• Councilmen Rizzo and Kelly were expected to be at the meeting but were unable to attend.
• The topic of a special election was discussed in light of the conviction of the 7th District Councilman, Rick Mariano.
• There was some agreement that the Frankford Business District’s needs were not addressed during Mr. Mariano’s tenure.
• A study done by City Planning Commission, Goldenberg Group, had planned to make the area near Friends Hospital an extension of the Historical National Park Service. Councilman Mariano’s office was unsupportive and the City Planning representative was pulled off the committee.*
• The overpass on Roosevelt Boulevard was again discussed. CLIP did nothing to clear the area; kids are stilling frequenting the place; and trash is still being dumped there. There was some discussion as to who owns the property which is technically in Councilwomen Tasco’s district.
• The site is now a construction site.
• At 7:30 Anthony Ingargiola arrived from Mr. Mariano’s office.
• The topic of Greenwood Cemetery was brought up and there were inquiries made as to historical preservation and enforcement of provisos agreed to in the past.
• Mr. Ingargiola was not familiar with all of the facts pertaining to Greenwood Cemetery but promised to look into the matter on behalf of NWC.
• He stated that if Greenwood was not in compliance Mr. Ingargiola himself would go before the Zoning Board personally.
• He further promised that Greenwood would be held completely accountable.
• Mr. Ingargiola admitted that representation from his office has not be adequate in the recent past and that would be corrected. He stated that Councilman Mariano’s office is still open for constituent services (686-3448).
• President, Joe Menkevich, stated that he thought City Council should have held hearings with regard to the Prisoner Re-Entry Program taking place in our community.

*That was nixed by Steve Culbertson. He complained to Mariano and Mariano thwarted that effort. Mr. Culbertson’s name was not mentioned at the meeting.

• Tom Knox, mayoral candidate addressed NWC.
• He is a former Deputy Mayor under Mayor Rendell (1992-1993).
• He said that he would like to create an office in Council which would serve as a liaison for civic associations.
• He also stated that he would like to create a Mayor’s Action Center, which would be a customer information center where complaints could be filed and followed up on via the City’s website.
• Mr. Knox mentioned that he lived in Northwood at one time (Rosalie Street and Horrocks Street, to name a few).
• He talked about the pay to play culture in Philadelphia politics (36 indictments thus far) and the rising crime rate in our City.
• Mr. Knox also talked about the fact that Philadelphia is the highest taxed City in the country.
• He spoke about the “systemic unemployment” in some Philadelphia neighborhoods, rising as high as 17% in some areas.
• Mr. Knox said he was in favor of reducing the City Wage tax to below 3%.
• He also spoke about the problems with the Business Privilege Tax and how it drives businesses out of our City.
• He is for more restrictions on gun control. He said 80% of gun sales are to women, posing as surrogate buyers

• Joe Menkevich spoke a little about the Historical Society of Frankford and some of the sites in Frankford that should be placed on the Register of Historical Places, such a Womrath Park and the Benjamin Rush house, and how the Society is working to that end.

Still on the job
By: Lauren Fritsky
03/29/2006

Mariano aide vows to help constituents
When convicted Councilman Rick Mariano (D-7) is sentenced in June, he will leave several communities of constituents without City Council representation.

At last week's meeting of the Northwood Civic Association, Mariano's Director of Legislative Public Affairs Anthony Ingargiola responded to concerns that the councilman's absence will negatively affect residents. Some even argued that the councilman has already been as good as gone for quite some time.

"We haven't had any representation from his office in so long, it wouldn't make a difference what they did," said civic President Joe Menkevich. "Things can only get better."

And when there was representation, Menkevich said, it wasn't always good. He said the councilman did not enforce provisos to maintain Greenwood Cemetery, a spot on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places, which is deteriorating from neglect. Greenwood is now in Councilman Darrell Clarke's Fifth District.

Then there was the eminent domain case involving construction company James J. Clearkin, Inc., who was forced out of its building at Wingohocking Street near Castor Avenue after 56 years to make way for a housing development. At Northwood's June 2005 meeting, Mariano, former chair of the Licenses and Inspections Committee, said he had sponsored the ordinance that threw the property into the blight zone.

