Mayfair Town Watch calls meeting to address vandalism

What was supposed to be a small, short meeting about the Shamrock Shuttle turned into a larger, longer meeting that drew Philadelphia’s TV news channels.

Mayfair Town Watch President Milt Martelack reorganized the meeting schedule to address recent acts of “isolated” vandalism in the neighborhood. Over the last few weeks, residents have woken up to find their cars vandalized – graffitied on, or tires slashed or missing.

“This shows that there’s still people in Mayfair that care,” Martelack said of meeting turnout. Despite concerns from some in attendance that more people should have been there, Martelack reminded the approximately 30 or so people there that the meeting had been called just a few days before.

“We’re taking baby steps but these baby steps are turning into big steps.”

He was joined by Mayfair Civic Association members Anna Broz-Stacey and Mia Hylan, 15th District Capt. Frank Bachmayer, 15th District Community Relations Officer Sharon Krause and Police Inspector John Heath. Sprinkled in the audience were 15th PDAC members and leaders from the Frankford, Wissinoming, Bridesburg and Tacony/Holmesburg Town Watch.

“We take it very seriously,” Bachmayer said of the uptick in vandalism. “I care what happens in this neighborhood.”

The district and the town watch have both stepped up patrols, even as the town watch continues training new members. But those at the meeting called upon their neighbors to step up and help catch the responsible parties.

“There are a lot of good people that live in Mayfair, Martelack said. “Don’t feel that an hour of your time can’t make a difference.”