The South Port Richmond Civic Association hosted its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 8, over Zoom.
The meeting, hosted by SOPO president John Kalicki and attended by over three dozen people, included crime updates from the 24th Police District as well as a pair of zoning notices.
Officer Tina Willis provided the crime updates on behalf of the 24th district, noting that theft from automobiles continues to rise throughout the area. While most of it can be attributed to a string of catalytic converter thefts, personal items also continue to be pilfered.
“One thing we want to say to you guys is please be aware of your surroundings at all times,” Willis said. “These are the holidays and we just want everyone to be careful during these seasons.”
Willis went on to urge residents to take extra precaution to curb the aforementioned thefts of personal belongings.
“Please don’t keep personal items in plain view, baggages or anything,” Willis said. “We ask that you try to contain them in the trunk or the rear of your vehicle.”
With Christmas fast approaching, Willis said the department has tried to do its part to support those who have hit hard times. Most recently, the department helped provide aid for three families in the neighborhood.
However, despite efforts the department has undertaken, Willis did point out that homelessness continues to be prevalent throughout the 24th district.
“We all know that homelessness is not a crime,” Willis said. “But we ask you to continue to contact the police about any encampments, tents or anything popping up so that we can try to address that as soon as possible.”
The two zoning notices that were later discussed toward the end of the meeting were both located on Thompson Street.
Zoning for the erection of a two-story rear addition as well as a roof deck to 3016 E. Thompson for 15 dwelling units was rejected due to parking regulations.
On the other hand, the application for complete demolition and reconstruction of a 12-unit building at 2838 E. Thompson was rejected for a multitude of reasons, including parking regulations, fence and guardrail height, open area requirements and rear yard depth requirements.
The date for SOPO’s next monthly meeting will be determined in the near future.
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