Regular Meeting Minutes June 15, 2004

Meeting Opened at 7:05 P.M.

President opened meeting by introducing our guest Directory Attorney Bill Bennett. The Minutes were read and accepted. The Treasurer reported a balance of  $3,917.26

In order to recognize the good work in our community, the following merchants were honored by the SNAP awards (Sixteen Acres Neighborhood Applause Prize). Representatives from the following merchants accepted the SNAP Award: The Guilded Lily, for outstanding customer service
  The Lions Club, for continued service in our community
  Dunkin Donuts for the beautification and landscaping of our community
  Quality Time Child Care for service to the children in our community.

In addition, the Lions Club presented The Sixteen Acres Civic Association with an award for our continued work on behalf of the Sixteen Acres Residents.

Guest Speaker Attorney Bill Bennett spoke on the number one concern in his office, Public Safety. The community officer assigned to monitor the Sixteen Acres area is Michael Walsh.  He can be reached in the District Attorney's office at 734-1091. Contact Mr. Walsh with any neighborhood concerns or legal issues.

A question was asked about how the budget cutbacks have affected the bar advocate program.  Bennett stated that the budget does not allow Hampden County to receive funding for offenders. The political answer is that additional monies were given to the Boston area but the Bar Advocate program in the Hampden County Courthouse has not suffered.

Raphael Lazarieo from the Parks and Rec. department came to talk about the summer programs that the City is offering.  With the help of a new grant, the programs are more structured.  There are sports, science and watershed activities offered at Forest Park, Kennedy, Milton Bradley, Chestnut Accelerated and Five-Mile Pond.  The Pools will be open in selected areas. Further information will be posted in our newsletter.

New members Charles Crow and Ellen McDonald of Puritan Circle spoke about the problem on their street. Apparently, a property developer wants to develop the conservation land around the circle.  The neighbors have contacted the Law and Planning Departments to stop the procedure. They could use our assistance.

Resident Anne Harasik of 19 Belamy Road, 782-2681 wanted us to know that the house next door is unsightly and would like our assistance.  The young girl who lives there has put her furniture and goods out on her lawn like a Tag Sale but the items have remained on her lawn for over a month.  Ms. Harasik contacted the Police and Code Enforcement as well as BankNorth, the holder of the property.  The items remain. As a reminder, we encourage property owners to take the initiative and call Code Enforcement at 787-6030.

There will be a meeting on June 17th at 7pm in the Sabis cafeteria to discuss the school traffic issue.

Eileen Harris from ARISE discussed the situation of the homeless living in Tent City and asked if we have an official position and if there is something as a group we can do to help. She continued that the City has abandoned buildings that could be available for rehab or used as an outreach center.  One of the concerns of the homeless is that the Worthington Street Shelter, run by Frank Keogh is not safe. There are additional funds being held up by the State for use at the Shelter that have not been released.
Other issues discussed:
-The new company "Wings" has offered to donate some food for our annual picnic.
-Bernies House of Television is moving to the plaza. We are working on taking down the large HOT sign.
-The Lions Club is holding their annual Tag Sale June 26-27th at 1603 South Branch Parkway from 9 to 4pm.  -The proceeds will be used to supply eyeglasses for those in need.
-Update on the paving of Cabinet Street. The street is still full of potholes.  The City recently dumped the gravel but has not been back to pave.  Clodo spoke with Mr. Chwalek and was assured the job would be done.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted, Karen F. Lee, Secretary