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Faxes Sent to Brian O'Neill

Letters

From:	BC
To:	Councilman O'Neill
Date:	Friday, 08/15/08
Subject:	Lower Dublin Academy - Northeast Phila.

PRESS RELEASE


FRIENDS OF POQUESSING WATERSHED
Donna Remick - President
P.O. Box 63264
Philadelphia, PA 19114-8264

Phone: (215) 638-0832
Email: FriendsofPoquessing@usa.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


FRIENDS OF POQUESSING WATERSHED
BEGINS SEASON with HISTORY LECTURE

Donna Remick, President, announces the Friends of Poquessing
Watershed (FOPW) will begin its 2008 - 09 meeting series on
Sepember 4 at 7:30 pm. The FOPW of Philadelphia and Bucks County
is an all volunteer, non-profit environmental group which is
dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Poquessing
Watershed.
The Watershed, with a history dating back to the days of
William Penn and his treaty with the Indians, is a long neglected
21 square mile area which straddles Philadelphia and Bucks
County. The FOPW also works to educate the community about the
very rich and diverse history of the area

The meeting will begin with a presentation by local
historian Bruce Conner. Mr. Conner will discuss the history of
Lower Dublin Academy which is located at Willits and Academy
Road. He will also describe the efforts of the recently formed
Friends of Lower Dublin Academy. This group is working to
acquire, preserve, and renovate this historic survivor of the
Northeast's past.

The public is invited this meeting on Thursday, September 4,
7:30 pm at Community College of Philadelphia, Northeast Campus,
12901 Townsend Road.
Questions - Phone: (215) 638-0832 or Bruce Conner:215-698-9329
Email: FriendsofPoquessing@usa.net

Gentlemen:

My comment concerns picking up new arrivals at the Philadelphia
Airport.

As you know, the situation at the airport is a mess. It requires
the communication skills of a team of experts to be able to come
to the airport, back up someone, and do any of that in a stress-
free manner.

The police on duty are adamant that you cannot stop your vehicle
unless the person you are picking up is standing there waiting
for you. Some of them run out of patience (understandably) and
get downright mean. Since so much depends on other people in
that situation, the situation is almost impossible. Hence, car
after car has to drive the loop around the airport, often
parking on the shoulder of the access roads. Parking in the
short term parking lot is too expensive (and for some,
complicated) for this brief encounter.

So what can we do to save the police from acting like
stormtroopers, the public from acting like morons, and the
arriving passenger from wanting to leave Philly before they even
get here.

Here's a suggestion. Maybe it can't be done but I want to
mention it anyway. And this concerns arrivals only. Departures
are no problem. You drive up, they get out, you drive away and
everyone is happy.

The short term parking lots each have a row of parking places
facing the access road (or the terminal building). Why not take
all those front row spaces and make them "ARRIVAL PICKUP - 90
MINUTE PARKING STRICLY ENFORCED".

When the patron leaves the parking lot, if the DEPARTURE TIME is
within 90 minutes of the arrival time, the fee can be $3.00.
Otherwise he pays the limit. And perhaps there can be a fine
assessed at exit in addition to the full exit fee. So the
violator will pay the full short term parking rate plus the fine
for breaking the law. As long as the fine is reasonable. Say
$20.00 plus the normal fee.

just a thought. Right now, that places generates a lot of anger
on everybody's part. Something like this could help.

Thanks

ARRIVALS - 90 MINUTE LIMIT
VIOLATORS WILL BE TICKETED

Hello I am a former Philadelphia Police Officer. I left the
department to raise my family however my husband is still an
active detective.Right now I am currently finishing my bs in
criminal justice at Chestnut Hill College. Last week as part of
an assignment we visited graterford prison. Needless to say I
left disturbed with what I saw. My thoughts were, what can I do
to stop our youth from going down the wrong path. I wanted to
speak to the mayor in regards to leading an organization that
takes children ages 8-11 who have committed their first offense
to graterford and the city morgue for a tour. I know it sounds
graphic but I believe we can save some if they are shown their
fate. I recently saw a documentary in class with youth
offenders who were told from people on the street that prison
is not bad you see alot of people you know, only when they are
sentenced to find it's nothing of the sort. When juvenile
offenders are arrested they are taken to the sweet youth study
center and they continue to repeat their actions based on the
knowledge of a camp like environment. We need to act now.
Understanding once they are scared straight they still have to
return home to sometimes poor parenting. I would recommend
volunteer mentors for them to talk to and visit with approved
back round checks. Even after being on the dept. for 7 years I
had no idea prison was so horrible. The smell and the noise
itself is enough to take those children and turn them around to
a brighter future. I have some experience in mentoring children
I grew up in a neighborhood that was overcome by crack. My
mother although single kept her family in check with all that
going on. some of our neighbors children ended up at our place
everyday only to become some of the best citizens in the city.
One is a psycologist with an MD.Two are Phila Police. One is a
teacher. the list goes on and on. I could have all of them at a
meeting with the Mayor so we can get this plan underway. It can
be done with your permission I will lay the ground work and we
can save the city's youth.