"Councilman Mariano has not taken very good care of his constituents here in Northwood, in Frankford, in Juniata," Menkevich said.
Ingargiola said the perceived disregard wouldn't persist in the future, if he could help it.

"I'll apologize for the fact that probably for the last several months, the representative from our office has been not in attendance or not fully functioning, or, frankly, inadequate," Ingargiola said. "If it's me that has to be here, I'll personally make myself available once a month to come down and make sure that you understand that the office of Councilman Mariano, as long as he's sitting in the office, and perhaps even beyond that point, is at your service. Period."

"What happens when Mr. Mariano is sentenced?" asked Recording Secretary Kathleen Fitzpatrick, who was Mariano's 2003 primary opponent. "Will your words still be good post-sentencing?"

"My word is my bond," Ingargiola said.

In the interim between sentencing and the 2007 elections, Ingargiola said Mariano's office will continue to serve constituents. He pointed to the fact that the office of late Councilman-at-large David Cohen remained open for three months after his death. Ingargiola suggested that concerned residents contact Council President Anna Verna, who could hold a special election to determine a new councilperson before the current term ends.
Ingargiola said issues should not necessarily be deferred to at-large-council members.

"You're going to be competing with everyone around the city for services," he said.

One resident asked if constituents should send letters to Verna demanding that Mariano's office remain open. In the end, Ingargiola agreed.

"You better demand that somebody's in that office, in council, that's serving your particular needs," he said.

The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will take place on Tues., Apr. 18 at 7 pm at St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street.
©News Gleaner 2006
http://www.newsgleaner.com/site/news...d=488595&rfi=6

Notheast Times also has an article in print. It is not yet availble online.

In Northwood, Knox vows to reduce corruption and murder
By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Tom Knox said Philadelphia’s municipal corruption and murder rate are hurting the city’s image.

