EKNA Minutes…

Minutes of Monthly Meetings to be posted here…..

Published on October 27, 2007 at 3:25 am

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  1. On November 20, 2007 at 2:24 am stanfordgable Said:

    .EAST KENSINGTON NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (EKNA)
    Meeting Minutes
    October 15, 2007
    Coral Street Arts House (CSAH), Coral and Hagert Sts.

    Approval of Previous Month’s Minutes

    Pat McHugh motioned to approve last month’s minutes. Jacelyn Blank offered a second. All were in favor.

    Frankford Avenue Clean-Up

    Duane Wilcox reported that approximately 40 people participated. The event was a success.

    Beautification Committee (BC)

    Jacelyn spoke to EKNA about the BC’s most recent meeting, during which there were concerns over increasing graffiti in the neighborhood. Jacelyn has sent off an application to the Anti-Graffiti Network for paint and supplies (the idea is to centrally locate these supplies somewhere in East Kensington for all neighbors to access). The group is, nevertheless, still researching what is required to get a crew out to pressure-wash designated walls.

    Jacelyn and Nykia Perez spoke about the Tree Tenders planting, to be held in the spring of 2008. In order for a resident to apply for a tree, s/he must be the owner of the property where the tree will be planted. There are no limits to the number of trees that one homeowner can receive, provided that the location is along the sidewalk or in a public lot. Applications (made available at the front table throughout the meeting) need to be completed ASAP. Jacelyn asked that applicants give a $20.00 donation; but added that the money can be paid later on. Nykia said that applications can be taken home, and mailed later. Jacelyn and Nykia passed around sign-up sheets for the planting day.

    The Adopt-a-Can project is currently on hold until the BC can ascertain additional information. Fritz asked about the cost of galvanized cans. Aaron Miller mentioned some research he has done on various options for trash receptacles. The galvanized cans might be beaten and tagged. As an alternative, mesh cans cost about $120.00. Heavy-duty cans might cost as much as $1,200.00.

    26th Police District Report

    Officer spoke with the group- regarding a crime statistics report for the District. Officer commented that the District has been focusing on narcotics offenses in East Kensington. If neighbors have a complaint about minor offenses like littering, they should contact the Sanitation Department. If police witness a low-priority offense of this nature—but are preoccupied with a high-priority situation—the perpetrator will unlikely be stopped and fined.

    Member then inquired about a police patrol car that he often sees sitting by the large lot at Berks and Front Sts. Officer suggested that we approach the car and greet the officer, if we have concerns about an officer’s lackadaisical performance. Members generally opposed this suggestion. Jeff Carpineta mentioned that dirtbikes are the new tool for drug sales. Some discussion followed. Jeff commented that neighbors are leaving because of “quality-of-life” problems like this. Officer agreed, but assured EKNA that the District is doing what it can. When asked about the use of tasers, Officer said that the decision to incorporate these into the District arsenal will be made under the new mayoral administration.

    NKCDC Zoning Committee (ZC)

    Dan Scholnick briefly reported that there were no new zoning cases this month.
    Problem Properties Committee (PPC)

    Pat reported that the previously arranged PPC meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, 10/22/07. This first meeting—to be held at Pat’s place on Huntingdon St.—will be all about the basics (such as principal problems, locations, etc.). There will then be another meeting on 11/1/07, at which point the PPC will delegate tasks for participating members. Pat directed the group’s attention to some handouts in the back of the room.

    Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC)

    Duane reported that the election is coming up (it will be held sometime between Election Day and Thanksgiving). There are five positions available. Interested members should contact Duane to find out about how to get nominated.

    Town Watch

    Member thanked those who’ve e-mailed or called him about incidents in the neighborhood. He then addressed the report he received from Officer- which is basically a list of incidents that have been happening in the District. Member will give a copy to Fritz for EKNA to keep for reference. Member stressed to the group that neighbors need to convey this information to the police in order to have it taken seriously. Some key words to use to prioritize a call to report a crime include “gang,” “gun,” “assault,” and “abduction.” Jeff said that we should just mention the word “casino,” which earned a good laugh from the group.

    Duane suggested that perhaps a letter should go to Councilman DiCicco, regarding the nuisance of quads and three-wheelers in the neighborhood. Member suggested going to Hallwatch.org to send a letter to multiple people at one time. The general consensus was that the latter would be the most effective approach. Stanford Gable also asked about getting a letter published in the Fishtown Star or Spirit newspapers (he also mentioned that there’s a real need for an EKNA Communications Committee). Jacelyn said it’d be important for EKNA—as a neighborhood organization—to send a letter to Hallwatch.org. Pat motioned to approve this idea. Fritz offered a second. All were in favor. Jeff offered to compose the letter.

    Website Update

    Frank Wilson will address this at a future EKNA meeting.

    Miscellaneous EKNA News

    EKNA will be purchasing a photocopier. Bill and Nancy Barton have donated a number of other office essentials. EKNA officers will hopefully be able to set up a space at the Bartons’ Philadelphia Brewing Company building, once renovations are complete.

    Gratitude was offered to Lauri Kochis of NKCDC, for all of her hard work and commitment to EKNA. This was her last EKNA meeting.

    East Kensington Housing Initiative (EKHI)

    Stanford led the discussion. Duane noted that details regarding EKHI were sent out to everyone with an e-mail address on record. Stanford then asked EKNA’s officers to elaborate on what occurred at the 9/20/07 meeting with NKCDC staff. Frank mentioned that the 9/20/07 meeting minutes will be made available to any EKNA member who requests them. He then stated that the upcoming NKCDC meeting with the community at-large (Thursday, 10/18/07) is happening as a direct result of the 9/20/07 meeting. Frank mentioned that EKNA’s officers represented to NKCDC EKNA’s overwhelmingly negative response to EKHI. The EKNA officers’ general impression is that NKCDC would like to bring the EKHI proposal to the community at-large; that NKCDC feels EKNA isn’t accurately representing the interests of East Kensington.

