John Kopp

John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.

john@phillyvoice.com

March 24, 2015

Delaware County

Delco politician seeking funds to save Beaver Valley from development proposal

by John Kopp

State Rep. Steve Barrar, R-Delaware County, is hosting a public meeting Friday to discuss possibilities for preserving a portion of open space bordering First State National Historic Park, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.

March 19, 2015

Public Safety

Who is responsible for reporting dangerous dogs?

by John Kopp

The Philadelphia entity responsible for reporting the city’s dangerous dog cases to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement remains unclear, but state officials say the bureau lacks consistent and complete reports.

March 18, 2015

Environment

Board vote approves contested Delco development

by John Kopp

The Concord Township Board of Supervisors voted on a proposal to develop 230 acres of open space in Delaware County at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The board considered the preliminary plans for Vineyard Commons, a housing development proposed for open space bordering First State National Historic Park.

March 17, 2015

Education

Springfield School District considering high school proposals

by John Kopp

The Delaware County district is considering four possibilities for its high school, including two proposals to construct a new high school. The district also may opt to renovate or maintain its current facility.

March 17, 2015

Politics

Milton Street, city council hopefuls draw ballot challenges

by John Kopp

The deadline to challenge the nominating petitions of municipal candidates came and went relatively silently Tuesday, at least in terms of the mayoral race. Of the six Democrats vying to succeed Michael Nutter as mayor, only the candidacy of Milton Street was challenged.

March 16, 2015

Health News

Project HOME to hold grand opening Monday

by John Kopp

The Stephen Klein Wellness Center, a $15.5 million facility, opened in late December but is celebrating its grand opening Monday. The 28,598 square-foot facility, which includes a new YMCA, is expected to bolster healthcare services in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.

March 16, 2015

Public Safety

Philly lets 'dangerous dogs' lie

by John Kopp

Pennsylvania law requires dogs that have been declared legally dangerous to be placed on a public registry listing the dog’s owner, residence, breed and name. But don’t expect to find any dangerous dogs listed from Philadelphia. None are included on the state’s registry and a city-specific listing does not exist.

March 13, 2015

Chester County

Chester County bistro owners opening cooking school

by John Kopp

Nancy and Craig Miller, who own Station Bistro in Kimberton, are launching Parzival Academy, a private school initially being run out of Camp Sankanac in Spring City.

March 12, 2015

Crime

Former nonprofit exec pleads guilty to theft

by John Kopp

A former nonprofit executive pleaded guilty Thursday to theft charges, admitting that he stole money from SELF, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping the homeless.

March 11, 2015

Crimefighting

Data-driven policing reduces SEPTA subway crime

by John Kopp

The perception of a crime-ridden subway system in Philadelphia persists, despite crime statistics that reveal SEPTA’s subway and elevated train lines — the agency’s busiest routes, by far — are becoming safer.