The Greater Bustleton Civic League last week considered a proposed variance for a property at 898 Morefield Road.
The property has a 6-foot fence along Verree Road and in the rear and a 4-foot fence on Morefield.
An attorney for the Abraham family said they bought the house in 2020. They erected the fencing in 2021.
The issues are the height of the fence, that it is opaque (not able to be seen through) and the short setback from the sidewalk. Neighbors also said the 6-foot fence makes it hard for Morefield Road motorists to see vehicles on Verree Road.
The Abrahams, their lawyer said, erected the fence after a miscommunication in a phone call with the city.
Neighbors voted 24-4 to oppose the variance.
Members told the Abrahams’ lawyer that, last year, a resident of the 9800 block of Verree Road was forced to tear down a non-compliant fence.
In other news from the Oct. 28 meeting:
• Firefighter Leo Maysonet discussed fire safety. Maysonet said, if a pot or pan is on fire, the lid should be placed on it, or baking powder or flour used to extinguish the flames. He said, in case of a grease fire, water should never be thrown on the flames. Before going to sleep, he said, close the bedroom door, to slow the spread of heat and smoke in case of fire. He encouraged people to remember to, “Close before you doze.”
To obtain a free smoke alarm, call 311.
• The 7th Police District was represented by Lt. Laura Guk and community relations officer Al Fiorentino.
• Among those in attendance were Viktor Kagan, chief of staff for state Rep. Sean Dougherty; Bob Stewart, chief deputy to Register of Wills John Sabatina; Madonna Duffy, an aide to City Councilman Brian O’Neill; and Charlie Kueny, president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Kueny said the Chamber will present Meet the Legislators on Friday, Nov. 21, from 8-10 a.m. at Community College of Philadelphia Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road.
• The Greater Bustleton Civic League will meet on Thursdays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. ••
