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Uncontested EFCC Election to be Held
The Nominating Committee submitted its slate for the EFCC Officers at the April meeting. Nominated were Tom Sauerman (President), Barnaby Wittels (1st VP), Claire Stilley (2nd VP), Drew Myers (Recording Sec.), Chris Caporellie (Corresponding Sec.), and Joe Leube (Treasurer). Although invited, no additional nominations were made from the floor. The election will be held at the June 11 meeting. Officers begin their terms on October 1. Nominating Committee members were Paul Elia (chair), Sarah Taylor, Patty Cheek, and Drew Myers (who recused himself). “We’re very pleased with the slate that was accepted by the membership last month,” said Chair Paul Elia. “Three of the six officers are new in these leadership roles. We’re appreciative as well of the leadership provided by those retiring from the Executive Committee: Joe Doherty, Meg Greenfield, and Roger Marsh.” Queen Lane Reservoir
We have been in dialogue with the Philadelphia Water Dept. (PWD) for more than three years regarding its plans to reduce significantly the community's access to green space along Queen Lane, add 12’ fencing that appears almost prison-like, and add lighting that will shine into the homes of Queen Lane residents across the street. The space has long been used as a passive park, for dog walking, quiet strolls, and conversations with neighbors. Through the intervention of Councilman Jones, who contacted Congressman Fattah, we met with the PWD and a representative of the Department of Homeland Security. Before that meeting, after much probing, we were told by the PWD that it was necessary to put up the fence and lights to protect the reservoir from “backpack bombers.” Dubious, to say the least, neighbors persisted in their effort to find a better solution, making several proposals for less intrusive, equal, or more effective security, measures. The proposed measures simply do not appear to offer much protection from the type of danger posited. (At the meeting with the Congressman's staff, Councilman Jones, PWD, and Homeland Security, PWD said other undisclosed measures would be put in place as well.) Under pressure from the Congressman and Councilman, PWD agreed to erect a mock up of the proposed fence and lighting for review by neighbors. Rather than install the mock up opposite the potentially affected homes, it elected to place the mock up at a place where its impact on the homes could not be experienced, A viewing of the mock up was held on April 30. A report on the outcome and the overall project will be made at the May EFCC general meeting. Rental Housing Task Force
With support from Councilman Jones and in collaboration with Councilman Henon, an East Falls Rental Housing Task Force has been formed to address unruly tenants and negligent landlords. The Task Force includes East Falls representatives, the Police Department, the Department of Licenses & Inspections, and Philadelphia University. The goals are to prod landlords to accept responsibility to encourage proper tenant conduct, to make sure that all landlords can be easily found and held accountable, and that all landlords and their tenants respect their neighbors' right to peace and the quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhood. To that end, in addition to encouraging stronger enforcement of the present Code, the Committee will propose enhancements to the City Code and regulations to make landlords more likely to invest the time to assure tenants will respect their neighbors.
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