After publication of our post “Dear City, Turn on the lights in Cedar Park” a number of readers commented about their experience with submitting maintenance requests via 311 phone, online or Twitter service. But if you own a smartphone, one reader, Andy L., recommended downloading the new Philly 311 mobile app. The app came out just a few months ago and works great.

“It lets you upload photos and gives you status updates until it’s done. I just started using it, and it’s working for me. For best response, try to pick the right category, like graffiti, or dumping, or problem with a vacant property, abandoned car, etc.,” Andy L. recommends.

This sweet, 8-9-month-old Cairn Terrier Mix followed a neighbor, Lena, home from Malcolm X Park about a month ago and since then has been living with her. Lena hopes to find a good home for him. He weighs about 30 pounds. He loves people and has lots of energy, so will do best in a home where someone is home most of the day to keep him company.

He is good with kids and other dogs and okay with cats but needs close watching as he likes to chase them. He has all shots and was scheduled for neutering Jan. 9. He has lots of puppy energy and loves to play and cuddle.

If interested please call Lena at 215-704-­9913.

On Saturday, Jan. 12, the Cedar Park Neighbors community association is holding a morning workshop where you can learn about basics of block organizing, block beautification and vacant lot management. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and to learn how to be more proactive on your blocks.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th & Baltimore).

If you are interested in attending this event please contact Meg Ferrigno at: 267.241.7606; skyflowers0@gmail.com.

Blackout in Cedar Park. (Photo by Amara Rockar)

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.

The 311 website is here.

UPDATE: We have received a response from 311 on Twitter:

@westphillylocal Just spoke with mgmt in @PhilaParkandRec. Requests have been received and lights in Cedar Park have been queued for repair.

— Philly311 (@philly311) January 10, 2013

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.