PRESENT: Claire Adler, President; Steve Richman, Vice-President; Jacek Ghosh, Treasurer; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Caitlin Antrim; Alex Boland; Shakirra Clark; Chastity Houston; Joe Mikuliak; Matt Ochs; Don Phillips; Matt Ruben; Barbara Saverino; Amy Sweeney; Kevin Wilkins.

ALSO PRESENT: Lara Kelly, NLNA Coordinator

The meeting was called to order by the President at 6:33 p.m.

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Kevin Wilkins: “To approve the minutes of the August Board meeting as presented.”  Passed 14-0-0

President’s Report: Claire Adler. Written report attached and reviewed.

• Matt and Kevin both agreed to help with the Annual Appeal in specific ways (editing and folding documents). 

NLNA President’s Report

1. PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY

• Germantown/2nd Street Water Project Update: While this project was originally projected to be completed at the end of this month, the current schedule has pushed it back and the work is anticipated to be complete in October.
• Two Delaware Waterfront Items: Not Northern Liberties, but they impact our neighborhood. DWRC selected the New York developers’ Durst Organization to develop two Penn’s Landing parcels. DVRPC will be conducting a study on the eastbound access to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

2. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

• Google Drive Update: We will continue to use the Google Drive as our filing system, but for ease of access, please continue to email reports and documents for communication purposes.
• Website: Our website has lost significant functionality and we are experiencing server issues that have made email unreliable. While we had postponed the website overhaul as a non-urgent issue post-COVID, it is now more important than ever. We have applied for a Sponsorship from PTSSD for the work.
• Annual Appeal: We need two board members to volunteer to coordinate the Annual Appeal. This does not mean you will conduct the appeal on your own.

3. EVENTS AND OUTREACH

• Meet-and-Greet: Our meet-and-greet will be hosted virtually on Thursday, October 1st at 7pm on Zoom. The event has been shared online and by postcard to new neighbors. Please attend if you can and share with neighbors. More from the Membership Committee.
• General Meeting: I would like to have a General Meeting sometime this fall. I think it would be prudent to see the success of the Meet-and-Greet before officially planning it because it will likely be virtual, but I suggest the first or second week of November. Topic ideas are welcome.
• Election 2020 Update: Polling places are not all technically announced; however the NLNA is expected to be a polling place, and other neighborhood spots are likely to be used as well, although those who used to vote at 1 Brown Street will now vote at The Fillmore. Mail-in ballots will be mailed shortly pending the resolution of a lawsuit, and drop boxes are also TBA, pending another lawsuit.
• Outreach and Spending for Mutual Aid: Janet coordinated another round of deliveries detailed in an email to the Board earlier this month, which included about $1000 spent on groceries to families. More from Finance.

4. OTHER ITEMS

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

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Matt Ruben. “To ratify any and all Board polls taken in the previous month.”  Passed14-0-0

Treasurer's Report: Jacek Ghosh FY21 proposed budget distributed and reviewed by Steve Richman

• Don reminded the Board that the NLNA is able to be in a safe position through this crisis because of the excellent financial planning Steve has done through his years as Treasurer. 

Motion: By Matt Ruben, seconded by Janet Finegar. “To accept the Treasurer's report as presented.”  Passed 14-0-0

Fundraising Evaluation: Don Phillips and Jacek Ghosh. Written report attached and reviewed.

• There was significant conversation about the importance of individual donations in this year and of making sure that neighbors are aware of the benefits NLNA brings to the community.

NLNA Fund Raising Evaluation 2020

Issues and Observations

• In 2018 -19
  • 23.4% came from events (includes 5K LL rentals)
  • 33.8% from grants
  • 9.6 % from annual appeal
  • 5.4% from Individual donations
  • 5.4 % from facility rentals

• The pandemic has eliminated large swaths of income streams
• There is no overall coordination of fund raising efforts
• Events are handled by different bodies…membership committee, individuals, operations, etc.
• Grants/sponsorships are written and managed by a variety of entities… LL, individuals, membership, etc.
•  Recognition of the role of NLNA is low among recent residents
•  The BID has interfered with wide spread business support for NLNA
• Northern Liberties is now one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Philly

These issues beg for:

• Shifting reliance for support by strengthening the personal philanthropy and granting endeavors
• Recognizing that events and rentals will continue to be a sizable contributor but the NLNA cannot rely solely on these sources of revenue
• Enhancing our outreach to residents regarding the value NLNA brings

Suggested Action Steps

• Phased in process starting with a focus on increasing personal philanthropy and enhancing the visibility of NLNA
• Will still need a working group to focus on this, i.e. fundraisingubsequent actions year 2 out, should focus on better coordination of all fund raising activity

Communications/Marketing Committee Report: Caitlin Antrim. Written report attached and reviewed.

