Holmesburg Civic Association last week supported two zoning proposals.
The group unanimously OK’d a proposed urgent care at 7937-39 Frankford Ave., the former home of Dance Kidz, which moved to Bensalem. Applicant Dr. Shuang Wang, represented by lawyer Tara Kao, needs a variance because there is an overlay protecting the 6th Councilmanic District from medical facilities. Wang owns ABC Urgent Care at 1010 Cottman Ave.
The faith-based nonprofit Magnolia Women’s Center was back in front of the group, having first appeared in 2023. Back then, the center sought to provide free services, including ultrasounds, to pregnant women and mothers of small children in a space in the rear of a church at 7811 Frankford Ave.
The civic board unanimously rejected Magnolia, arguing, in part, that the center was “anti-choice” for not referring women for abortions.
However, the Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously granted a three-year variance that expires on Dec. 1.
Melissa Aguilera, executive director at Magnolia, attended last week’s meeting with lawyer Alex Goldberg. Center hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Holmesburg spoke in favor of the permanent variance, as did a few other people, though voting was limited to people who’ve attended three meetings in the last year.
A couple of board members grilled Aguilera about the need for ultrasounds and the low number of clients.
In the end, the group voted in favor of the variance, 7-3. The ZBA will make the final decision on Oct. 21.
In other news from the Oct. 13 meeting:
• The group observed a moment of silence in memory of Police Officer Shane Seiber.
• State Rep. Pat Gallagher addressed the crowd. Gallagher said his office, at 8760 Frankford Ave., will host screenings for prostate cancer on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for breast cancer on Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He said he was happy the state budget provided additional money for public education. He told the group he helped secure money for a turf field at Russo Park that will be used by St. Hubert and the public.
• Among those in attendance were Stan Cywinski, representing City Councilman Mike Driscoll, and Elijah Wilson, an aide to state Sen. Joe Picozzi. Wilson said Picozzi has opened a second office at 8400 Bustleton Ave., Suite 301. The office at 12361 Academy Road remains open. The phone number there is 215-281-2539.
• The Tacony Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. on the 6800 and 6900 blocks of Torresdale Ave. There will be a costume contest, carnival games, prizes, live music, vendors, Halloween crafts and food. The event is sponsored by Tacony Together (formerly the Tacony CDC), Philly 250, Tacony LAB Community Art Center and the Tacony Library.
• The 15th Police District Advisory Council and Town Watch Integrated Services will sponsor a free Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4-8 p.m. at ShopRite, 5597 Tulip St. There will be candy, music and entertainment. Email Gregory.Bucceroni@phila.gov.
• The 15th Police District Advisory Council will meet on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. ••
