Grove Place Association November 18, 2012
Meeting Minutes
32 members present
Minutes of the October 28, 2012 approved.
Holiday Party Report from Nicki Doolittle:
Holiday Party to be held Dec. 9th from 4-7 in Ciminelli Hall. Musical entertainment to be provided by Eastman School students, 4- 5:15; dinner afterward. Call or email Nicki by Dec. 2nd to R.S.V.P. and to volunteer a dish to pass.
‘F’ Block Committee report from John Goldman:
The committee met on November 5, 2012 at Betty Strasenberg’s home. Craig Jensen, the architect whose firm did the Eastman School renovation and the Eastman School addition, was invited to the meeting to discuss a proposal his firm had completed in the past for this parcel of land. The Committee suggested that a meeting be scheduled with Dean Lowry to discuss the Eastman’s plan for the ‘F’ lot site.
Dick Flynn asked how long the U of R has to plan and develop the parcel. John explained that they have 9 more years. After that period of time, the Cultural Commission, of which John is a member, will have first opportunity to plan for the property. John noted that there are environmental issues with the property that will need to be addressed.
GPA Book Club Report from Nancy Martin:
The first book that will be read is Mount Allegro written about Italian immigrants who settled in Rochester by local author Jere Mangione. The group will meet on Tuesday, November 27th at 7 pm at Jim & Nancy’s home, 10-5 Selden. Some editions of the book do not contain the chapter entitled “Finale”. If you are reading it and your copy does not contain this chapter, let Nancy know and she will see that a copy of the chapter gets to you. All GPA members are invited to participate at any time. Nancy will be sure that information on chosen books and meeting dates is emailed to GPA members.
Sidewalks Report from John Lovenheim:
John informed the members that the sidewalks have been repaired and that there is much improvement. He was asked if the tree grates are going to be replaced. They are not. John explained that the tree soil surfaces are actually a permeable membrane that will allow water and nutrients to reach the tree roots.
Treasurer’s Report from John Lovenheim:
There is $8,269.00 in cash in our account, with $650.00 owed to merchants, leaving a $7,619.00 balance. Bob Keck asked what the balance is for Art and for Beautification. John explained that these had not been separated from general funds in the past, but will be from this year on. The report indicated that there had been $4,236.00 for Beautification and $2,275.00 for art. Past expenditures were $2,934.00 on Art. It was pointed out that the membership application asks if people would like to contribute additional money (besides dues) for various neighborhood projects, such as Art & Beautification, and that the money contributed in this manner should indeed be ‘set aside’ from dues and used for the purpose they were intended. Bob pointed out that an additional purpose in doing so would be to determine if the dues are actually covering the Association’s expenses.
John informed members that the GPA, as an organization, is approached at times for donations to charities. John requested that the Grove Place Association have a policy that the GPA, as an organization, NOT make donations to any non-for-profit organizations. This was voted on and approved by the membership. This does not include the annual amount ($300) that the GPA contributes/pays to the YMCA for the use of space for our GPA meetings.
Safety Report from Barbara Wager:
The individual responsible for the car break-ins has been jailed for 4 years as a result of his criminal activity. The man who broke into the Eastman student’s apt. this summer will be jailed. We will not need to do “Court Watch” for either case.
Nicki Doolittle reported that Linda Muse (Eastman dorm rep) reported to her that a Caucasian male, approximately in his 40’s, was verbally abusing students on Gibbs St. He was warned once and left the area, but then returned to the site, and the police took action.
Neighborhood Banners Report from Jim Martin & Barb Wager:
The neighborhood Unsung Hero was recognized: Sandy Shapiro has been switching the neighborhood banners from the turquoise ones in the Spring to the brown ones in the Fall, and vice versa.
The old banners were paint on canvas, are more than 20 years old, and are in very poor condition. Currently there is an inventory of 14 banner mounts. Jim Martin began an enthusiastic discussion on the prospect of creating new neighborhood banners. It was generally agreed that new banners were a good idea. Barbara Wager suggested that we would probably need about 20 banners. Jim showed photos of the banners currently displayed in several of the City’s neighborhoods. One that perplexed the audience was PLEX (the Plymouth-Exchange area). John Lovenheim asked if the Eastman School has any banners. John Goldman asked if the banners would be mounted permanently or be able to be ‘switched’ part way through the year at a determined time. Barb Wager mentioned that a ballpark figure for new banners might be approximately $160.00 each, roughly estimated by City Blue. Tex Doolittle stated that if the City is willing to pay for the banners, the neighborhood would greatly benefit from replacing the old banners. A suggestion was made that perhaps a graphic designer should be brought on board. Jim and Barb asked the group to brainstorm possible ‘themes’ for neighborhood banners. Suggestions included: musical notes, trees & turrets (to make a point of the neighborhood’s natural & architectural features), something to represent the “Grove Place District”, and to continue to use the current symbol. John Goldman noted that the Corn Hill neighborhood symbol is great---clear and representative.
