Several members of City Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada’s staff answered questions at last week’s Take Back Your Neighborhood meeting.
Talishka Viera spoke about Lozada’s second annual Classroom Kickoff, to be held Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. at her office at 4821 Frankford Ave. There will be free backpacks, food, games and health resources. Each child must be present to receive a backpack.
Viera also mentioned that Lozada’s office welcomes calls from constituents who would like their alleys cleaned. To get on the list, call 215-686-3448.
The packet given to members also included information about the Philadelphia Parking Authority Neighborhood Enforcement Unit. To report nuisance vehicles or illegally parked trucks or tractor trailers, call 215-683-9620.
Deputy chief of staff Thomas Kang stepped in when members began asking about the proposed “road diet” for Castor Avenue, moving it from four lanes to three, with a left-turn lane, from Oxford Circle to Cottman Avenue.
The proposal comes from PennDOT, with support from state Rep. Jared Solomon.
TBYN is suing PennDOT, Solomon and SEPTA in Commonwealth Court, asking for an injunction to halt construction, which is planned for 2027.
Kang said Lozada has not decided whether or not to support the project because she has not seen details of a final proposal.
TBYN opposes the plan for various reasons. Members worry that a narrower road will cause congestion due to the presence of buses, delivery vehicles and double parking. That congestion, they say, will lead some motorists to use side streets. In addition, they say businesses will be harmed during the long construction period.
In other news from the July 21 meeting:
• Mark Mroz, the community relations officer in the 2nd Police District, invited people to attend National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5, outside Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. The 2nd and 7th police districts will hold a leisurely bike ride at 5 p.m. All participants will be eligible for a drawing for a new bike.
National Night Out starts at 5:30.
Mroz also provided crime stats so far this year compared to last year.
There were seven murders in the 2nd district at this time a year ago. So far this year, there have been two.
Crimes on the decline are shootings, robberies, residential burglaries and retail thefts.
On the rise are stolen autos, with the most frequent targets being Honda CR-Vs and Accords. Mroz recommended owners of those models buy a steering wheel lock.
The 2nd district is also making more car stops, particularly for aggressive driving. ••
