BOARD OF DIRECTORS – Minutes of March 3, 2014

 PRESENT:  Matt Ruben, President; Don Phillips, Vice-President; Rick Angeli; Monika Kreidie; Katrina Mansfield; Logan Welde, Lystra Harris; Anne WagingerABSENT:  Frank Robertson; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Sharon Richman; Michael CoyneThe meeting was called to order by the President at 7:06 p.m.February Minutes approved  6 - 0 - 1March Minutes taken by Katrina MansfieldNew Business:– Local architect and resident, Beth Emig, presented herself as a Candidate for the Zoning Committee. She has experience with sustainable construction and wants to see these vales applied in Norther Liberties development.Motion to elect Candidate to Zoning Committee:  Passed 7-0-0– Various Board Members recounted nuisance problems with Piazza Events

•  Residents are complaining about noise, public urination, and intoxicated party-goers that loiter more than bring business to the neighborhood. Calls to police are ignored. The Piazza’s website is down, so businesses and residents cannot anticipate these recurring large events.
• Matt proposed reaching out to Liquor Control Board if these problems are not addressed.
• Monika to invite 26th District rep to next Board Meeting to discuss police response.

– Don mentioned that the Music Fest will be partnering with new booker.– Danny Harvith presented overview of Nerd St. Business Initiative. Mission to create innovative corridor with events, project, branding. Want to attract residents and business. Want to install street signage. He is scheduling a “Nerd Party” at Liberty Lands to spread awareness.Old Business -    Matt proposed a clean-up of Front Street for city-wide clean-up day in April where homicide occurred.-    Kat requested $400 to replace security camera DVR. Request approved. 7 - 0 - 0-    Rick asked about the Laural Street study. Rick urged a letter be sent to Streets Department and Darell Clark.-    Rick asked availability of Lara for finding grants. Rick to talk to Lara about this.President’s Report: Matt Ruben: written report attached and reviewed.1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND POLICYBusinesses – The 2nd business owners’ meeting saw attendance triple over the first. We made a brief action-item list and are pursuing it.Piazza/Liberties Walk – I am setting up a meeting with the new General Manager, area neighbors, and the organizer of some of the recurrent Piazza concert events. (See New Business)Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition – This coalition, which has existed in one form or another since 2010, has become permanent. The Board voted to join (see Board Polls).– Steve to look into budget for anticipated due of between $500 – $1000.2. EVENTS AND OUTREACHMid-Winter Party – The party will be at North Bowl Sunday, March 23. It’s late this year – but I believe it presents an opportunity to promote as a “say goodbye to this horrible winter” event.– Rick asked members to solicit “bundles” of donations from new businesses.NL History Exhibition Opening – The opening was a great success, with an overflow crowd. Many thanks to Sharon Richman for backing dessert snacks; Don Phillips for organizing the beer and helping serve it at the event; and Steve Richman for organizing the bottled water from SuperFresh, and ensuring we had a SuperFresh 1%-for-NLNA signup area at the event.NL History Exhibition Upcoming Event – Saturday March 8, 2PM: Readings by me and several local authors, from written works about Northern Liberties, as well as a screening of a 30-minute, 2011 documentary about the neighborhood. Admission is $10.March General Membership Meeting at SEER Interactive – SEER Interactive has agreed to host the meeting and they say their space can easily accommodate our minimum requirement (50-60 people). By the time of our board meeting, I hope to have personally checked out the space.– Agenda: The meeting’s main agenda will be to let folks about the impending “Nerd Street” kickoff.– Next Steps: Contacting local businesses who might want to say hello and/or table at the meeting.April General Membership Meeting at Kearney – We are still planning to have this in the new gymnasium building at Kearny Elementary School. I’ve left voicemails for School Reform Commission Chair Bill Green, and submitted a formal request to his office, inviting him to the meeting. I am awaiting a reply.– Agenda: The main items will be a presentation by Kearny’s new principal about the school, and taking nominations for the May NLNA board elections.3. COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICITYWeb Forums/Discussion Board – Neighbor John Myers is looking to sell the northernliberties.org web site, and the discussion board he hosts there, by March 10. We need to decide if we want the NLNA to purchase and take over the site. Discussion:Benefits:-    Increased NLNA visibility – “missing piece” of our expanding online strategy (emails, nlna.org web site, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)-    Minimal upkeep required-    Small, dependable - and potentially grow-able - revenue stream (approx $2,500 which may be taxable)-    Purchase price would be about $3,000 to $4,000 which is reasonable.