The East Torresdale Civic Association last week roundly rejected a proposal to build a triplex at 9401-09 Frankford Ave. (at Pearson Avenue).
The vote was 36-1 in opposition.
Among those voting no was a woman who lives at 9407 Frankford Ave., who wondered how her address could be included in the site to be developed. The woman also said a house at 9409 Frankford Ave. is occupied.
The owner of the property was joined by her lawyer at the meeting. The woman lives in an existing house on the property and is proposing a 2-story structure featuring three apartments.
Neighbors cited concerns about parking, adding they don’t believe multi-family housing belongs in an otherwise single-family neighborhood.
A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing is set for June 10.
In other news from the March 9 meeting:
• The crowd heard about plans to restore the six fish hatchery ponds at Pleasant Hill Park. Speakers were Gary Burlingame, a Water Department retiree who now volunteers; Tanya Dapkey, of Princeton Hydro; and Stephanie Phillips, executive director of Riverfront North Partnership. The restoration effort has been bolstered by a grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Once the ponds are restored, they will be maintained by Riverfront North and the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
• Ross Mitchell, executive director of Glen Foerd, said Glen Foerd has opened applications for its 2026 River Ambassadors program, a six-week, paid summer opportunity for Philadelphia high school students focused on environmental education, watershed stewardship and on-water skill development. The 2026 session begins the week of July 6 and concludes the week of Aug. 10. Ambassadors will meet four days per week, Monday through Thursday, for five hours each day. Eligible applicants must be rising 10th-, 11th- or 12th-grade students entering one of those grades during the 2026-27 school year. Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the program. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Space is limited, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information about the River Ambassadors program, email Environmental Program Manager Robert DiTomasso at [email protected].
Organum Mechanicum, a new work for player pipe organ by composer Michael Leibowitz, receives its world premiere on Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at Glen Foerd. The performance is free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested. Glen Foerd is at 5001 Grant Ave. Register by calling 215-632-5330.
• Connie Dougherty, an aide to state Sen. Joe Picozzi, said Picozzi and the 8th Police District will hold a Scam Awareness Seminar for seniors on Wednesday, April 8, at 11:45 a.m. at St. Katherine of Siena parish hall, 9700 Frankford Ave. The guest speaker will be from the FBI.
• The Register of Wills holds neighborhood office hours at the office of City Councilman Mike Driscoll, 7552 Frankford Ave., on the first Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the third Thursday of the month from noon to 4 p.m. For an appointment, call 215-683-9220.
• Cpl O’Connor Playground, 4330 Deerpath Lane, will hold a glee club class on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., from April 28 to June 30. The class is open to kids in second through eighth grades. The cost is $20. Email [email protected].
• The Star Players will present three performances of the musical Sister Act. The show will be performed on June 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available for purchase through Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected].
• East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. ••
