PHILADELPHIA
www.metro.us Weekend, June 7-9, 2013
Theft
Compliance. Council cracks down on property tax scofflaws City Council on Thursday unanimously passed a bill that officials hope would reduce the backlog of delinquent property taxes and promise foreclosure if taxpayers default. “For the first time, the city of Philadelphia has adopted a comprehensive regime to ensure clear options, procedures and consequences for property owners who are dealing with tax delinquency, a reform that will increase the fairness and efficiency of our tax collections,” Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez said in a statement. The city would offer specific payment plans to delinquent property owners, but if the payments aren’t made, owners would face foreclosure. The legislation also calls for quarterly reports in an attempt to increase oversight of delinquent tax collections.
Police: Man stole from church Delaware State Police on Wednesday arrested Jeffrey Maichle, 25, for allegedly stealing $18,000 in carnival proceeds from the Holy Rosary Church on Philadelphia Pike. Investigators Maichle was turned in by two concerned congregants: his parents. Maichle is accused of using his parents’ keys to unlock both the church and a safe inside. METRO
Quoted
“It’s a pragmatic approach to both ends of the problem: help people who want to pay their taxes and stay in their homes get into a payment plan, and assure scofflaws how and when the city will foreclose.” Green “For those who continue to pretend that paying their property taxes is not a requirement in Philadelphia, including absentee landlords, foreclosure due to delinquency must be certain if we expect to change behavior,” Councilman Bill Green said in a statement. The city’s delinquent tax collection system has been vilified as one of the worst in the nation. TOMMY ROWAN
6
Shooting
Gunfire injures two
Pomp and circumstance for graduates Mayor Michael Nutter led a procession Thursday afternoon of top Class of 2013 high school graduates from Broad Street in Center City to City Hall Courtyard. The event highlights the success of high school seniors and the progress toward the city’s goal of increasing graduation rates among Philadelphia residents at local schools. / RIKARD LARMA, METRO
Two men, aged 22 and 19, were injured shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday night during a shooting in Olney. Both victims were hospitalized in stable condition. METRO