. Everyone was forced back into the store. One of the victims was assaulted. The offenders fled with the cell phones of the victims, and an undisclosed amount of money taken from a safe. The offenders fled in a silver sedan. The victims were able to recover their cell phones on the 2900 block of Princeton Ave. Call Northeast Detectives at 215-686-3153 with any information.
• Among those in attendance were aides to state Reps. Pat Gallagher, Joe Hohenstein and Jason Dawkins, state Sen. Jimmy Dillon and City Councilman Mike Driscoll; former Councilman and mayoral candidate David Oh; and Senate candidate Joe Picozzi.
• The Frankford Community Development Corporation will hold a festival on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., at 5129 Frankford Ave. There will be free popcorn and cotton candy, pumpkin painting, a moonbounce, face painting, live music and food trucks. ••
