PRESENT: Matt Ruben, President; Don Phillips, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Fernando Benavides; Michael Coyne; Larry Freedman; Erika Goldberg; Lystra Harris; Katrina Mansfield; Chris Somers; Anne Waginger.ABSENT:  Rick AngeliThe meeting was called to order by the President at 7:05 p.m.Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Katrina Mansfield. "To approve the minutes of the March Board meeting as presented.”Passed 10-0-1President’s Report: Matt Ruben: written report attached and reviewed.Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed.Motion: By Anne Waginger, seconded by Fernando Benavides. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”Passed 11-0-0Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar: written report attached and reviewed.Zoning Committee Report: Larry Freedman; written report attached and reviewed.There was a brief discussion of whether the NLNA should maintain (or budget for) a legal fund to deal with zoning-related appeals that arise from time to time. It was agreed that the issue should be considered in the summer when fiscal year 2014 budgeting is considered.Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Katrina Mansfield. "To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 800 N. 3rd St., i.e. 'We support the variance for 5 single homes with plans as presented with the following provisos: 1) Meters should not be visible from any street (Brown, 3rd and Odd Fellow); 2) Motion sensor lights should be installed in every entryway; 3) Lights should be installed on at the first floor level of the building façade on Odd Fellow that will illuminate the street and sidewalk; and, 4) Relocate or minimize the risk of injury and accident caused by hitting the support columns when backing in and out (e.g., cushioned donuts on bottom portion, bright down lighting, etc.).'”Passed 11-0-0Motion: By Katrina Mansfield, seconded by Janet Finegar. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1001-05 New Market St., i.e. 'We support the project as presented. There is no need to go to the UDC for further review.'”Passed 11-0-0Motion: By Fernando Benavides, seconded by Katrina Mansfield. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 924-28 New Market St., i.e. 'Please return to the zoning committee with revised plans that address the following issues that include: 1) restructure the New Market Street façade and redesign the interior and exterior of Unit E (this includes reducing the height of Unit E to 38’); 2) on Unit E, set the roof deck back a minimum of 8’ from the street and replace the pilot house with a spiral staircase; 3) eliminate the pilot house and roof deck on Unit A; 4) meet with the neighbors next to and behind property to discuss demolition and construction activities; 5) prior to your return to the Zoning Committee, please get Streets Department approval for the entry to the driveway; 6) the construction of a high solid wall on the western and northern sides of the buildings to ensure the safety and privacy of the homes and rear yards of existing neighbors, and 7) grading for rainwater runoff away from the backyards on Hancock Street'”Passed 11-0-0Motion through subsequent Board poll: "To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1102 Galloway St. (3rd and George properties), i.e. 'To approve as presented for all properties except 1103 Galloway, pending Streets Department approval and UDC approval, refusal to ZC chair, and agrees to support change to one-way on Galloway St.. Decks must be a minimum of 8’ from any and all streets (3rd, George and Galloway), Make no change to 1103 Galloway.'Passed 9-0-1Motion: By Michael Coyne, seconded by Don Phillips. “To support the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 435 W. George St., i.e. 'This project is approved as presented.'”Passed 11-0-0New BusinessAnne presented a framed copy of the NLNA Articles of Incorporation sent by Mary Dankanis to be displayed in the NLNA offices.Katrina reviewed the proposal for Operation Street Sweep (written copy attached). It was noted that the NLNA's policy is to seek three bids for major expenses. Discussion focused on whether the NLNA can afford the expense, and whether street cleaning is an appropriate activity for the NLNA (versus having local businesses shoulder the expense or residents clean their own streets). Several suggestions for reworking the proposal were made; Katrina will move forward with these suggestions.Katrina also reported that there are now ads on the NLNA website. Currently they are ads for NLNA events; Katrina is working on a pricing structure. She has also added an "Events" calendar that consolidates public events at the Community Center and Liberty Lands so that neighbors can look in one place to see what's going on in Northern Liberties.The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 9:13 p.m.Addenda:

