PHNA April 16 2015 Meeting Minutes
PHNA Board members present
Virginia Hammer
John Hammer
Jonathan Duda
Laurie Lieman
Gene Solan
Marilyn Douglas
Eric Schadow
Public Officials
Leah Golby
Doug Bullock
Judy Doesschate
UALBANY
Luke Rumsey
Albany Police Department
Kyle Parker
Joe Acquaviva
Presentations
Scott Jarzombeck - Director Albany Public Library (APL) - Discussed APL budget. Increase of 1.65% - equates to $3.71 on a house assessed at $150,000.00. Vote on Budget is May 19th.
Scott mentioned that 61% of library staff live in Albany. He is looking a changing library hours. Library is not only books but is also used as a meeting space and technology.
Nnenna Ferguson - Capital Car Share - Discussed agreement between Capital Car Share and CDTA. CDTA bus pass holders can receive discounts to Capital Car Share memberships. Capital Car Share is looking to add additional vehicles to the fleet and a parking spot in the western part of Albany.
George Benson - RISSE - Refugees and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus Inc.
RISSE has been active for 10 year teaching English as a Second Language and serves 80 families. Dec 2, 2014 fire destroyed their building. Insurance settlement was just paid and the rebuilding can begin.Building interior to be re-worked for a more educational focus vs residence.
Fund drive at the end of May to support the rebuilding.
Bob Phaneuf - Parking Problems near AlbanyMedicalCenter
Bob presented information on the impact of AMC employees parking on residential streets near AMC. Residential parking permits discussed as a possible solution with input of residents and elected officials. Pros and cons mentioned.
DrGialanella - Dental Practice at 523 Western Ave - Member of PHNA
He and brother own 523 Western Ave and are building a dental practice.
Zoning
Special use permit for a yoga studio in the building where the St Peters Dental Clinic on Upper Madison is located. Permit application is related to the building setback. Hearing April 22, 2015.
Public Safety
graffiti with a shark mouth has been painted several dozen times.
Use see-click-fix to report graffiti
CUCR - Committee of University and Community Relations - Luke - Discussed midtown neighborhood watch - Need members for the summer as many students leave.
SUNY graduation is May 16th/17th
518-482-4888 is the number to call for SUNY Albany Off Campus Issues. - Luke handles these calls.
PHIG - Pine Hills Improvement Group - Carolyn reported on bi-weekly cleanup. Purple and Gold trash bags from SUNY Albany. Beautify Midtown with plantings under trees.
Upper Madison Improvement - Report by Marilyn Douglas - Meets at Madison Pour House 3rd Thursday at 2pm
Upper Madison Street Fair September 20, 201
Street scape and planting flowers project to beautify Upper Madison Ave.
Flood Group - Judy Doesschate
Meeting April 28th 1st Congregational Church on Quail St.
Judy Doesschate
Judy mentioned her concerns regarding Albanys bonding issues.
Doug Bullock - AlbanyCounty
Doug mentioned AlbanyCounty banning fracking fluid from the landfills.
Albany county voting on redistricting of county legislative districts.
Nursing home finances are looking better with new director in place.
Other notes:
Tierra sponsoring a small weekly farmers market.
May - Environmental Film Festival at the MadisonTheater
Adjourned 9:30