The Fox Chase Homeowners Association last week discussed crime and zoning.
Police officials on hand were Capt. James Kimrey, commander of the 2nd district, and community relations officers Mark Mroz and Joe Staszak, of the 2nd and 7th districts, respectively.
Kimrey has commanded the 2nd since December. He has more than 30 years with the department. He urged people to lock their car doors to prevent thefts of items, with cars at Fox Chase Cancer Center among those targeted. He spoke of a recent robbery of the Rite Aid at 7418-32 Oxford Ave. The masked, knife-wielding crook took the contents of two cash registers, but a tracking device was included, and he was arrested.
Kimrey also spoke of purse snatchings and robberies of pizza delivery drivers in the lower end of the district.
Mroz said about 20 catalytic converters were stolen from trucks at the U-Haul at 7750 Roosevelt Blvd. The company declined to take safety measures recommended by police. A police patrol led to an arrest.
Mroz said the fence leading to the Fox Chase Elementary School parking lot is now locked at night after cars began performing dangerous “donuts.”
As for the 7th district, there were complaints of truck parking on Pine Road. City Councilman Brian O’Neill said he will try to get tow-away signs installed. There was also a complaint about a problem house on the 8500 block of Bridle Road.
Residents are invited to anonymously report suspicious activity in houses by calling or texting 215-694-6666.
In other news from the April 13 meeting:
• Former FCHA president George Bezanis was presented with a plaque for his service as president from 2015-22. Bezanis is moving to Elkins Park. Kate Friend is the new president.
• O’Neill spoke of the appeal of the city Department of Licenses and Inspections’ issuance of permits to a developer who plans apartments at 448 Rhawn St. The city is paying for lawyer Sean Whalen to handle the case. A date has not been set for a hearing in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Appeals to Common Pleas and Commonwealth courts are likely, no matter which side wins in front of the ZBA. O’Neill said Whalen is a good zoning lawyer, but winning the case could be a “longshot.” It’s unclear if construction will take place during the appeal process. “They can build at their own risk,” O’Neill said.
• A focus group of FCHA members and Medical Mission Sisters representatives will discuss density, traffic and development issues. The Sisters, based at 8400 Pine Road, are seeking to sell the property to a developer who would build one- and two-bedroom apartments, townhouses, independent living apartments and assisted living apartments.
• O’Neill’s offices have several events on upcoming Saturdays, all from 9-11 a.m. E-cycling will take place on May 7 at 7522 Castor Ave. Shredding is set for May 22 at 432 Rhawn St. A recycling bucket giveaway is scheduled for June 4 at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
• Fox Chase Homeowners Association will meet again on Wednesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
