Neighbors on the 900 Block of May Street in Mantua call it "Philly's Forgotten Street". Houses are long gone. They've been replaced by tons of trash, 2-story high weed and abandoned vehicles.
"Tires. Trash bags. Wood. Sheet rock. Anything you can find in trash" said Tim Tomlin who lives a block away.
We were with Tomlin on September 24th, when called Philadelphia's 311 system to report the problems. 311 is the city's clearing house hotline to report problems. Fox 29 aired the story of neighbors who have been complaining about the street being a block long public dump.
We wanted to track how long it took to get action from the city. We visited May Street 3 weeks later to find one of the most dramatic clean ups we've ever seen.
"It looks a lot better. Before it looked like the city dump site. Now it looks like a neighborhood" said Tomlin.
The city Streets Department mobilized an army of equipment and workers to clean lot after lot. The city actually owns 3 of the properties. Neighbors tell us city workers were out in force for 3 full days of cleaning up the whole street. And the results are remarkable.
"WOW!!! This is the first time I've been back here" said block captain Jean Reed. She says she's been calling the city about the street for years.
"Ain't this a miracle" said Reed.
When we first visited our cameras showed you an entire lot filled with debris. Now everything is gone. A stolen burned out abandoned car has been removed. And the jungle of weeds have been cut down.
"It looks like heaven" said Reed.
"Oh man this is beautiful. This is lovely. I like it around here now. It's home" says neighbor James Austin.
Residents are ecstatic the street is cleaned up. They're just wishing it didn't take years to finish.
"It took for me to call you to get it done" said Tomlin.
Residents say they will be meeting with City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell this week to help come up with permanent solutions to prevent illegal dumping from becoming a problem again.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-06-12 22:34:31 GMT
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
The Trenton Titans minor league ice hockey team closed up shop back in April, for reasons that have never been fully explained. Now, season ticket holders have lost their team and their money.
Friday, December 7 2012 6:04 PM EST2012-12-07 23:04:33 GMT
December 7th, 1941, is of course "a date which will live in infamy." Seventy-one years ago today, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into World War II. The assault on the Hawaiian
December 7th, 1941, is of course "a date which will live in infamy." Seventy-one years ago today, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into World War II. The assault on the Hawaiian
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:47 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:47:57 GMT
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Food Network Star is in it's 9th season and this time around, we have a Philly guy competing!Meet Ambler's Chad Rosenthal.He is a self-taught chef who started cooking at just 5-years old. This morning,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:22 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:22:31 GMT
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Everyone remembers Cabbage Patch Dolls. They were those cherub-faced dolls that had yarn hair. A fan of those dolls is making and selling wigs to look exactly like the toy!They come in all shapes, sizes
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:44:27 GMT
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
An admitted father and son pimp team has been acquitted of sex trafficking. A judge delivered the verdict Wednesday at the trial of George Vincent Sr. and his son, George Vincent Jr.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:38:47 GMT
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Last year, Fox 29's Sheinelle Jones gave birth to beautiful twins. As a result of carrying those sweet babies, she developed a ventral hernia.After much thought, research and interviewing, Sheinelle decided
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:42 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:42:28 GMT
Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:38:35 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:27:56 GMT
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:17 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:17:13 GMT
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:07 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:07:39 GMT
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
June 19 is National Dine Out Day. Restaurants and vendors across the country are contributing a percentage of their revenues for the day to the NJ Relief Fund to benefit Superstorm Sandy victims.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:13:37 GMT
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
A father and son who admitted they were pimps have been acquitted in New York of sex trafficking after several prostitutes testified they were treated well.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
