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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-05-12 Residential Neighborhoods Committee R entiai Neighborhoods Committee 2005 South Bend Common Council The November 15, 2005 Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Timothy Rouse at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons included Council Members Kuspa, Puzzello and Rouse; Pam Meyer, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Development; Sharon T. Kendall, Executive Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development, Mrs. Kopola, Marco Mariani, Citizen Member Martha Lewis, Janice Miller, Maurcie Williams, Kitty Greschaffer, Cathy Brucker Toppel, Micahel Divita, Juanetta Hill, Dave Keeteau, Cynthia DeLeon, Liz Maradik, Tonya Zozulya, Chrsity O'Reed, Susan Adamek, Chris Dressel, Jamie Loo of the South Bend Tribune and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member Rouse noted that the Committee members include Council Members Dieter, Kuspa, White, and himself. He noted that one of the main purposes of the Committee is to have oversight of neighborhood development enhancement programs and centers. He voiced words of appreciation with regard to the plunge which occurred on November 10th permitting the Committee members and others to visit and see first-hand each of the Neighborhood Partnership Centers located throughout the City. Today, the Committee is looking forward to hearing about present program goals and objectives. Marco Mariani, Program Manager and Pam Meyer, Executive Director, provided a brief overview and introduced Maurice Williams, an NRC board member, Janice Miller, Chairperson of the Near Westside Cooperative Alliance,Kitty Gershauer, and Cathy Brucker Toppel, an NRC board member. It was noted that guidelines which are utilized. Each center provides outreach programs for a 8-10 block area. There is a different variety at each center. In response to a question from Council Member Rouse, it was noted that items which are studied before locating a center include a review of the housing stock, crime, infrastructure, etc. The NRC then has a contract with each partnership center. Ms. Meyer noted that years ago the Council was involved in adopting resolutions when rental agreements were utilized for the location of centers. Now that most are purchased, Council approval is not required. Mr. Marian stated that each year each center provides an annual report to the NRC, and that in the future a copy of that report will be filed with the Office of the City Clerk, acknowledging that the Clerk's Office is the information center for the city, and therefore this information would then be available to the Council as well as to the general public. A copy of the 2004 Annual Report from the Near Westside Partnership Center (copy attached) was then circulated to show the type of information which is submitted. A one-page "2005 Parnership Center Annual Report Figures (Preliminary) and 2005 Service Area Plan Goals/Objectives General Summary (copy attached) and a two-page "Neighborhood Parnership November 15,2005 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Page 1 of 4 .w Center Program (NPC)--Some Preliminary 2006 NPC Service Area Plan (SAP) Objectives and Actions"was then summarized(copies attached). River Park Neighborhood Partnership Center: Kitty Greschaffer, Chairperson of Riverpark summarized some of their activities. Kids Are River Park Energy Youth Groups (KARE) Youth Academy, meet every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m.; they host an annual Christmas Party at Allie's restaurant for children; and adults may participate in crime prevention and code enforcement programs. Chris Dressel, the Planner for the Center, noted that their monthly newsletter is distributed to about 2,600 persons; they host an annual center clean up; and host a crime walk. They are currently working on a new brochure. Some of the challenges and concerns they face include trash, uncut grass, illegal parking, etc. Council Member Rouse noted that he was present when the Partnership Center began, noting that there were a great deal of shootings, violence in the northeast neighborhood, and problems near the Notre Dame campus. Mayor Kernan, Jon Hunt and Father Malloy met and agreed that these types of problems could no longer be tolerated. As a result partnership centers would be located in troubled neighborhoods. He noted that his Committee is not trying to micro-manage, but rather is gathering information so that goals and concerns can be brainstormed in a public setting. Maurice Williams noted that partnership centers also provide a location for persons to meet, and that he has been involved in the neighborhood for the last 25 years. Ms. Meyer stated that it was always the intention to address problems and promote ways to improve communication between the many city services. She noted that there also has been an increase in crime watch groups who work with the police department. Ms. Greschaffer noted that among their objectives for 2006 would be to have Council Members come to their meetings, noting that often their District Council Member (Roland Kelly) does attend. Council Member Mizzello suggested that all Council Members be added to the mailing list so that they can receive copies of all of the monthly newsletters prepared by the neighborhood centers. Rum Village Neighborhood Partnership Center: Tonya Zozulya, the Planner for the Center. noted that their Director is unable to attend today's