To the Mayor and Council Men and Women of Philadelphia,

I am deeply concerned about yet another attack on Tyesha
Tazwell near the Gallery. This is yet another attack on a
Philly citizen in the past 3 weeks (there's probably more).

Key points to note:

1) This is happening in a part of the city that is supposed to
be vibrant, and ruining the city image. Let's keep the
citizens who walk the streets in center city feel safe.

2) SEND A MESSAGE TO THESE YOUTHS BY GIVING TOUGH PUNISHMENT.

3) GO TO THE SCHOOLS OF THESE YOUTHS AND SEND THEM A MESSAGE.


Thank you!

Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing this letter to try to make you join the global
movement Earth hour 2008.May be you are asking yourselves what is
that about?Check http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qczUcQ-VjM and
http://www.earthhour.org/
I know that It is impossible to shut down the whole city for an
hour.But a lot of big cities are giving a try. We should try too
to decrease to minimum the usage of electricity on March 29 at 8
p.m...and to show our effort and support of saving the world,of
saving ourselves...

I need to inform City Council about the Board of Revision of
Taxes' refusal, to date, to respond to a question I had
regarding the following:
I asked the BRT in a letter about 10 days ago to advise me
where to find statistical information relating to how many
homeowwners are offered reductions in their property tax
increases if they appear before the BRT to appeal those
increases.
Most of my neighbors had, on average, $200 increases in their
yearly property tax. That's about 8% for those residents.
The Case-Shiller index, and a recent Wharton study showed
property values dropping nationwide and locally by 8.9% for
Case Shiller and 4.4% from the Wharton study.
This obvious decrease in values was brought to BRT's attention
during the hearings, yet the neighbors I discussed this with
all lost their appeals.
It appears that the BRT, in spite of documented data staring
them in the face, continues to raise taxes in direct
contradiction to the plummeting property values nationwide and
in Philadelphia.
When we requested this information from the BRT to see how many
homeowners had seen a reduction or recision of their property
tax increases, I assumed they'd have the courtesy to supply the
information.
As I've noted, to date, no respose from the BRT.
As a taxpayer and citizen of the city, aren't I, or any
resident, entitled to that information?
Or, is this some sort of secret data that the BRT will not
release? Or, perhaps they can't find it, or worse, lose it like
they lost the Fumo tax data.
It would be valuable to the people of Philadelphia and City
Council to demand that the BRT have this information at the
ready so we, as taxpayers, have unrestricted access to these
figures.
Since only 3-4% of residents appeal their property tax
increases, it should not be a statistical "burden" for the BRT
to supply this data. Wouldn't that seem logical?
Most homeowners, puzzling as it seems, feel afraid or reluctant
to "take on" the BRT and argue for fair taxation. It is like
a "kangaroo court", which probably frightens many people from
sitting in an inferior position (below the BRT reps
sitting "above" the taxpayer) to appeal their case.
Lately, considering the neighbors I've talked to, the BRT isn't
compromising or re-evaluating the broad increases they've
recently imposed on the citizens of Philadelphia.
These increases fly in the face of the home price declines that
have dominated the news for the last year.
Is the BRT under Council control or have they become some "out
of control" entity that does what they see fit, answering to no
one, despite media and statistical evidence to the contrary?
Could you look into this situation and see what the BRT is
obligated to do as a entity controlled by Council and/or
taxpayers?
Thank You.

I believe an independent investigation is in order to discover
how Mr. Fumo's property tax records were "lost" in the BRT move.
It is incredibly odd (and convenient) that such an incident
could occur, yet we've heard of no other property owners (out
of 400,000+ or more) having the same "misfortune". I guess,
however, that a few more random "files" will disappear to cover
the trail and make it look like an accident. C'mon, folks.
something stinks...
There is not an unfortunate coincidence. It is, obviously, an
effort by somebody to protect Fumo.
Let's first request that the property owner (Fumo) or his legal
repesentative make copies of their appeal data relating to that
property. Any competent legal firm he hired or Mr. Fumo himself
would keep copies of this data, especially since the property
is in the news and is worth millions of dollars. Hopefully,
they have not "Misplaced" their copies of this property's
appeal history..
I know that the BRT needs a bit of outside prodding to track
down the problem. Relying on Feeley's statements (by the way,
how much does he get as a " BRT consultant"?) and his
statement "Closing the book" on this "missing" data is not
acceptable.
As a taxpayer, I'm formally requesting that the BRT be called
on the carpet to explain this travesty.

