Vacant lot gets Halloween patrols in response to controversial rap video

After police investigated an amateur rap video filmed on Bridesburg’s vacant Coke lot, showing teens using drugs, drinking and playing with a gun, City Councilman Bobby Henon arranged with the lot’s owner for security patrols over Halloween weekend.

No incidents were reported, said Henon’s spokesman Eric Horvath. Patrols were paid for National Grid, an out-of-state energy company that owns the 67-acre vacant lot.

“The latest news is a stark reminder that this property, and the surrounding community, have dealth with these issues for far too long,” Henon said in a statement. “The more these incidents continue, the more it shows that we would benefit from smart, practical re-use of this site. I will continue to engage with National Grid and its representatives toward that goal.”

Rapper Apex P filmed a video with local teens on the abandoned former Philadelphia Coke Company lot between Richmond Street and the Delaware River in Bridesburg.

The video was filmed and posted online earlier this month. No charges have been reported filed by police at this time.

Locals say the lot is a frequent location of illegal parties that in the past have included kegs, deejays and loud music.