"We’re the laughingstock of the United States," he said.
Knox, who plans to run in the 2007 Democratic mayoral primary, addressed last week’s monthly meeting of the Northwood Civic Association.
The former CEO of United Healthcare spent the first 14 years of his life living in the Abbottsford Homes housing project in East Falls. He later had numerous addresses, including time living on Rosalie, Wakeling, Horrocks, Calvert and Pratt streets in the Northeast. He and his wife Linda, who also attended the meeting, now live in Rittenhouse Square.
Noting that there have been 36 indictments of city-related officials in the last 23 months, he vowed to implement a strong ethics package. He wants to take away what he calls the "for sale" sign on City Hall.
To address the crime problem, he would support additional vocational educational programs, reasoning that people would be discouraged from committing crimes if they had good jobs.
The potential candidate also wants to increase the number of police officers. And he’d favor a complete ban on guns. If such a prohibition is unconstitutional, he’d support a ban on ammunition.
His goal is to comfort people who live in high-crime areas and are afraid to leave their homes.
"Those people are living in fear," he said.
Knox also railed against city taxes, which he said were the highest in the country. A city that takes in such high tax revenue should provide tremendous services.
"Does anybody in this room think Philadelphia has the best services?" he asked.
Nobody raised their hand.
As mayor, Knox would lower the business privilege tax to help new and existing businesses. He also thinks lowering the wage tax to under 3 percent is "doable."
If elected, he would implement a 311 system for city complaints. Baltimore has a similar system, and it’s successful, in Knox’s view. Consumers can track the progress of their complaints once it’s assigned to a specific department.
"Everybody is held accountable," he said.
Knox, who prides himself on being a businessman rather than a politician, recalled his work as deputy mayor in 1992-93, when he worked for $1 a year. Serving under Mayor Ed Rendell, he helped turn a budget deficit created by the administration of Mayor Wilson Goode into a surplus.
As mayor, he said he would make sure all libraries and firehouses remain open and every recreation center is maintained.
Knox thinks he’ll be successful because he has the best ideas, a good campaign team and enough money. He’d like Rendell’s endorsement, but he knows that it won’t be coming while the former mayor is seeking re-election as governor — Rendell can’t afford to alienate any of the potential Democratic candidates — Dwight Evans, Jonathan Saidel, Michael Nutter, Chaka Fattah and John Dougherty.
In other news from the March 21 meeting:
• Joe Menkevich, president of the civic association, blasted City Councilman Rick Mariano.
"Mr. Mariano left a lot of dirt around here for us to clean up," he said.
Mariano (D-7th dist.) was convicted of federal corruption charges on March 17. He’ll be sentenced on July 6 and will have to vacate his office.
Menkevich faults Mariano for supporting the city’s seizure of businesses on East Wingohocking Street through eminent domain in order to build housing. Among the casualties was James J. Clearkin Building Construction, a city business for 88 years before relocating to Cheltenham.
The neighborhood leader also clashed with Mariano on an effort to bring a crematory to Greenwood Cemetery. He opposes it. The councilman favors it.
The future of the long-decayed cemetery is in limbo with various court fights. Menkevich blames the owners for neglecting the upkeep of the property and worries that money that could be used to beautify it is being used for legal fees.
Anthony Ingargiola, director of legislative and public affairs for Mariano, promised to look into the matter and vowed to personally testify in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment if the owners aren’t in compliance.
Menkevich also blames Mariano for the shoddy condition of the Frankford Avenue business district. There is a lack of viable businesses, in his opinion. He hopes his neighborhood remains strong.
"I don’t want Northwood to look like East Frankford," he said.
Menkevich did credit Mariano with being funny and a good schmoozer.
Ingargiola said that Mariano’s office "is at your service." He welcomed calls to 215-686-3448. Complaints can also be called into the Mayor’s Action Center at 215-686-3000.
The city employee told the crowd that it would be up to Council President Anna Verna whether Mariano’s office stays open when he goes to prison. The staff at the late at-large Councilman David Cohen’s office worked for about 90 days after his death last October.
Ingargiola speculated that the office would remain open because of an "overwhelming demand" for constituent services.
Menkevich said he’ll send a letter to Verna, urging her to keep the office operating.
• Something is finally being done with part of a vacant property that stretches from Summerdale Avenue under Roosevelt Boulevard to Fillmore Street. It’s a former railroad line.
Menkevich has long complained that neighborhood youths steal lawn furniture to use for drinking parties under the bridge. The site is filled with debris and graffiti. The civic leader considers the plot a fire hazard and even a potential target for terrorists wanting to destroy the Boulevard.
Recently, construction has begun on the Summerdale Avenue side of the bridge. It is believed that storage units are being built.
The Community Life Improvement Program cleaned the edges of the property, but Menkevich wanted a more thorough job done.
• Northwood Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com
http://www.northeasttimes.com/index.html

I was just wondering if those who attended the meeting felt as if Knox was a charismatic speaker or if any of his ideas were truly realistic. Particularly those ideas concerning banning guns, considering that Philadelphia is located in the state of Pennsylvania.

I would agree that increasing the size of the police force is most definitely needed.
I also liked the idea of a 311 system for city complaints and some of his tax ideas.
I would certainly like to here some more from him, however Mr. Nutter appears to me to be one of the best potential candidates that we will have.

__________________
Now-a-days, men wear a fool's cap, and call it a liberty cap.
Thoreau from Slavery in Massachusetts

I happen to think that TOM KNOX is a very charismatic speaker and YES his ideas are truly realistic.

Although it was not the largest audience our Civic ever had, the feedback I received from one that attended was that "it was the best and most interesting meeting I have ever attended at Northwood in years."

All the feedback was positive. Anthony Ingargiola from Mr. Mariano’s office was an excellent speaker. At the time, I almost wished he were our Councilperson.

Tom Knox was even a better speaker.

I only wish and hope if our next Mayor is not Tom Knox that the new Mayor will have as much intelligence and a grasp on reality as does Tom Knox.

As the Civic President I cannot endorse candidates. I can only say that Knox was very impressive.

On another note, rather unexpectedly, Michael Nutter did drop in on one Civic meeting last year. (He happened to be dropping off some papers to NCA's recording Secretary, Kathleen Fitzpatrick.)

I urged/forced/embarrassed him into addressing the meeting. He was brief and apologetic in that he was not trying to step on anyone's political toes. I found him equally in command and impressive.

