02-27-96 Residential Neighborhoods

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Committee Report Residential Neighborhoods February 27, 1996 Page 2 Mary Helen Tipps and Ted Zakowski then described the West-Side Neighborhood Center located on Huron Street where they utilized approximately 1/3 of a commercial building. Some of the services they offer include and AARP Tax Service, St. Joseph Medical Center providing blood pressure and sugar testing for the elderly, monthly meetings with Jim Caldwell, Code Enforcement and Legal Aid. It is also used as a sub-station for the Police Department. They have typewriters and computers and are beginning a once a week program for elementary children where they do homework, watch movies,have structured games and library readings. Mr. Zakowski also noted that a Neighborhood Committee is preparing to assist a 101 year old man to help alumimum side his home, replace his roof, replace his porch and do various inside work including electrical and pluming so that they meet code. Pam Meyer noted that a letter to the Board by May could be sent in light of the interest shown for a "Christmas in April". It was also noted that the Center opened on June 25, 1995 and is in the heart of a Hispanic Neighborhood. The Center has had a flier translated into both Spanish and English to help facilitate more awareness of the Center. In response to questions raised by Council Member Broden,it was noted that tax abatement for the location of the building was received by the owner however they have not received any financial benefit with regard to rental arrangements. They also voiced concern with regard to high gas bills. It was noted that the computers and typewriters were donated and that they are currently not affiliated with any Neighborhood Organization. Cheryl Ashe then described the various activities taking place at.the Northeast Partnership Center. She noted that it was the first Center started in December of 1992 however is no longer a Partnership Center today. They got a coordinator in November of 1993 who is available from 12:30 to 4:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They sponsored meetings and programing, estate planning,code enforcement and were a Center for social needs. In light of the competing interest between the Northeast Neighborhood Center focusing on various social needs in the Northeast Partnership Center focusing on various recreational needs the Partnership Center then also provided immunization programs and had programs for children through the sixth grade where on any day there would be between 8 to 30 children. They also had a small library. Crafts, movies and songs were also a part of their programs. Once per week they would have a senior center where individuals would focus on a topic of going to school at Perley School as well as discussion of World War II. They also had"how-to-do-it seminars"sponsored by Builders Square. Cheryl Ashe recommended that one of the primary things that should be considered by the City is that there should be more of a voice in the selection of buildings for Partnership Centers. The building they utilized had non-functioning heating and air conditioning systems. The original contract called for all such things to be paid by the tenant which was cost prohibitive. She stated that the City should have had an inspector review all buildings before any type of lease is signed since this facility had no hot water heater, had no duct work for heating and had major pluming problems throughout the building.As a result they did not want to stay in the building and had difficulty working out their problems with the landlord. She noted that they did not get much assistance from their planner.