PRESENT: Matt Ruben, President; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Kristen Ainscoe; Avery Amaya; Melanie Coffman; Jacek Ghosh; Joe Mikuliak; Barbara Saverino;  Renya Wasson; Kevin Wilkins.

ABSENT: Claire Adler, Vice-President; Steve Richman, Treasurer;  Michael Coyne; Don Phillips; Amy Sweeney.

ALSO PRESENT: Andrew Hall, neighbor.

The meeting was called to order by the President at 6:38 p.m.

Motion: By Jacek Ghosh, seconded by Melanie Coffman. “To approve the minutes of the January Board meeting as presented.” Passed 8-0-0

President’s Report: Matt Ruben: 

The Greyhound bus depot on Columbus Blvd. is coming up for redevelopment into a large residential complex. Matt offered some history on the site and the role NLNA has played in protecting the site from a series of negative projects in the past.  

There was discussion of what to do about the scheduled Feb 27 General Meeting because the planned 6th Police District PSA meeting was unexpectedly moved away from our Community Center location. It was agreed that, if possible, bringing the new captain of the 6^thDistrict and the 26^thDistrict captain would be ideal. Joe and Melanie will take the lead on inviting the captains.

Motion: By Avery Amaya, seconded by Kevin Wilkins. “To ratify any and all Board polls taken in the previous month.” Passed 8-0-0

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Barbara Saverino. “To table the Treasurer's report until next month.” Passed 8-0-0 

Communications & Marketing Committees Report: Avery Amaya.

Avery reported that we're making totes and t-shirts for sale at the Winterfest (and we also have sweatshirts, tote bags and kid sizes for Liberty Lands). 

Fundraising Committees Report: written report attached.

Fundraising Committee

Winterfest 2020

1. Things are progressing well in preparation for the Winterfest.
2. Hard-copy tickets are available and in the office. See Lara. Sell. Sell. Sell.
3. 8.5 x 11 posters for the event are available and in the office.
4. If you know of a business that may be able to donate something for the raffle or auction, please let me know.

Michael recognized and thanked Shelley Marcus, Sasi Judd, Mary Galgon, Paula Gansky, Michele Brown, Danielle White, Renya Wasson, and Maria Bell for their incredible efforts and hard work in bringing the 2020 Winterfest together. 

Liberty Lands Committee Report: Janet Finegar: written report attached and reviewed.

Liberty Lands Board Report  –  February 2020

• The process of planning a new management structure is underway: Joan Reilly (formerly of PHS and Mural Arts and a longtime friend of the park) has agreed to shepherd us through this process. Her services will cost a few thousand dollars (which is a discounted rate for us) but we hope that PTSSD will agree to sponsor that cost: we'll apply for that sponsorship as part of the grant to re-build the stage.
• Joan recommended that a small group of people – stakeholders in the park and community who would together meet a set of ideal criteria for working through this process – be asked to commit to a series of 3-4 meetings over the next few months during which they'd design the new management structure. Their recommendation will then be presented to the NLNA and NLAC Boards for ratification. Joan met with Liz and Janet in mid-January to draw up that set of criteria and choose a short list of people to invite to  the group from the much larger set of eligible people (including all the readers of this report!) Invitations went out during January and the group's first meeting will be in mid-February. We'll update the larger group on our progress as appropriate through the next few months, and we envision that we may reach out to many or all park volunteers and stakeholders for interviews, surveys, etc. as part of the process.
• The mandatory community gardener's meeting will be MARCH 16 (note this is a change from the previously announced date!) All gardeners should be sure to attend to get the season off right.
• The next regular Liberty Lands meeting will be February 11 at 7 p.m. at the community center. This is anticipated to be  a short, small meeting, but  all are welcome to  attend.
• City Harvest is having its first meeting  of the season on February 20th at  PHS.  Maria will attend and bring back the first  set of seeds for the season! 
• The tree chipping  and pruning in mid-January went well, with the crew doing some major removal of dead wood in the large birch and redbuds at the southwestern edges and elevating the curly willows at the eastern edge of the mural wall to make room for the new community composting containers. 
• The community composting containers will be delivered in early March and we plan to set them up and start this program on March 14 – please plan to come out and help/learn about the program!
• Dan and Kerry are continuing to work on the tree labeling project. 
• The above-mentioned stage repair grant request to PTSSD needs to be written, and planning for the  April 18 all-parks workday should start soon: anyone interested in  helping with those projects, please let Janet know!
• Many things are in the works, but in general the park is cold and wintry right now.
• UPCOMING:

