Take A Few Minutes...
The January 2, 2002 General membership meeting was called to order by President Jane Glenn at 7:37PM The financial report was given by Treasurer Gerald Harrison, with MNC having a current account balance of $171.92 and $1,095.00 to be deposited from the fundraising mailing. Recording Secretary Karen Smith read the minutes of the December meeting, which were approved.
President Glenn announced that MNC was now accepting members, with an annual membership running concurrently with the calendar year, from January to December. In spite of deep financial debt, membership will remain at $5 for an individual and $10 for a family.
The first topic on the agenda for discussion was the need to do some major fundraising. Gerald Harrison is working on a Pool Tournament at Riverside Billiards. Being an excellent player himself, he has arranged for MNC to have use of the facility on a Sunday afternoon. There would be a $20 entrance fee that would include use of the eight tables, food and beverages. For an additional $2 per game, you can get the chance to challenge Riverside's champion. Having a guest appearance by one of the Phillies would create more draw for the event.
The idea of having a Bingo Night was discussed, however, MNC needs the input of some bingo players to work out . the details. The new synagogue in Wissahickon has expressed interest in allowing MNC to hold a fundraiser there.
The topic of nuisance problems began with an update on the agreement with Chemistry.before they can renew their dance hall license. Before the scheduled hearing date, the lawyers for Chemistry made some changes in the agreement, causing a postponement for one month- It was reaffirmed that Councilman Nutter and the City Solicitor support the neighborhood in the terms of this agreement.
Corresponding Secretary Kevin Smith said that a letter to Captain Smith had been mailed that day requesting that he meet with a few neighbors to discuss the on-going problems with some of the bars. It's the same list: Grape Street Pub, Pitcher's Pub, Flatrock Saloon and Club Bliss (upstairs at Amore). The question was raised as to whether Club Bliss even has a dance hall license, a matter MNC will look into. It was also pointed out that the Flatrock Saloon has been renovating the second and third floors of the building without any visibly posted permits.
Gerald Harrison emphasized drat there "must be enforcement of the existing laws", i.e.: music should not be heard outside of the building, patrons cannot go outside with open containers and taking responsibility for patrons' activity for a 500' radius around the building. Jackie Clark made MNC aware that the private company that empties the dumpsters for most of these bars does so at four in the morning. The vandalism in the Lock Street parking lot on New Year's Eve was mentioned, raising the question of police presence. It was noted that the atmosphere of the Main Street corridor was better when there were additional police on duty, paid by grant money that had been available to the Fifth District. It was the general consensus that businesses with the privilege of operating with a liquor license need to take responsibility and hire additional police from midnight to four in the morning, the time of the greatest portion of nuisance behavior.
When Vice President Kathy Tomosky made a suggestion that MNC should send a letter to all the establishments with a liquor license, outlining a checklist of the city and state laws regarding operations, there was discussion as to whether the letter should be sent to just the businesses identified as being a "nuisance". Tim Downey stressed the importance of continuing to make calls to 911 to report nuisance behavior, in spite of the frustration neighbors are feeling. Even if no action is taken, all calls are recorded, showing areas that are problematic. (It was noted that there are 31 liquor licenses, of all types, between Green and Shurs Lanes.) A motion was made by Doug Cowley that, after the meeting with Captain Smith, a letter should be sent to all the establishments with a liquor license. Gerald Harrison amended that motion, adding that the letter should be certified to those known to be a nuisance. The motion was seconded and
passed unanimously.
The next item on the agenda was the posted application to change ownership of the liquor license at Thomas'. Since no one recounted any problems with Thomas', it was decided that no action would be taken.
The use of wall wraps was discussed next, with Riverside Pizza applying for one from the Historical Commission. Like a billboard, the advertiser pays for the space on the building to its owner. An exception would be as in the case of Chaddsford Winery, where the advertiser is the occupant, making the picture of a glass of wine covering the second and third floors an "accessory sign". It was agreed by all that non-accessory wall wraps were definately not a welcome addition to Main Street.
Other zoning issues that members of MNC would be looking into were the permit for a three family dwelling at 158 Fountain Street, a parking lot at 250 Fountain Street for use by the congregation of The Church of the Living Savior and the proposed plans for Lower Main Street. The on-going search for a site for the Tom Ridge Charter School was brought up, noting that, although it would be using public school funds, the school would hire non-union teachers and select its students.
When the topic of traffic and parking began, Jackie Clark told the group that she counted five cars making the left turn onto the Green Lane Bridge off of Main Street where the signal has been changed. Although this in itself is a good thing, the trade off is that traffic is backing up even more on the other side of the intersection where traffic funneling down from Umbria Street is trying to make a right turn onto the bridge. Art Verbrugghe said, "The only thing that will change traffic is for people to get out of their cars and use public transportation."
It was noted that the installation of stop signs on Shurs Lane was a "done deal". Stop signs will replace the traffic lights at Pechin and Mitchell Streets and will be added at the intersection at Cresson Street. It was again noted that permit parking, particularly in the area of Shurs and Cresson, would help deter employees and renters who are not registered to an address in the neighborhood. It appears the resistance to permit parking may be softening.
Officer Walter Edenbom wished a healthy and prosperous New Year to all. He maintained that the S.A.V.E. program and the free etching are good deterrents to theft. You can call the auto squad at 215-685-9133, Monday to Friday from 9:30AM to 3PM for an appointment.
