How to

REPORT CRIME

In an emergency, call 911.
In addition to calling 911 if a potential crime is in progress, please contact the District Community Relations Officer whenever you believe that more frequent police patrols are warranted.
Letters and faxes generally get a better response.
After notifying the police neighbors can notify the community on our Google Group and our Facebook page.

14th Police District

Captain Nicholas Smith
43 West Haines Street
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215 686 3140 phone
215 686 3141 alt phone
215 685 2199 fax
police.co_14@phila.gov
Blue Bell Hill Park, Rittenhouse Town, Bridget Street, 6000 Block of Daniel Street, 6000 Block of Wissahickon Avenue

39th Police District

Captain Anthony Ginaldi
22nd & Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215 686 3390 phone
215 686 3391 alt phone
215 685 9786 fax
police.co_39@phila.gov
Walnut Lane is generally the dividing line

BBH MEADOW PICNIC CONCERNS

Picnic season has resumed in the BBH Meadow with permits beginning on March 1st. Sometimes picnickers and permit holders violate park rules causing destruction to the meadow, leaving litter behind, and causing noise disruptions to neighbors.

Recently members of the board met with some supervisors from Parks and Recreation to discuss building relationships and strengthening communication. Here is some helpful info from the meeting… Soon there will be a seasonal ranger at Blue Bell Meadow to support visitors and help with issues that neighbors have brought up in the past. If you see or hear any problems (like amplified music) or have concerns, you can reach a park dispatcher at 215.685.0144. For any high concerns or emergencies call 911.

The park address is 842 W Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, 19144. More information at bluebellhill.net. Posting your actions on the Blue Bell Hill Google Group and Facebook is helpful.

Park rules can be found at http://www.phila.gov/ParksandRecreation.

HOW TO ADDRESS A CONCERN ABOUT A PROPERTY IN BBH

The following are the Board’s suggested steps for reporting an issue with properties in the neighborhood. These steps reflect the Civic’s goal of helping neighbors. Begin at step number one. If the first step does not resolve the issue, then we move down the list.

1) Neighbor contacts the owner of the property in question to share their concern.
2) If the property owner does not respond to neighbor’s concern, neighbor should notify the Board of property owner’s failure to respond.
3) Board sends a letter to property owner sharing neighbor’s concern and asking if the property owner needs assistance resolving issue(s).
4) If steps one through three do not resolve the issue, the neighbor(s) should report the concern to the City by calling 311.
5) After the neighbor has followed steps one through four, the Board will add the property to our “blighted property” list for future action.

HOW TO JOIN THE BBH TRAFFIC AND SPEEDING SUBCOMMITTEE

The Board has formed a traffic and speeding subcommittee. Speeding in our neighborhood is a serious safety and quality of life issue that the Civic is addressing to improve our community. Join us to pursue creative strategies by contacting Board Member and committee chair Loie Grossman who are leading this initiative.

HOW TO JOIN THE BBH PROPERTIES SUBCOMMITTEE

The Board has formed a properties subcommittee. This committee helps identify properties of concern in the neighborhood and seek appropriate actions. Join us to pursue this issue by contacting Board Member Liz Biagioli who s leading this initiative.

HOW TO BECOME A BLOCK POINT PERSON

Becoming a Blue Bell Hill Block Point Person is a great way to be more involved in the community. The Board asks that Block Point Persons assist the Board in staying alert regarding issues or concerns on each block, including the following:

Issues regarding safety. Was there an event on the street that may impact neighbors safety like a car or home break-in, or have neighbors found drug paraphernalia on the block?
Neighbors who need assistance. Are there neighbors on the block that may need assistance due to health, age, or financial hardship?
Concerns regarding properties. Is there an issue with a home on the block that is of concern to the neighbors? Is there a vacant property or lot of concern?
New neighbors. Is a house for sale or been sold recently? Are there new neighbors on the block that we can welcome to the neighborhood?

We also ask that the Block Captains assist with the bi-monthly newsletter distribution when possible. The Board breaks down each block into sections for ease of distribution, enabling volunteers to deliver to half a block or the entire block. If interested, please e-mail a board member.

HOW TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN THE CIVIC

Have an idea? Passionate about a specific aspect of Blue Bell Hill? E-mail a Board member to turn your idea into action!