NLNA Communications and Marketing Committee

August Report  Last Meeting Date: 8/19/20  Chair: Caitlin Antram  Board Members Present: Claire Adler, Joe Mikuliak, Amy Sweeney, Shakkira Clark  Community Members Present: Stephen Shiffer

Notes and Observations:

• Social Profiles
  • Claire has been the primary poster to our Facebook and Instagram platforms
  • We have a Twitter account but it has not been used or moderated since 2016
  • Things we love/would like to lean into:
    • Photos from the past, “old-head” photos from the neighborhood
  •  Content Ideas to Explore:
    •  Get to know a neighbor (Humansofny style)
    •  Neighborhood images
      • Ex: Skyline from Acme
    • Old calendar images
    • One year ago this day - memory posts
      • Facebook memories
    • Images that let people know what businesses are open
    •  Linking to other group’s content
    • Utilize carousel images of:
      • Liberty lands
      • Restaurants
    • Amy’s image collection of old maps etc.
  • Next step: add Caitlin as a moderator to all profiles (in process)
  • Goal: Invite board members and neighbors to send community images for posting to Instagram/Twitter /Facebook
• Website
  •  The website is having functionality issues (more have emerged since our meeting)
  •  Kat Mansfield currently has a paid PT role to add content to website (mostly from e-blasts)
  •  Goal: Migration to Wix, SquareSpace or a newer Wordpress which would:
    •  Improve the user experience
    •  Increase the functionality
    •  Enable increased newsletter subscribership
    • Create ease for additional moderators to be able to make updates
    • Create an avenue to track/assess analytics
    • Challenge: Migrating all of the data - would need to outsource.
• Newsletter
  • Currently has 3,300 subscribers
  • Open rate 25-30%
  • Click rate 12% (within industry average)
  • Goal: boost subscribership by encouraging folks with social posts and possible adding a pop-up to the new website

Next meeting: Sept 21 at 6pm - Google Meet

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

Liberty Lands Report 

• Not a lot of news as we continue at the coronavirus park. Following a quick straw poll we agreed that we would not allow Soccer Shots to resume classes in the fall and wait to make a decision about whether we try to have a fall festival at the end of October. Yesterday NLArts contacted me to ask if it  was possible to use the park for one-third of a socially distanced scavenger hunt event on October 18 and I made the call that NLArts' special relationship with the park warrants allowing it to go ahead with that plan. At this time that's the only planned event at the park for 2020: both the fall festival and the Parade of Spirits are still TBA.
• The  city compost bins were actually delivered and set up! Thanks to Al and Justine for managing this program, and we all look forward to being able  to get community composting going someday.
• Many thanks to Steve Richman for pushing to get a grant application in to PTSSD  to support the re-build of the stage. A draft application is in  while we get the final parts finished and I'll probably make the presentation request at the October meeting, leading to a late winter/early spring build.
• Both the community gardens and City Harvest have done well through the summer, making regular produce contributions to the community and  Sunday Love. Thanks to the coordinators: Maria  Bell, Len Reiser, and Laura Siminoff.  
• The continued uncertainty of the world makes it hard to guess when would be a good time to restart the planning process for changing park management, but our best guess is that it will be in 2021 at the earliest. 

Membership Committee Report: Shakirra Clark.

• Shakirra reported that the most recent meeting had focused on formatting the breakout rooms for the meet-and-greet and she encouraged all the Board members to attend that event on October 1.

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

• Barbara asked Board members to review the proposed use guidelines for the Community Center and send any comments to her immediately. There was some discussion of NLArts' request to use the Yard for a twice-weekly event and there was general agreement that it would be appropriate but should include clear documentation of their social distancing and cleaning protocols.

Operations Committee Report

Since our last meeting:

• Janet has cleaned up the yard and met with Will regarding maintenance moving forward. 
• Mike/Mailbox store roof was leaking. Thanks to Lara doing outreach, checking out the problem and coordinating with the roofer. 
• Stucco is buckling outside (moisture) and Lara is getting a quote.

For Board discussion:

• NLARTS is seeking use of our center and yard from 9/21 - 10/26 (36 hours over 6 weeks). Small group (up to 6 children and 1 adult) for 2 hour workshops two times a week with time for prep and clean up. Suggested days/times: Wednesday  or Thursday from 3 to 5 pm and Saturday 10-12 pm. Some of the activity could be in the yard. Understand need for and have built in prep/clean time due to COVID. NLArts would also like to use 2 windows  on center for "Curate the Center" with call for artwork from community that would be attached to roll of paper and hung.

