Meeting Began: 7:26 PM

President – Anthony Naccarato
First Vice President – Louis Iatarola
Second Vice President – Ann Marie Kuvik
Board Member – Camille Capobianco
Board Member – Mary Benussi
Treasurer – Linda Salandra
Secretary – Christine Woolslayer

Reports

President
Anthony Naccarato began the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. He then asked for a moment of silence for Officer Gary Skerski who had been killed one year ago.

He reported that we need to increase membership. Also, TCA needs volunteers for the different committees.

Tacony Civic is looking for a Public Relations Chairperson; this person hopefully has a background in writing and has contacts with the media.

And we are always looking for volunteers for the committees: Clean and Green, Quality of Life, and Zoning.

Vice President
US Recycling – Trash transfer station updates – This Company was requesting the opportunity to increase their tonnage from 380 to 2000 tons a day. TCA was able to get support from the local civic associations and submitted a letter stating our opposition. Mr. Iatarola spoke to the representative from the EPA and they were questionable about some of the information submitted by US Recycling such as the benefits to the local community, adequate water supply, and the environmental assessment.

Second Vice President
Tacony is getting Healthy. May 15th and 22nd would be the next walking club get together. Anne Marie will begin a Walking group/Jogging group starting at Disston Playground. Anyone interested, who does not like the idea of walking alone should attend.

Summer Concert series has been scheduled.

Membership
Membership has been growing and has continued to grow thanks to the efforts of Jim Taylor and other members of the Tacony Civic Association. There is information on our web site explaining the 2007 dues renewal process. We are currently at 500 members.

Treasurer
Linda Salandra reported that there is currently $8000 in the bank. A lot of this money will go toward funding the concerts in addition to reaching out to businesses for additional sponsorships.

Quality of Life and PDAC
Camille Capobianco attends the monthly PDAC meeting and at the meeting in Captain Bachmayer stated that there were 300 search warrants issued in the 15th District in March.

The QOL is also attempting to put together a database of property owners in the neighborhood. The reason is so that we can more easily track zoning, complaints, and landlord contact information.

Clean and Green
Chris Woolslayer was happy to report what a successful cleanup that was held on April 21st. Over 60 volunteers showed up to help. She also mentioned that trees were still available for the fall and to see her if anyone was interested.

Zoning
Lou Iatarola reported on the status of a number of zoning issues in Tacony. Lou also mentioned that the Zoning Code exists to keep a harmonious neighborhood.

• 4715 Longshore Avenue – Take out for hot and cold food. Hearing continued because TCA was not initially notified. TCA held a meeting with the client. Requested that they repaint the building a cream color. No opposition from the community.
• 7240 Walker Street – Request for 9 foot high Gazebo on patio to house hot tub. No neighbor opposition. TCA did not oppose with the proviso that this would last for this owner only. Zoning Board did not render a decision.

• 6425 Torresdale Avenue – Applied for accelerated hearing. Retail selling of water ice from 11a until 10p. TCA anticipated that it will not oppose.
• 6430-32 Edmund Street – Owner asking to have paint spray booth. Meeting to be held with neighbors May 22nd. Have variance for auto body shop and signs.
• 6601 Algard Street – Illegal duplex. Neighbors and TCA oppose. Owner withdrew request. Neighbors will be watching.
• 7125-33 State Road – Auto Body shop requesting a paint booth. TCA opposed. Landlord did not attend. Zoning board continued.

Presentations

DRCC – Sara Thorpe from the DRCC gave a presentation on the River Trail that is being developed. She mentioned that the Lardner Point Park project should begin in the Fall of 2007. There were questions about who would maintain the areas and also about safety issues and Ms. Thorpe stated that Fairmont Park would maintain the area and the DRCC will handle the safety concerns. Their web site is www.drcc-phila.org

Engine 38 Firehouse Relocation – Chief Devlin presented information about the relocation of the Engine 38 firehouse due to the relocation of the I-95 South Onramp to where the current firehouse stands. It would be located in the stretch of Disston Park which is directly in front of St Leo’s church. They would respect the architecture of the neighborhood. The cost for the new building is $8 million. It would include a multipurpose room which could be used my local groups for meetings. It would take 18 months to 2 years to build.

There was a question about any deed restrictions in Disston Park. There was also a question as to why they needed 4 bays instead of 2 bays. TCA also requested that as part of the project, that they replace the fence that runs along the railroad tracks near where the firehouse is to be built.

MARC Streetscape – Chris Creelman was at the meeting to answer questions about the impending streetscape project. Running from Harbison to Cottman, it would include new lighting, trash cans, and walkway printings. Mr. Creelman also presented a check for $10,000 for Tacony History Day.

Meeting adjourned at 9:07p. Next Meeting on September 11, 2007 -The next meeting will be held at 7:00p.m. at the Disston Memorial Presbyterian Church.