-    The website has 4185 registered users who have written 11,054 posts over 4731 threads.Concerns:-    Need volunteer to manage site and handle complaints.-    Need volunteer to sell ad space-    At present, we are not responsible for the site. However, the NLNA is perceived by users to already be running the site. The NLNA gets blamed (publicly even if not legally) for individuals’ posts, or for deleting offensive posts. How would we handle user complaints?Chris Somers has expressed some interest in overseeing the site if we buy it. Chris will not be able to attend Monday’s board meeting, but has expressed a very strong desire that NLNA purchase the site. His view - which he asked me to be sure to communicate - is that the purchase is a no-brainer and the site will be easier to run and manage than some might fear.Both Chris, and Jordan Rushie (currently NLNA’s attorney) have separately expressed interest in purchasing and running the site if NLNA does not purchase it– Matt proposed asking John Myers to meet with board re: doing due diligence of books.– Matt will also talk with Jordan Rushie regarding his experience with purchasing a similar forum.Monika: Motion to form a subcommittee and engage with John to do due diligence of John’s books. Members nominated: Matt, Steve, DonPassed 6 - 0Email List – List growth has slowed but continues. We are at about 2,400. The “open rate” continues to be quite high, at about 30%.Twitter – Neighbor Victoria Shuman – recruited by Katrina – has taken over the bulk of the NLNA’s tweeting Since she began, our twitter followers have increased by about 10%, and we’ve gotten tagged in others’ tweets and re-tweeted much more often than ever before.Instagram – Logan will looking into getting us an Instagram account. Kat to recruit via website.4. OTHER ITEMSBoard Polls –1. “Nerd Street” Endorsement: PASSED. Yes votes: 10  No votes: 1.2. Joining Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition: PASSED. Yes votes: 11 No votes: 0.3. northern liberties.org purchase: This is the most complex of the three, which is why I didn't even try to call for an online Board Poll. (See Discussion above) Eight board members have communicated a preference so far. These preferences are in no way binding on those individuals, but I think it will be helpful to let everyone know what the landscape looks like at the moment. Voting or leaning Yes: 3   No: 5Treasurer's Report: Steve Richman: written report distributed and reviewed.Motion:“To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 6-0-0Community Center Operations presented by Anne WagingerOPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, February 25, 2014Present: Monika, Lara, Anne1. Trash/recycling – we discussed how we can be more organized with trash and recycling. We came up with several ideas and will work on making the chore more efficient.2. Snow removal – we had some early glitches with the details of snow removal, namely getting in touch with Seth for emergency clean-up when a morning event is scheduled. This has been resolved, but brought up the importance of timely communicating with Monika, Lara, and Anne when anything related to the Community Center is planned or arises.3. Super Fresh sign-ups will be sent to the general NLNA Office email. We’ll all check that [email] and add names and information to Steve’s list.4. Book Collection for Ghana and Intern for Zoning -- Amanda Lopez. Monika will ask Matt to include in an email blast. We will announce it at Thursday’s general meeting.5. Center Maintenance– Ira will deal with the drain pipe near the back door that freezes water outside the back door so that the door cannot open.– Monika will look into new windows in the bathroom and office.– Kat has measured and will investigate window blinds or other coverings for the main room. She proposed a plan for installing blinds to cost between $250 and $350. Board voted to approve up to $500. Kat to run plan by Ira and Larry before purchasing anything.– Monika is organizing painting of the main room. She will work with volunteers to paint the walls. But we want to reach out to a professional for painting the ceiling because of all the cutting in that will be necessary.6. People frequently dump files and other things in office. We will create boxes labeled:TO BE FILED; TO BE TAKEN TO BASEMENT; and LOST & FOUND (items will be discarded after one month)7. KITCHEN – we want to proceed with this project that got put on informal hold. It will involve buying and installing a freestanding base cabinet and a wall mounted cabinet above that. The combination of the base cabinet and the refrigerator will allow us to install the new microwave that was donated. There are a few folks – Mike Simon, Kenny Grono, Tim McDonald – who are skilled and could do the installation; perhaps they even have existing cabinetry they could donate. We thought Sharon might be interested in this project, both in the design and in reaching out to her fellow committee people.8. Anne approved free usage of the CC on Fridays for Kat’s Figure Drawing Group.

