January, 11, 1998, 7:00 PM
at Saint Barnabas/ All Saints Church
41 Oakland Street
Springfield, MA

Belle Rita reviewed the minutes of the December meeting after calling the meeting to order.

Belle Rita gave a follow-up on the liquor license being sought by the Vietnamese restaurant owner on Dickinson Street, who is planning to open a package store at that location If Holy Name Church wishes to object, they must express their opposition at the Commission Meeting where the question is to be discussed.

A letter from ARISE expressing interest in addressing the FPCA at a future meeting concerning ward representation was shared with the members of the Board.

The Vietnamese American Association News Letter, written partially in English was also shared.

Belle Rita presented the response from Mount Sinai Synagogue and Holy Name Church to a letter sent at an earlier date inquiring about programs and facilities at area churches and temples. Volunteers are being sought to contact remaining churches and temples.

Jeremy Cole asked for nominations to be presented at the annual meeting for the following vacancies on the Board: All three Vice President positions, Recording Secretary and the Education Committee.

Belle Rita announced that Steve Hayes has moved the Arts Festival to June 21 in conjunction with the "Taste of Springfield" and asked if we could move Illumination Night to the preceding weekend so the two would not conflict. Steve also noted that a new top is needed for the gazebo. June 13 was agreed upon as the new date for that event.

The Farmers Market Commonwealth Information Commission has sent a list of people who sell at farmers markets, plus a list of wholesalers in the produce business. Goodwill has committed the use of their parking lot for this purpose. Tuesday and Thursday were suggested as the most probable days. A seminar on how to start and get people involved in starting a market is forthcoming in Sturbridge with a fee of $50.00. Belle Rita has volunteered to attend at the discretion of the FPCA. Marie Fowles of the Amherst Farmers Market has also offered some excellent suggestions. A letter will be sent to the Association of Organic Farmers requesting information. It was also suggested that the Farmers Market be in conjunction wit the Main Street Project.

78 Beaumont Street was discussed as a possible for a site for community gardens The VACA has also shown an interest in associating with his venture. It was announced that a lottery is taking place at the Park Department for gardens at Washington Boulevard, which would be an ideal location.

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 1 at the Faith United Church, downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. The Community Police will be present to report on the progress in Forest Park. The donation of baked goods is always appreciated.

Josh Bogan is tentatively scheduled to present a guitar program and hopefully to be joined by a storyteller on March 22 at the Kodimoh on Sumner Avenue.

A Walk in the Park is planned for May or June. The April Clean Up Day was also mentioned.

It has been noted that graffiti has worsened in the past two weeks. Waldbaum's Food Mart has up a sign offering a reward for anyone caught in the act of defacing their property.

Roberta updated the Board on the Main Street Corporation, sharing information on the Gershon property on Sumner Avenue (including the Subway) known as Springfield Associates. An overseer is now handling affairs for the property, and it was noted that the broken window in a vacant store was repaired, and other improvements are being considered in preparation for renting the vacant stores. It is hoped that the section of the building housing The Subway Store be considered a historical site. Taco Bell appears to be a dead issue at this point. CVS is considering drive-through window. The plans for the gas station / convenience store on Sumner Avenue appear to be progressing well.

Russ reported on the Concerned Citizens activities in the area. Properties slated for demolition or repairs were identified. Johnny Appleseed Park is seeking funds for improvements. Locust Street appears to be greatly improved although there are still some problems.

A Bright Nights update was offered: Businesses in and around the X have suffered due to the Bright Nights in Forest Park. The Spirit of Springfield will not come forward and discuss the finances of the display. Larry Lebow, a resident of Forest Park for twenty-one years suggested the FPCA take a role in the process of contract renewal to help shape the way the display is to be run in the future. His suggestions are as follows: The three year contract to be renewed yearly. To renegotiate the length of Bright Night. The Spirit of Springfield be held responsible in sharing the finances with the Park Department. Suggest residents of Forest Park receive a reduced entrance fee. Keep Barney Hill open for the neighborhood children to sled. Remove the billboards not in the original contract. Suggest that the FPCA be represented at the Park Commissioners meeting so there may be more citizen input. A motion was made and seconded that the Forest Park Civic Association become invoked.

The Alden Street Closing was discussed. It was noted that there was no representation of the FPCA at the meeting held at that location. Russ opposes the closing until we can get more information. Larry Lebow has agreed to attend the January 14 meeting.

Rose Babey Offered the Treasurer's Report.

Jeremy reported that the website may be accessed by entering www.forestparkca.com.

submitted by: Maria Marangoudakis