I Urge you to support Councilman Kelly's bill to ban the sale
of foie gras in Philadelphia when it comes up for
a vote. Please stop this cruel "food" practice from being
served in the city of brotherly love!

Dear Councilman O’Neill,

I was employed by the Philadelphia Water Department for over 30
years. I participated in the DROP Program and retired on March
31, 2006.

Since the position I vacated when I left the Water Dept
(Instrument Technician) was never filled, I was asked to return
as an Independent Contractor. However, my retirement status had
to last one year before returning.

In April 2007, one year after my retirement, I attempted to
return to work. Seven months have passed and due to insurance
issues, I'm unable to return. The City of Philadelphia has
instituted a policy requiring me to hold a $1 million General
Liability Insurance Policy. I've attempted to secure such a
policy through numerous agents, but have been unsuccessful.

Is there anything you can do to help me attain this insurance
so that I may return to work?

I have one more question. If I was forced to wait one year
before returning to my job, why doesn’t that same rule apply to
Joan Krajewski and Marge Tartaglione? I read in the Phila
Inquirer this morning that they will be retire for ONE DAY,
collect their hefty DROP payout, then return to work.
Something is rotten in Philadelphia.

Thank you for your time.

Dear Mayor Street:

I am concerned about the Commerce Dept.'s decision to hold a
public hearing Nov. 15 on SugarHouse Casino's application to
build its facility on state-owned riverfront lands. SugarHouse
has invoked an obscure state law in the hopes of obtaining from
the City that which it has thus been thus far been unable to
obtain from the Commonwealth.

I'd appreciate it if you could get back to me with answers to the
following questions about this or any other hearings the city may
hold on this matter:

* Why not postpone the hearing until after Mayor Nutter takes
office in January since he is the one who will have to deal with
the casino issue for the next 4 years, at least?
* What are the terms under which members of the public may
address the hearing?
* Which officials will make the decision about whether to
grant SugarHouse permission to build on state riparian lands?
* When do you expect a decision on the license to be made?
* Is SugarHouse Casino expected to testify at the hearing?
* Does the Commerce Dept. consider impacted residents to be
interested parties for the purposes of this hearing?
* Will the hearing be videotaped and, if so, when will such
videotape be available to the public?
* Does the Sunshine Act apply to this hearing?
* Do the procedures found at 2 Pa.C.S.A. Section 551, et
seq., apply to this hearing?

I visit downtown and Penn's Landing frequently. It is such a
shame that our City so far has not developed the first class
waterfront that other cities its size have done. Furthermore, I
resent the fact that I have very little access to the waterfront,
as a non boater, from where I live in Northeast Philadelphia. We
do have Pennypack Park, but I would love to be able to jog or
bike along the Delaware River as well ---- especially since it
would be relatively safe to do so in the great Northeast, if we
had access to the waterfront behind all that City owned
riverfront real estate, at least. It would be especially nice to
be able to bike downtown from the Northeast -- all along the
waterfront, if that day should ever come!!

The city, state, and Feds should build an embarcadaro along our
major river at least as grand as the one in San Antonio. Why
can't we be as creative as New York City in the way they take
advantage of the Hudson and New York harbor.

As for now, thank you for considering this request that you
clarify certain aspects of the hearings that need to be held
before Philadelphia gives developers cart blanche to block public
access to and thoroughfare along the waterfront.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.


cc:Mayor-elect, Michael Nutter

When are you going to go after the slum lords comming down from
New York, buying up houses who then turn aruond and rent the
houses right out. They don't get the required permits, or pay
the fees that they are supposed to pay to run their bussiness'?
The other problem is the influx of section eight into the once
stable neighborhoods of the Northeast. I used to live in
Tacony. I lived there for twenty years. I raised my family
there. A few years ago I noticed the decline of the
neighborhood. Increased crime and drug dealing ruined this once
proud area. It's not just Tacony. Holmesburg and Mayfair are
suffering the same fate. What are you going to do to repair
this city?

