Grove Place Association
February 23, 2014
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 34 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Jim Martin opened the meeting by introducing the guest speaker, Michael Patterson, our recently appointed City Councilman representing Grove Place.
Mike Patterson: Mike stated that he is happy to represent our neighborhood and informed members that he previously lived on Gibbs St. He feels a duty and responsibility to represent every single person in the Northeast neighborhoods. He humorously told us that contrary to current political approaches he will promise nothing. He earnestly requested that we contact him at any time (gave out his card; his personal cell phone number; and his email: Michael.patterson@cityofrochester.gov) and he will chase down answers for us. Members asked if he knew where the parking will be for School #58 staff (Mike is making efforts to find out); and if the owner of the property at 150 University which recently burned down will be liable for the demolition expenses (Mike thinks the owner will be liable but he will pursue the information & notify GPA leadership). He was asked what the boundaries are for the Northeast area. It’s the area from Main St. (at the river) to Goodman; Goodman to Clifford to Culver; Culver to Woodlawn; Woodlawn to Culver at the border of Irondequoit; and then back to the river.
Other questions included an inquiry about the quadrant system for the police force (nothing has come down from the City Administration yet); and an inquiry about whether the downtown police substation will remain (he thinks so). Another question that he will investigate is whether or not Eastman security can patrol the neighborhood. He told the membership that blue lights (emergency contacts) will be installed in the neighborhood. Members suggested that there be better enforcement of the City codes. A GPA member who attended the Walkable Cities Forum recommended that the City do a better job of shoveling/maintaining sidewalks in winter. It was mentioned that there are sheets of ice on properties owned by absentee landlords. Mike commented that our neighborhood is not covered by the City Service Centers offices (whose jurisdiction ends at the Inner Loop) and therefore we are not on a set schedule for leaf pick up, shoveling, etc.
He was asked if he is responsible for K Lot, and he is. Elaine Spaull represents the opposite side of Main St. and he represents this side of Main. The plan to fill the Inner Loop was discussed. Phase I is approved and is going forward. He polled members for their feelings regarding a Phase II, the possibility of filling in closer to our neighborhood (hypothetical). There were mixed feelings. It was mentioned that the portion of the Inner Loop that would be involved in that is a “gateway” to the airport and to the western part of the city.
Mike announced that North Clinton Ave. from Main St. and St. Paul St. from Main St. will become two-way streets; this was approved last month by City Council. When asked he noted that making a 2-way road from Main St. to Broad has not been approved; this has not been brought to City Council.
Asked about the new railroad station, he informed us that the plans are on the City’s website; they are not finalized. It will be an intermodal station. There’s no doubt it will be going forward. When asked about a high speed rail system for the city, Mike noted that it is totally dependent on the federal government.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Treasurer’s Report: We are solvent with approximately six thousand dollars ($6,000) in our account.
Book Group Report: The next meeting of the GPA Book Group will be on March 17th, at 7 p.m. at the Martin’s home, 10-5 Selden St. The selected book is “The Story of My People” by Edoardo Nesi. All are welcome.
Receptions: March: Suzanne Gouvernet’s; April: Robin & Margaret Bjorgan’s
Nominations Committee: Mary Steward, chair of the committee, announced that the two-year terms of current officers are ending soon. She is forming a committee to assemble a slate of officers for 2014-16; if interested, members should contact her. If any members are interested in an executive committee position, they should contact her as soon as possible. The Slate of Officers will be presented at the April meeting.
Beautification Report: Some of the planters have been damaged by snow plows this winter and will need to be replaced.
Banner Committee: This continues to be a ‘work in progress’. We need insurance to continue to install more banners; anyone with any contacts should notify Jim Martin or Barbara Wager.
Foodie Group: Barbara Wager announced that at the February 9th inaugural meeting, about 20 GPA members were in attendance. The next meeting will be Mach 9th: Soups & “Gourmet Sandwiches”. Contact Barbara if interested.
There will be a meeting for the cookbook on Tuesday, February 25th at Barbara’s home. The cookbook is moving along and is almost complete. Recipes may still be submitted for the next couple of weeks. The suggested title is “Urban Improvisations” and there is feeling that the cookbook should have a jazz slant. The proceeds from the cookbook will support visual arts in the neighborhood. It is unsure if we will be able to sell it at the Jazz Festival; if anyone has any Jazz Fest contacts, please let Barbara know. Betty Strasenburgh suggested that the cookbook might be sold in the gift store at the Eastman Theater. We were informed that the RPO did put out a cookbook with a musician’s slant; it was offered to Barbara to be viewed.
Executive Committee: Barbara Wager told the group that the executive committee for the past two years has had the goals of building on the positives and diminishing the negatives; bringing as many events to the membership as possible; and supporting school #58.
