Some neighbors in the Cedar Park neighborhood have been struggling to get some of the lights back on in the park. Several street lamps in the park have been dark for a few months. A request to 311 to repair the lights was submitted by neighbor Ryan Briggs on December 17, 2012 but was closed on January 1 when the Streets Department reported that “the light was found burning.” However, the request had been submitted to repair at least three lights and residents are reporting that now all but one of the park lamps are out, which presents a significant safety hazard.
Ryan wrote us and said that 311 now says it’s a Parks and Rec problem.
Another Cedar Park resident, Amara Rockar, also tried to submit an online maintenance request, including photos of the dysfunctional lights. She says that 311 is now telling her via Twitter to submit a new request under a different coding, which, she says, “seems pretty useless if citizens don’t know the exact correct coding for a particular situation.” Calling 311 is also not very effective since you don’t have a paper trail.
So while the struggle between the city and the residents is going on the problem remains unsolved and residents near the park are getting frustrated.
UPDATE 2 (Friday, Jan. 11): We are happy to report that all but one lights in the park were back on last night (see photo below tweeted by Amara Rockar).
As we reported earlier, the University Avenue/34th Street Bridge over the Schuylkill river has been closed for repairs since Jan. 2 for approximately three weeks. As it was expected the area near the bridge is congested and motorists are advised to take detours over Grays Ferry Avenue, Woodland Avenue and 38th Street.
Penn and city police are deploying additional overtime officers to assist motorists in congested areas and to assist with traffic control at some vital intersections. One of the problems that the police are dealing with during the bridge closure is illegal U-Turns from the Westbound I-76 South Street ramp to the Eastbound South I-76 South Street ramp. “U-turns on the South street bridge is both illegal and hazardous, and negatively impact the congestion,” reads a Traffic Advisory by Penn Public Safety.
UPDATE (Friday, Jan. 11): Mars has been found and returned to his owner.
Mars, a 2-year-old Beagle/Terrier Mix, escaped from his home near Clark Park this afternoon. He was last seen in the area of 49th and Woodland. He is about 25 pounds. He is microchipped and wearing a collar with tags. He’s a very friendly dog but shy around new people.
If you have any information regarding Mars, please contact Stacy at 267-902-2020.
Police are continuing to search for two suspects, a man and a woman, who on Monday morning, between 5:30 and 6:40 a.m., slashed tires on some 59 vehicles parked on the 4700-5000 block of Hazel Avenue and the 5300 block of Chancellor Avenue.
Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey announced yesterday a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of those involved in this act of vandalism. The Fraternal Order of Police President John Mcnesby is offering another $5,000 just for an arrest of the suspects, bringing the total reward amount up to $10,000.
The first suspect is described as a Black female, 30 years-of-age, 5’3”, stocky build, long hair, red or pink short jacket carrying a light colored bag. The second suspect is a Black male, 5’11”, wearing dark clothing. The police released surveillance video where both suspects can be seen (see below).
Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Southwest Detectives Division (Det. DiLauro #670) at 215-686-3183/3184. To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
The University City Science Center (UCSC) will soon get its own residential building. Plans have been revealed for a construction of a 27-story apartment building on the UCSC campus near 36th and Market Streets. The construction, which will begin in the fall of 2013, is expected to be completed in early 2015. The new 400,000 square feet building will be a mix of studio, efficiency and one- and two-bedroom apartments (364 total!) and will also include a fitness center, a rooftop pool, 200 parking spaces, and about 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. In addition, the building will be topped off with a green roof.
“This new project will add an entirely new dimension to the Science Center and our campus. It will help us achieve our goal of ‘activating’ our campus and creating a dynamic environment in which to live, work and play,” says Science Center President & CEO Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., MBA. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2013, we are looking to the future – and the future of the Science Center centers on a vibrant 24/7 community.”
The project is a joint venture between Wexford Equities, the parent company of Wexford Science & Technology, and Southern Land Company.
The UCSC, one of the nation’s largest urban research parks, was established in 1963.
UPDATE: Police have confirmed that about 50 cars had their tires slashed along the 4900 and 5000 blocks of Hazel Ave. It appears that a knife was used judging by the shape of the gashes, which are each about an inch long (see photos).
Earlier this morning a reader, Arwin, emailed with information that several cars parked on the north side of the 5000 block of Hazel Avenue had their tires slashed overnight. At least four cars were affected, including Arwin’s. Apparently, some cars on the 4900 block had their tires slashed too.
Arwin reported the incident to the police who are sending someone out. “Very unfortunate start to the morning,” she said.
Neighbor Alon Abramson changes the slashed tire on his girlfriend’s car this morning.
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