President’s Report, April 2013

1. PLANNING AND POLICY-RELATED ISSUES

• Mission – Don and the Mission Committee have revised last month’s document. We will discuss it and consider adopting it.
• Casinos – The Wynn casino team is presenting at the April CDAG board meeting, Thursday April 4, 6PM, 2424 Studios, 2424 York St. in Fishtown. The meeting is open to the public (as are all monthly CDAG board meetings). Any other updates at our meeting.
• Central Delaware Master Plan – A near-final draft of the Central Delaware Zoning Overlay has been prepared by Planning Commission staff. A meeting to discuss it is slated for next week in Councilman Squilla’s office.
• AVI/Real Estate Taxes – Our special community meeting on AVI on March 14 was extremely well-attended. Council President Clarke, and Councilmen Squilla, Kenney, and Green attended. BRT cancelled at the last minute. OPA did not cancel but simply failed to send their rep to the meeting. We also helped organize an AVI drop-in session with the city, which took place March 26 at Cescaphe ballroom. The deadline for first-level assessment review filings to OPA is April 1. The NLNA submitted first-level review forms to OPA for 700-702 N. 3rd (over-assessed in our view), and 704 N 3rd (assessed as a building, but has been a vacant lot for about 10 years).
• City Council will be having what looks to be at least five rounds of hearings, all in the evenings, three at City Hall and at least two in neighborhoods. I believe April 9, 16, and 23 are the City Hall dates, all 5:30-7:30. I will send out notices to the neighborhood email list.
• Zoning Code – Any updates on remapping will come from Larry in the Zoning report.

2. FUNDRAISING/FINANCES/ADMINISTRATION

• Administration, Budget, and Finances – Updates in the Treasurer’s and committee reports.
• Events – No update.
• Spring Garden Greenway – No update.

3. DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPER RELATIONS

• Tower Investments – The court appeal is still pending.
• Tower has formally handed over management of the Piazza and Liberties Walk to the Kushner Companies. I contacted Kushner’s local rep about St. Patrick’s Day event, and was not satisfied with the level and tenor of his response. As for the event itself, poor advance ticket sales combined with bad weather kept the attendance numbers down, which seems to have resulted in no significant problems of which I am aware. Getting Kushner to develop a proper relationship with NLNA will be an ongoing task. Bart Blatstein seems eager to help in that regard.
• Finnegan’s Wake – No update.
• Club Aura – In March there was a stabbing and shooting outside the club. We are reconvening the NL Nuisance Task Force for a special meeting about this club.
• Parking – No update.

4. OUTREACH/EVENTS/GENERAL MEETINGS

• General Meetings – As per the AVI update, March was a very busy month for large meetings. April’s GM likely will focus on candidates for the May primary in the City Controller’s race. I am open to the board’s opinion about whether we should invite judicial candidates to speak as well. In recent years we haven’t, because there are so many of them.

5. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITY

• Internet – The email list continues to grow steadily, and is nearing 2,100, with about 40 new addresses added just from the March 14 AVI meeting. A reminder to board members to join the NLNA’s Facebook group if they have not done so already, and to post to it.
• Web site – Committee chairs should be connecting with Katrina to get login access to your committee pages.

6. OTHER ITEMS

• Board Polls – Ratification of any online or online board polls since last month’s board meeting.

Liberty Lands Report – April 2013

• The “hard-core” workday on March 16 had an excellent turnout, despite snow. We filled the rubble dumpster with material from all around the park and spread some of the mulch piles. Upcoming workdays are the city-wide clean up day on April 13 and the Love Your Park day on May 11. We're partnering with Bodine School for the clean up day, so there are projects all around the neighborhood for that one. We also still need to hang the shed trellis, spread the wood chip piles, paint the potty shed doors, and plant trees in the new playground pits.
• However, one of the trash can units burned to the ground over that night. The fire department got called by some passerby, and the fire was put out, but it must have burned for quite a while because the cans melted and the wood was largely consumed. This is the second fire-in-a-can over the past twelve months. Probably not intentional, but they are disappointing at best. We needed new corrals built anyway – now we need several new ones.
• Major League Bocce will be on Tuesday nights instead of Thursdays. The movies may not be all John Hughes, and there's some chance of a special extra movie on May 31, depending on park committee opinions. Lots of party reservations are starting to come in already.
• The bulbs are coming up and blooming. The city towed away the Volvo.
• Feels like more than this happened in March.
• Upcoming dates:
  • April 13    Clean up and Workday with Bodine School
  • May 11      Love Your Park Workday
  • May 18      Spring Music festival
  • June 21     first movie of the season

