The state Supreme Court has denied a request by the Greater Bustleton Civic League to present new evidence and witnesses in its challenge to a Zoning Board of Adjustment decision to permit UPS to build a large sorting facility at 1 Red Lion Road.
The announcement was made at last week’s civic meeting by GBCL president Jack O’Hara and attorney Paul Toner, of Orphanides & Toner.
There will be no further appeals.
The civic opposes the project because of the amount of traffic it will add to the area.
Relteva, which owns the Red Lion Road property, has sued the GBCL for appealing. The suit caused the civic group’s insurer to not renew its directors and officers insurance policy. The policy with a new company is much more costly.
It remains to be seen whether Relteva will continue its lawsuit and when the UPS facility will be built.
Dan Lodise, a Bustleton resident and aide to City Councilman Isaiah Thomas, suggested the civic approach Mayor Cherelle Parker to gauge her view of the project, which was unveiled when Jim Kenney was mayor.
In other news from the June 24 meeting:
• Capt. Steven O’Brien and community relations officer Al Fiorentino, of the 7th Police District, were in attendance. The crowd heard from Lt. Brian Geer, of the Major Crimes Unit. Geer’s focus is the auto squad.
Geer said the number of Kia and Hyundai vehicles being stolen is on the decline because the companies made a software fix. The number of carjackings and stolen catalytic converters is also down, Geer added, thanks to investigations and cooperation among law enforcement.
In Philadelphia, he said, 28 percent of vehicles stolen are in the 2nd, 7th, 8th and 15th districts. That number is down from 32 percent.
Geer showed members a locksmith tool made by Autel that looks like a large cell phone and sells for $415 on Amazon.
“I can steal a car with this in a minute and a half,” he said.
Geer said there are no foolproof ways to stop someone from stealing a vehicle, particularly ones with a push-button start, but he offered suggestions. He recommended air tags and the Club or similar, affordable steering wheel locks.
Drivers should park in lighted areas and not leave valuables inside their cars, he said.
If you hear a car alarm sounding outside, he said, look out to see if someone is trying to steal a vehicle. Also, he said, be alert to motion lights or when someone is walking in the street and appearing to be trying car door handles. Call 911, he added, to report suspicious activity.
• Members voted unanimously to support a special exception for Land of Learning, a day care at 9313 Old Bustleton Ave. (next to Macaroni’s) that is looking to expand to the second floor. Attorney Rachael Pritzker represented the business, which cares for 30 kids. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second-floor space had been occupied by a longtime tenant who died. A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17. If the ZBA grants the special exception, Land of Learning expects to add 10-15 children.
• City Councilman Isaiah Thomas spoke of some of the big events coming to Philadelphia in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States. Philadelphia will host first- and second-round games in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament; the return of Norwegian Cruise Line to the Port of Philadelphia; the PGA Championship in May at Aronimink Golf Club in Delaware County; six World Cup soccer games, including a Round of 16 game on July 4; Wawa Welcome America; the Major League Baseball All-Star Game; TED Talks on democracy; and RockyFest, to mark the 50th anniversary of Rocky.
Thomas also explained why Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council ended the popular business income and receipts tax (BIRT), which excluded companies’ first $100,000 in revenue from being taxed and was especially beneficial to small businesses. The councilman said the city feared losing an existing court challenge to the constitutionality of BIRT.
• National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in the Fox Chase Elementary School yard, 500 Rhawn St. A bike ride will start at 5 p.m. There will be a DJ, food and bike giveaways. Call 215-331-2600.
• Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. at American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. ••
