Northern Liberties Neighbors Association

View Original

NLNA Board Meeting Minutes – Revised August 16

August 3, 2015 (Revised 8/16)PRESENT:  Matt Ruben, President; Steve Richman, Treasurer; Troy Chrichton; Larry Freedman; Jesse Gardner; Sasi Judd; Monika Kreidie; Jeremy Lindeman; Frank Maimone; Don Philips; Anne WagingerABSENT:  Michael Coyne, Vice-President; Janet Finegar, Secretary; Barbara Saverino; Chris SomersThe meeting was called to order by the President at 7:02 P.M. Motion by Anne Waginger, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “To approve the minutes of the July Board meeting as presented.”  Passed 10-0-0

PRESIDENT’S REPORT : MATT RUBEN

The West Poplar Community Organization asked Northern Liberties to support their opposition to a zoning variance application. The owner of the gun range, located on Percy Street between Spring Garden and Green Street would like to sell guns there. This requires a variance as these sales would be within 500’ of homes and churches.Since the registered community organization has carried out the procedure of having a presentation by the variance applicant and subsequent vote, it was decided that our neighborhood association could become involved with the West Poplar request of us.Motion by Frank Maimone, seconded by Anne Waginger. “To support the West Poplar Community Organization in their opposition to a zoning variance that would allow gun sales within 500’ of residential and church uses.”  Passed 7 – 1 – 2*Matt reported that the city will be paving 4th, 3rd and Green Streets in the next few days.*Matt also reported that the 2nd Street Festival was a huge success, with 40,000 visitors and all activities carried out safely.Motion by Steve Richman, seconded by Sasi Judd. “ To approve the President’s report as presented.”  Passed 10-0-0

NEW BUSINESS

Larry reported it is increasingly hard to get musicians for our spring and fall festivals as they play at their cost and the volunteer status makes it makes it hard to get variety of music types. He asked the Board to provide $1,000 for the fall music festival musicians. It was clarified that if funds were given for the fall festival, that there is not time to effectively organize other activities such as promotion and food providers that could possibly result in an increased festival revenue to balance costs. It was discussed that these activities could be organized for future festivals to possibly balance the cost of music.Motion by Troy Chrichton, seconded by Jeremy Lindeman. “Up to $1,500 be made available for fall festival musicians.”  Passed 10-0-0

TREASURE’S REPORT

Steve reported that the most important news is that the income has exceeded expenses by $24,000. The income from the 2nd Street Festival will be reported in full at the September meeting.Motion by Anne Waginger, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “To approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.”  Passed 9-0-0   (one less voter as Don Philips had left)

COMMITTEE RPORTS

     OPERATIONS

  • The new sink with cabinets have been installed into the center meeting room and costs were within budget. Renters are already finding the new facilities useful.
  • The back yard is collecting items being left, creating clutter that needs to be removed.
  • The 2nd floor apartment will have a new tenant starting September.

     ZONINGLarry said it is best for there to be 3 Board members on the Zoning Committee for more effective coordination purposes and at this time, he is the only one. Troy Chrichton said he would join the Committee.Motion by Steve Richman, seconded by Monika Kreidie. “ To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee in the matter of 501 Fairmount Avenue for a Coffee House Too Café with the following provisos.”

  1. Please provide a copy of the lease that includes the following regarding trash and recycling plan:
  2. No trash will be placed on the sidewalk;
  3. There will be no trash overflow;
  4. Only trash totes, not hard bins, will be used; and,
  5. Trash pickup will occur no earlier than 7 a.m. and no later than 5 p.m.
  6. Hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to no later than 10 p.m.
  7. Outdoor seating will not exceed 4@2-tops on 5th
  8. No music shall escape the premises.

Passed 9-0-0Motion by Steve Richman, seconded by Sasi Judd. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee pertaining to 309-11 Green Street for 2 new homes on Green Street and 3 on Galloway Street with the following provisos.”Please go to the Design Committee with plans that include:

  1. Houses that do not exceed 38’ high;
  2. utility meter location;
  3. the location and size of all decks; and,
  4. façade materials and color options;

Return to the Zoning Committee with revised plans.Passed 9-0-0Motion by Anne Waginger, seconded by Jeremy Lindeman. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee pertaining to 823 North 4th Street to convert the first floor of a single family home into a retail establishment with CMX2 uses.  Passed 9-0-0Motion by Monika Kreidie, seconded by Troy Chrichton. “To ratify the recommendations of the Zoning Committee pertaining to 312-30 Fairmount Avenue for 27 new single family houses with the following provisos.”Please return with plans that comply with the height limits specified by the zoning classification and that add more variety to the design of the individual homes.Passed 9-0-0Motion by Monika Kreidie, seconded by Frank Maimone. “To ratify the recommendations by the Zoning Committee pertaining to 620 N. 3rd Street for 8 new housing units with the following provisos.”

  1. create a buffer around the A/C condensers on the roof;
  2. create a 5’ set back between the remaining deck and the adjacent neighbor for as well as a sound and privacy buffer;
  3. have private trash/recycling pick-up done twice a week;
  4. maintain the 9th parking space (with 8 units);
  5. do not apply for additional pilot/elevator houses or decks;
  6. do not go back to the ZBA with changes without first contacting the Zoning Committee.

Passed 9-0-0Motion by Monika Kreidie, seconded by Jeremy Lindeman. “To ratify the recommendations by the Zoning Committee pertaining to 817 N. Hancock Street for 8 new housing units with the following provisos.”A letter of support will be issued once the Zoning chair receives a list of all façade materials and colors as well as a copy of the refusal that agrees with the presentation.  Passed 9-0-0Motion by Sasi Judd, seconded by Monika Keidie. “To adjourn the meeting at 9:02.”  Passed 9-0-0—