 

VISION COMMITTEE –March 2013

DRAFT MISSIONAct as the representative body for Northern Liberties to establish and implement policies and programs that assure Northern Liberties is a great place to live. It is safe, secure and friendly. It welcomes new residents and treasures lifers.The NLNA will work in concert with residents and business to assure a high quality of life for all. At the same time ensuring that it has the necessary resources to accomplish all of this. DRAFT VISIONNorthern Liberties is the second oldest Neighborhood in America. As such it is a unique blend of history, culture and revitalization. We will strive to make this the very best neighborhood in the city. To fulfill this:

• We require a clean environment, green spaces, good schools, and playgrounds.
• We have access to and support a variety of local businesses… retail, services, restaurants, offices, entertainment… to meet local needs.
• We support new businesses and residential development.
• We appreciate the visitors who come to enjoy our community.
• We are glad to be a part of Philadelphia and to contribute to its success.
• We partner with other neighborhoods for common purposes and for a larger voice in Philadelphia.
• We are proud of Northern Liberties as measured by how we volunteer our time and energy and give of our resources to make Northern Liberties a better home for all of us.
• Above all we respect one another as individuals.

 SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES (incomplete list to be vetted and prioritized through interaction with citizens)

• Inspirational long term vision for Northern Liberties
• Drive a cleaner neighborhood.
• Engage with local authorities to lessen crime and vandalism
• Assure that business and residential development is compliant with zoning, codes and master plan.
• Collaborate and cooperate with local businesses to assist in their continued success.
• Represent NoLibs with Philadelphia, other governmental agencies and neighborhood associations
• Provide regular, formal communication approach to keep residents in the loop with NLNA committees’ work, community activities, and reports impacting NoLibs
• Seek to improve parking and optimize traffic patterns.
• Assure adequate resources through fundraising.
• Provide support and services for residents.
• Continue full support for Liberty Lands Park.
• Grow additional green spaces /plant more trees within our borders
• Invest in the expansion of the community center.
• Employ metrics to understand and determine the success or failure of our goals and objectives.

 