School #58: Barbara announced that there is a scheduled meeting on March 6th with Sheila Webster, the principal at the school, to discuss how the GPA Association and the neighborhood can support the school and be involved.
Speakers for Future Meetings: Heidi Zimmer-Meyer will be addressing our group in April on the downtown business district. Suggestions were taken. John Goldman put forth having Joe Klein speak to us regarding the Charter School movement. Jim Martin suggested a speaker to discuss the neighborhood’s East border (University & Scio corner area). Richard Glaser suggested Del Smith, Commissioner, Neighborhood & Business Development for the City; dt ogilvie, Dean of the Saunders College of Business at RIT; and Lovely Warren, Mayor of Rochester. Ms. ogilvie is active in the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship which is to be located in the former Rochester Savings Bank on Franklin St.
Eastman Students’ Gigs: Steve Whitman gave us information on how to navigate the Eastman School’s website in order to hire student musicians. He feels that there is an opportunity to hire students to play at the GPA after-meeting receptions. The navigation is as follows: 1) go to the Eastman School’s website; 2) click on ‘Offices & Services’; 3) click on ‘Careers and Professional Development’; 4) click on ‘Find Jobs, Gigs, Auditions’; 5)click on ‘Gig Service’; 6) click on ‘Post a Gig’ and choose from the drop down box whether a performance or an instructional session is desired; and 7) fill out the form & submit. The posting will be responded to and it is taken from there. Fees are negotiated between the musician(s) and the person hiring. The School’s website also lists daily students’ performances (free) as well as concerts/performances by visiting professionals.
General Info:
o Marge Bergeson told us that the unit in Symphony Terrace that has been available is currently under contract
o John Lovenheim announced that the Kroon’s home is on the market
o Clinton Printing is for sale (approx.. $325,000)
o The building that formerly housed the Blessed Thistle Bakery continues to be owned by the same person
o The building at 185 Scio St. (ambulance maintenance building) is under contract supposedly for residential development
o Jim Martin announced that the Social Club at 135 University Ave. is gone
o John Goldman informed the group that walking by Captain’s Attic restaurant late Saturday night, he noted a ‘tough-looking’ crowd outside the restaurant; he warned us to be aware and to monitor that area
o The new charter schools opening in the fall are looking for board members
Respectfully submitted,
Pam DiPaola
February 23, 2014
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 34 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Jim Martin opened the meeting by introducing the guest speaker, Michael Patterson, our recently appointed City Councilman representing Grove Place.
Mike Patterson: Mike stated that he is happy to represent our neighborhood and informed members that he previously lived on Gibbs St. He feels a duty and responsibility to represent every single person in the Northeast neighborhoods. He humorously told us that contrary to current political approaches he will promise nothing. He earnestly requested that we contact him at any time (gave out his card; his personal cell phone number; and his email: Michael.patterson@cityofrochester.gov) and he will chase down answers for us. Members asked if he knew where the parking will be for School #58 staff (Mike is making efforts to find out); and if the owner of the property at 150 University which recently burned down will be liable for the demolition expenses (Mike thinks the owner will be liable but he will pursue the information & notify GPA leadership). He was asked what the boundaries are for the Northeast area. It’s the area from Main St. (at the river) to Goodman; Goodman to Clifford to Culver; Culver to Woodlawn; Woodlawn to Culver at the border of Irondequoit; and then back to the river.
Other questions included an inquiry about the quadrant system for the police force (nothing has come down from the City Administration yet); and an inquiry about whether the downtown police substation will remain (he thinks so). Another question that he will investigate is whether or not Eastman security can patrol the neighborhood. He told the membership that blue lights (emergency contacts) will be installed in the neighborhood. Members suggested that there be better enforcement of the City codes. A GPA member who attended the Walkable Cities Forum recommended that the City do a better job of shoveling/maintaining sidewalks in winter. It was mentioned that there are sheets of ice on properties owned by absentee landlords. Mike commented that our neighborhood is not covered by the City Service Centers offices (whose jurisdiction ends at the Inner Loop) and therefore we are not on a set schedule for leaf pick up, shoveling, etc.
He was asked if he is responsible for K Lot, and he is. Elaine Spaull represents the opposite side of Main St. and he represents this side of Main. The plan to fill the Inner Loop was discussed. Phase I is approved and is going forward. He polled members for their feelings regarding a Phase II, the possibility of filling in closer to our neighborhood (hypothetical). There were mixed feelings. It was mentioned that the portion of the Inner Loop that would be involved in that is a “gateway” to the airport and to the western part of the city.
Mike announced that North Clinton Ave. from Main St. and St. Paul St. from Main St. will become two-way streets; this was approved last month by City Council. When asked he noted that making a 2-way road from Main St. to Broad has not been approved; this has not been brought to City Council.