Both men are well polished and make excellent candidates for our next Mayor.
************************************************** *****

On another note, Terry Tobin of the New Frankford YWCA will have Tom Knox as guest speaker this coming Tuesday 04/11/2006. Unfortunately it coincides with the Historical Society of Frankford who also has a meeting scheduled at 7:00 pm.

I hate getting things like this second hand and through the grape vine, but Community Organizations, Community Leaders, Civic Associations, etc., etc., were suppose to be invited.

Northwood Civic did not get an invite. This is not uncommon and is one of the beefs I have with the other Frankford Organizations like the all the usual suspects etc., etc..

Those "other" groups in Frankford present themselves to our governmental representatives and agencies as the ones who represent all of Frankford and Juniata at the exclusion of Northwood and Juniata.

It is my guess the reason they do things like that is so that they can easily further their hidden agendas without resistance. I was planning on going to the Historical Society of Frankford that night, but I think I will put on a suit and attend the Knox meeting.
************************************************** *******

On another note, the PAL at Frankford and Ruan will be reopening. It is being done through efforts of individuals that live in the neighborhood and the 15th District Police Station. It was not done by any effort of the usual suspect Non-profits from the area who pat themselves on the back for anything positive which happens.

I am sure that Peggy Hoch of the East Frankford Civic Association had something to do with it too. (Thank You!).

I do not always agree with Peggy, and sometimes I seem critical. I must apologize, as in her work as a Civic leader she has a different set of problems with which to contend. East Frankford is a tough area.

About the PAL, I will post more when I know more.

Good to know about Tom Knox. And, although it is so absolutely true about these "other" groups and Non-profits in the area, it is a better choice and more important to hear and meet with those that may be our next political leaders.
It may be inconvenient but, it might behoove the Historical Society to try to change their meeting date so that more could attend the Tom Knox meeting.
It's great that the Historical Society is doing better, but the next representative of the 7th District and or the City of Philadelphia seems to take priority.
We've gone long enough without decent representation - the neighborhoods around here need to stay on top of the next election.
History won't change, but the Future will.
It would have been even more decent of the Frankford Y to check to see if this meeting would interfere with other regularly scheduled organizations and events, but as the leaders there are "Big Fish", they feel that other organizations should check with them. Just another "Kingdom" turf war.
And, Peggy Hoch, if the PAL Center is part of your work,
BIG THUMBS UP! This woman fights day and night for Frankford. Great work with the PAL Center!

I have a change of heart. I decided to go to the Historical Society of Frankford.

The people of East Frankford etc. should have a chance to talk about their concerns to Tom Knox.

Tom will be making a seperate appearance at the Historical Society of Frankford, and will be at the NCA again in the future.

I want to meet the man that authored two books on Tacony. That is more important to me tomorrow night.

