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[eastwickcommunity]

Illegal Dumping On Mario Lanza Blvd., near 81st St., a black bag containing construction debris

In the vicinity of 81st Street on Mario Lanza Boulevard, an illicit disposal of construction debris has occurred. The debris is situated near a fire hydrant that has been under repair by the water department for an extended duration, but the project remains incomplete.

[eastwickcommunity]

Illegal Dumping on Mario Lanza Blvd A substantial quantity of car tires were discarded in the bushes

Along Mario Lanza Boulevard, between Crane Street and 81st Street, a large quantity of car tires were discarded in the bushes. If you're driving from 81st Street towards Mario Lanza Boulevard and Crane Street, you'll notice the tires on your left before reaching the 84th Street bridge.

[eastwickcommunity]

On Mario Lanza Blvd, trucks show blatant disregard for the no-parking signs, choosing to park illegally despite the clear prohibition

On Mario Lanza Blvd., trucks are frequently parked illegally, disregarding the no-parking signs. They also block the bike lane, which is against city regulations and creates a hazardous environment for cyclists. I urge the city to enforce the parking restrictions and issue fines to the drivers of these trucks to discourage future violations and ensure the safety of all road users.

[eastwickcommunity]

Philly sees 500% increase in sidewalk parking citations after increased PPA enforcement

[eastwickcommunity]

As sea levels rise, Philly and Camden are at risk of being inundated with raw sewage, study finds

With climate-related flood risk rising, cities are confronting outdated sewer systems that could result in sewage backing up into basements and streets.

From Philly and the Pa. suburbs to South Jersey and Delaware, what would you like WHYY News to cover? Let us know!

As climate change continues to ramp up wet weather events, cities like Philadelphia, Camden, and New York will increasingly face a messy problem — the eruption of raw sewage into people’s basements and in the streets.

That’s according to a recent study by a group of Drexel researchers, who used modeling techniques to predict how changing precipitation patterns and rising sea levels would affect flooding in Camden — providing a clue to how similar cities may fare as climate change continues to advance.

Combined sewer systems

Camden — along with other older coastal cities, including Philadelphia — is especially vulnerable because it uses a combined sewer system, which uses the same pipes to convey both sewage and stormwater. Normally, the combined flow goes to water treatment plants — but that changes during wet weather events.

“What happens often during large rainstorms is that there’s not enough capacity in the pipe,” said Franco Montalto, a civil engineering professor at Drexel who led the research. “The pipe can’t convey as much water to the treatment plant.”

At this point, structures called regulators come into play.

“Imagine the regulator as a switch, and when the water level is below a certain point, the switch is directing all the flow to the wastewater treatment plant,” Montalto said. “But when the flow exceeds that level, then the switch allows the water to go to two places. There’s still water that goes to the wastewater treatment plant, but then there’s an overflow that goes directly into a river.”

This is a problem from an ecological point of view, because that overflow includes untreated sewage. In the 1990s, the Environmental Protection Agency began requiring communities with combined sewer systems to develop long-term plans to reduce the dumping of untreated runoff, known as combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

[eastwickcommunity]

Dollar Tree store total mess at Penrose Plaza Shopping Center

[eastwickcommunity]

Sanitation Concerns - Dollar Tree and Citi Trends at Penrose Plaza Shopping Center

Sanitation Concerns - At Penrose Plaza Shopping Center, the area outside the Dollar Tree store has become a health hazard due to individuals using it as a public restroom. Customers are forced to navigate through urine and feces, creating an unpleasant and unsanitary environment. This behavior shows a lack of respect for the store and poses a significant health risk for customers and employees. Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial for the health and safety of everyone who uses the shopping center. Prompt action is necessary to address this issue and maintain a safe and clean environment.

[eastwickcommunity]

Clogged Storm Drain Inlet - Mario Lanza Blvd. (between 81st and 8400 Mario Lanza Blvd.)