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

Liberty Lands Report – March 2014-    Still need tree pruning. Meeting with Hal next week.-    Spring planning meetings with PHS for City Harvest and other initiatives have started.-    Conversation on nl.org about a jerky guy with an off-leash dog.-    March park meeting will be Tuesday the 11^th, 8 p.m. at the community center.-    Jen is getting community gardener lists together.-    Frank made a really nice questionnaire about upgrades/issues at the park.Zoning Committee Report: Larry Freedman; written report attached and reviewed.The Board approved all motions presented by the Zoning Committee.ZONING COMMITTEE MEETING – Monday 2/24/14Members present: Larry Freedman (chair), Charlie Abdo, Ken Grono , Melissa Magness, Tim McDonald, Joe Mikuliak, Jonathan Sher, Michael Simons, Sharon Richman (Rec Sec), Ira Upin, Members absent: Chris Issacson823-25 N. Lawrence St. (to Leithgow) – ICMX – Nino Cutrafello: A proposal to build 4 single-family dwellings – 2 on Lawrence and 2 on Leithgow.All four homes have the same exterior. There 100% lot coverage. Each home is 38’ high to the roof line with a pilot house that accesses the roof deck which is set back 8’ from the street. There is 153 sq. ft. of outdoor space at ground level and 600 sq. ft. of total outdoor space. Each house has a garage (for one car). There are 9’ deep back yards thus separating the Lawrence Street homes from the Leigthgow homes by 18” of space at ground level. Floors 2, 3, and 4 are separated by 15’. They expect a refusal for building residential in ICMX.DISCUSSION:The lots are 50% of standard lot size. There are no “eyes” on the street. There is no access for emergency vehicles on Leithgow (fire hydrant and poles block access).ZC Motion (Joe) - 2nd (?): Vote 9-0 —Thank you for your presentation. We want to have homes that have “eyes” on the street and adds parking spaces, not removes them. Please return with plans for housing with doors and windows on the first floor of Lawrence, 30% open space, and 1:1 parking that is entered from Leithgow. Please maintain the 38’ height. — Motion Passed 6 - 0 - 0631 N. 6th St. – ICMX - Ray Murray: A return visit with a proposal for a 3- screen movie theater with food and alcohol.Motion from January 28, 2014:Thank you for your presentation. Please return to the Zoning Committee with more details about the following items.1 – Main Use of this facility will be described as a movie theater, with food and alcohol as an accessory use only;2 – Security/Surveillance plan;3 – Lighting and Signage plan – locations and description of type(s);4 – Outside Promoters – none can be used;5 – elimination of 7 - 4 tops outside, thereby reducing eating/drinking capacity by 28;6 – Hours of Operation for the theater, food and alcohol service in the theater and food and alcohol service in the inside restaurant will be:Sunday->Thursday 4:30 p.m. – midnightFriday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – midnight Hours of Operation for the outside restaurant area will be:Sunday->Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.7 – Parking Provisions: provide documentation that provisions have been made to uselots off the premises to accommodate customers at a ratio of 1:4 (1 spot for every 4 patrons);8 – Lot Parking: a plan that describes how you intend to make sure that only patrons/customers of the Warehouse Theater will be allowed to park in the aforementioned lots;9 – Noise Mitigation: no music outside and no sound can escape the building; plans to mitigate other noise from the outside patio diners/drinkers;10 – Designated “smoking area”- size and location;11 – location for lining up for shows/food/drink;12 – how lobby will function for ticket purchase, concessions stands, etc.13 – clearly marked exits on the floor plans;14 – movies will end on a staggered basis;15 – Extension of Premises – the alcohol service area will be determined by approved plans with no extensions unless applied for and approved by the NLNA;16 – Trash and Recycling Plan;17 – Utilities and Bathroom Facilities – drawings with dimensions as per L&I requirements for full capacity in each theater and dining/bar areas;18 – Seating clarification – which seats are fixed and which are movable.The developer returned with the following information:1 – Main Use: agreed with that the main use of the facility would be for movie theaters2 – Security/Surveillance Plan: no “plan” was presented; there would be 15-16 cameras scattered throughout the building interior and exterior with recording capabilities; there would be a parking lot attendant; there may be security people outside at some times, but not all times (e.g., mid-afternoon)3 – Lighting and Signage: the locations and descriptions were not provided but there would be no “up” lighting and nothing would hang over the sidewalks4 – Outside Promoters: agreed that none would be used5 – Outside seating: did not agree to reduce the capacity by 28; said they would consider reducing the number if there were complaints from neighbors6 – Hours of Operation: they wanted to stay open as much as possible with the last show starting at 11:30 p.m. and running through to 1:30 a.m.; it was not clear when food and alcohol service would end indoors and outdoors; there is no requirement to purchase a movie ticket to eat in the restaurant area7 – Parking: no documentation was provided regarding agreement for use of off premises parking; there are 55 spaces