Zoning Committee Minutes  – March 2013

Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Joe Mikuliak, Charlie Abdo, Ira Upin, Sharon Richman, Michael Simons (present for last two presentations)Members absent: Renee Ermilio, Jonathan Sher, Chris Issacson, Tim McDonald800 N. 3rd Street – Steve Pollack – I2 – Return visit with a proposal for 5 single family dwellings with parking.  Previous Motion: Vote (7-0) Conditional support for the project was given with the following provisos: - the bay windows on Odd Fellows Avenue should be removed: - the possibility of a one way drive aisle instead of a two-way aisle should be explored with a proposed usage of the extra space gained; - the developers should go to the UDC to discuss materials, landscaping, and drainage; - after the UDC meeting, please return to the Zoning committee with final plans that include how meters will be obscured. Discussion: The developer removed the bay windows as requested. Meters were moved to the back of the houses. A/C condensers will be placed on the roof. The garage door will be a roll-up type made of Ipe wood. The UDC liked the materials presented by the developer. The architect and developer said that the one-way aisle would not work because of the size of Odd Fellows. Concern was expressed regarding the supporting columns for the back of the houses causing a parking hazard when backing in and out.Motion (Joe) - 2nd (Ira): Vote 4-0 We support the variance for 5 single homes with plans as presented with the following provisos: - Meters should not be visible from any street (Brown, 3rd and Odd Fellow); - Motion sensor lights should be installed in every entryway; - Lights should be installed on at the first floor level of the building façade on Odd Fellow that will illuminate the street and sidewalk; and, - Relocate or minimize the risk of injury and accident caused by hitting the support columns when backing in and out (e.g., cushioned donuts on bottom portion, bright down lighting, etc.).1001-05 New Market St. – RSA5 - Francis Mastromarco – Proposal for three single family dwellings. The entry for these homes will be on New Market St. The corner home will have a 2-story entrance. The architect is planning a “green” environment (green roofing, rain barrels, solar panels or solar ready for panels, tankless hot water heaters), gardens in rear with outdoor parking (1:1) on permeable pavers. The units are 15’ wide with 3 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths for units 1 and 2 and only 2 bathrooms for unit 3 which will be occupied by the owner of this development. Meters are hidden within each entryway. Each house has a roof deck. Materials used will be recycled and reused as much as possible. The refusals are for the height (43’) and for the small rear yard. Discussion: The group thought that the architect made good use of the land, had a good design and good materials.Motion (Ira) - 2nd (Joe): Vote 4-0 We support the project as presented. There is no need to go to the UDC for further review.924-28 New Market St. – RSA5 – Ron Patterson – Proposal for 5 single family dwellings. The property was formerly an ironworks plant. An industrial reuse of the building was rejected by the developer because it would be too expensive. The lot is 70’ wide X 83’ deep. The rear of the existing structure backs onto the backyards of homes on Hancock Street. The existing structure will have to be demolished by hand. The proposed homes are 4 stories high (42’) plus another 9’ for the pilot houses which lead to the 16’x25’ roof decks. The homes are situated perpendicular to New Market Street - Unit A is in the rear and Unit E is on New Market Street. [The developer thought that fronting 4 homes on New Market would make them too small and fronting 3 homes would make them too big in proportion with neighboring homes.] Parking is 1:1. There would be one 16’ curb cut. The 12’ wide wooden entry gate for vehicles is next to the wooden entry door for pedestrians. There is a 12’ high privacy wall. The New Market street façade would be brick up to 35’ with the remaining height, including the pilot houses, in a different lighter colored material. Other materials include cement board and metal panels and brick on the interior courtyard. Refusals will be: the setback of 7’, the open area of the rear yard only 135 sq. feet, multiple homes on one lot, and the height of each home is 42’ + 9’ pilot houses (51’ total). Discussion: Concern was expressed regarding the massiveness of the New Market Street façade, the need for a solid wall on the western and northern sides to ensure the safety and privacy of the homes and rear yards of existing neighbors. Hancock Street neighbors wanted to be sure that grading would be away from their back yards which often flood now from rain run-off.Motion (Group): Vote 4-0 Please return to the zoning committee with revised plans that address the following issues that include: - restructure the New Market Street façade and redesign the interior and exterior of Unit E (this includes reducing the height of Unit E to 38’; - on Unit E, set the roof deck back a minimum of 8’ from the street and replace the pilot house with a spiral staircase; - eliminate the pilot house and roof deck on Unit A; - meet with the neighbors next to and behind property to discuss demolition and construction activities; - prior to your return to the Zoning Committee, please get Streets Department approval for the entry to the driveway; - the construction of a high solid wall on the western and northern sides of the buildings to ensure the safety and privacy of the homes and rear yards of existing neighbors; and, - grading for rainwater runoff away from the backyards on Hancock Street1102 Galloway Street (3rd and George Sts) – RSA5 – Dan Magno – Return  visit to discuss changes to pre-approved project.  Previous motion: 1) - 1102-06 N. 3rd St. (to Galloway) – RSA5 – Ted Singer –Return visit with a proposal for 5  residential units with parking. Presentation:  Larry: Third meeting-make or break. Tim has met with neighbors outside of committee meeting  Tim:4th story needed for 3 units: corners and mid-garage. Have set-back 4th story to minimize impact  Neighbors worried about cars turning onto Galloway. Want to make it one-way, but don’t want to initiate. Tim does not see wisdom in change, but will investigate process for change. Big cars cannot turn onto Galloway. Discussed trash, fire trucks, security, trash Discussion: Neighbors okay with project  Motion by Rene; 2nd by MS:  To approve as presented pending streets department approval and UDC approval, refusal to  ZC chair, and agrees to support change to one-way on Galloway ST.  Passed 5-0-0The following changes were made:1101 N. Galloway St. - was a 4-story with a porch deck off the 4th story (no roof deck). It is now a 4-story (44’8” high) with a spiral staircase off the porch deck leading up to the 18’x23’9½” roof deck. 1103 N. Galloway St. – was a 4-story with a porch deck off the 4th story and a roof deck accessed by a pilot house. Now the 4th-story roof has been extended to accommodate interior changes, which cuts the porch deck to 4’ and increases the roof deck to 30’x17’. Access to the roof deck is through a pilot house. 1102 N. 3rd St. – (corner house) had 4 stories with a porch deck off the 4th story (no roof deck). Now there is a spiral staircase off the porch deck leading to the 18’x23’9½” roof deck. The roof deck is set 11’2” off 3rd Street and only 2’ off George St. The backyard was reduced to accommodate interior changes. 1104 and 1106 N. 3rd St. – were 3-story structures with a roof deck. The revised plan adds a 4th story, a porch deck and a spiral staircase to access the new 18’x23’9½” roof decks. The 4th story is set back 11’ from 3rd Street. The backyards were reduced to accommodate interior changes. Neighbors were concerned about the potential noise from the large decks. The project received Street Department approval for the 18’ curb cut on George Street and the removal of the existing curb cut on 3rd Street.Motion (Joe) -2nd (Ira) : Vote 4-0-1 (abstention)  - Decks must be a minimum of 8’ from any and all streets (3rd, George and Galloway) - Make no change to 1103 Galloway435 W. George St. – RSA5 – Pete Mohan – Proposal for kitchen renovation which affects rear open space. The backyard will be by 2’ from 15’x12½‘ to 15’x10½’. A variance will be required for the reduced yard size, but the outdoor space will be increased by the 10’x14’ deck that will be built over the kitchen. Their hearing is scheduled for april 24th.Motion (Michael) – 2nd (Ira)  This project is approved as presented.708 N. 2nd St. – Patty Perlstein – ICMX2 – Return visit to discuss additions to café use. (no show)