NLNA COVID-19 Re-Opening Plans

• NLNA has consulted city, state and federal guidelines when creating this draft as of 9/1/2020. NLNA will re-open the Center once the city goes to full green. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with renters to ensure they understand new protocols.

Prior to re-opening:

• Review floorplans and remove or reconfigure seats, furniture and workstations as needed to preserve recommended physical distancing in accordance with guidelines.
• Make sure that any gatherings conform to city guidelines regarding in-person gatherings. This will require reviewing rental agreements and communicating updates with them.
• Create additional signage with guidelines.
• Ensure NLNA has cleaning materials (disinfectant supplies)

Community Center/Office: Visitors and Renters: phone ahead and/or make an appointment to visit office.

Common Areas:

• Common areas (e.g., lobby, security check-in) should be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis at minimum.
• Regulate the use of common areas with clear signage (including maximum occupancy) and physical distancing measures in accordance with public health rules and guidelines.
• Provide cleaning supplies for employees to utilize before/after they use common spaces and contact surfaces.
• If physical distancing is not possible, then partitions can be placed between desks.
• Disinfect all surfaces and commonly touched equipment (e.g., check-in tablets).
• Staff, guests and/or renters should not provide communal meals and should not make food available in common areas where employees/people may congregate.

Conference Rooms: At this time, NLNA Committees should utilize virtual rather than in-person meetings. If a meeting must be in- person, the Chair/lead must ensure that the space is cleaned/wiped down before leaving.

• Conference rooms that are used should be disinfected on a daily basis at minimum.
• Disinfectant wipes or spray should be left in each conference room and attendees should be encouraged to wipe down all surfaces and equipment (e.g., mouse, keyboard, phone) touched during conference room meetings.

Restrooms:

• Place a trash can by the door if the door cannot be opened without touching the handle.

Staff/Guests/Renters:

• All staff, guests/renters should evaluate their health constantly; if they are sick, have a fever, symptoms, or someone at home is sick then they should remain home.
• At minimum, everyone should wash their hands upon arrival to facility, after touching their face or mask or any common contact surfaces, and when leaving.
• Face covering required for entry. Hand sanitizer provided and available.

Yard:

• Remove/do not provide chairs and/or tables at this time.  This will remove pressure on monitoring and cleaning on daily basis.
• Face covering required for entry into yard.

Public Safety Committee Report: Matt Ochs.

• The committee did not meet in the last month, but Matt reported on research he has been doing and plans for the coming month.

Zoning Committee Report: Joe Mikuliak. Written report attached and reviewed.

Motion: By Steve Richman, seconded by Kevin Wilkins. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 400 Fairmount Ave., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We approve the proposed project with the following provisos: 1) Trash pickup 3x per week. Trash stored in basement and taken out not more than two hours before pickup. 2) Ductwork will be painted to match the facade 3) Hours of operation: Tues-Thurs 11:30-9:00, Friday/Saturday 11:30-10:00, Sunday 11:30- 4:00 4) 20 seats maximum 5) If near neighbors complain about vent noise we would require applicant to make the necessary adjustments to control the noise.'”  Passed 13-0-0

Motion: By Amy Smith-Sweeney, seconded by Steve Richman. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 332 W. Wildey St., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We approve the project as presented with the following provisos: 1) The agreed upon change to the pilot house to more similar materials 2) An 8’ setback to the roof decks and a railing that will provide screening. 3) A “blowup” of the site plan showing the increased setback.'”  Passed 11-0-2

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Matt Ochs. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 950 N. American St., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. We accept the proposal as presented as long as you build a fence to block the part of your property where there is no parking.'” Passed 13-0-0

Motion: By Matt Ochs, seconded by Caitlin Antrim. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 102 W. Girard Ave., i.e.: 'Thank you for your presentation. Please return with policies related to the following topics: Security, Noise control, Loitering, No outside promotions, Management always on the premises, Occupancy, Clean up of sidewalk upon closing, Dance floor size and description, and Queue control.'” Passed 13-0-0

Motion: By Janet Finegar, seconded by Jacek Ghosh. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 342 W. Girard Ave., i.e.: 'We cannot support the project as presented. Please return with a project that offers 3-10 (30%) parking. The plan should have adequate space for trash storage and a Girard Ave façade that references the 4th st façade more. We would also like to see affordable housing incorporated into the project.'”  Passed 13-0-0

Old Business

• Barbara thanked Kevin Wilkins for all his work with the Election Committee and the special election in the past month  (and Claire thanked Kevin and Barbara both).

