Councilwoman hosts community meeting with city departments

It's not always easy for Philadelphians to make their way down to City Hall to voice their concerns.

So, City Councilwoman Cindy Bass will host a community meeting tonight with representatives from a number of city departments including Licenses and Inspections, the Police Department, Philadelphia Gas Works and other agencies at the Deliverance Evangelist Church on West Lehigh Avenue near 20^th Street from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

"During the campaign we said that being accessible is a priority for us," Bass said. "People really want it."

The meeting will allow residents to chat with the city departments and Bass' office.

Since taking office in January, Bass launched "Coffee with the Councilwoman," weekly one-on-one meetings with residents throughout Northwest Philly's 8^th district.

Bass said those meetings have been helpful in staying on top of community issues and generating ideas for legislation.

A number of residents complained to her during a recent "coffee" meeting that they wanted to use Stenton Park Playground, but didn't because it was poorly maintained and there was drug activity. Bass immediately notified the Department of Parks and Recreation.

"If you have people come in and talk about the same issue, you know it's a problem," Bass said.

The next "Coffee with the Councilwoman" will be Friday at the Night Kitchen Bakery on Germantown Avenue near East Mermaid Lane from 8 to 10 a.m.