Grove Place Association
September 22, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 39 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Jim (Martin) and Barb (Wager) opened the meeting by announcing known summer vacations of members.
Program:
Suzanne Mayer presented information on rezoning the Grove Place neighborhood. The term ‘downzoning’ is used to describe what is being attempted. There was a Committee of Grove Place members who in prior months examined current zoning, with the intent of protecting the residential aspects of the neighborhood.
Rick McGrath asked for clarification on his understanding that the original intent was with limiting commercial enterprising in the neighborhood. Jan Fink pointed out that this got started with the opening of the social club. Tom Fink questioned protecting Grove Place, in particular Symphony Terrace when Lot F is developed.
Suzanne presented a map of the proposed zoning area to be changed & then introduced Marcia Berry, the Director of Zoning, to the members. Marcia explained that the zoning of this area was changed in 2003 in order to give more flexibility. It established control of the outside of buildings, but not what purpose/use the interiors of the buildings would serve. However, it was not intended as an “anything goes”. The Zoning Board’s intent was not use but design.
Marcia went on to further explain that the Grove Place District is very unique. She recognizes that the zoning codes for the District need revision. There is a need for rehab requirements. Multi-family properties currently need special permits and a public hearing, but any building zoned prior to 2003 has ‘grandfathered rights’. Change of ownership does not change use. A 9-month vacancy constitutes non-confirming use.
Jim Martin asked how abandonment is defined and was told that non-payment of taxes does not constitute abandonment. John Lovenheim asked if design requirements were still in effect; the answer is ‘yes’. Rick McGrath asked about the procedure with zoning. Floor plans would need to be submitted to the city and reviewed by the Office of Zoning. Grove Place is a Preservation District and therefore any changes to the exterior of a property has to be approved by the Preservation Board. John Goldman asked about it being a design district and raised the concern that if the Eastman dorm is not included in this new zoning proposal and the U of R sold the property, it could be used for any number of purposes that would not enhance the neighborhood. However, to include the dorm would require consent from the University. It was the consensus of the members at this meeting that the dormitory be included in the ‘downzoning’ proposal. Marilyn Klass brought up that 125 Gibbs St. is basically a rooming house.
Members were told the time frame for this proposal’s approval: the City Planning Commission meets on October 19, 2013. That Committee would make the recommendation to City Council in December for approval. A question was brought forth concerning parking regulations and we were told that the Department of Environmental Services’ Traffic Control Board controls all city parking.
John Goldman asked if there is anything the Grove Place Association could do to control the properties on the north side of University Avenue. He suggested we form a committee of members to act as an “enforcement committee”. Generally this was thought to be a good idea and it was deferred to Barbara and Jim. Roz Goldman asked if it were possible to require absentee landlords to have someone in Rochester that would represent their properties, such as a local property manager.
LLC:
Suzanne Mayer informed members about the LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) that is in the process of development. It came out of a committee formed months ago to look at what could be done with abandoned properties or properties that might be auctioned by the City. It was explained that the LLC would be a Holding Company. John Lovenheim asked if the LLC would be funded; yes it will. Details continue to be worked out. Suzanne explained that basically a Holding Company would be formed. Anyone interested in working on this should contact Suzanne. Tom Fink asked if there was anyone specifically responsible for advocating for our neighborhood. It was felt that this could be the responsibility of an “Enforcement Committee”. This type of Committee should have a standardized means of operating. It was suggested that a Committee of this type would be a lot of work that might be very burdensome for members. Suzanne indicated that she would talk with Rick McGrath and John Goldman to ‘pick their brain’.
Treasurer’s Report:
Given by John Lovenheim who announced that GPA dues are ‘dribbling in’. He will be contacting those who haven’t paid via email. Currently the Association has a balance of six thousand three hundred ninety-eight dollars and ninety-seven cents ($6,398.97). Roz Goldman inquired if funds have been broken out for committees and John answered yes.
Oktoberfest:
Rick McGrath announced that the neighborhood’s first Oktoberfest will be held on October 20th at the party room recently purchased by Tavern 58 owners (the former Abyssinia restaurant). He announced the menu, which is primarily pork-based, and informed members that alternatives to pork will be made available for those who have dietary restrictions or religious belief that prohibit eating pork. He asked that anyone who desires an alternative contact him so that he can make accommodations.
Receptions:
Mary Steward asked that members who would be interested in hosting a reception after either the January or May GPA meetings contact her. All other receptions have been arranged.
Book Club:
The GPA Book Club will meet on September 30th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Martin’s home and will be a viewing of a film that Sandy and Dennis Wright purchased on their summer vacation to Guernsey Island. This relates to a novel previously read by Book Club members (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society). The video is about the German Occupation of the Island during WWII, which is the plot of the novel. Nancy reminded members that one does not need to be a regular Book Club member to attend; the meetings/discussions are open to everyone.
Insurance:
Doug Steward mentioned that he is having difficulty getting liability insurance and asks if any member has a contact, to let him know.
Fringe Festival:
Jim Martin announced that the Fringe Festival management is offering discounted tickets to members of GPA.
Holiday Party:
Tex Doolittle announced that plans for the Holiday Party are underway. The Eastman dorm has been reserved and the musical entertainment has been arranged. More information will be forthcoming.
Dean’s Advisory Council:
Sandy Mayer presented information on subscriptions to the Eastman’s Faculty Artist Series; the Kilbourn Concert Series; and the Saturday Morning Chamber Orchestra Series. Subscriptions are available at reasonable cost. Contact Sandy or Suzanne Mayer if interested.