New Business

• Lara raised the question of how Halloween will be handled this year. Claire suggested that people think about recommendations for handling the holiday safely and that the NLNA put out some suggestions to the community. 

The meeting was adjourned by acclaim at 8:37 p.m.

Addenda:

Northern Liberties Neighbors Association Zoning Committee Minutes

Monday 8/31/20  

Members present: Larry Freedman, chair, Sharon Richman, Joe Mikuliak, Kenny Grono, Philip Hensley, Christine Furman, Jonathan Sher, Matthew Ochs, Charlie Abdo, Abbey Spector  Members absent:, Melissa Magness, Scott Sperry, Ira Upin

400 Fairmount Ave. - CMX1 - Dera Ezuma- A return visit with a proposal to add hot cooking hood and venting etc. - to an existing cafe. Previous motion: Please return with a trash plan where trash is stored in the basement, a hood that minimizes sound and smell from the neighbors and blend the hood into the façade where possible. Fan has size has been increased to reduce noise. Trash plan: Trash will be removed from the restaurant daily, will be stored in the basement. 3 pickups per week, not out more than 2 hours before pickup. Duct work will be painted to match façade. Discussion: Small café is desirable, hood makes it rentable Show refusal that matches presentation before a letter is issued

Motion: Charlie, 2nd Jonathan 9-0   Thank you for your presentation. We approve the proposed project with the following provisos: 1. Trash pickup 3x per week. Trash stored in basement and taken out not more than two hours before pickup. 2. Ductwork will be painted to match the facade 3. Hours of operation: Tues-Thurs - 11:30-9:00, Friday/Saturday - 11:30-10:00, Sunday – 11:30 4:00 4. 20 seats max 5. If near neighbors complain about vent noise we would require applicant to make the necessary adjustments to control the noise.

332 W. Wildey St. - RSA5 - Sean Whalen- A proposal for the erection of two single-family dwellings with parking. (refused for height, rear yard depth, parking) Houses back up to party wall with no windows. Setback is smaller than allowed. Roof height is 41 feet. There is no parapet wall at the edge of the building. Parking is off a side of the street that has no street parking. Discussion: Concerns about massing, sidewalk size, eyes on the street, no basement, no open space Motion: Kenny, 2nd Matt 8-1-0  Thank you for your presentation. We approve the project as presented with the following

provisos: 1. The agreed upon change to the pilot house to more similar materials  2. An 8’ setback to the roof decks and a 

railing that will provide screening. 3. A “blowup” of the site plan showing the increase setback

950 N. American St. - RSA5 - Eric Ginsburg- A proposal to review two access parking spots. 

Motion: Joe, 2nd Christine 9-0 Thank you for your presentation. We accept the proposal as presented as long as you build a fence to block the part of your property where there is no parking.

102 W. Girard Ave. - CMX3 - David Orphanides- A proposal for a sit-down restaurant with DJ for more than 50 people with take out window

Group motion:Thank you for your presentation. Please return with policies related to the following topics: Security, Noise control, Loitering, No outside promotions, Management always on the premises, Occupancy, Clean up of sidewalk upon closing, Dance floor size and description, Queue control  9-0-0

342 W. Girard Ave. - CMX2 - Michael Phillips- A proposal for the erection of a six story building, ground floor commercial, 50 res. units. (refusal for height and density) 16 units allowed, at 38 feet Proposed: 68 ft, site is current Trios restaurant 6 story building, refusal for height, cmx-2 no parking required or allowed without refusal. 20% open space. 50 units approx.. 60 beds Architect Sergio Coscia Looking for feedback. Discussion: Too large without significant affordable housing. Junior bedrooms are bedrooms that don’t have windows. No reason to change CMX2 at this location. Density and height are ok along Girard Ave. More density would help Girard ave businesses. Height is less than next door. Cigar factory neighbors can’t find parking spots now, people who face Girard in Cigar Factory will have views blocked. Meet somewhere in the middle, like 35 units, 50’, 10 parking spots. Include underground parking Reduce the height and units somewhat, do underground parking.

Motion: Joe, Christine 2nd: 9-0-0 We cannot support the project as presented. Please return with a project that offers 3-10 parking. The plan should have adequate space for trash storage and a Girard Ave façade that references the 4th st façade more. We would also like to see affordable housing incorporated into the project.