The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m.

Those present: President, Belle Rita Novak, Vice President, Virginia White, William Malloy, Robert Triggs, Paul Kingston, Jeremy Cole, Paul Sears, Steve Posner, Jan Hines, Kay and Ray Carando, Juliette Nyugen from VACA, and the owner of Hai Tien Market on Dickinson Street.

Juliette Nyugen and the owner of Hai Tien Market came before the board asking our support when they request a beer and wine license for the market. The store is small and only a small corner of it would be used for a cooler offering beer and Wines. Juliette felt this would be a much needed service for the Vietnamese community in the neighborhood. After much discussion, it was decided to table the issue until some concerns could be answered:

    1. Would the license stay at that address or go with owner should he move?

    2. Is it too close to Holy Name church and school?

    3.Will this set a precedent, encouraging other stores to request the same.

Discussion was also brought up regarding the" Kareoke" place on Dickinson Street. Juliette stated that the Vietnamese community is not happy about it and is not in favor of this establishment. She said many complaints have been received about that particular spot. She said that "they have many times contacted the community police and city hall to no avail." She asked for our help to pressure the police and city to "clean the place up." It is evident that undesirable activities take place there.

Ray Carando of 240 Longhill Street brought before the board his plan to build a botanical garden at that address. It is Mr. Carando's former home. He now lives in the suburbs. He gave a brief presentation and history of the site. It was originally an Indian fort. A doctor built the present home there in 1895 and lived there until he sold it to the Mission of St. Vincent DiPaul.

Mr. Carando purchased the home from them.

The Hampden County Horticultural Master Gardeners Society presently has a phone line at that address. Mr. Carando felt that this type of use for that Property would be an asset to the schools in the neighborhood as well as the neighborhood itself. They claim that only low- key activities would be held there, such as lectures and lessons. Refreshments will be provided and a gift shop may also be added. They also said that it would be open on a reservation only basis. They are hoping that funds would come from grant money.

Jeremy Cole talked about the new Web Site for FPCA. Jeremy feels this is a very good communication tool for the neighborhood. By-laws would be included, a calendar of events, meeting agendas, minutes, etc. It will be up and running by mid January 1998! However, to be successful, it needs to be properly advertised to the public.

Paul Sears mentioned two things that could be added to the Web Site: the form letter to report zoning ordinance problems and the housing code letter to report deteriorated housing conditions and blight. These letters were drawn up by Sheila McElwaine.

Belle Rita read a thank you note from Keiffer and James expressing his pleasure for being picked for the Good Neighbor Award. She also received a thank you note from Ruth Flynn of Goodwill about their award.

Belle Rita discussed her idea of organizing a farmers' market for the "X". It could be based in the Goodwill parking lot one day a week. She already has been in contact with the Department of Agriculture.

Treasurer's report: There is $3,000 in our treasury and $10,000 in our money market account.

February 1st is our annual meeting. The Community Police will be invited.

Bell Rita encouraged people to attend a Beat Advisory Meeting at least once in a while. It is informative and interesting. If you have a problem in your neighborhood, that is one way for you to bring it to the attention of the police, BAT Board, and other judicial and city officials. Most meetings are attended by a representative from the D.A's office and the Mayor's office.

Belle Rita would like to have a story- telling hour for the children in the neighborhood as an activity sponsored by FPCA. Our treasury can handle it. It would be an excellent goodwill gesture to the community from the FPCA

The "X" Main Street office has moved into its new location in the Goodwill building at the X. Roberta Page has a beautiful new office there.

RE: Christmas lighting at the X ---there was shortfall of $300. Excellent Liquors and Goodwill Shoppes each contributed $100. A Motion was made by Paul Sears for the FPCA to donate the remaining $100 balance. The Motion was seconded and accepted.

Rose Babey, our treasurer has drawn up a letter to send to individuals who have not paid their dues. Belle Rita read it to Board. If a response is not received, they will be dropped from our mailing list.

Many compliments have been received regarding our great newsletter.

Belle Rita asked if there was any interest in doing "a walk in the park event." It was decided to do it in May or June.

Friends of the Homeless asked for donations of sheets, towels, blankets, etc. Furniture and other household goods are also needed by SAC (Springfield Action Commission) to help relocate homeless families. Their number is 263-6529, M-F 9 to 4.

Paul Sears gave a report on Concerned Citizens for Springfield. The Keith Street buildings are down and funds are in. Students from Putnam High School will be working on the duplexes to be built there. There will be a total Of four units. The house on Dickinson Street was completed and sold. The house on Garfield Street is in the works. The two family at 105-107 Commonwealth Street will also be renovated.

There was discussion on the possibility of establishing one or more community gardens in the neighborhood.

Belle Rita spoke about the need to find out what is available in the neighborhood for group gatherings to accommodate the many neighborhood programs and organizations that hold meetings and Other events.

Jeremy Cole spoke about the upcoming nominations. The Nominating Committee will be meeting soon and all nominations will be gladly accepted.

Discussion was about the group home on Parkwood Street. There have been problems with youth there on more than one occasion. There have been reports of the assaults on several neighborhood youths just yards from their own homes. The Mayor's office noted that there have been complaints regarding this house in the past, and police have a suspicion that some of the breaks in the neighborhood could involve youths from this home. It was decided to meet with the supervisor(s) of the home to discuss the problems.

Bill Valliere gave a report on Bright Nights. A "Bright Nights by day" tour of Forest Park was conducted on Saturday, December 5th. Channel 40 covered the event. The Parks department will not be getting any money from Bright Nights this year. The money coming to the park as promised by SOS (Spirit of Springfield). They have gotten very careless with their spending, and the initial cost will not be paid off in three years as promised by SOS. There is little accountability by SOS on their spending.

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Ginny White