OPERATION STREET SWEEP PROPOSAL

PHASE 1: BEGIN OPERATION STREET SWEEP (SPRING/SUMMER)

• Choose the level of service we want to start with as presented below from Mid-City Cleaning Services:

1 Day of Service – Thurs – 8am – 2pm $225/week x 4 = $900/mo x 12 = $11,700/yr   Trash bags left at                             street corners to utilize city Friday pick-up2 Days of Service – Tuesday & Thursday – 8am – 2pm $420/week  Trash bags collected by Mid-City3 Days of Service – M/W/F – 8am – 2pm $594/week   Trash bags collected by Mid-City

• Special attention to problem areas. (2nd       St. corridor, Spring Garden, overpass area and heavily tree-lined streets)
• Streets will be designated for cleaning in coordination with NLNA representative.
• T-Shirt or similar for street sweepers (2) which identify their work with NLNA

 PUBLICIZE PROGRAMWebsite and Leave-Behind Cards to homes on swept streets with the following message: The NLNA just cleaned your street. Maintain it or donate to the effort (Do encourage online donations to designate OSS?) Maintenance includes organic debris.  Clean streets discourage crime. Keep sewers clean. Use Before & After pics.  Encourage emails re: problem areas. Don’t use public bins for household trash. Encourage neighbors to ask local business if they contribute to the effort. Create Donation Jars for Businesses. Businesses need to provide employees with tools to clean up their sidewalks,gutters and storm drainNEED VOLUNTEER TO HELP KAT & LARA LIAISON WITH BUSINESSES FOR PHASE 2...PHASE 2: ENGAGE BUSINESSES (SUMMER/FALL)Create “Letter” with the following message:  NLNA needs $XXX to keep program running. This can only be done with buy-in from businesses who have a responsibility to clean up after their patrons.  Patrons and neighbors notice clean streets (mention complaints to NLNA).  Neighbors have bought in by donating. Provide tools for employees to clear sidewalks, gutters, and storm drains. Maintenance includes organic debris. Keep storm drains clear. Sponsor a trash canFollow up