Penn Knox Neighborhood Association Community zoom meeting
February 1, 7:00 pm

Attending: Deneene Brockington, Angela Steele, Adam Kaufman,  Maggie Manzer, Terese Vekteris, Grace Flisser, Pat Albright, Birdie Busch, Georgette Bartell,  State Representative Darisha Parker, Sue Gilfillan, Zarah Adams, Lynda White, Kevin Zuber, Alvena Melton, Greg Paulmier, Patmela Bracey, Elsie, Kaitlin Pomerantz, Kristin Cassidy, Matt Cadwallader,  Daniel Laparra, Melissa Laparra, Steve Elkinton, George Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner Richard Montanez, Tom Kang, Lillian Paulmier, Alison Weiss, Phileasa Patrick,  Dia Parra, Roenna Wilson, Alicia, Lisa James, Liza James, Else Eaton,  Ted Stones, Kathleen Wilson, Betty Wideman,  Jasmine Hights, MaryJoy Benson

1. Welcome: Adam introduced himself and welcomed neighbors, reminded us to use the zoom hand-raise function, sign in to chat, ask questions in chat..

2. Deneene, our new PKNA Chair, introduced herself as excited  about her new role; she has previously served as a block captain of the 5200 block of Knox and  is a 17-year resident of her street. She is a 12th ward, 17th division committeeperson and a self-described “Philly Girl,” who others have described as determined, tenacious, highly energetic, and “pit-bullish.”  She said that she is motivated by the possibilities of what can be, believes that the time is now to move with urgency and add to the work of the organization. 

3. Introductions from about twenty people who included information such as how long they’ve resided on their particular blocks. To a question about PKNA boundaries, Deneene responded that we hope to expand our catchment to both sides of Mannheim Street.

4. Old business: 
a. Maggie said that there is no update on the PSD (Pennsylvania School for the Deaf) suit against the Philadelphia Historic Commission , which would oppose the historic designation of 156 W. School House Lane; possibly the suite will be dropped. PKNA had helped to secure a the designation. Georgette updated us that the roof the building’s roof has been patched, the portico repainted, the columns repaired.  We hope they will make good use of the building as they keep it in repair. 
Another neighbor worried about a house on Wayne Avenue that has been abandoned and is falling apart.

b. Maggie said there will be a zoning board hearing on February 23 concerning approval for three living units at 147 W. School House Lane.  PKNA had approved this variance at our meeting in the fall.  At our March Maggie will report the result of this hearing.

c. Angela reported that we are still pursuing scheduling a walk-through of the PKNA community by PPD Commissioner Outlaw, who has committed to the event but not provided a date. We hope we can hold the event in the Spring.

5. New Business:
a. Elections:
 Neighbor-to Neighbor Committee:  we have a nominee for a Co-Chair of the committee, which is devoted to enhancing face-to-face  interactions in our community - through social events or through other events or efforts.
 Neighborhood Development and Conservation committee, which tracks building, zoning, or other issues around our built environment: Maggie said a co-chair is needed to help schooled and run meetings and to funnel responses to the Philadelphia Planning Commissions’ 2035 plan to Councilperson Cindy Bass’ office. Get in touch with Maggie if interested.

b.Goals:
Denise reported that the officers had found most of our previously stated goals to still be relevant.
 Her main priority is to increase neighbor and stakeholder engagement, which also includes elected officials, schools, businesses, and other community assets.  Specifically:
 - Our attempts to monitor preservation of our historic buildings are a worthwhile goal.
 - We want to enhance existing communication channels through strengthening our social media, website, flyer distribution network.
 - We want to reach all the blocks and neighbors in the PKNA catchment. 
 - We want to offer ways to connect - virtually for now, perhaps for a Bingo game or other event, and eventually in person, such as at an event in Howell Park.
 - We want to become a strong voting bloc.
 -  We want to track our quality of life through monitoring calls to and results from calls to the city’s 311-line. We can also look at Atlas.com to see what calls, and concerning what issues,  come in to 311 from the PKNA catchment. Possibly we can create a Dashboard that will follow the results we find. Possibly Cindy Bass can help to expedite our 311 calls.

c. Graphic designer: Adam said that we’re searching for a neighbor with graphic design experience; Deneene said we’re updating our look. Birdie said she’d responded in an email that she can happily make a logo with software on her computer.  A neighbor said that her son has experience and can help Birdie. Elsie said we should include our youth and get them involved in what the community is doing, with which Deneene agreed.