Just a quick request regarding PGW.
There are reports that PGW is intending to raise rates again?
If this is the case, I am asking you to have an independent
firm thoroughly investigate the finances of PGW.
Considering its past history of upper echelon PGW staff "living
the good life" at the expense of Philadelphia customers, it is
mandatory that such an investigation be initiated.
Recently, the SEPTA and Philadelphia School district state
funding revealed that they too are misusing and/or abusing
their finances to such an extent that the State was supposed to
investigate SEPTA (which was conveniently "tabled" as part of
the "deal") and Vallas' departure, unfortunately, ended the
investigation into his and other school officials potential of
credit card and expense account abuse.
Don't turn your heads and/or sanction this terrible misuse of
taxpayer dollars and utility payments.
Please be sure to find out where all the money is going.
Employee salaries and benefits are already known.
Let's find out how much money is disappearing into the PGW
credit card accounts that is not being carefully documented.
Thank You.

Dear City Council:
As you consider the pending casino vote, please think about
Atlantic City. And Las Vegas. Neither is a city with
comfortable, safe, livable and walkable neighborhoods.
Philadelphia truly IS a city of neighborhoods -- wonderful and
intimate and diverse neighborhoods. Don't let Casinos destroy
more of them.
Whatever the Casinos may offer the city in terms, it doesn't
take much imagination to come up with other uses for that land
that will offer more.
Please vote against SugarHouse Casino and for the 1500 foot
buffer.

Dear City Council:

I respectfully request that you keep the casinos as far away from
this neighborhood as possible. The 1500 foot buffer is a good
start. Miles away would be better.

Chris Anderson

Dear City Council:
Please, for your sake and ours? Vote against Sugarhouse casino
and for the 1500 foot buffer, Thank You Very Much.

Dear City Council:

Don't allow casinos IN a city neighborhood. Vote with a
conscience. The casinos are too close to people's homes. Vote
for the 1500ft barrier!

Worse, the traffic infrastructure is not there and the Girard
Avneue Interchange will not be done until 2017 (as per
Penndot...though Fumo and Rendell would tell you otherwise).
How can Delaware Avenue accommodate 50,000 visitors a day with
or even without a major construction project? It can't!
That's why the PGCB never did a study for 2 casinos on Delaware
Avenue. That's why they lie and say the construction will take
3 years when Penndot publicly states 6-8 years.

Think long-term: 6000 casino jobs ($12-15/hr) v. 130,000 NEW
longshoreman jobs making $70-100K a year...this according to
Rendell who is spending $277 million dollars to create port
jobs by dredging the Delaware River.

How would you like drunk drivers (wasted on free casinos booze)
were zipping up and down your small one-way city street? This
endangers our children. The lack of highway infrastructure and
resulting traffic will cajole this drivers onto the streets of
Fishtown and Pennsport. Wait until the first child is run over!

I just got engaged. I WILL NOT raise a family in Fishtown. If
these casinos come, I am moving to the suburbs - and my fiance
and I are taking $8,000 in wage tax with us. How many are like
us?

The tax break, when you take into account the sales tax
increase, is only $6 per household in PA. The average
Philadelphian will pay more. Fistowners will pay MUCH MORE
when the Commonwealth increases our property taxes!

Do not flip your votes! Stay the course! Do what is right!
Do not sell out the middle class so the rich can get even more
wealthy ON OUR SUFFERING!

Dear City Council:

Stop all this madness. This is going to ruin these neighborhoods
. Put it next door to the mayors house and see how he likes it.

Dear City Council:

Two Las Vegas size casinos will be the beginning of the end for
the Delaware river neighborhoods. Casinos and neighborhoods do
not mix. Vote no on Councilman Ramos' casino zoning (CED)
legislation for SugarHouse and yes to Councilman DiCicco's 1500'
buffer bill.

Please allow Philadelphia residents to have a say in what their
community will look like!!!! So many of us are very afraid of
what these casino will do to our neighborhoods - I firmly
believe that family life will be downgraded due to the probable
influx of crime and traffic in our neighborhoods. Please VOTE
NO on Councilman Ramos' zoning legislation and YES to Councilman
DiCicco's 1500 Buffer bill!!!

Dear City Council:

There is nothing wrong with requesting the 1500 buffer. We
didn't want gambling legalized....but the politicians did it
anyway! We didn't want the casinos in the city....but the
politicians did it anyway! Can we at least have a say as to
where the casinos should be located?????? PLEASE LET THE 1500
BUFFER BECOME LAW AND STOP THE CASINO INDUSTRY FROM TAKING OVER
THE CITY!!!!!!!

Dear City Council:

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