The Lawncrest Community Association considered two zoning matters at its recent meeting.
The civic association unanimously approved a sandwich shop proposed for 5825 Rising Sun Ave.
The group overwhelmingly opposed, with one person in support, a variance for a body shop and paint booth at 6610 Hasbrook Ave. Concerns included too many vehicles parked on the site and worries that the tenant would not adhere to requirements.
In other news from the July 17 meeting:
• State Rep. Anthony Bellmon spoke about the ongoing budget negotiations. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $51.5 billion budget, which should have been adopted by June 30, but the governor, Senate and House have not come to an agreement. The Democratic-controlled House on July 14 passed a $50.6 billion budget.
Bellmon is blaming the Republican-controlled Senate for the delay, and said he hopes for an agreement so funds can flow to schools and nonprofits.
In addition, SEPTA is asking for money to erase a $213 million deficit. Bellmon, who serves on the Transportation Committee, said House Democrats favor increasing the portion of the sales tax that goes to mass transit from 4.4 percent to 6-plus percent. House Democrats, he said, also favors more money for roads and bridges.
Bellmon invited constituents to visit his office at 7215 Rising Sun Ave.
• LCA vice president Heather Miller said the Lawncrest 4th of July Celebration – which took place on July 5 – was a success. The celebration featured daytime events – all free – for the first time since 2019. The celebration ended with a 30-minute fireworks display. The parade and flea market will return next year.
• State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold three more community picnics this summer. The schedule is Thursday, July 31, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 7, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St. Times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children must be present to receive a backpack. There will be free refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, games and face painting. Call 215-291-4653.
• The swimming pool at Lawncrest Recreation Center finally opened on July 18.
• The mummified remains of a woman were found on June 30 in a property at 5740 Rising Sun Ave., which was once Clinton Jewelers.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at St. William’s Monsignor James E. Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. The group will consider three zoning cases: legalization of a duplex at 636 Kerper St., oversized fencing at 6012 Hasbrook Ave. and a wraparound deck and side yard parking at 601 Devereaux Ave. (at Bingham Street).
At the September meeting, LCA will consider a duplex legalization at 311½ E. Godfrey Ave.
Future zoning cases are a proposed duplex at 6029 Palmetto St., a duplex legalization at 543 Van Kirk St., a bodega at 537 Sanger St., a parking issue at 5900 Rising Sun Ave. (at Van Kirk Street), a proposed 5-unit apartment at 6325 Palmetto St. and an event space at 6424 Rising Sun Ave. ••
