DRAFT Minutes Center Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

DRAFT Minutes Center Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting

March 18, 2008 7:00 P.M. @ The S.E. Precinct Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 p.m. I think

Notes submitted by DyLynn Robertson, C.N.A. Secretary April 11, 2008

INRODUCTIONS:

Board Members Present: Robert Jordan, Shirley Nacoste, Sean Besso, DyLynn Robertson, April Burris, John Rusoff, Jessica Holliday, Neighbors & Guests: Martha Westgate, Richard Glenn, Tim O’Neil, Tom Armstrong, Ken Moholt-Siebert, Lee Perlman

ACTIONS:

I. Approved minutes from the February 2008 meeting (all votes in favor).

II. Approved motion for Rey Ko to complete current term as At-Large Board member to May 2008 (all in favor).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

I. Next C.N.A. Monthly Meeting will be held on April 15, 2008.

OLD BUSINESS:

I. Approved minutes from February 2008 C.N.A. monthly meeting.

ONGOING REPORTS – COMMITTEES & PROJECTS:

Community Policing Report: No Report

Treasurer: Money Market = $3,799.90 and Checking = $1,686.48 with outstanding checks.

Land Use & Transportation: Sean wrote letter from C.N.A. opposing 56th and Couch zoning change. Robert and neighbors also wrote letters and attended hearing. Likely that zoning change will go through, however. Center, Rose City, Laurelhurst and Hollywood land use reps met to discuss the “Davis Business” park development to address traffic and parking issues…Sean will keep us posted. Mr. Moholt-Siebert surprised us with notice that the land swap for his property (amid the SE Precinct track) with the City/County folks has fallen through and he plans to go ahead with a smaller and less community minded project. April noted that while that zoning changes may be opposed to on the grounds that too much density in neighborhoods is not good, this is not always so, and encourages us to remember that population is growing. We should plan for density. She suggests that if there were more renters involved in Neighborhood Associations we would be better able to debate the benefits of density in neighborhoods. DyLynn offered that those who are irked at recent infill projects are not “opposed” to infill, but feel strongly that there needs to be more focus on infill DESIGN so that new developments fit into existing neighborhood schemes.

Providence Good Neighbor Committee: Has a community meeting scheduled for May…update to follow.

SEUL Liaison:SEUL is facing another staffing crisis and a shortfall in their budget. Fundraising ideas are being generated among committees. Shirley reports that the work of the Diversity and Representation Committee and the Diversity and Civic Leadership Committee were finally funded after more than 3 years of hard work. The City Council approved the budget yet it still falls short of providing the means to fully empower and support underrepresented populations in their effort to participate in community groups and civics. All are encouraged to go on-line an urge the City Council to approve the budget for the Community Connect program (

Connections/Outreach: Shirley and DyLynn have not come up with a date to resume meetings, yet Shirley continues her work with the tenants at Center Commons.

Sullivan’s Gulch Trail: Planning continues and reps have been attending the meetings with Providence regarding access to the trail at the Davis Business Park location.

Rosemont Bluff Natural Area On-going work parties will continue on the 4th Saturdays of each month from 9-Noon and there is an Earth Day event planned for Saturday, April 26. This “Work & Learn” party will be held from 9-11 (work) and from 11-1:30 (learn) and include a watershed model, a raffle and speakers from the City’s Nature program. We could use more help with planning and hosting this event. There is also a fundraising and neighborhood workshop planned for Sunday, May 18 from 1-5 PM at the Friends Meeting House – “Naturescaping in the Neighborhoods.” DyLynn has more info on this.

Communications: Newsletter will go out now that we have settled a date for the Annual Clean—Up. DyLynn will let people know about delivery.

Annual Clean-Up: Date is set for Saturday May 17, 2008 in the Northeast corner of Fred’s parking lot.

Glisan Area Business Association: No report.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Tom Armstrong presented information about the upcoming (finally!) Eastside MAX Station Area Review/Planning project and answered questions from the group. Open house scheduled for April 14 at Banfield Pet Hospital. Also shared info for upcoming open houses to discuss Eastside streetcar options.