Forest Park Civic Association Board Meeting
September 13, 1998

Attendance:

Meeting called to order at 7:15PM

Ms. Dietz from the Main Street organization spoke as a resident of Springfield and not a member of the board. A discussion ensued regarding Taco Bell and the City Council meeting. Members of the civic association who attended the city council meeting felt the tone of meeting was insulting to members of the community. Board members felt that the city council members had become more like PACs and were not concerned about what the residents of neighborhoods cared about. Bill Malloy reminded the board members that this was not the forum to discuss ward representation versus district representation. It was suggested that a city council report card on issues concerning the neighborhood be included in the newsletter. Board members inquired as to whether there is an organization of all civic associations chairman? The answer is no not citywide but on a very sporadic level the civic associations meet. Currently the new neighborhood coordinator is trying to start this process. It was recommended that Alan Agnitti contact Raquel (7) for distributing a report card for issue to vote on.

Megan Sullivan from the District Attorneys Office spoke about the DA’s commitment to Springfield. Springfield is divided into sector teams for faster communication with the community and police. If there is a problem with graffiti contact someone in the DA’s office and a state trooper will view the graffiti. Megan can be reached at 787-1085 and she works closely with the Community Police. Board members wanted to know the difference between graffiti and gang graffiti. Megan explained that gang graffiti contained the gangs colors and symbols. Gang graffiti results in turf wars and drive by shootings.

Minutes were approved as amended.

Summary of special August meeting held in Paul Sears home. There were two issues:

The siding of First Baptist Church and Crystal Avenue. A vote to allow First Baptist Church to proceed with vinyl siding of the church was opposed. A unanimous decision was made to proceed with the lawsuit preventing Belmont Laundry.

The Treasurers Report was approved.

Sgt. William Collins was promoted to Lieutenant and will be moving from our

Community police sector.

Manhattan Bagel will not be applying for a drive thru variance.

Concerned Citizens-$1000 spent on legal fees to file suit and an injunction against the city to prevent the demolition of the homes on Crystal Avenue. Mark Draper has been retained to represent our interest and currently has billed only $175.00 based on Eileen Sorrentino's work. A default notice against the city and Belmont laundry has been flied. Congratulations to Bill Malloy and Pat Triggs for getting the legal fees reduced.

The Crystal Avenue lawsuit generated a lot of finds The Crystal Avenue Fund represents a dozen people who have made contributions. Boardmembers wanted to know if there would be additional find raisers to support the find. Some of the ideas that were generated included a tag sale collecting items from house to house. Bill Valliere volunteered to help gather items. Mark Draper stated that the Crystal Avenue law suite is very similar to 1961 Real case concerning spot and industrial zoning.. Our case against Belmont Laundry is scheduled to be heard on March 1, 2001 according to the Speedy Trial Memo. Belmont Laundry might make an effort to have a quicker trial date. Boardmembers want to know whether Mayor Albano is for or against the demolition of Crystal Avenue homes.

On December 12, 1998 there will be 100 Year House Tour. Homes that are over 100 years old will be on display. Bill Malloy working in conjunction with the Preservation Trust will be participating.

First Baptist Church Vinyl Siding- The Historic Commission voted 5 —O against letting the church apply vinyl siding. The meeting with church members and the vinyl siding contractor evolved into a donnybrook. It was suggested that the church seek assistance with a grant writer or and individual with experience in appearing before the Mass Historic Committee in order to proceed with the proposed renovations.

There are openings on the board which need to be filled. Mike Doyle will be leaving. John Wynne was suggested as a potential board member.

Jan Reynolds has designed a new layout to the newsletter. There will be fewer pages and some regular features may need to be eliminated ,for example, The Blight Report. We need to adhere to the newsletter schedule to avoid and minimize mistakes. Additional volunteers are needed to assist with the newsletter. Jan doesn’t want to be responsible for writing and typing all the articles.. others should be contributing. In addition, more folks need to be involved with the distribution of the newsletter. Pat Triggs suggested that we return to a neighborhood distribution in order to get more people involved. She is willing to help organize this.

There is a need to form a nominating committee to positions on the board. Bill Malloy suggested Sue Poole. Pat Triggs suggested Jane Hetzel. Pat also suggested a mentor program to assist new boardmembers in learning the new positions.

Bill Mailoy also suggested that an Education Representative is needed ASAP

Graffiti Clean Up Day is October l&’ which is Columbus Day Weekend. Bill Malloy noticed that fire hydrants are rusted and unpainted. Pat Triggs thought that the Fire Department maintained the hydrants.

Farmer's Market Update - The Market has received a $3500 mini grant. The market has been a great success. The Farmer's market could be used to solicit funds for the Crystal Avenue Fund Raisers. Residents of Crystal Avenue could maintain an information booth as well as ajar to receive donations.

Springfield Day at the Big E is September 28^th. Contact Bill Malloy if you want to attend.

Taco Bell. The neighborhood has lost on the Taco Bell issue. Issues with the City Council were carried out this summer when it was difficult to get the support necessary. Some boardmembers felt that The X Main Street program dropped the ball on this issue. Currently there is no staff person for the Main Street group and it was difficult to get all of the Main Street members together to discuss this issue. Currently four individuals have been interviewed; and a recommendation for two part time individuals (marketing & intern) being hired is under consideration

Bill Malloy suggested we plant bulbs to spruce up the neighborhood. A motion was made that $200.00 be used to purchase bulbs for neighbors who wanted to spruce up terraces or small park areas. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Russ Seelig stated that Johnny Appleseed received a $3500 grant to purchase playground equipm&it that will be placed in October. Martha Moriarity is seeking volunteers to assist.

140 Belmont Avenue has received citizens’ complaints. A new owner could be appointed before the court date. Three buildings on Belmont Avenue; 85 Belmont, 143 and 149 Belmont the rear neighbor is taking the homeowner to court. There has been a long series of complaints about these homes. Code enforcement is very slow to address these items. Russ gave the fees for filing an individual complaint: $160 filing fee and $24.00 ? fee. If you when in court, you can ask the judge to award legal cost and impose sanctions.

46 Forest Park Avenue was being considered for demolition. It would cost approximately ¼ million to renovate this building into apartments.

Friendly’s: Bill Malloy circulated a letter written to Friendlys’ corporate headquarters. Pat Triggs wanted to know if there would be any additional follow up since Friendly’s defied the Historic Commission.

Bright Nights: Contract still has not been finalized with the city. It has been suggested that the Park Commission address a General Board Meeting. Bright Nights would like the Park Commission to give consideration to the following: shortening the days, removal of the signs and address the traffic issues.