Neighborhood Revitalization Committee Meeting Minutes from May 30,2007
Attendees: David Fortier, Detective Bill Kenney, Francine Petosa, Jessica Dumont, Bonnie Lodovico, Debie Alos, Susan Roesch, Pat Marchand, Ken Hicks, Mark Federchuck, Michelle Curry, Ed D’Amato, Olare Swe’va, Councilperson Craig Minor
Call to Meeting: Meeting was called to order by Library Board Chair David Fortier at 5:35PM
New Business
Opened the meeting with talk led by Pat Marchand of the Bristol Garden Club. Ms. Marchand provided practical advice on urban landscape improvements. Some suggestions were for container planting and perennial planting suggestions. One notable suggestion for possible future neighborhood event is a “plant swap” whereby neighbors swap perennial plantings when they thin-out their garden beds. Ms. Marchand finished the talk with a question/answer period.
Reports
Report from Councilperson Minor was given on the status of the Main Street streetscape proposal. He reported that the Board of Finance approved the funding for the design of a new streetscape. He added that this is a very hopeful sign that the actual work will be approved eventually. The plan as it stands will only reach up Main St. as far as the library. A discussion ensued on the possibility of requesting approval for a design that would include the remainder of Main up to Center St. Chairman Dave Fortier offered to write a letter to request consideration for such a plan. It was suggested to Sue Roesch that The Federal Hill Association may also send a letter. PC Tech owner, Ken Hicks, asked about angle parking and plans for community parking of some type to encourage people to use the Main St. businesses. He was told by Councilperson Minor that parking would be in the plan but angle parking may not be feasible given the width of the street.
Old Business
267-269 Main St. property and HUD status was discussed. Jessica Dumont provided a link to Multi-Family Clearing House at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/hc/mfhc.cfm as suggested by Noel Miller at HUD’s legal department. Mr. Swe’va, the manager of the property, was in attendance and offered that he and the owners continue to work on improving the property and cooperating with the Bristol Police Department.
Police call procedures were discussed. Ken Hicks relayed a good response to a call into the police department. Michelle Curry reported a disappointing response to a suspected break-in of her car. Detective Kenney spoke with the group on calling back into the police department when you do not get an initial response. He reiterated Captain McIntyre’s advice to ask for the shift manager if it does not appear that your complaint is not responded to in a timely manner.
Chamber’s Clean-Up Day was discussed. Sue Roesch reported a response of 12-13 people, most of whom were Federal Hill Association members. She further reported that the brick building at 165 Riverside Ave had the largest problem with litter. Ocean State Job Lot and McDonald’s have both appeared to have improved their efforts to keep their properties/parking lots litter free. David Fortier offered to send them a thank-you in recognition of responsible property upkeep.
City of Bristol garbage cans request was discussed. Jessica Dumont enquired of Sue Roesch the addresses where there might be the greatest need. Sue responded that the convenience store on High Street was a good candidate for the garbage can request, pending owner agreement. She will report back with owner response. Jessica Dumont agreed to write the letter to the Public Works requesting a garbage can for that corner and for the corner of the 165 Riverside Ave property.
The status of the missing fence panel located on Bristol Public Library property bordering the property directly behind the library. Dave Fortier reported that this issue had been referred to the Property Committee of the Library Board for consideration.
Any other matters
Litter prevention signs were discussed. The merits of a reminder sign as opposed to a sign warning of fines were discussed. Detective Bill Kenney said that those signs would have to be requested from the Public Works not the Police Department. Det. Kenney also made the interesting suggestion of “Adopt a Neighborhood” idea. Perhaps a more positive and more effective way to get residents to treat the downtown area with respect.
Captain McIntyre reiterated the police department’s commitment to public safety. He went on to outline the importance of giving the police detailed information on any suspect persons, if possible, to keep the dispatcher on the line until police arrive.
Police bike patrols are scheduled to begin in May.
Next meeting is scheduled for June 27, 2007 at 5:30
Meeting was adjourned at 6:30
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
No comments:
Post a Comment