I reported on June 10, 2024 to Philly311 a clogged storm drain inlets on Mario Lanza Blvd., located between 81st Street and 8400 Mario Lanza Blvd. While the area is wooded and lacks a physical mailing address, it can be identified by its position along the boulevard.

During a recent walk through the area, I observed that approximately four inlets were covered with debris. One inlet, in particular, appeared to be completely obstructed by debris and branches from nearby bushes.

Clogged storm drains can impede proper water flow and increase the risk of flooding during heavy rain events. I kindly request that city crews schedule a cleaning for this specific inlet and potentially assess the condition of the other impacted inlets along that stretch of Mario Lanza Blvd.

[eastwickcommunity]

Inlet Cleaning on Mario Lanza Blvd. R. June 5 2024

Request for Storm Drain Cleaning - Mario Lanza Blvd.

Today I reported a clogged storm drain inlet located on Mario Lanza Blvd., between Inglis Garden Apartments and International City Apartments.

This particular area is known to be flood-prone, and keeping the storm drains clear is crucial for proper water drainage during heavy rain events. With the recent increase in storm activity, addressing this issue becomes even more important.

I kindly request that the city prioritize cleaning this specific storm drain inlet and consider a broader inspection of the storm drains along Mario Lanza Blvd. to ensure proper functionality.

[eastwickcommunity]

Pothole Repair at 80th Street and Lindbergh Blvd.

In the midst of the intersection of South 80th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, a trio of sizeable and treacherous potholes has emerged, posing a significant hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike. Located on the side of the road closest to the International City Apartments, these craters have become a persistent and concerning issue for residents and commuters.

Is the hole in the bike, driving or parking lane?

Driving Lane

Is the hole on an interstate highway?

No

[eastwickcommunity]

The Philadelphia Water Department leaving work incomplete and abandoned

Several weeks ago, a work crew came to this area of Eastwick, performed some work, and left a fire hydrant lying in the street. The city or the responsible entity should address this unfinished work promptly. This incident exemplifies a concerning pattern of abandoned and incomplete work by city workers, which is unacceptable and requires immediate attention.

The address is: 8100 Mario Lanza Blvd

[eastwickcommunity]

Damaged Stop Sign

Located at a vital intersection, the stop sign has been knocked down and is currently lying on the ground. To ensure safe traffic flow, this sign needs immediate attention and repair. The Stop sign is located right by International City Apartments.

[eastwickcommunity]

The street name sign is overturned and about to fall to the ground

The street name sign is overturned and about to fall to the ground, so you need to fix it before it falls to the ground.

[eastwickcommunity]

Abandoned Car in front of International City Apartments

Description:

A vehicle with flat rear tires has been parked for over a week in front of International City Apartments

General Condition of Vehicle: Appears Broken Down/Disabled

Make & Model of Vehicle: Chysler 200 2011

Color of the vehicle: grey

Body Style: 4-Door Sedan

License Plate # LXK-5485

License Plate State: Pennsylvania

[eastwickcommunity]

Illegal Dumping continues in Southwest Philadelphia

On Mario Lanza Boulevard, a large sofa was illegally dumped. The dumping site is in a non-residential, wooded area between 3002 and 8100 Mario Lanza Boulevard. Since the site is undeveloped, it lacks a physical address.

[eastwickcommunity]

SEPTA crimes these days are disturbing

[eastwickcommunity]

Ridership Sags, Costs Soar, but Shapiro Still Wants More Money for SEPTA

Despite exploding costs and plunging ridership, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) appears in line for another infusion of nearly $300 million in taxpayer cash.

Earlier this week, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro vowed to increase public transportation funding by $282.8 million.

“Ever since I was a state representative and county commissioner in Montgomery County, I have supported SEPTA and the critical services it offers to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians every day,” the governor said. “SEPTA has presented plans to address safety and cleanliness throughout their system, and county officials have entertained a willingness to step up to the plate and increase their support. As a result, my administration is prepared to make a major investment in SEPTA.”

