The Chestnut Hill Community Association’s board of directors voted unanimously June 25 to support demolition of the Hartwell Lane footbridge, which, neighbors say, has become a public nuisance.

In March, neighbors raised safety concerns about the bridge. Although the bridge is supposed to be a shortcut for pedestrians, it is being put to more problematic use, according to Joe Driscoll of the 8100 block of Seminole.

“The bridge is not used very much for pedestrian traffic — if at all — because Hartwell Lane between Seminole [Street] and the [train] tracks is mostly overgrown, and it’s very hard to see down there,” he said. “But it’s been a great hangout for teenagers who want to party.

“And so, every morning there’s trash all around. We’ve had our fence, which runs both sides — down along Hartwell and along the SEPTA tracks — spray-painted with graffiti. The bridge is covered with graffiti.”

Near neighbors were unified in support of the bridge’s removal, Driscoll said, and Tom Hemphill, chair of the CHCA’s Traffic, Transportation and Parking Committee told the board that he had received no letters or calls in favor of keeping the bridge.

Although the CHCA board is endorsing the bridge’s demolition, it may not occur until the fall.

The bridge has been owned and maintained by SEPTA since 1980. The city’s stewardship of the bridge dates back to a 1906 ordinance of City Council, and so it was not clear whether or not Council would have to sign off on removing the bridge.

Edward Wallace, SEPTA’s deputy director for construction, said that he was researching whether or not

City Council’s approval will be needed. Because Council will not meet until summer recess concludes, the question might not be answered until September.

Until then, Wallace said, SEPTA will continue to maintain the bridge.