Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-96 Residential Neighborhoodsr---- Commfttitu Upor t: Residential Neighborhoods Committee 'Co the Common QCoututi of tbt QCftp of §outb Iatttb: . The February 27, 1996, Residential Neighborhoods Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer at 4:30 P.M. in the Council informal meeting room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Luecke,Pfeifer,Kelly and Broden; Pam Meyer, Beth Leonard, Mary Helen Tipps, Todd Zeiger, Ted Zakowski, Jennifer Sakowski, Cheryl Ashe,Pat Borham, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she had called the meeting to receive information and have discussion on the various Partnership Centers operating throughout the city. She noted that Ann Mannix, from South Bend Heritage will be rescheduled. An introduction of all individuals present then took place. Mr. Todd Zeiger then gave an update on the Near Northwest Partnership Center which is located at 1215 Lincolnway West. He noted that a residential unit of approximately 2,500 square feet was purchased in December of 1994 and opened in January of 1995.He noted that the youth are involved primarily Junior High ages or younger. He described it as a "Learning Center"with some of the projects focusing on how to rehabilitate homes.Deloris Harrison is the Center Coordinator. Some of the activities which are drawing neighborhood youth to the center include having games and computers available.He also noted that fifth and sixth graders are involved in conflict resolution skills where they accumulate points which are earned to go on various field trips.He stated that the Partnership Center operates as a hub for outreach workers and emphasizes door-to-door contact. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that Memorial Community Health Partnership provides health care services where individuals who live within a six block area (District#12) are assisted. Approximately 30 individuals receive such services. They also have services from Legal Services, Code Enforcement, etc. He noted that there are positive benefits of using the existing NNN, Inc. which has been in existence for over 20 years.He also noted that the area appreciates the public works dollars spent in the area. Council Member Pfeifer noted that she has spoken with Pat Cressy. The Chamber of Commerce is having a Youth Leadership Program for high school students and are recruiting students now. She also noted that referrals of students of color are especially encouraged to be referred. Jennifer Sakowski then described some of the activities taking place at the River Park Partnership Center. She noted that it is affiliated with the River Park Neighborhood Association. She stated that the University of Notre Dame did a study from which that benefited. The River Park area has a high number of people who are gone from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Their Center is currently located in a basement which limits activity for the elderly. It opened in April of 1995. One of their more successful programs was an alley lighting program where 168 lights were installed. Installation with one full year of service was paid by the Center, and if individuals did not want the alley light left on often the first year and making the payments, it was then turned off. The cost per light per month is $6.50. They have also shown interest in a basketball league and are discussing a fun fair. Council Member Kelly suggested that sports activity also be encouraged and utilized in order to attract more youth to the Center. 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. Committee Report Residential Neighborhoods February 27, 1996 Page 3 She also noted that by having two Centers two and one half blocks apart also caused many problems. She stated that another need for all Centers should be that they should be handicapped accessible. She also recommended that when selecting buildings that they should be aware of the surrounding neighborhoods since often times there will be up to 30 children or more doing outside activities and a substantial number of cars which will impact the area.They decided to move in with the other Center which is working out okay. She stated that she believes a residential unit is better than a commercial structure overall. Pat Borham who grew up in the Southeast area is a coordinator of the Southeast Partnership Center and described their activities. She stated that the Center opened in 1993 and that she has a least 15 calls by the time she gets there at 9:00 A.M.each day. She stated that they have similar programs as the other Neighborhood Centers with regard to activities. The Police Department is very active in the Center and they have crime prevention programs every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. They also use a parish nurse who goes to the homes. They also received a YMCA grant to target various youth programs. They try to provide a positive place and often have approximately 15 children after school each day. In response to further recommendations requested by Council Member Pfeifer,it was noted that the City should be aware that one of the very positive programs at all Partnership Centers are the one-to-one specific problem solving that goes on both in person and by telephone. Problems such as problems with electrical bills to information about a drug house are some of the various items discussed. It was also recommended that when new centers are opened that often times there is a perception problem. When one center is moved a few blocks, often times there is a misunderstanding as to why the move is taking place. Council President Kelly stated that we must be sensitive to such items and overall he believes the Partnership Centers have been highly successful. In response to question raised by Council Member Pfeifer, it was noted that the Community Health Coverage program provides insurance coverage at no cost for up to 200 individuals which has been in existence for almost 2 years but there are still openings for such a program. Council Member Pfeifer thanked all individuals for coming and for providing information on each of their centers. There being no further business to come before the Committee,the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Charlotte Pfeifer,Chairperson Residential Neighborhoods Committee