Tues, Feb 11 — 7pm — Comm. Ctr. Steering committee meeting

Sat, March 14 — 10am — park: hardcore workday/compost installation

Mon, March 16 — 7pm — Comm Ctr.   Mandatory community gardener's meeting 

Sat. April 4 — 10am — park: Community  garden workday

Sat. April 18 — 10am — park: All parks workday

It was reiterated that the process of drafting a new management structure for the park will be expensive (a few thousand dollars), and that the recommendations of the committee will require review and ratification by the NLNA and NLAC Boards. 

Operations Committee Report: Barbara Saverino: written report attached and reviewed.

Operations Committee 

• For January, our committee met in the basement and did work on January 12.  We reviewed and recycled quite a bit of paper. We also cleaned out some space that had old reports and materials from CDAG that Matt had requested we keep on file for a bit. Also looked at the storage space in the back of the basement. Lara has been helpful with organizing the space.
• We will have another clean up event in a few months (either before or after NLArts Camp). IF YOU ARE HAVING AN EVENT --- PLEASE CHECK WITH LARA or GO IN THE BASEMENT FOR SUPPLIES. We have quite a collection and it would be great to use before acquiring more.
• Thank you to Jacek, Lara, Don and Monika for your assistance in the clean up.
• Next meeting: Wednesday, February 19.

Zoning Committee Report: Joe Mikuliak; written report attached and reviewed.

Motion: By Kevin Wilkins, seconded by Renya Wasson. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 414, 416, 418 Poplar St., i.e.: 'We support the variances necessary to build three rowhomes at 414, 416, and 418 Poplar Street as presented to the NLNA RCO on Jan. 27, 2020. They would not be over 38 feet high, would have garages and two street trees, and their decks would be set back as shown.  A letter of support will be written after the Zoning Committee chair receives drawings that will be submitted to the ZBA, with materials called out and dimensions.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Jacek Ghosh, seconded by Melanie Wasson. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 1117 N. Hancock St., i.e.: 'Please return with drawings of the interior, exterior, and the sign. Include dimensions. Please bring the refusal. Our agreement to support variances for the operation of any gallery at this location will include the following provisos: a) Use would be the display and sales of artwork b)  Hours of operation would be no earlier than 12 noon, no later than 8pm. c) Open days not to exceed Tuesday to Sunday. d) Capacity 40 people.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Kevin Watkins. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 444 N. 4th St., i.e.: 'To support the application for a variance for an exterior sign at 444 N. 4^th Street as presented to the NLNA RCO tonight, Jan 27, 2020.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Renya Wasson, seconded by Jacek Ghosh. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 700 N. Delaware Ave., i.e.: 'That the following concerns be addressed by the developers: 1. Northbound vehicular traffic on Delaware Avenue cannot turn into the project. Suggestion: line up project entrance with Penn Street. 2. Up-lighting on the façade shines up into windows of nearby apartments. Suggestion: ensure that there is no stadium lighting and the lighting does not glare into adjacent properties. 3. Many plants and trees shown for the landscaping are not native plants. Native Plants will survive better and support existing insect populations. Otherwise, we enthusiastically support the plans as presented.'” Passed 9-0-0

Motion: By Barbara Saverino, seconded by Kristen Ainscoe. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 814-26 N. 2nd St., i.e.: 'We ask the CDR to consider a redesign of the proposed apartment building at 814 to 826 N. 2^ndStreet that would include the following elements: 1. The facade above the first floor is mostly metal. It should have other opaque elements in addition to metal and concrete balconies 2. The 140 feet wide 2^ndStreet facade has little relief. At a minimum, the balconies should be set back into the facade. 3. To minimize loss of parking, a back in loading zone should be created. Possible underground parking was discussed. Build as much of the proposed underground parking as ground water testing indicates is possible. 4. Of the 78 apartments, 35 bedrooms have no windows to the outside for direct light and air. New construction on a lot of this size could easily have a window in every bedroom. In addition, we strongly protest 1) the additional 15 feet of height for the “Fresh Grocer” bonus. It is unreasonable to think that a use can be guaranteed forever in exchange for a building height extension that can't be undone. And 2) in addition, we strongly protest the granting of the affordable housing bonus. This bonus grants additional market-rate apartments in this building but the affordable apartments are built elsewhere. We request that the affordable housing be located in this building.'” Passed 9-0-0

Joe noted that, given the drive to build larger and more profitable buildings in the neighborhood, it might be in the best interests of the community to investigate historically certifying buildings that would be a loss if destroyed. It was agreed that Board members should think about buildings in the area that should be preserved.

