GROVE PLACE ASSOCIATION Oct. 9, 2001 8:00 AM
Executive Committee Meeting Myra Buonocore’s
Present: Sue Bovay, John Lovenheim, Miriam Shapiro, Paul Pineo, Stan Schwartzberg, Myra Buonocore, Judy Gregory
1. John Lovenheim will do announcement cards for the Oct. General Meeting featuring Margaret Wuerstle from the City Zoning Department, and the Shapiros will do the reception following the meeting. It was suggested that residents be encouraged to do simple receptions so that more people will feel comfortable volunteering as hosts. The idea of having dinner receptions at neighborhood restaurants will also be explored.
2. President Sue Bovay announced that the November 18th General Meeting will feature a presentation by Officers Tom Belcher and Graham Hyland who will discuss public safety issues. Graham will help GPA coordinate a Neighborhood Watch-type program after attending a seminar on the subject in Albany. Considerations for this kind of program will be communications, low-key visibility and motion-sensitive lighting. It is hoped that with Graham’s guidance and the hiring of an electrician, GPA residents will be willing to install motion-sensitive lighting in needed sites. It was also felt that Tom Belcher’s police reports should be limited to a generalized reporting of incidents in the GPA area only.
3. Sue presented the Treasurer’s report in Elta Green’s absence. A $200 contribution to the YMCA’s “Invest In Youth” program and a $600 contribution to the NYC Firefighters’ Fund have been made from GPA. The balance on account is $9967.69.
4. Betty Strasenburgh will be in charge of the December 9th GPA Holiday Celebration gathering.
5. Miriam Shapiro suggested that the GPA website address should be listed on our communications postcards as well as at General Meetings.
6. John Lovenheim reported on Sector V activities:
A. The Downstairs Cabaret has closed on its purchase of the Windsor St. building it occupies.
B. In meetings with Craig Jensen regarding the development of the Grove/Gibbs Sts. Townhouses, John has suggested using Marge Burgeson as a realtor for selling the proposed residences once the price quotes are received from the builder. John offered the services of GPA and asked for a list of names of prospective buyers to invite to our meetings. $30,000 will be requested from the Sector Targeted Initiative funds to match and use for construction of the courtyard for the project.
C. The Urban Design Committee is planning a Charrette for the East Ave./Winton area to discuss and get feedback for the expansion of the Wegman’s store at that site from neighbors and area merchants.
D. The Liberty Pole Neighborhood Association continues to organize. John will attend their next meeting.
E. The Zoning Consultants hired by the City have completed a rule book for design standards for the West End of the downtown area. This will assist developers in moving more quickly on projects, unless they decide to use an unusual design which would then have to go through a variance procedure. GPA must decide whether it wants to restrict both use and design in our neighborhood through the new zoning regulations.
F. The City is continuing to meet with consultants to flesh out a plan for renovating Manhattan Square Park.
7. Myra Buonocore reported that the Beautification Committee has completed its tree survey, and will contact the City regarding trees that are dead or ailing. Miriam asked that we consider purchasing additional large planters since they are not subject to theft.
8. Sue announced that the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a luncheon presentation by Rep. Louise Slaughter on November 6th, entitled “Making Democracy Work”.
9. John noted that he had received a letter requesting GPA residents to attend discussion groups for the “Balancing Justice Project of Rochester”.
10. The next Executive Committee meeting will be held on November 13th.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Gregory, Secretary