Crime Report, L & I Info, and State Rep Speaks at Civic

Though lightly attended, the Central Roxborough Civic Association received detailed updates Thursday night from police on graffiti and burglaries, the city on inspections, and the state rep on the budget.

Despite scheduling conflicts with and another civic association's , the civic featured several speakers, including  Charles Kline, Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections Frances Burns, and state Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-194).

Graffiti Down, Burglary Up

Kline reported that there have been a in the Roxborough-Manayunk area. These burglaries have mostly occurred in the daytime. Frequently, back doors are kicked in or entry was gained through an unlocked window. Kline asked residents to keep an eye out on neighbors' properties, especially if your neighbor is away.

The officer warned of suspicious people carrying backpacks. Kline said residents should call 911 if they witness something.

Not all the crime report was bad, Kline reported that graffiti has decreased in the neighborhood. Aiding in that statistic was the arrest of two men, ages 42 and 32, who were caught in the act. Kline, who declined to name those arrested, said that both were charged with first-degree misdemeanors rather than receiving a citation or fine.

"Younger kids are getting the message," Kline said.

In an effort to catch off road vehicles and nuisance dirt bikes, Kline announced that four officers have been trained in the new motorcycles provided to the district. These officers have been seen out patrolling the district.

A Persistent Problem and a New Code Coming

A discussion about nuisance properties was a perfect transition for Burns to discuss how her department helps neighborhoods. Kline works closely with L & I inspectors to rein in local party houses.

"Our role is to get property owners to take action," Burns said.

Burns said Licenses and Inspections has "volumes of code to enforce," which means administering and enforcing city code in all capacities. While illegal property rentals are a concern, it's one of many issues L & I handles. 

Burns also told residents that L & I will inspect three times before prosecuting property owners. The biggest trouble with this policy is getting violators into court.

She announced that a new Zoning Code for the City of Philadelphia will go into effect on August 15. Public comment is still being taken on the zoning code. More information can be found at www.zoningmatters.org.

A Learning Experience and Other Legislative Frustrations

Next Monday, students and faculty from and elementary schools will be getting a first-hand look into the inner-workings of government. DeLissio told residents that these guests will be seeing the Department of Education's appropriations committee hearing in Harrisburg. DeLissio hopes this will be a learning experience for the students, especially.

"Holding rallies in April and May is all well and good, but the process really has to begin now," she said.

Both schools have been active recently, with Shawmont and Cook-Wissahickon (D-7) Feb. 24.

At her town hall meetings, DeLissio has made no bones about how much she has been appalled by how business is done in the state legislature in Harrisburg. She is often saddened that despite how level-headed her Republican colleagues often seem, they always vote down the party line and not in the best interests of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Much of these same frustrations were repeated at the CRCA meeting.

"Politics drives public policy," DeLissio said.

But not all was doom and gloom, DeLissio did say that "voices are being heard" on legislation and "online petitions carry weight." Relationships between legislators are being made. DeLissio discussed how she and five other female colleagues had dinner together.

"This wasn't like we all went to dinner. We all worked that day so someone checked the oven, another set the table and so on. We talked, not necessarily about shop but just got together," said DeLissio.

DeLissio also announced that she will be holding another Town Hall meeting in April.