Old Business

There was some conversation about the spring Board elections and anticipated changeovers of seats.

Joe noted that he is working with the  Kearny Friends to install a Little Free Library at the school (as a gift from the NLNA).

New Business

Kristen announced that students from Drexel would be working on storefronts around the neighborhood through the BID. 

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:03 p.m.

Addenda:

Zoning Committee

Members present: Larry Freedman, chair; Joe Mikuliak, recording secretary; Kenny Grono; Ira Upin; Scott Sperri and Christine Furman. Members absent: Chris Isaacson, Charlie Abdo, Jonathan Sher, Sharon Richmond, Melissa Magness, Abby Specter.

#1  414, 416, 418 Poplar St. – RSA5 – Alan Nochumson – A proposal for 3 single family dwellings with parking (refusals for open space, rear yard depth, parking.) Alan distributed the refusal and packet of information. It did show the new homes in context with surrounding homes. Materials were not called out. Some dimensions were missing. The yards are not square and vary from 40 to 156 square feet. Plans are for three, four story homes with garage fronts, 38 feet high, with roof decks set back over eight feet. They would have brick and metal cladding with limestone bases. The two ends and rear of the homes would be stucco. No problems with the design were brought up by neighbors or committee members. There is no parking on that side of Poplar Street so garage parking would not take away any on street parking. The builder said he would install two street trees.

Motion by Joe Mikuliak, 2nd by Kenny Grono  Vote 5-0  We support the variances necessary to build three rowhomes at 414, 416, and 418 Poplar Street as presented to the NLNA RCO on Jan. 27, 2020. They would not be over 38 feet high, have garages, two street trees and their decks would be set back as shown.  A letter of support will be written after the Zoning Committee chair receives drawings that will be submitted to the ZBA, with materials called out and dimensions.

#2 1117 N. Hancock St. – RSA5 – Chris Curchin – A preliminary proposal for a first floor art gallery. Chris and his partner Jorge want a legal art gallery on the first floor of their home on the corner of Hancock and Allen Streets. It would be about 350 sq. ft. and have a small sign. They have not applied for permits but it will require a variance in this residentially zoned area. A few neighbors attended and they were supportive. The ZC discussed a gallery being the use even after current owners move on. Neighbors’ concerns were hours and noise. The applicant agreed to Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 8 PM and that no sound would escape the premises. Use would be the display and sales of artwork.

Motion by Joe, 2nd by Ira. Passed 5-0 Please return with drawings of the interior, exterior, and the sign. Include dimensions. Please bring the refusal.  Our agreement to support variances for the operation of any gallery at this location will include the following provisos:  - Use would be the display and sales of artwork - Hours of operation would be no earlier than 12 noon, no later than 8pm  - open days not to exceed Tuesday to Sunday   - capacity 40 people

#3  444 N. 4th St. – CMX3 – Ron Patterson – A proposal for a wall sign – prohibited on the 7th floor as proposed. An illustration of the sign and the refusal were presented. The sign is simply the street address of the apartment building, lined up vertically and back-lit. The president of the building’s homeowners association attended. Residents want a sign because Uber and delivery vehicle drivers drive past the building.

Motion by Kenny Grono 2nd by Christine Furman Vote 5-0  To support the application for a variance for an exterior sign at 444 N. 4th Street as presented to the NLNA RCO tonight, Jan 27, 2020.