    Frank alluded to NKCDC Executive Director Sandy Salzman’s comment on 9/20/07 that NKCDC won’t move ahead with EKHI if it’s not what neighbors truly want. Duane said that, at the upcoming meeting, NKCDC will establish neighborhood opinion, but that there aren’t plans for a vote to be cast. NKCDC Accountant and EKNA member Rebekah Edwardson reminded the group that flyers for the upcoming meeting were passed out to every household; that EKNA owes it to itself and NKCDC to hold a vote. Duane said that, if there is a vote, it shouldn’t be held during the 10/18/07 meeting. Fritz suggested holding a vote at the next EKNA meeting. Rebekah said that, at that point, it would be too late for NKCDC to meet its deadlines for potential EKHI grants.

    Stanford asked if members had read the NKCDC EKHI informational document that went out. Stanford’s neighbors said they didn’t receive it. In turn, Rebekah spoke briefly on behalf of NKCDC to give an overview of the plan. There will be a total of 45 houses, which will be rentals for a period of 15 years. NKCDC and EKHI investors will own these houses for the duration of the rental period. At the end of that period, there will be the option for the tenant to purchase the house (with some subsidies). This program is intended for low-to-moderate-income residents; some Section 8 applicants may qualify. Rebekah added that at least one person in the household must be employed; that there are formulas to calculate applicant eligibility at various income levels. Rebekah stated that NKCDC’s hope is that EKHI will increase property values for East Kensington, encouraging further development. Stanford said that—for EKNA—the concern basically comes down to whether or not neighbors want to welcome this volume of new rentals into East Kensington.

    Emilio Temprano asked about the “newbies” comment that Sandy purportedly made; something to the effect that the input of newer East Kensington neighbors doesn’t quite count. Frank stated that this is not accurate. There was then a call for a loose vote on owner-occupied housing versus rental units. A show of hands suggested that most EKNA members prefer development for homeownership. Stanford—who showed particular concern for the proposed locations (many of which are concentrated near his house on Susquehanna Ave.)—contended the idea that tenants will remain in a house for 15 years before buying it. One of Stanford’s neighbors pointed out that many of the proposed EKHI properties on the map were, at one time, occupied by Section 8 tenants; low-income housing that failed. Rebekah then replied that, even though EKHI properties will be rentals for the first 15 years, it’s still a strong project. She added that NKCDC doesn’t have the same resources to do another homeownership initiative of this scope, at this point.

    Nigel commented that, although there are delinquent properties (e.g., with multiple years of liens and back-taxes), there’s also a lot of free enterprise in the neighborhood. He asked why NKCDC wouldn’t consider focusing this type of initiative on another neighborhood with a greater need. Nigel posited that East Kensington is low on commercial/retail development—not residential—and the general opinion is that things are moving ahead.

    Jeff spoke about the quality-of-life concerns that East Kensington residents have; that there are low standards of enforcement in Philadelphia. He commented that NKCDC is obviously not an enforcement agency, but EKHI could present some scenarios that would put current neighbors in an uncomfortable position. Jeff added that, if EKNA stands against the EKHI proposal, the group’s voice needs to be taken seriously. Frank gained order, as the discussion grew heated. He mentioned that there will need to be vote on this contentious issue.

    There was a shift in the discussion to focus on the positive possibilities of EKHI. It would welcome new construction into East Kensington, housing 45-plus hopefully stable citizens in the neighborhood. CSAH is a good example of new housing development in East Kensington to target a low-to-moderate income demographic; but it’s a concentrated site. In contrast, EKHI is a scattered site initiative. Rebekah spoke to the effectiveness of CSAH. Some EKNA members challenged that there’s a renter mentality that homeowners quickly shed. Jeff then commented about how, as a real-estate management representative, he’s all-too-familiar with the nightmares of scattered-site management. When EKHI’s single rental homes go vacant, there will be the tendency for vandalism. For this reason, Jeff asserted that EKNA needs to know about the vigilance of the property managers. Pat—who generally espouses EKHI, with the exception of the rental component—spoke about the difficulties of finding “good cause” for evicting problem tenants. Rebekah spoke to the fact that many homeowners face foreclosure. A neighbor who recently purchased a property at Memphis and Cumberland Sts. in Old Richmond spoke about the effort it takes to buy a property and, in his case, start a business; but rentals can bear a strong effect on the market.

    Stanford motioned for a consensus vote. An obscured neighbor in attendance offered a second. Duane then asked about the validity of holding a vote when others are not present. Frank stated that EKNA is simply voting to get a general consensus to take to NKCDC. Nigel remarked that to say EKNA’s vote doesn’t count is preposterous. Duane rebuked this comment. Jacelyn reminded those in attendance that there will be an opportunity to voice concerns at NKCDC’s public meeting on Thursday, adding that this isn’t necessarily an EKNA issue. Pat said EKNA needs to solidify its position, nonetheless. Duane suggested a ballot box effort at a later date. Stanford disagreed, acknowledging EKNA members’ presence “here and now.”

    Stanford and Pat called a vote by a show of hands, asking that residents from outside East Kensington not participate. The count against EKHI was 30. The count in support of EKHI was 2. Five members abstained. Some side conversation on the topic continued as the meeting came to an abrupt close, and those in attendance began to leave CSAH.

    50/50

    Brian Kantorek won $62.00, fair and square. There was a total of $124.00.

    Next Meeting

    The next EKNA meeting will be held on Monday, 11/19/07, at CSAH (site of all future meetings, until further notice).

    Notes compiled by Brian Kantorek

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