WICA meeting to discuss recently-approved mural, AAA Auto zoning issues

This meeting has been moved to Feb. 2

The mural committee of Wissahickon Interested Citizens Association has recieved approval from the Mural Arts Program to install a mural at the Wissahickon Regional Rail Station.

The mural will be on the outbound platform facing the parking lot.

It is the hope of the organizers that the creation of the mural will be incorporated into the curriculum of Cook-Wissahickon School.

At a meeting tonight WICA will be further discussing plans for the mural and hearing a presentation from AAA Auto.

The shop’s property at 5134 Rochelle has a history of L & I and Zoning citations and is seeking special exceptions for the sale of auto parts and equipment and for a take-out restaurant.

At a meeting on Jan. 14, WICA requested that the owners request a continuance for their ZBA hearing originally requested for last week. 

Other neighborhood updates

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is currently accepting applications for its Neighborhood Placemaker Grant. Awardees will receive between $7,500 and $25,000 for neighborhood beautification projects. Criteria taken into consideration in evaluating potential projects include the extent to which the project “enhances or creates beautiful, imaginative, and sustainable public spaces,” “builds community and results in long-term, multi-level impact,” and “positions Philadelphia at the forefront of great civic landscapes.”

At a meeting earlier this month, WICA created an ad hoc committee to prepare an application for the grant. Several possible projects were proposed for consideration, including the creation of a community vegetable garden, the making of additional improvements to the 100 Steps, and the improvement of the rock outcropping along Ridge Avenue above the take-out location of Deke’s BBQ.