for 255 movie seats plus restaurant seats8 – Lot Parking: were only told that the lots will be locked during non-operational hours and cars left in lots after the theater closes would be towed9 – Noise: there is a 4’ wooden fence with planters on top; the fence is supposed to abut the entrance so that entrance to the outdoor seating can only be accessed through the theater entrance10 – Smoking area: none was designated11 – Lines: they do not anticipate lines because there are ticket kiosks inside for those who have not printed their tickets at home; ticket purchase is only electronic;12 – Lining up for food/drink: ushers will check tickets before entry into individual theaters; it wasn’t clear how the lobby area would actually function13 – Exits: marked on the floor plan14 – Staggering movie times: movies will end on a staggered basis with a 30 minute overlap of simultaneous showings15 – Extension of Premises: agreed to limit it to current plan unless they return to Zoning Committee16 – Trash and Recycling Plan: no details provided17 – Bathrooms: will comply with L&I requirements18 – Seating: all will be fixed seatingDISCUSSION:We did not feel as though any of our requested information was provided. Plans need to be developed. However we do not want to discourage them. We did not want to give the developer a high limit and then ask them to reduce it if there is a problem. We prefer to give them lower limits and have the developer return to the ZC to request increases. The group wanted to demonstrate that we were willing to compromise on the hours, but remained firm on the outside seating limits. We wanted the previously requested details.ZC Motion (Sharon) - 2nd (Ken): Vote 9-0 — Thank you for your presentation. We really want to have a theater in the neighborhood and to demonstrate that, we are willing to change our position on the hours of operation of the theater and the serving of liquor and alcohol.Hours of Operation for the theater:Sunday->Thursday opens at 4:30 p.m. – last show starts at 11:30Friday and Saturday opens at 11:30 a.m. – last show starts at midnight Hours of Operation for food and alcohol service inside the movie theaters:Food and alcohol service ends at the end of the last movie Hours of Operation for food and alcohol service in the inside restaurant:Sunday->Thursday 4:30 p.m. – midnightFriday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – midnight Hours of Operation for the outside restaurant area will be:Sunday->Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. We require the outside eating area be reduced by 28 seats.An increase in these hours and the seating capacity can be requested after the theater has been in operation.Please provide documentation that you have a written agreement to use the lot off the premises and can accommodate parking at a ratio of 1:4 (1 spot for every 4 patrons.) In order to increase the number of parking spaces, we recommend the use of a parking service rather than a self-park system.We want you to return to the community with the above, answers to questions #3, 8, 9, 12, and 16 in our motion after your first presentation that were incompletely answered or not answered at your second presentation, and accurate drawings for the interior and exterior of the theater that include dimensions.DISCUSSION: Board discussed Kearney’s proximityMotion Passed 6 - 0 - 1312 Fairmount Ave. – ICMX – Herc Grigos: A proposal for a residential building with @ 108 units.The Klein Company would manage the property after building it or having it built by a contractor. The lot is 3,588 sq. ft. They want to use the existing curb cuts on 4th for in and out entrance to parking lot. The 108 units break out into 12 studios, 72 one bedrooms and 24 two bedrooms. There are 67 parking spaces. There would be two building connected by an all glass connection on all 5 floors. Materials include gray metal, white metal with orange metal accents. There will be an inside loading dock for use when moving in and out of the building and for trash pick-up. The building could be LEED silver certified. There will be a green roof, a rain garden and permeable block used in open space.DISCUSSION: The size of this project will trigger a Civic Design Review. There was concern that the 5’ set back on the 5th floor will become a porch for use by the residents. Neighbors on 4th Street did not like the loading dock on 4th Street. Neighbors also wanted there to be more brick used in the design and consideration of the proposed materials to be more sympathetic to the neighborhood aesthetic. A few neighbors did not want the existing brick building at Galloway and Fairmount torn down. It should be incorporated into the design in some manner. We also needed good plans and renderings of the proposed project with photos of the neighboring buildings. There was some discussion of whether we are overbuilding in the neighborhood.ZC Motion (Joe) - 2nd (Melissa): Vote 9-0 — Thank you for your presentation. Neighbors and committee members have serious concerns about the impact of this large apartment building on our community. Please return with plans that consider the following:Regarding materials and design:1. Most of the materials used are not sympathetic with any materials on nearby buildings.2. Use more real brick. This would allow integration of the facade of the building at Fairmount and Galloway into the design.3. All decks and porches that will be used by the tenants in any way must be set back at