• Joe opened the meeting by introducing the Officers and Board Members present to a very well attended meeting.
• The agenda for the evening was to be Councilman Darrell Clarke, State Representative John Taylor and Sgt. Driscoll from the 15th Police District. There was no one present from Councilman Mariano’s office.
• Joe announced that Northwood Civic had only 45 dues paying members. He compared that to Tacony’s Civic, which only meets four times a year, but has three hundred members. He encouraged those in attendance to become more involved in the Association and in the neighborhood as well. He spoke of strength in numbers and that, as a neighborhood united, we can accomplish much more than as individuals. Joe also mentioned that every meeting of the Association should be as well attended.
• Joe spoke of the failure of Councilman Mariano’s office to be effective with regard to the crematorium, in spite of his many promises to intervene on behalf of NWC. Following the re-districting, the crematorium is now in Councilman Clarke’s district and that his office should be working to see the proviso’s are enforced.
• Joe spoke of the Prisoner Re-Entry Program and the lack of NWC input on the decision-making process. He spoke about the proliferation of non-profits in the neighborhood and the siphoning off of funds available to them. Joe spoke of the oversight of Overington Park now being a function of a non-profit. There is a non-profit on Leiper Street that the Association knew nothing about. Joe also mentioned that it is no uncommon for non-profits to bypass the Zoning Board. He spoke of the danger to the Burke Deed Restriction of 1907, if we are not more vigilant about these organizations that are sprouting up in Northwood.
• Joe circulated a petition to have the ACLU look into the violation of Church and State issue with regard to the faith-based initiative and the prisoner re-entry project.
• Joe read portions of letters from former Northwood residents who thought Northwood was a beautiful neighborhood and who wished that the remaining residents would fight to preserve it. Joe spoke to the problem of businesses leaving such as Chevy’s, the Bakery once on Oxford Avenue and Frankie D’s.
• There was some discussion about the problems at Edmunds such as the three children that came to school with BB-guns. There was also a great deal of discussion about the students from Frankford High who are trespassing on residents’ lawns, etc. The residents feel that there is no help from Principal Mantell. There was a resident present whose child was “jumped” by approximately 20 students, totally unprovoked.
• There was some discussion as to extending the School Zone, which the police will patrol, to 4800 Oakland Street and to Orthodox Street.
• One resident blamed a lot of the problems we are facing on Councilman Mariano’s absence from his office. He felt that we should have more than just a staff fielding phone calls for the District; that we should have someone acting in a proactive way on behalf of the District and its problems.
• There was then some discussion and Joe announced that a letter would be written to Council President Anna Verna requesting a special election to fill the vacancy.
• There were complaints about the boarded up house on Fillmore Street. Residents say that requests for assistance to Councilman Clarke’s office.
• A resident spoke who has lived on the 4400 Leiper Street all his life. He encouraged his neighbors to work together, to help keep decent people in Northwood, to better police their children, and to help keep homes from being turned into half-way houses.
• Tony Payton, a candidate for State Representative introduced himself to the residents.
• State Representative Taylor spoke to the residents. He committed to the continued funding NWC receives from the State. Joe mentioned to him that the Historical Society could use some funding as well.
• He spoke of some of the problems that the Frankford CDC has been having of late, with regard to their leadership.
• He spoke of the LNG tankers and the Philadelphia port issues that have been in the news of late. He said that although there have been no problems in the past with these tankers, he was concerned that in a time of terrorism they would not be appropriate facilities so close to residential areas.
• He warned the residents that there were problems at Allengrove and Rutland and around Oxford and Bridge Street area with guys working in 2 men teams approaching residents as they enter their homes. The police are aware of the problem.
• He spoke of property tax reform, which will probably be addressed at the State level. He said that when one tax is reduced another usually replaces it and spoke of full-valuation as a common sense method for a solution. He said there is legislation introduced to make sure that whatever the method employed, there will not be a windfall for the government at the expense of the taxpayer. He said he is chairing a State committee to oversee the process of tax increases.
• He spoke a little about campaign finance reform, stating that City Council does not have the authority to address the problem and that it belongs at the State level as well.
• He spoke about the Police Advisory Council and encouraged residents to get involved. He said residents should contact Kathleen in his office at 215-744-2600
• Sgt. Driscoll addressed NWC. He spoke of the 3 squads assigned to him and the shifts. He explained how the manpower he has is assigned to our neighborhood.
• Residents complained of neighbors parking on lawns and the 4600 block of Oakland Street. Sgt. Driscoll said he was aware of the problem and already had squad cars looking at the problem. He said that he drives by there himself.
• One neighbor asked about curfew and the attendant problems. Sgt. Driscoll said that curfew is 10:30 during the week and Midnight on Friday and Saturday. If there are consistent curfew problems, Sgt. Driscoll asked residents to call 686-3150 and leave a message for him. He will return the call and see that the problems are addressed.
• One neighbor said that the problem with kids out after curfew affect the Seniors who are unable to sit on their porches at night without fear. Sgt. Driscoll said that it was not a high priority but if it continues to be a quality of life issue he will see that it is addressed.
• Sgt. Driscoll asked residents to work through the Community Relations Officer when they can. Many residents said that they were very happy with the response they receive from our Community Relations Officer, Gerry Skerski. He also said that any emails residents send him will receive a response.
• He said that any neighbors who have nuisance house complaints should contact the District Attorney’s Office. They have a special program in place to deal with these complaints. He said that all incidents must be well documented, police reports should be made, etc.
• One resident asked if we could have constant surveillance in problem areas of the neighborhood. Sgt. Driscoll said that we could as long as the consistent problems are documented and warrant that kind of attention.
• One resident asked about surveillance cameras and whether or not they are in use in Philadelphia. Sgt. Driscoll said that they were but at the Federal level, not the City level. He said that if residents want surveillance cameras they should lobby their council people.
• Sgt. Driscoll said that they caught the people for a rash of 14 robberies in our neighborhood. He said they were caught because they were systematic in their crimes: same time, same place, same MO, etc.
• The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M., by Joe Menkevich.

