PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced that the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) and the Department of Public Health will be issuing violation notices to Conrail for the dangerous conditions of their property in the West Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods.

The Mayor made the announcement at a community meeting on the City’s efforts to clean and secure the encampment along Conrail’s tracks.  Over the last decade, the City has spent tens of millions of dollars to fight drug trafficking and improve the quality of life in that area. However, Conrail has refused to commit to securing and cleaning its private property, which is at the heart of the area’s open-air drug market.

“The present conditions exist in large part because of Conrail’s failure to clean and secure their own property,” said Mayor Kenney. “The City has devoted millions in resources to this area over the last several decades, but we need Conrail to live up to their responsibility in order to make additional progress.  We have shown that the City is more than willing to do our part to help uplift the neighborhood. Now, Conrail needs to do its. We are not asking any more of them than require of any other private property owner with hazardous conditions on its property.”

The City has been in continuous conversations with Conrail since November, but has yet to receive an acceptable plan from Conrail for cleaning the hazardous conditions on their property and securing it for the long term.

“These conditions represent a continuing health hazard that negatively impacts the surrounding neighbors, the entire City, and our first responders,” said Dr. Tom Farley, Philadelphia Department of Public Health Commissioner.

The Philadelphia Medical Examiner reported that in 2016 alone, 17 persons died from drug overdose and were found on or directly adjacent to this property. In addition, there were at least 29 emergency medical rescues provided by the City first responders to individuals who suffered non-fatal drug overdoses on the property.

Citations will be issued to Conrail for its property from Kensington Avenue to 2^nd Street today.  L&I inspectors have inspected the Conrail property on a number of occasions, and have found numerous violations of the Property Maintenance Code. They will be issuing violations for multiple unlawful and dangerous structures, inadequate fencing, poor sanitation and uncontrolled vegetation.  The Department of Public Health has declared the area a public nuisance because of the several health hazards Found on the property inclusive of countless used syringes, trash and debris.

The City has the support of many local, state and federal leaders as well as local community groups.

“This is an exciting time, because we have unity of vision among our nonprofits and all level of government in dealing with this epidemic,” said Rev. Bonnie Camarda of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia.  “We have community support, as well as the resources from a host of departments that have provided wraparound services to help the people in Gurney.  What’s missing is Conrail accepting its responsibility and stepping up to be a good corporate citizen.”

“Basta ya – enough is enough,” said Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, 7th District.   “This is about responsibility and accountability, from Conrail and from the city, and we need to make sure that state and federal officials and agencies are at the table in a real, meaningful way. It is time for action, and the City has shown that we are ready to do our part.”

“Mayor Kenney has my full support in his efforts to clean up this neighborhood that is at the center of the opioid problem in Philadelphia,” said Governor Tom Wolf.  “This epidemic is being fought in every part of the Commonwealth, which is why I signed legislation last year that will strengthen the prescription drug monitoring programs, restrict the number of pills that can be prescribed to minors or in emergency rooms and establish education curriculum on safe prescribing. The only way we can win this fight is to work together.”

“I would like to thank Mayor Kenney and Managing Director DiBerardinis for their leadership in this fight.  I also want to tell the people of Fairhill and West Kensington that I know how hard you are working to protect your families from the invasion this community is experiencing,” said Congressman Bob Brady.  “Conrail must clean up and secure their property, and I’m going to make sure the federal government does its part, because each and every one of our constituents here deserves to live in peace.”

Conrail has 30 days to respond to these citations.  The City is prepared to take appropriate action and do anything within its power to compel them to clean up and secure their property.

Managing Director Michael DiBerardinis added, “Contrary to Conrail’s claims, the City has in no way cut off communication with the company. The City has made offers to help support some of their work, but they have yet to commit to a firm plan, scope of work, or timeline to secure its full property in a sustainable manner. Conrail seems to be more interested in delaying and stalling rather than taking its responsibility seriously.”