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In this Update
$6.7 Million Back To Northeast Philadelphia Organizations!
I am incredibly proud to have secured $6.7 million in Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) Grant funding for 13 organizations across Northeast Philadelphia. Local Share Account grants are funded through state gaming revenue – not taxpayer dollars – and give us an opportunity to bring state funding projects directly back into our communities for projects that make a real difference. I’ve made it a priority to bring state resources back home and put them to work in our neighborhoods. This funding will support organizations that are making a difference every day, and I’m proud to have played a part in making these projects possible. $2.4 Million for Frankford Avenue Multimodal Improvements
Frankford Avenue is a big part of our community, and Representative Jared Solomon and I are thrilled to have secured $2.4 million to help improve this important corridor. The funding will bring new pedestrian-scale lighting, lighted crosswalks, bump-outs and other upgrades that will make Frankford Avenue safer and more welcoming for our neighbors and local businesses. Projects like this are about more than infrastructure. They’re about strengthening our commercial corridors, supporting the businesses that call them home and creating safer, more inviting places for the people who use them every day. Rep. Solomon and I were happy to be joined by Councilmember Mike Driscoll this week to celebrate this funding and what it will mean for Frankford Avenue and the surrounding community. September 11th Community Event Tribute
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, our community came together to remember the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, honor the heroes of that day, and reflect on a moment that forever changed our country. As a son of a first responder, September 11th has always carried special meaning for me. At the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, a plaque on the wall honors the Philadelphia police officers and firefighters who answered the call during the attacks. We were honored to have Greg Masi, Mark Fisher and Christopher Werner with us and recognize their service in person. Thank you, Representatives Martina White, Pat Gallagher, Sean Dougherty and Joe Hohenstein, Councilmen Brian O’Neill and Mike Driscoll, and City Commissioner Seth Bluestein for joining us. A special thank you to FOP Lodge 5 President Roosevelt Poplar and everyone at Lodge 5 for their service and allowing us to hold such a meaningful tribute there. 25 years later, we remember, we honor, and we will never forget. Check Presentation at Politz Yeshiva & Bais Yaakov
I enjoyed sitting down with students, educators and school leaders at Politz Yeshiva & Bais Yaakov at 9225 Old Bustleton Avenue to hear more about their school community and the work they’re doing for families in Northeast Philadelphia. I was also proud to present them with $25,000 to help refresh their library and give students an updated space to read and learn. With the High Holy Days underway, it was especially nice to visit and wish everyone a sweet and happy new year. Thank you to the school and Teach Coalition for having me! Tour of Bustleton Businesses There are so many great small businesses in Northeast Philly, and I always enjoy getting out and meeting the people behind them! This week, I joined Anya Chukyo and Reagan Chatman from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce for a tour along Grant Avenue in Bustleton, where we met local businesses owners and made sure they know my office is here as a resource. We checked out Dash Zone, a cool gaming space, and grabbed some great food at Café Maestro along the way. My office hosts Small Business Office Hours at our district office to connect business owners with resources and support. Keep an eye out in our newsletter and our social media for the next one! Citation Presentation to Gerard Donahue
It was an honor to present Gerard Donahue with a citation this week recognizing his 60th year as a science year! Mr. Donahue began teaching science at Northeast Catholic High School in 196 before joining Archbishop Ryan in 1998, where he continues teaching today. For nearly six decades, he has dedicated his career to educating generations of students across Northeast Philadelphia. His family is now working with Guiness World Records, as he may be the longest-serving male science teacher in the world—and incredible milestone! Congratulations Mr. Donahue and thank you for 60 years of dedication to your students and to Catholic education. Second Office Opening!
I am excited to share that we will be opening a second district office in Rhawnhurst on October 5th! Our Parkwood office isn’t going anywhere – we’re simply adding another location so our team can be more accessible and help even more of our neighbors across Northeast Philadelphia. Whether you need help with a state-related issue, have a question, or just want to stop in and talk with our team, we’re here to help! Our new office’s address is 8400 Bustleton Avenue Unit 301, Philadelphia, PA 19152. We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the Rhawnhurst community and continuing to serve you! Food Drive for Food of Justice
Internship Opportunities
My district office is accepting applications for our Fall Internship Program! This is a great opportunity for students interested in public service to support the residents of the 5th Senate District and gain hands-on experience in a legislative office. Please email applications to jpicozzi@pasen.gov. Veteran Office Hours
We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on October 13th! A Veteran Service Officer will be on hand to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and available resources. Please bring your DD-214 paperwork to the office hours. Mobile Office Hours
My team and I are bringing constituents services directly into the community! We look forward to seeing you and helping you with any state-related issues Photo of the Month
We are excited to continue highlighting the people, places, and moments that make Northeast Philadelphia special. Residents can submit photos that capture the spirit of our neighborhoods. We look forward to showing the pride, character, and community that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a great place to live. You can submit your photos here. Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here. Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others. Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app. Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15
When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support. Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15. Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours. Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates. “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here. |
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![Event 1: Senator Picozzi and Representative Martina White speaking with a man whose shirt is in memory of the victims of 9/11. It reads “Never Forget 25th Anniversary 2001-2026, Forever In Our Memory”]
[Event 2: Senator Picozzi standing alongside his colleagues at a podium with an American Flag and Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5 Flag behind them. He is also joined by FOP Lodge #5 President Roosevelt Poplar](https://senatorpicozzi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/194/2026/09/2.jpg)