September 22, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: 39 Members; 1 Guest Speaker
Jim (Martin) and Barb (Wager) opened the meeting by announcing known summer vacations of members.
Program:
Suzanne Mayer presented information on rezoning the Grove Place neighborhood. The term ‘downzoning’ is used to describe what is being attempted. There was a Committee of Grove Place members who in prior months examined current zoning, with the intent of protecting the residential aspects of the neighborhood.
Rick McGrath asked for clarification on his understanding that the original intent was with limiting commercial enterprising in the neighborhood. Jan Fink pointed out that this got started with the opening of the social club. Tom Fink questioned protecting Grove Place, in particular Symphony Terrace when Lot F is developed.
Suzanne presented a map of the proposed zoning area to be changed & then introduced Marcia Berry, the Director of Zoning, to the members. Marcia explained that the zoning of this area was changed in 2003 in order to give more flexibility. It established control of the outside of buildings, but not what purpose/use the interiors of the buildings would serve. However, it was not intended as an “anything goes”. The Zoning Board’s intent was not use but design.
Marcia went on to further explain that the Grove Place District is very unique. She recognizes that the zoning codes for the District need revision. There is a need for rehab requirements. Multi-family properties currently need special permits and a public hearing, but any building zoned prior to 2003 has ‘grandfathered rights’. Change of ownership does not change use. A 9-month vacancy constitutes non-confirming use.
Jim Martin asked how abandonment is defined and was told that non-payment of taxes does not constitute abandonment. John Lovenheim asked if design requirements were still in effect; the answer is ‘yes’. Rick McGrath asked about the procedure with zoning. Floor plans would need to be submitted to the city and reviewed by the Office of Zoning. Grove Place is a Preservation District and therefore any changes to the exterior of a property has to be approved by the Preservation Board. John Goldman asked about it being a design district and raised the concern that if the Eastman dorm is not included in this new zoning proposal and the U of R sold the property, it could be used for any number of purposes that would not enhance the neighborhood. However, to include the dorm would require consent from the University. It was the consensus of the members at this meeting that the dormitory be included in the ‘downzoning’ proposal. Marilyn Klass brought up that 125 Gibbs St. is basically a rooming house.
Members were told the time frame for this proposal’s approval: the City Planning Commission meets on October 19, 2013. That Committee would make the recommendation to City Council in December for approval. A question was brought forth concerning parking regulations and we were told that the Department of Environmental Services’ Traffic Control Board controls all city parking.
John Goldman asked if there is anything the Grove Place Association could do to control the properties on the north side of University Avenue. He suggested we form a committee of members to act as an “enforcement committee”. Generally this was thought to be a good idea and it was deferred to Barbara and Jim. Roz Goldman asked if it were possible to require absentee landlords to have someone in Rochester that would represent their properties, such as a local property manager.
LLC:
Suzanne Mayer informed members about the LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) that is in the process of development. It came out of a committee formed months ago to look at what could be done with abandoned properties or properties that might be auctioned by the City. It was explained that the LLC would be a Holding Company. John Lovenheim asked if the LLC would be funded; yes it will. Details continue to be worked out. Suzanne explained that basically a Holding Company would be formed. Anyone interested in working on this should contact Suzanne. Tom Fink asked if there was anyone specifically responsible for advocating for our neighborhood. It was felt that this could be the responsibility of an “Enforcement Committee”. This type of Committee should have a standardized means of operating. It was suggested that a Committee of this type would be a lot of work that might be very burdensome for members. Suzanne indicated that she would talk with Rick McGrath and John Goldman to ‘pick their brain’.
Treasurer’s Report:
Given by John Lovenheim who announced that GPA dues are ‘dribbling in’. He will be contacting those who haven’t paid via email. Currently the Association has a balance of six thousand three hundred ninety-eight dollars and ninety-seven cents ($6,398.97). Roz Goldman inquired if funds have been broken out for committees and John answered yes.
Oktoberfest:
Rick McGrath announced that the neighborhood’s first Oktoberfest will be held on October 20th at the party room recently purchased by Tavern 58 owners (the former Abyssinia restaurant). He announced the menu, which is primarily pork-based, and informed members that alternatives to pork will be made available for those who have dietary restrictions or religious belief that prohibit eating pork. He asked that anyone who desires an alternative contact him so that he can make accommodations.
Receptions:
Mary Steward asked that members who would be interested in hosting a reception after either the January or May GPA meetings contact her. All other receptions have been arranged.
Book Club:
The GPA Book Club will meet on September 30th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Martin’s home and will be a viewing of a film that Sandy and Dennis Wright purchased on their summer vacation to Guernsey Island. This relates to a novel previously read by Book Club members (The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society). The video is about the German Occupation of the Island during WWII, which is the plot of the novel. Nancy reminded members that one does not need to be a regular Book Club member to attend; the meetings/discussions are open to everyone.
Insurance:
Doug Steward mentioned that he is having difficulty getting liability insurance and asks if any member has a contact, to let him know.
Fringe Festival:
Jim Martin announced that the Fringe Festival management is offering discounted tickets to members of GPA.
Holiday Party:
Tex Doolittle announced that plans for the Holiday Party are underway. The Eastman dorm has been reserved and the musical entertainment has been arranged. More information will be forthcoming.
Dean’s Advisory Council:
Sandy Mayer presented information on subscriptions to the Eastman’s Faculty Artist Series; the Kilbourn Concert Series; and the Saturday Morning Chamber Orchestra Series. Subscriptions are available at reasonable cost. Contact Sandy or Suzanne Mayer if interested.