At the recent Fox Chase Civic Association and Town Watch meeting, members approved a proposed use change at a property at 222 Hartel Ave. (at Burholme Avenue).
The property is the former Unity Market and Cafe, which was open from 2023 until February of this year. The former Unity-Frankford store had been vacant since 1986.
Last November, the owners appeared at the civic association meeting seeking to use a small, detached former garage as an ice cream and water ice shop. Neighbors narrowly rejected the idea.
The store closed earlier this year, and the property (which includes an upstairs apartment) was put up for sale, though it is not listed right now. At the recent civic meeting, the owners, represented by attorney Isaac Slepner, asked residents to support their bid to use the former garage for storage for the market.
Members voted in favor, 14-2, with a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing set for next month. The owners said they hope to reopen, but some civic members expect the property to be put up for sale once the ZBA legalizes the former garage.
In other news from the July 8 meeting:
• Lt. Justin Morris, of the 2nd Police District, said the district has been focusing on curfew violators in an effort to prevent thefts from autos and stolen autos.
Morris also mentioned the case on the 7100 block of Whitaker Ave. in Burholme, where federal agents entered a home on July 7 after Morris said the male resident threatened the White House.
According to the District Attorney’s Office and the police Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations, FBI agents discovered hazardous living conditions inside the residence during a court-authorized law enforcement operation. After making contact with a female, identified as 44-year-old Megan Bach, agents entered the residence and determined the property was unsafe due to deplorable living conditions. Megan Bach was taken into custody at the scene.
Two children, an 8-month-old infant and a 5-year-old child, were removed from the residence and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Shortly afterward, 43-year-old Thomas Bach arrived at the location and was also taken into custody. The Bachs have each been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Conspiracy and related charges.
• Rockledge Mayor Brian Corrigan spoke about a proposed veterans monument at Jarrett Playground. The Rockledge Veterans Association is seeking private donations for the monument, which will include flags, benches and engraved markers. DeChristopher Brothers has agreed to donate some material. Corrigan said the group hopes to break ground in August and have the work completed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
• State Rep. Sean Dougherty brought his dog Lucky to the meeting. Dougherty said the American flags look great on neighborhood streets, adding that, at Lions Park, the clock has been fixed and the gazebo will be replaced. He thanked Kate Friend, president of the civic association, for writing the grant that led to the state funding for the beautification.
• Among those in attendance were Michelle Mahoney, an aide to Rep. Sean Dougherty; Jill Henon, who works for City Controller Christy Brady; and Alice Udovich and Linda Gaynor, representing City Councilman Brian O’Neill.
• Schenk’s Family Bakery, 7951 Verree Road (at Ripley Street), has closed after 88 years. Schenk’s operated in Germantown and Olney before moving to Fox Chase in 1992. The last day was July 3.
• National Night Out for the 2nd and 7th police districts will take place in the Fox Chase Elementary School yard, 500 Rhawn St., on Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m., with a bicycle ride at 5 p.m. All children participating in the bicycle ride will be entered in a drawing for a new bike. There will be a DJ, food, face painting and games. Timmy Kelly will sing God Bless America. For more information, call the office of Rep. Sean Dougherty at 215-331-2600.
• City Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilman Brian O’Neill and Rep. Sean Dougherty will sponsor a family movie night on Friday, Aug. 28, at Burholme Park, 401 Cottman Ave. The movie to be shown is Sing. The evening will include resources and refreshments at 7 p.m., followed by the movie. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
• The property at 7801 Oxford Ave. will become home to storage for a landscape company’s equipment.
• Fox Chase Civic Association and Town Watch will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