Jim suggested that a Committee be formed to develop the ideas further. Sandy Mayer suggested that RIT students would love to work on a project of this nature and could lend their talents to our endeavors. Roz Goldman stated that she has had experience working with RIT students and having design contests. Doug Steward, Suzanne Mayer, John Lovenheim, Roz Goldman, and Barb Wager volunteered to form a Committee with Doug as captain. John stated that he would be happy to look up costs/comparatives. John Goldman feels that security needs to be addressed in relation to banners. Sandy Shapiro contributed that what brought the banners down in the past was poor installation. Sometimes large trucks strike them as they attempt to navigate the neighborhood. Sandy also raised a question over how we know how many poles we would be allowed to use.
Miscellaneous:
Dave Klass announced that a new restaurant has opened where Duck Soupe was: “Max Shushi & Noodles”.
Sandy Shapiro announced that the GPA files an annual tax return---he completes and submits it. (Thank You Sandy!)
Nancy Martin announced that the white and green house near Tavern 58 is on the market for $138, 000.
John Goldman announced that in the Rochester Business Journal it was stated that 111 East Avenue recently sold to a Real Estate developer who owns many other properties in the East End. The owner plans to rehab the building. Richard Glazer pointed out that some high powered developers have been circling that property for some time now.
Lively discussion took place regarding speakers for future meetings. Suggestions included speakers to address area development as well as community services.
A small deli/sandwich shop will be opening on East Avenue.
Bill Marvin thanked the GPA members for their efforts to get the curb cuts corrected.
Jim Martin announced that the truck traffic on Windsor Street has been excessive and creates noise. Efforts will be made to deal with the problem.
There is no formal meeting in December. The Holiday Party will be on Dec. 9th.
Quote of the meeting: “Let me be the judge of that!”
Respectfully submitted,
Pam DiPaola
Meeting Minutes
32 members present
Minutes of the October 28, 2012 approved.
Holiday Party Report from Nicki Doolittle:
Holiday Party to be held Dec. 9th from 4-7 in Ciminelli Hall. Musical entertainment to be provided by Eastman School students, 4- 5:15; dinner afterward. Call or email Nicki by Dec. 2nd to R.S.V.P. and to volunteer a dish to pass.
‘F’ Block Committee report from John Goldman:
The committee met on November 5, 2012 at Betty Strasenberg’s home. Craig Jensen, the architect whose firm did the Eastman School renovation and the Eastman School addition, was invited to the meeting to discuss a proposal his firm had completed in the past for this parcel of land. The Committee suggested that a meeting be scheduled with Dean Lowry to discuss the Eastman’s plan for the ‘F’ lot site.
Dick Flynn asked how long the U of R has to plan and develop the parcel. John explained that they have 9 more years. After that period of time, the Cultural Commission, of which John is a member, will have first opportunity to plan for the property. John noted that there are environmental issues with the property that will need to be addressed.
GPA Book Club Report from Nancy Martin:
The first book that will be read is Mount Allegro written about Italian immigrants who settled in Rochester by local author Jere Mangione. The group will meet on Tuesday, November 27th at 7 pm at Jim & Nancy’s home, 10-5 Selden. Some editions of the book do not contain the chapter entitled “Finale”. If you are reading it and your copy does not contain this chapter, let Nancy know and she will see that a copy of the chapter gets to you. All GPA members are invited to participate at any time. Nancy will be sure that information on chosen books and meeting dates is emailed to GPA members.
Sidewalks Report from John Lovenheim:
John informed the members that the sidewalks have been repaired and that there is much improvement. He was asked if the tree grates are going to be replaced. They are not. John explained that the tree soil surfaces are actually a permeable membrane that will allow water and nutrients to reach the tree roots.