#4 700 N. Delaware Ave. – CMX3 – Herc Grigos – A CDR (Civic Design Review) – No Zoning Review – 482 units & 147 parking spaces. A packet of full color drawings, including site plan dimensions, were shared with neighbors and the committee. Two apartment buildings with multiple facades styles and heights are planned for the site. Brick, cast stone, and metal panel are the major materials. Beach Street would be extended between the two buildings as a pedestrian walkway to provide open space. They would be lined with apartment building entrances and store fronts for several commercial spaces that would sell to residents and the public. Beach Street at Fairmount was shown without any gate. The existing buildings from Fairmount Street to Brown and Delaware Ave to Front Street would be demolished except for the row of seven historically certified homes. Those homes are now on one lot. They would be stabilized and used as construction offices. After the apartment buildings are finished, the historic buildings would be subdivided and turned into seven single family homes, have their facades restored, and have back yards. Ten nearby neighbors attended. There were no objections to the use. Parking is 7 more spaces than required. The developer said he is committed to build the project as presented tonight.  Design concerns are in the motion below:

Motion by the group Vote 5-0  That the following concerns be addressed by the developers: 1. Northbound vehicular traffic on Delaware Avenue cannot turn into the project. Suggestion: line up project entrance with Penn Street. 2. Up-lighting on the façade shines up into windows of nearby apartments. Suggestion: completely replace up-lighting with down-lighting. 3. Many plants and trees shown for the landscaping are not native plants. Native Plants will survive better and support existing insect populations. Otherwise, we enthusiastically support the plans as presented

#5 814-26 N. 2nd St. - CMX2.5 - Rustin Ohler - A return visit for a CDR review of a multifamily project - zoning by right. Discussion of the bonuses. Presentation by David Pearlman of PRDC (a private corporation) the developer. They have the property under an agreement of sale. It is for a 78 unit apartment building with a first-floor commercial space. It will have a mostly metal facade, 70 feet high. Plans shown to the committee and neighbors were changed since our first meeting with them on Dec. 30, 2019. Our motion (#1 to 4 below) from that meeting was addressed as follows in italics: 1.  The facade above the first floor is all metal and windows. It should have other opaque elements in addition to metal. 2.  The 140 feet wide 2nd Street facade has no relief. At a minimum, the balconies should be set back into the facade.  This would also minimize the negative effect on 2nd street of residents storing garbage on the balconies. The color of the metal façade changed from light grey to dark grey. A vertical column has been added to separate the facade into two sections. One section has metal edged vertically, the other horizontally. The 6th floor faced looks like it has a Mansard roof. The balconies now have perforated fencing instead of glass and concrete is now on the balcony platforms. They added a little brick at street level. 3. To minimize loss of parking, a back in loading zone should be created. They made no commitment about retaining even the existing on-street parking. No parking is required for the building. They did share their idea for a one or two story parking garage for 25 or 50 cars. It would be accessible via an elevator and very expensive to build. They made no commitment to build the parking garage. 4.  Of the 78 apartments, 35 bedrooms have no windows to the outside for direct light and air. New construction on a lot of this size could easily have a window in every bedroom. They claimed tenants love the windowless bedrooms.  Regarding our problem with the bonuses: David Pearlman said he would consider constructing one unit of the affordable housing (80% of market rate) in that building. He was adamant a fresh food tenant will sign to occupy the first floor. Committee members and a few neighbors present questioned the developer and architect about the plans. It was decided to present a strong case at the Civic design review asking for changes to the design and opposition to bonuses given to increase the building’s height and density.

Motion by the group. Vote 5-0  We ask the CDR to consider a redesign of the proposed apartment building at 814 to 826 N. 2nd Street that would include the following elements:  1.  The facade above the first floor is mostly metal. It should have other opaque elements in addition to metal and concrete balconies  2.  The 140 feet wide 2nd Street facade has little relief. At a minimum, the balconies should be set back into the facade.   3. To minimize loss of parking, a back in loading zone should be created. Possible underground parking was discussed. Build as much of the proposed underground parking as ground water testing indicates is possible.  4. Of the 78 apartments, 35 bedrooms have no windows to the outside for direct light and air. New construction on a lot of this size could easily have a window in every bedroom. In addition, we strongly protest 1) the additional 15 feet of height for the “Fresh Grocer” bonus. It is unreasonable to think that a use can be guaranteed forever in exchange for a building height extension that can’t be undone. And 2) in addition, we strongly protest the granting of the affordable housing bonus. This bonus grants additional market-rate apartments in this building but the affordable apartments are built elsewhere. We request that the affordable housing be located in this building.