Side notes:

There were no represenatives from Councilman Mariano's office.

The represenative from Councilman Clarke's office arrived late because of a prior committment.

Clarification on "He (Rep. John Taylor) committed to the continued funding NWC receives from the State."

The NCA recieves (as yet) no money directly from John Taylor's office. He does however pay "Steves Lawn Care" for the upkeep and beautification of the Castor/Wyoming Circle. That service benifits Juniata, Northwood and Feltonville.

However, we do thank John Talor for that, as he is doing it as a favor to Northwood.

[quote=NCA-President]

• Joe spoke of the Prisoner Re-Entry Program and the lack of NWC input on the decision-making process. He spoke about the proliferation of non-profits in the neighborhood and the siphoning off of funds available to them. Joe spoke of the oversight of Overington Park now being a function of a non-profit. There is a non-profit on Leiper Street that the Association knew nothing about. Joe also mentioned that it is no uncommon for non-profits to bypass the Zoning Board. He spoke of the danger to the Burke Deed Restriction of 1907, if we are not more vigilant about these organizations that are sprouting up in Northwood.
• Joe circulated a petition to have the ACLU look into the violation of Church and State issue with regard to the faith-based initiative and the prisoner re-entry project.
• There was some discussion about the problems at Edmunds such as the three children that came to school with BB-guns. There was also a great deal of discussion about the students from Frankford High who are trespassing on residents’ lawns, etc. The residents feel that there is no help from Principal Mantell. There was a resident present whose child was “jumped” by approximately 20 students, totally unprovoked.
• There was some discussion as to extending the School Zone, which the police will patrol, to 4800 Oakland Street and to Orthodox Street.
• One resident blamed a lot of the problems we are facing on Councilman Mariano’s absence from his office. He felt that we should have more than just a staff fielding phone calls for the District; that we should have someone acting in a proactive way on behalf of the District and its problems.
• There was then some discussion and Joe announced that a letter would be written to Council President Anna Verna requesting a special election to fill the vacancy.
• A resident spoke who has lived on the 4400 Leiper Street all his life. He encouraged his neighbors to work together, to help keep decent people in Northwood, to better police their children, and to help keep homes from being turned into half-way houses.
• He spoke of some of the problems that the Frankford CDC has been having of late, with regard to their leadership.
• He warned the residents that there were problems at Allengrove and Rutland and around Oxford and Bridge Street area with guys working in 2 men teams approaching residents as they enter their homes. The police are aware of the problem.
• He spoke about the Police Advisory Council and encouraged residents to get involved. He said residents should contact Kathleen in his office at 215-744-2600
• Sgt. Driscoll addressed NWC. He spoke of the 3 squads assigned to him and the shifts. He explained how the manpower he has is assigned to our neighborhood.quote]

WOW! I've only copied a brief excerpt of your minutes, but GREAT! This is what's been needed, to bring all these issues out onto the table, it's been too long. Many felt that if they were talked about it would give a bad impression, but by keeping these things out of the public only allowed the crap to continue and grow.
This should really start to get people to attend these meetings, write letters, make phone calls, stop tolerating being steamrolled.
Good for you Joe, Good for You! And, a BIG "THANK YOU" from many in the Frankford area as well that are keeping an eye on this and are involved here and still trying to stay involved. We too have written letters to Anna Verna to address the problem of non representation. Hell, talk about taxation without representation, this is ridiculous.
We are often in touch with Gary S. at the 15th ( the community relations officer) and we try as much as possible to follow up and put in the calls.
And the FCDC,forget about it, it really needs to go or have a complete overhaul of leadership that can go through an interview process with the community. No more free rides! Get some people with backbone, ambition, vision, creativity and drive in there.
Thanks again Joe!
P.S. the May 20th event at the Brewery sounds like an excellent idea!