d. Quality of Life Committee:
Angela reminded us of our committee’s litter-free initiative which targets some blocks with the highest litter index.  Our clean-ups will resume in April.
We also have had a letter-writing campaign to the Philadelphia Commissioner Williams of the Streets Department.   Deputy Commissioner Richard Montanez was available to speak with us this evening.ent. He met with State Representative Darisha Parker in November concerning installing traffic-calming devices in our community. 
The Streets Department did a traffic calming study that we requested for both the 100 block of W. Queen Lane and the 100 block of Maplewood Avenue. Speed cushions/humps will be installed on the Maplewood Ave block in the Spring or Summer although it wasn’t deemed that the Queen Lane block needs these.
Rep Parker and Kevin wanted to know if Maplewood Avenue could be made one-way - they will talk to neighbors -  and asked to be get apprised of the decisions made by the Streets Department. 
Work orders for April have been written for installing the crosswalks and Knox Street and Queen Lane. 
Commish Montanez said that a “curbless street” is supposed to be a traffic-calming device, and they’re working on whether to install one. ?? - in Maplewood Mall??
We can’t get line-striping on Greene Street between Penn and Coulter until April when the weather changes.
Elsie said that cars are parked illegally at Giovanni’s Pizza where the kidnapping happened a while ago. Commissioner Montanez said that is a PPD matter.
Regarding potholes, Commish Montanez said that they could put on a “cold patch,” but the asphalt work should be done in the Spring when it can’t be undone by the weather. 
Elsie asked if we have recourse or could take measures if we don’t agree with Streets Department findings, whether they are written in stone. Commish Montanez said they could discuss the findings.  The Department  also has to abide by state and city codes, which restricts them somewhat. 
Angela brought up ADA repairs to the sidewalks and streets;  the ADA is suing Philadelphia; all projects are “under the order of a judge” due to the lawsuit, but they are moving forward. There is no clear timeline since there is no settlement yet about the projects. He can’t violate the judges’ orders.  He hopes for settlement soon.
There are “a million” of ADA repairs in the cue - they are very expensive.
There is a huge pothole at Marian and Hansberry, a water-filled, ponding pot-hole. Commish Montanez said he will have to “open up” the street if it’s sinking. Winter is a bad time to pour concrete.  
Alicia asked if the Streets Department is responsible for street-sweeping. Commish Montanez said that sweepers can’t get in on blocks when neighbors won’t move their cars - even when the neighbors say that they want sweepers. Communities don’t like blowers. The city will pilot four areas where they ticket cars that aren’t moved in order to let the street sweepers in.
Greg asked if the Streets Dept could de-synchronize the lights on Greene and Wayne avenues, which he thought would slow down cars trying to make the next light, which is dangerous to kids.
Greg added that he has experience in helping to channel city funds to the Departments;  City Council is in charge of all the money that goes to them, and he can help with this process.
Commish Montanez answers that lights are synched to reduce carbon emissions, another important quality of life issue. Also, there’s a need to provide some mobility on the streets, not to slow traffic down too much. The use of speed-monitoring cameras has had a good effect on speeding on Roosevelt Boulevard, and the Streets Dept is doing a study  which may lead to expanding the use of cameras in other neighborhoods.
Alvena asked if we could get money from President Biden’s infrastructure bill;  we need someone to lobby for neighborhoods and street repairs. Commish Montanez said the money is targeted for bridges, internet access, and so on. There’s a formula to work from. Mayor Kenney has a team working on this; has used $20 million so far out of $100 million for city; the work will include 180 miles of paving.  The city uses a “road index” to schedule what roads get paved. Go to phila.gov if looking for a job that uses the infrastructure money.  Much equipment and money needed for vast amount of work. 
Elsie complained that the stop signs at Greene and Hansberry are in a bad location for traffic flow. Commish Montanez will take a look.
Rep Parker said she’s been in touch with Congressman Dwight Evans about explaining Germantown’s needs and helping us to secure funds for disbursement.  She urged us to have a relationship with the new Inspector Smith of the PPD 14th District. Rep Parker also has money for Town Watch training and will work with Deneene on this.  Deneene said that we could invite police officers to PKNA meetings.
Pam  said that the 5000 block of Greene Street hasn’t been completely repaved in 35 years. Birdie would like the paving right up to Queen if possible. Commish Montanez will look into it.  He said to call him at  686-5515 or email him at Richard.montaneze@phila.gov.
Deneene asked who we can contact or meet with to designate block captains.  Commish Montanez will have Philadelphia More Beautiful to be in touch with us.
Birdie asked if anyone on the call knows the block captains for Hansberry between Greene and Knox. She cleans the 5200 block of Greene twice a week;  not much participation in clean-ups from people on the Hansberry block. Commish Montanez will look it up. Rep Parker wondered if we can tie in Town Watch with block captain information.
Commish Montanez said the mayor will install new lights in the entire city to reduce crime and encourage foot traffic. It will cost $80 million and take three years. Call 311 if there’s a problem with lights.  The Streets Department will borrow money for the 150,000 lights needed - different communities like different kinds of lights. They have to coordinate with the Water Dept and other Depts when they schedule work.
Georgette wrote in chat that the West Central Germantown neighborhood is meeting on February 2 and will weigh in on a Philadelphia Midwife Collective that wants to open on Walnut Lane, and we can attend and lend our voice.  It’s important that a building direct its lights DOWNWARD  in order not to create light pollution and obstruct birds.
Rep Parker lauded Comissh Montanez’ great work and many roles, all the while dealing with Covid, and has handled his job really well.  The Commish said “I wear multiple hats.”
Deneene said that grants are available from Pennsylvania; Gov Wolf is giving his last budget address. 
Angela thanked Commish Montanez for his transparency, candidness, work, and time, and expressed appreciation. We hope that he will return.  The Commish said he would do a walk-through and help the community despite Covid and vacancy complications.