least 5 feet from the sidewalk.Regarding massing, scale, and density:4. The auto entrance and exit, and the loading dock, should be entered and exited from Fairmount Avenue opposite the recreation center.5. Reduce the height of the building on 4th Street by setting back the 4th floor.6. Reduce the height of the building on Galloway by setting back the 5th floor.At your next presentation to neighbors, please bring accurate drawings that include dimensions and renderings from ground level that include nearby buildings. We hope you will be able to leave us a copy of these drawings.Motion Passed 7 - 0 - 0600 N. 4th St. – ICMX – Kevin O’ Neil: A proposal for 10 single-family dwellings.The property is bounded by Wallace, N. 4th and Green Streets. Each house has a two car garage. Four existing curb cuts will be reduced to one 24’ curb cut for a two way driveway on Green Street (using and enlarging the existing curb cut). The 4-story homes are 43’ high to the roof line plus a 3’ parapet wall for roof deck. The 4th story is set back. The pilot houses are set back to the middle of the roof. Houses are 2400 sq. ft. – 2600 sq. ft, 3 bedroom and 21⁄2 baths, slab on grade. Materials include brick on the lower portion and a panel system on the upper floor. Plans have not been finalized. They expect refusals for residential in an industrial zone, height and rear yard.DISCUSSION:The neighbors had mixed opinions about the developed space. One wanted it maintained as a commercial space. Another liked the extra parking. Yet another thought the project was too high and too dense and wanted the design to be more aesthetically sympathetic to the neighborhood and the older houses. It was also thought that the driveway entrance should not on Green Street.ZC Motion (Sharon) - 2nd (Jon): Vote 9-0 — Thank you for your presentation. Please return to the Zoning committee with a detailed design for single family homes that are more compliant with all residential (RSA5) zoning requirements (e.g. height, open space, etc.). Please include plans with room dimensions and photos of nearby buildings in context with this project.Motion Passed 7 - 0 - 0980–82 N. 2nd St. – CMX2 – Brett Feldman: A proposal for a yogurt shop.This 1800 sq. ft. project will occupy the first floor commercial space of a building in the process of being completed. The business is called “Just Cravings” and is a self- service yogurt shop with a toppings bar. Additionally, pastries, coffee and panini press sandwiches would be offered. No venting is required. There are 7 tables providing 28 seats, 3 love seats, and several bar stools against the wall. There is a rear yard. There are 2 bathrooms. Hours of operations are: Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. It would be open all year. Opening is anticipated in April.ZC Motion (Group): Vote 9-0 — Thank you for your presentation. We support this project with the following provisos: there will be no open flame, no grill, no fryers or anything that would require external venting. The rear yard can only be used as an emergency exit and cannot be used for trash, employee smoking or storage of any kind. This yard will be properly maintained.Motion Passed 7 - 0 - 0414-18 Fairmount Ave. – RSA5 & I2- Shimi Zaken: A return visit with a proposal for residential and parking.Motion from November 26, 2013:Thank you for your presentation. We feel that 32 bedrooms for this site is too dense. Given the proposed RSA5 zoning for this site with the possibility of 8 houses (24 bedrooms), in order for our support of a residential use, we ask that you:1 - build to a maximum height of 38’;2 - reduce the number of units from 12 to 8, thereby reducing the total number of bedrooms from 32 to 24; and,3 – maintain the 12 parking spots.DISCUSSION from 11/26/13 presentation: There was considerable concern regarding the density of this project. This land parcel will be rezoned RSA5 which would mean that they could build 6 single family houses. A major issue was that the developer was using the industrial height allowance of the ICMX with the RSA5 allowance for residential construction without providing necessary open space.Motion from January 28, 2014Thank you for your presentation. We will support this project if both the condo and townhouse buildings are only 38’ high and the same number of parking spaces are maintained. Please return with these changes and a trash/recycling plan. Also, before construction begins, a representative from the 414-18 Fairmount project will meet with a representative from the 420 Fairmount project and the NLNA to coordinate construction staging and sidewalk closures to minimize inconveniences to the neighborhood.The only change made was to lower the parapet on Wallace Street by 21⁄2‘ to 6” because of “quality of life” for the residents. The neighbors seemed to be OK with the overall height of this project based on the other development proposed for Wallace Street. Utilities and trash will be in the basement, per a redesign of that area.ZC Motion (Mike) - 2nd (Tim): Vote 6-1-2We support the variance for this project with plans as presented February 24, 2014, which include the reduction in parapet height and the location in the basement of utilities and trash/recycling storage. We need a signed copy of the plans that include parking spaces, all dimensions, and height of facades before a letter of support will be written.Motion Passed 7 - 0 - 0The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:44 p.m.—