Treasurer’s Report from John Lovenheim:
There is $8,269.00 in cash in our account, with $650.00 owed to merchants, leaving a $7,619.00 balance. Bob Keck asked what the balance is for Art and for Beautification. John explained that these had not been separated from general funds in the past, but will be from this year on. The report indicated that there had been $4,236.00 for Beautification and $2,275.00 for art. Past expenditures were $2,934.00 on Art. It was pointed out that the membership application asks if people would like to contribute additional money (besides dues) for various neighborhood projects, such as Art & Beautification, and that the money contributed in this manner should indeed be ‘set aside’ from dues and used for the purpose they were intended. Bob pointed out that an additional purpose in doing so would be to determine if the dues are actually covering the Association’s expenses.
John informed members that the GPA, as an organization, is approached at times for donations to charities. John requested that the Grove Place Association have a policy that the GPA, as an organization, NOT make donations to any non-for-profit organizations. This was voted on and approved by the membership. This does not include the annual amount ($300) that the GPA contributes/pays to the YMCA for the use of space for our GPA meetings.
Safety Report from Barbara Wager:
The individual responsible for the car break-ins has been jailed for 4 years as a result of his criminal activity. The man who broke into the Eastman student’s apt. this summer will be jailed. We will not need to do “Court Watch” for either case.
Nicki Doolittle reported that Linda Muse (Eastman dorm rep) reported to her that a Caucasian male, approximately in his 40’s, was verbally abusing students on Gibbs St. He was warned once and left the area, but then returned to the site, and the police took action.
Neighborhood Banners Report from Jim Martin & Barb Wager:
The neighborhood Unsung Hero was recognized: Sandy Shapiro has been switching the neighborhood banners from the turquoise ones in the Spring to the brown ones in the Fall, and vice versa.
The old banners were paint on canvas, are more than 20 years old, and are in very poor condition. Currently there is an inventory of 14 banner mounts. Jim Martin began an enthusiastic discussion on the prospect of creating new neighborhood banners. It was generally agreed that new banners were a good idea. Barbara Wager suggested that we would probably need about 20 banners. Jim showed photos of the banners currently displayed in several of the City’s neighborhoods. One that perplexed the audience was PLEX (the Plymouth-Exchange area). John Lovenheim asked if the Eastman School has any banners. John Goldman asked if the banners would be mounted permanently or be able to be ‘switched’ part way through the year at a determined time. Barb Wager mentioned that a ballpark figure for new banners might be approximately $160.00 each, roughly estimated by City Blue. Tex Doolittle stated that if the City is willing to pay for the banners, the neighborhood would greatly benefit from replacing the old banners. A suggestion was made that perhaps a graphic designer should be brought on board. Jim and Barb asked the group to brainstorm possible ‘themes’ for neighborhood banners. Suggestions included: musical notes, trees & turrets (to make a point of the neighborhood’s natural & architectural features), something to represent the “Grove Place District”, and to continue to use the current symbol. John Goldman noted that the Corn Hill neighborhood symbol is great---clear and representative.
Jim suggested that a Committee be formed to develop the ideas further. Sandy Mayer suggested that RIT students would love to work on a project of this nature and could lend their talents to our endeavors. Roz Goldman stated that she has had experience working with RIT students and having design contests. Doug Steward, Suzanne Mayer, John Lovenheim, Roz Goldman, and Barb Wager volunteered to form a Committee with Doug as captain. John stated that he would be happy to look up costs/comparatives. John Goldman feels that security needs to be addressed in relation to banners. Sandy Shapiro contributed that what brought the banners down in the past was poor installation. Sometimes large trucks strike them as they attempt to navigate the neighborhood. Sandy also raised a question over how we know how many poles we would be allowed to use.
Miscellaneous:
Dave Klass announced that a new restaurant has opened where Duck Soupe was: “Max Shushi & Noodles”.
Sandy Shapiro announced that the GPA files an annual tax return---he completes and submits it. (Thank You Sandy!)
Nancy Martin announced that the white and green house near Tavern 58 is on the market for $138, 000.
John Goldman announced that in the Rochester Business Journal it was stated that 111 East Avenue recently sold to a Real Estate developer who owns many other properties in the East End. The owner plans to rehab the building. Richard Glazer pointed out that some high powered developers have been circling that property for some time now.
Lively discussion took place regarding speakers for future meetings. Suggestions included speakers to address area development as well as community services.
A small deli/sandwich shop will be opening on East Avenue.
Bill Marvin thanked the GPA members for their efforts to get the curb cuts corrected.
Jim Martin announced that the truck traffic on Windsor Street has been excessive and creates noise. Efforts will be made to deal with the problem.
There is no formal meeting in December. The Holiday Party will be on Dec. 9th.
Quote of the meeting: “Let me be the judge of that!”
Respectfully submitted,
Pam DiPaola