Asked about the new railroad station, he informed us that the plans are on the City’s website; they are not finalized. It will be an intermodal station. There’s no doubt it will be going forward. When asked about a high speed rail system for the city, Mike noted that it is totally dependent on the federal government.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Treasurer’s Report: We are solvent with approximately six thousand dollars ($6,000) in our account.
Book Group Report: The next meeting of the GPA Book Group will be on March 17th, at 7 p.m. at the Martin’s home, 10-5 Selden St. The selected book is “The Story of My People” by Edoardo Nesi. All are welcome.
Receptions: March: Suzanne Gouvernet’s; April: Robin & Margaret Bjorgan’s
Nominations Committee: Mary Steward, chair of the committee, announced that the two-year terms of current officers are ending soon. She is forming a committee to assemble a slate of officers for 2014-16; if interested, members should contact her. If any members are interested in an executive committee position, they should contact her as soon as possible. The Slate of Officers will be presented at the April meeting.
Beautification Report: Some of the planters have been damaged by snow plows this winter and will need to be replaced.
Banner Committee: This continues to be a ‘work in progress’. We need insurance to continue to install more banners; anyone with any contacts should notify Jim Martin or Barbara Wager.
Foodie Group: Barbara Wager announced that at the February 9th inaugural meeting, about 20 GPA members were in attendance. The next meeting will be Mach 9th: Soups & “Gourmet Sandwiches”. Contact Barbara if interested.
There will be a meeting for the cookbook on Tuesday, February 25th at Barbara’s home. The cookbook is moving along and is almost complete. Recipes may still be submitted for the next couple of weeks. The suggested title is “Urban Improvisations” and there is feeling that the cookbook should have a jazz slant. The proceeds from the cookbook will support visual arts in the neighborhood. It is unsure if we will be able to sell it at the Jazz Festival; if anyone has any Jazz Fest contacts, please let Barbara know. Betty Strasenburgh suggested that the cookbook might be sold in the gift store at the Eastman Theater. We were informed that the RPO did put out a cookbook with a musician’s slant; it was offered to Barbara to be viewed.
Executive Committee: Barbara Wager told the group that the executive committee for the past two years has had the goals of building on the positives and diminishing the negatives; bringing as many events to the membership as possible; and supporting school #58.
School #58: Barbara announced that there is a scheduled meeting on March 6th with Sheila Webster, the principal at the school, to discuss how the GPA Association and the neighborhood can support the school and be involved.
Speakers for Future Meetings: Heidi Zimmer-Meyer will be addressing our group in April on the downtown business district. Suggestions were taken. John Goldman put forth having Joe Klein speak to us regarding the Charter School movement. Jim Martin suggested a speaker to discuss the neighborhood’s East border (University & Scio corner area). Richard Glaser suggested Del Smith, Commissioner, Neighborhood & Business Development for the City; dt ogilvie, Dean of the Saunders College of Business at RIT; and Lovely Warren, Mayor of Rochester. Ms. ogilvie is active in the Center for Urban Entrepreneurship which is to be located in the former Rochester Savings Bank on Franklin St.
Eastman Students’ Gigs: Steve Whitman gave us information on how to navigate the Eastman School’s website in order to hire student musicians. He feels that there is an opportunity to hire students to play at the GPA after-meeting receptions. The navigation is as follows: 1) go to the Eastman School’s website; 2) click on ‘Offices & Services’; 3) click on ‘Careers and Professional Development’; 4) click on ‘Find Jobs, Gigs, Auditions’; 5)click on ‘Gig Service’; 6) click on ‘Post a Gig’ and choose from the drop down box whether a performance or an instructional session is desired; and 7) fill out the form & submit. The posting will be responded to and it is taken from there. Fees are negotiated between the musician(s) and the person hiring. The School’s website also lists daily students’ performances (free) as well as concerts/performances by visiting professionals.
General Info:
o Marge Bergeson told us that the unit in Symphony Terrace that has been available is currently under contract
o John Lovenheim announced that the Kroon’s home is on the market
o Clinton Printing is for sale (approx.. $325,000)
o The building that formerly housed the Blessed Thistle Bakery continues to be owned by the same person
o The building at 185 Scio St. (ambulance maintenance building) is under contract supposedly for residential development
o Jim Martin announced that the Social Club at 135 University Ave. is gone
o John Goldman informed the group that walking by Captain’s Attic restaurant late Saturday night, he noted a ‘tough-looking’ crowd outside the restaurant; he warned us to be aware and to monitor that area
o The new charter schools opening in the fall are looking for board members
Respectfully submitted,
Pam DiPaola