meeting. Rum Village now covers 600 household area approximately, with their primary goal being to get adults engaged. They issue bi-monthly newsletters. They have alley clean-ups where they partner with Code Enforcement. Development in the area includes the former Olive School site of 3.5 acres for potential housing to encourage home ownership. They offer fax, computer and copying services for those who need such services. They help in job search, and have a very active after school program. Senior activities include scrapbooking and bingo. They November 15,2005 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Page 2 of 4 ate in Night Against Crime activities and also host an annual senior luncheon. They have leaf pickups, English/Spanish and Spanish/English classes and have a monthly bookmobile. They also work with other providers including fifteen (15) action providers who participate in Read Out in conjunction with the library. They partner with the Youth Services Bureau, Catholic Charities, YMCA and Mike Krunk of the County Council. They have been involved in nine(9)housing grants of$70,000 and various public works improvements. In 2006 they plan to focus on single moms, improving the newsletter and providing mini-breakfasts. The Council Attorney suggested that each of the Partnership Centers should consider making each of the various Council brochures available, and add them to the many valuable brochures which they currently have. Council Member Kuspa suggested that they consider having special events for all ages. Westside Neighborhood Partnership Center: Juanita Hill, Coordinator,noted that they have a strong youth focus, and partner with LaCasa and the Boys and Girls Club. Crime issues include looking for safe places to be, noting that their area is a transitional area. Many children are left by themselves and they provide an alternative. It has taken then three (3) years to establish a working relationship with IUSB, St. Mary's and Notre Dame in assisting students who are often 2-3 grade levels below where they should be. Their goal is to focus on improving two grade levels. They partner with the Urban League and others provide quality after school programs. Since they are located in a weed/seed area, they have received three (3) computers which has helped in adult program training programs. They are also working on strengthening and building business and organization ties. They are now talking with crime prevention so that they can reclaim their streets such as Jackson. Near Westside Partnership Center: Cynthia DeLeon, Coordinator, noted that they also focus on the community. They have 4-H programs for youth, street talk, utilize the book mobile, crime prevention, Code Enforcement, the Prosecutor's Office and have their own planner. They have two (2) clean-ups each year and a Senior Outreach Luncheon where over 200 people have been present. St. Joe Med Center pays for the dinner. Their bi-monthly newsletter goes to about 700 people. They were provided with 250 coats from the Center for Social Concerns. They are slated to move their location next year. They also receive aid from Catholic Charities. They have worked on an alley lighting program. Their Senior Prom had about 150 in attendance. They also work closely with their District Council Member(Charlotte D. Pfeifer). It was noted that Janice Miller has been on the Board for about ten(10) years and that they have a good working relationship with the Parks Department. Council Member Rouse noted that during the plunge he spoke with two (2) youth outside of the Center. They told him that the Center keeps them out of trouble. He noted that the dialogue which takes place with the volunteers working at the centers was evident. November 15,2005 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Page 3 of 4 igfi La tle Area Neighborhood Center: Susan Adamek, the coordinator, provided a handout to the Committee entitled "LaSalle Area Neighborhood Association --Safety Economy Beauty Awareness Pride Partnership Service Area Plan 2005" (copy attached). There are many challenges in the neighborhood. They also focus on children and respect. They knit, garden, have worm farms, bugs, and good conversation. They are also a referral spot. They host neighborhood clean ups. The 1200 block of O'Brien has problems of drugs and other crimes. Their upcoming move with bring new challenges and opportunities. They believe they are making a difference. They had about 250 people at their block party. In response to a question from Council Member Kuspa, Ms. Adamek noted that the 1100 block of Huey has had three (3) shootings. Council Member Rouse noted that it is a tough neighborhood. Council Member Rouse thanked everyone for their handouts and especially for a summary of their goals,objectives,challenges and concerns. He stated that he is required to make a report to the Common Council. He will do that and believes that communication and information sharing will continue to improve. He suggested that any Partnership Center who wanted copies of today's minutes or those from the Plunge, should contact the Office of the City Clerk. He will also see that copies of the Council's various brochures are sent to each center. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Rouse adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, '----" *. 4-Q tom' Council Me er Timothy Rouse, Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee KCF:kmf Attachments November 15,2005 Residential Neighborhoods Committee Page 4 of 4