News briefs from the Lawncrest Community Association

The Lawncrest Community Association tried something different last night, but hosting for the first time the 2nd District Zone 2 Police Service Area meeting. From now on, the first 30 minutes of every LCA meeting will be dedicated to the PSA. Below are updates from the 2nd District, and additional news from around the neighborhood.

Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz and Lt. Tomlin of the 2nd District said burglaries are up since last month, with a grand total of 39. In better news, thefts from autos are down significantly, with just 16 in the last month. Arrests have been made in seven of the past month’s 11 robberies, and suspects for the three aggravated assaults are accounted for.

Club Miami earned the most attention, having been recently temporarily shut down by L&I. Town Watch President Ken Hyers said of the recent complaints: “As much as I don’t like Club Miami, everybody had their chance to speak before it opened.” Mroz said he’s been working with the owner, but “can’t have every single officer in front of Club Miami.”

In the video, Lt. Tomlin explains why he thinks the Police Service Areas are working.

Hasan Malik from Northeast Tree Tenders stopped by with applications for the Fall planting. The deadline for homeowner, businesses, rec centers and all other interested participants to apply for a tree is April 2010. The group is looking to plant 70 trees in the Fall.

The following zoning matters from last month’s meeting were updated:

• A hearing for 407 Unruh Avenue, which has severe structural damage, was held Tuesday, but the LCA did not have an update at the time of the meeting.
• A triplex has been approved at 415 Levick St.
• 6504 Rising Sun Ave. will open as a takeout seafood restaurant.

The Lawncrest Community Association will act as a consultant to PennDOT to help fix the bridge at Adams Avenue and Tacony Creek.

Gary Weaver from the Fourth of July Committee said plans for the day are “moving along.” Donation letters are nearly ready, and corporations should expect to see fundraising letters in the coming weeks. Weaver noted that if every house in the neighborhood (there are approximately 10,000) donated $3, the Fourth of July celebration would be paid for.

Mitchell Robinson, president of the Lawncrest Youth Athletic Association, announced that registration for baseball season has begun. Those looking to sign their kids (ages 5 to 16) up, can go to the Lawncrest Rec Center Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A community cleanup is scheduled along Rising Sun Avenue between Fanshawe Street and the rec center. The cleanup will take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, April 11.