Busy Holme Circle meeting features candidates, FOPP, sisters from Mount Nazareth convent

As part of its annual Rite of Spring, the Holme Circle Civic Association invited candidates seeking office in the April 24 primary election to its “Candidates’ Night” Wednesday. Joining them were presentations from the Friends of Pennypack Park and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Presenting their platforms were four candidates all seeking election for the position as their district’s state representative.

Republican Dave Kralle (169th district) – Highlighted his five-step plan to combat child sexual abuse, spoke of doubling sentences for gun-related crimes and plans to address consequences of proposed budget cuts. Kralle is endorsed by City Councilmen Denny O’Brien and Brian O’Neill.

Republican John McCann (169th district) – Stressed that the political system is “broken” and offered his ideas for reform of the public school system, tax cuts and crime. McCann said he’ll refuse the $163 per diem to legislators, if elected.

Democrat Dan Collins (172nd district) – Among his top priorites is the education of our youth, including utilizing all budget resources and funding sources from federal and state treasuries and the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Collins said he intends to focus more on the reduction of crime via interaction with civic organizations and law enforcement.

Democrat Kevin Boyle (172nd district) – Continues to target absentee landlords who allow their properties to fall into disrepair, and touts success in preventing zoning approval of methadone clinic in Holmesburg. Boyle proposed legislation to prevent future non-disclosure of medical facilities in their distribution of drugs.

A visit from the FOPP

As part of the Friends of Pennypack Park’s goal to inform the public of its recycling program and clean-ups in the Northeast, Vice President Alan Kaminsky, on his “tour” of neighborhood civics, addressed HCCA of the upcoming Saturday dates for park clean-ups and the community e-cycle event of electronic equipment on April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Lincoln High School parking lot located off of Ryan Avenue.

Whether working or broken, anything electric or battery-powered can be brought to the site for recycling (except large appliances or those containing harmful chemicals). Although the event is free to the public, donations are encouraged, as this is an FOPP fund raising event. This will coincide with FOPP’s normal monthly recycling of aluminum cans, books, clothing and printing cartridges.

One important note: after January 2013, state law will not allow any electronic waste to be picked up at curbside and placed in landfills. For more information, call 215-934-PARK (7275). In a show of support and appreciation to FOPP, HCCA members joined in the clean up on March 24 of the park’s ballfield located on Holme Avenue adjacent to Nazareth Hospital where 25 bags of trash were collected.

A zoning matter

Several members of the order Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth attended with Maria Wing, Esq. of Stradley and Ronon as their spokesperson. The order is seeking a zoning permit for the construction of a three-story detached structure for use as a 16-bedroom convent with a chapel to address the future overflow of their present 50-bedroom convent adjacent to this site.

As a cost-cutting move, the order is consolidating nearby outdated convents to the Mount Nazareth Holme Avenue location. Although the discussion generated questions, there was no opposition. A Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing will take place Wednesday at 2 p.m., 1515 Arch St., Room 18002.

The HCCA Beautification Committee is finalizing several sign company proposals for the two “Welcome to Holme Circle” signs to be erected at the traffic circle. Factors of durability, anti-vandalism capability, appearance and cost are being considered.

The next HCCA meeting is Wednesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome’s School library.

Elsie Stevens lives in Holme Circle and is a member of the 8th Police District Advisory Council, Holme Circle Civic Association, Friends of Lower Dublin Academy and Friends of Holmesburg Library. You can see all her NEast Philly contributions here.

 

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