It’s yet to be determined how much local funding, if any, Delaware Valley governments will kick in.

SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards praised Shapiro’s decision. She said it would help SEPTA “address our more pressing needs and…continue [to serve] our communities.” Richards previously said SEPTA might cut services by 20 percent and raise fares by 30 percent. That would raise a Quick Trip Ticket from $2.50 to $3.25 and SEPTA Key and contactless payments from $2 to $2.60.

SEPTA funding and budget issues became a major focus for Democratic politicians after the transit agency revealed that it faced a looming fiscal cliff. It burned through $1.8 billion in federal COVID money between Fiscal Years 2020 and 2023 while generating just $1.18 billion in revenue.

That’s not counting the $2 billion in annual funding from Pennsylvania taxpayers, something independent auditors said was “the largest single source of subsidy revenue.”

An additional $295 million in taxpayer funding was not included in last year’s state budget.

And still ridership numbers continue to fall short of pre-COVID levels. In October 2023, average ridership was just 67 percent of the October 2019 number. On Regional Rail, ridership was just 56 percent of the pre-COVID average.

SEPTA’s cash crunch caused Democratic U.S. Reps. Madelaine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, and Mary Gay Scanlon to send a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg last month asking for a bailout from federal taxpayers. Democratic Sens. Bob Casey Jr. and John Fetterman signed the letter, as did Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia). “Without strong, sustained federal support, Pennsylvanians risk losing transit access entirely,” the lawmakers wrote. “As the Department of Transportation continues its critical work, we urge you to prioritize SEPTA and Pennsylvania’s transit systems.”

Now, there’s a chance that SEPTA may get a partial state bailout, if not a federal one.

That’s music to the ears of Democrats representing Delaware Valley in Harrisburg.

“From the ‘burbs to the city, SEPTA connects us to jobs, doctors’ appointments, recreation, shopping, and so much more,” state Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) posted on social media after learning of the federal lawmakers’ letter. She expressed gratitude for their “fighting for more federal dollars to keep this critical system afloat.”

State Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) hoped Shapiro would go further. She said SEPTA needed even more cash to make sure more seniors and workers take mass transportation. “SEPTA alone moves over half a million people every day to their jobs, families, school, medical appointments, and more…”

The reasons for the declining ridership vary. Numerous complaints from riders to the Better Business Bureau focus on late buses or trains. Others complained that drivers focused more on beating red lights instead of serving customers.

Crime remains a big problem for SEPTA as well. Statistics show the number of disorderly conduct and public urination and defecation cases since 2019 have increased far higher than ridership, from 213 to more than 1,300 in 2022.

Robberies jumped from 118 in 2019 to 217 in 2021, while aggravated assaults almost doubled from 46 to 86 in the same period.

That meant significant increases in SEPTA expenses. Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics show SEPTA spent $1.44 per passenger miles traveled on commuter rail in 2022 compared to 49 cents per passenger mile in 2013. For bus passengers, it was $2.66 in 2022 versus $1.09 in 2013. Streetcar rail was $2.87 in 2022 and only .94 cents in 2013.

Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) said SEPTA gets enough money.

“Supporting SEPTA’s request for increased state subsidy is a challenging argument to make, especially in light of Philadelphia District Attorney (Larry) Krasner’s inability to maintain law and order throughout America’s sixth largest city,” he said. “No amount of increased subsidy can restore customer confidence in making use of the network given the raging crime crisis Krasner perpetuates.”

The Commonwealth Foundation said the state government needs to take a new look at how it funds mass transit.

“Several years ago, state mass transit funding was moved offline into a special fund, taking a portion of sales tax revenue and Turnpike tolls to fund transit systems,” said Nathan Benefield, the Commonwealth Foundation’s senior vice president. “Unlike the General Fund, lawmakers don’t vote on this spending every single year.

“Should lawmakers examine how much state funding goes into those programs? We think they should.”

On Feb. 6, Josh Shapiro will hold his annual budget address.