Grove Place Association
March 23, 2014
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 39 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker: Mitch Rowe, City of Rochester Director of Zoning & Planning
Mr. Rowe stated that he had worked for the City in the past; he believes in being open and transparent. He has been working recently with the City School District (RCSD) regarding parking for teachers and staff of School #58. He informed us that Mr. Dutch Summers’ property will be used for the parking. Mr. Summers may own the property for a period of time (if so, this would go through City Zoning & Planning Dept.); if RCSD owns it, only New York State can have jurisdiction.)
The lot across from Captain’s Attic has had environmental cleanup. There were questions about the property between Scio St. and Pitkin St.: 1) how much of that property is City owned; 2) what the arrangements are concerning current leases on the property; and 3) whether what is currently on that property is the best use of it.
BUSINESS MEETING
Real Estate Report:
· Chris Kawolsky is expecting an offer from Dutch Summers to buy all of his property
· 150 University Ave. (property that had the fire and demolition) sold for $3,000; there is a $130,000 lien on the property from the demolition
· The Blessed Thistle Bakery property sold for $189,000 to Tom Hungerford. Mr. Hungerford has other Rochester property as well as investing in Section VIII housing
· The Kroon’s property continues to be on the market but they are close to a firm deal
Secretary’s Report: There is a very nice article in the new magazine, POST, on Betty Strasenburgh
Treasurer’s Report: None available
Update on Food Trucks: The City is allowing more food trucks. The City Clerk and City Council will make decisions about who will be allowed to be a vendor. Jan Fink raised the concern that this might create too much competition for Aunt Rosie’s (restaurant). Richard Glaser stated that we need more information, that we should approach this with an open mind; and that plaza development will be encouraging. The question was raised about working with the Eastside Business Association. There is one police officer assigned, but the only concern is with whether or not the trucks are legally parked.
World of Inquiry Report: Sue Eisenberg went to “Expedition Night” and gave a report to members. She was very impressed with the program as well as the students. Barbara Wager explained that the principal (Sheila Webster) is interested in having neighbors develop some type of summer program for the young elementary students.
GPA’s “Foodie” Group: The next event will be a dinner at the Shui Asian Fusion restaurant on April 13th at 5:30. All members are welcome but need to let Sue Eisenburg know in advance if they will be attending in order to let the restaurant plan the food. A sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting for interested participants.
Safety & Security Meeting: Barbara Wager reported that there were 9 police cars outside of Max’s Restaurant yesterday at 6 p.m., but she had no further information on this. Neither did any members. Robin Bjorgan talked to members about security cameras for their homes and displayed the D-Link. He suggested looking at the website: mydlink.com. Robin offered to help members with installation.
Banners: Jim Martin announced that the insurance policy has been obtained. The policy extends to any GPA function, including the members’ receptions following each meeting.
Book Club: Nancy Martin reported the next meeting of the GPA Book Club will be Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the DiPaola’s, 65 Windsor St. The discussion is on “Old Filth” by Jane Gardam.
Announcements:
· Bill Marvin has recently been awarded the Edward Peck Service Award for Undergraduate Teaching. This is a very prestigious award. Congratulations went to Bill.
· Neighborhood Cleanup will be on Saturday, May 3rd, which is the same day for cleanup throughout the City.
· The April GPA Meeting topic will be the Business Investment District (BID) with Heidi Zimmer-Meyer presenting.
· Steve Whitman announced that there will be a cellist playing at the reception following this meeting.
· Sandy Shapiro told members that the GPA’s Annual Report will be filed with the NYS Attorney General’s office tomorrow (March 24th).
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam DiPaola, Secretary
March 23, 2014
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 39 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker: Mitch Rowe, City of Rochester Director of Zoning & Planning
Mr. Rowe stated that he had worked for the City in the past; he believes in being open and transparent. He has been working recently with the City School District (RCSD) regarding parking for teachers and staff of School #58. He informed us that Mr. Dutch Summers’ property will be used for the parking. Mr. Summers may own the property for a period of time (if so, this would go through City Zoning & Planning Dept.); if RCSD owns it, only New York State can have jurisdiction.)
The lot across from Captain’s Attic has had environmental cleanup. There were questions about the property between Scio St. and Pitkin St.: 1) how much of that property is City owned; 2) what the arrangements are concerning current leases on the property; and 3) whether what is currently on that property is the best use of it.
BUSINESS MEETING
Real Estate Report:
· Chris Kawolsky is expecting an offer from Dutch Summers to buy all of his property
· 150 University Ave. (property that had the fire and demolition) sold for $3,000; there is a $130,000 lien on the property from the demolition
· The Blessed Thistle Bakery property sold for $189,000 to Tom Hungerford. Mr. Hungerford has other Rochester property as well as investing in Section VIII housing
· The Kroon’s property continues to be on the market but they are close to a firm deal
Secretary’s Report: There is a very nice article in the new magazine, POST, on Betty Strasenburgh
Treasurer’s Report: None available
Update on Food Trucks: The City is allowing more food trucks. The City Clerk and City Council will make decisions about who will be allowed to be a vendor. Jan Fink raised the concern that this might create too much competition for Aunt Rosie’s (restaurant). Richard Glaser stated that we need more information, that we should approach this with an open mind; and that plaza development will be encouraging. The question was raised about working with the Eastside Business Association. There is one police officer assigned, but the only concern is with whether or not the trucks are legally parked.
World of Inquiry Report: Sue Eisenberg went to “Expedition Night” and gave a report to members. She was very impressed with the program as well as the students. Barbara Wager explained that the principal (Sheila Webster) is interested in having neighbors develop some type of summer program for the young elementary students.
GPA’s “Foodie” Group: The next event will be a dinner at the Shui Asian Fusion restaurant on April 13th at 5:30. All members are welcome but need to let Sue Eisenburg know in advance if they will be attending in order to let the restaurant plan the food. A sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting for interested participants.
Safety & Security Meeting: Barbara Wager reported that there were 9 police cars outside of Max’s Restaurant yesterday at 6 p.m., but she had no further information on this. Neither did any members. Robin Bjorgan talked to members about security cameras for their homes and displayed the D-Link. He suggested looking at the website: mydlink.com. Robin offered to help members with installation.
Banners: Jim Martin announced that the insurance policy has been obtained. The policy extends to any GPA function, including the members’ receptions following each meeting.
Book Club: Nancy Martin reported the next meeting of the GPA Book Club will be Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m. at the DiPaola’s, 65 Windsor St. The discussion is on “Old Filth” by Jane Gardam.
Announcements:
· Bill Marvin has recently been awarded the Edward Peck Service Award for Undergraduate Teaching. This is a very prestigious award. Congratulations went to Bill.
· Neighborhood Cleanup will be on Saturday, May 3rd, which is the same day for cleanup throughout the City.
· The April GPA Meeting topic will be the Business Investment District (BID) with Heidi Zimmer-Meyer presenting.
· Steve Whitman announced that there will be a cellist playing at the reception following this meeting.
· Sandy Shapiro told members that the GPA’s Annual Report will be filed with the NYS Attorney General’s office tomorrow (March 24th).
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam DiPaola, Secretary