November 1998
Since the November 4 General Membership Meeting of MNC was not particularly well attended, the Council felt they should at least relay the highlights of that meeting to the members. Please mark your calendar for the next meeting on Wednesday, December 2, to be held in the Community Room of the North Light Community Center.
The November 4 meeting was called to order by President Kathy Tomosky, who then made a few brief announcements which included a reminder of the new mailing address for MNC at P.O. Box 4667, Phila., PA 19127. Also, if you are on-line, check out the Council's website at http://www.libertynet.org/mnc.
The first order of business was to ratify the revised bylaws distributed at the September Meeting. There were enough members for a quorum, so the motion to ratify was made, seconded and approved.
The first person to speak at the meeting was Public Relations Officer Walter Edenborn from the Fifth District Police. He focused on the use of seat belts, especially on high accident roads like I-95 and the Boulevard. He cautioned the audience that if you are stopped for any reason and do not have your seat belt on, that would get you a ticket. He also cautioned the women that although Manayunk has a low violent crime rate, they should not let their guard down for their personal safety nor take unnecessary chances.
Officer Edenborn went to explain how important it is to have the numbers of your house clearly visible on the front for the police and fire departments. He stated that a black and white combination is the best.
When a question from the audience was asked regarding the time frame of the existing permit parking, Officer Edenborn explained that the Parking Authority gives those tickets. Discussion followed about forming a committee of residents in the permit areas to enact change.
Karen Smith, neighborhood liaison, gave a brief update on the work still to be done by Belbold Contracting on the Septa viaduct and train station. The work should be wrapped up by Thanksgiving. Residents of Cresson Street expressed their approval of the new streetlights and are looking forward to being able to "stoop" in front of their homes next summer.
It was reported that the floor at VI has been torn out and building renovations should be completed by the first of the new year. Therefore, the December 2 meeting of MNC will again be held at NLCC. Members of the VI Recreation Committee are scheduled to visit hockey courts in other parts of the city to look at a new surface coating for the courts.
As a result of correspondence from John Teague and the residents of Roxborough Avenue, the Department of License and Inspection came out for a site visit to see the proliferation of dumpsters that were all over Station Street and the surrounding area. MNC is pleased to report that some have been removed, proof that if neighbors stand together they can effect change.
For a second time, neighbors banded together to go en masse to the zoning hearing to protest the proposed 67 unit apartment complex Neduscin Properties intends to build. With visible backing from State Representative Kathy Manderino and Councilman Michael Nutter, 70 neighbors wearing purple ribbons filled the courtroom. MNC President Kathy Tomosky was quoted saying "I know we left a good impression. We looked great! Our lawyer said he has never seen a community group so organized against a project."
The lawyer for the group is Dan McElhatten. Central Roxborough Civic Association is heading a fund raising campaign to pay for expenses. Contributions are still greatly needed. Checks can be made out to C.R.C.A., marked for the Defense Fund and mailed to 4384 Manayunk Avenue, Phila., PA 19128.
On Saturday, November 1 members of the Garden Club met in Pretzel Park to mulch the newly planted 12' Douglas fir tree. Positioned to be visible from Main Street, the tree will be the main attraction of a holiday gathering Saturday, December 5. Bring the family to enjoy an afternoon of caroling, making ornaments in addition to those made by the kids in KidsZone at NLCC and enjoy cider, soft pretzels and holiday treats.
Concern was expressed at the meeting about valets bringing cars up into the neighborhood. If
you see a valet parking a car on your street, call Kathy Tomosky at 483-7554.