6. Treasurer:
Maggie said that our PKNA balance is $1,916.80; we had two dues payments in January. Donate to PKNA at pennknox.com/dues.  You can put dues in an envelope in Maggie’s mailbox, 150 W. Queen Lane, or she can pick it up if you email her.

7. Open Mike: 
Deneene wants to expand PKNA boundaries to reflect diversity of neighborhood; on a grassroots level, we are “stronger together,” and neighbors are interested.  
Sue  said that the flyers are very important in making people aware of the organization and of meetings. 
Kevin said he’d been talking to Giovanni’s new owner (they switched ownership recently) and urged us to talk to the owner about stopping people from parking illegally. We should work together on this, and it will help if many neighbors talk to him, not just one.  The Quality of Life Committee needs people for this effort.
Alicia  said that home owners neglect the trash on the street right in front of their houses - so she picks up leaves and debris from the streets. She asked  if we could get everyone to be responsible for trash and debris on the street or curb in front of their house.
Deneene said we could ask neighbors to be more aware.   Let’s all pick up trash and be more aware.
Elsie said that she gets a lot of trash in front of her house and appreciates Alicia’s help in removing it.  She’s seen more people walking on Knox Street and likes new people in the neighborhood; when there’s more activity, there’s less negative activity.
Georgette said we could volunteer to pick up trash in front of  handicapped people’s houses.
Deneene said the litter patrols will pick up in April and we can communicate about these ideas.
Elsie said that some people are “proud” and don’t want to admit that they need help - so we should kn just help those who need it. 
Elsie asked for information about buildings going up, one at Maplewood and Wayne Avenues, and a few on Chelten. Maggie said that the one Elsie specified is going up “by right,” in accordance with current zoning. Maggie will gather information about the building’s timeline.
Representative Parker announced a fire safety event this Thursday, 6:30-7:30 organized in the wake of the Fairmount Fire last month; contact the Philadelphia Fire Department for information and for safety measures.
Deneene said hello to George Stevenson, who introduced himself as constituent services representative for Cindy Bass; he can help and work with us; he can formulate a spread sheet regarding issues like abandoned cars, fallen trees, and so on; we should report these problems to 311 to build a data record. He can help to expedite problem solutions. Reach him at 215-685-9182.
Tom Kang from David Oh’s office greeted us, urged us to get free government-provided Covid rapid test kits from Covidtests.gov.
Ted??? a ward leader?   - urged us to vote.
Pam  asked us to confer with Alison Weiss of SOLO about expanding our boundaries.
Deneene ended the meeting and said good night.

Submitted by Grace Flisser, PKNA Recording Secretary