Denial of GFM variances backed by key Democrats
by Joel Hoffmann

Flip through the two-inch thick binder of evidence that persuaded the Zoning Board of Adjustment to deny takeout variances for the Good Food Market, and you’ll see that some prominent Democrats backed near neighbors of the property, validating their concerns about parking, traffic and safety.

Read the minutes from the Chestnut Hill Community Association’s public meetings on the subject and you’ll find those same Democrats – State Rep. Cherelle Parker, Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller and At-Large Councilman William Greenlee, Greenlee aide Julie O’Connell and former Councilman and District Attorney candidate Dan McElhatton – conspicuously absent from the debate.

Former Caruso’s Market owner John J. Capoferri pleaded guilty this week to federal felony charges of defrauding Valley Green Bank of $190,000, forfeiting his right to appeal the charges in a jury trial.

According to Michelle T. Rotella, assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the case, Capoferri secured a short-term loan for the market from Valley Green on May 18, 2008, by providing a forged agreement of sale for his Mermaid Lane home and claiming that he would repay the loan with money that would be released from an escrow account upon the sale of the home.

A Taste of Chestnut Hill benefitting Teenagers, Inc. will take place on Sunday, Nov.15 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springside School, Cherokee St. & Willow Grove Ave. in Chestnut Hill.. Dawn Stensland will host. Guests at the dinner will enjoy a great selection of food – from signature dishes to desserts — donated by local restaurants.

Patrick Atkinson, founder of God’s Child Project in Guatemala, is this year’s special guest. Young people from this area volunteered at God’s Child this past summer. Teens, Inc. built three homes, worked in the homeless shelter and participated in a clothing distribution.  Mr. Atkinson wishes to build awareness of the poverty-stricken families of Guatemala and the services provided by his organization. The teens hope to raise some much needed funding for God’s Child Project.

Gothic Revival home featured in house tour

“With our huge family, we needed a really big house,” said Tia Burke, explaining the home choice for her blended family of six. Burke had lived in several Chestnut Hill homes before finding the perfect fit in a large Gothic Revival on East Chestnut Hill Avenue. She lives there with her husband, Jeremy Heep, and their four children ranging in age from 10 years to 10 months.