Triangle Neighborhood Association Meeting

Monday, October 3, 2005

A meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held on Monday, October 3, 2005 at Warner Elementary School.

Special Preliminary Presentation

1. There was a special “Life and Times of Walt Disney” presentation made by Mr. Frank Joyce, which began at 6:40 PM.

2. Seven children and eleven adults were present.

3. Books, framed drawings and record collections formed a display. The children were given blank illustrations and encouraged to color with crayons.

4. Refreshments were provided, music was played, and a good time was had by all.

5. The special presentation ended at 7:10 PM

Regular Meeting

6. President Meg Hudson called the regular meeting to order at 7:20 PM.

7. The meeting was held in the school cafeteria, and Meg informed us that we should anticipate meeting in the cafeteria in November.

8. Twenty-five adults were present at the beginning of the regular meeting. Four additional persons joined the group after the meeting had started.

9. Meg thanked Frank Joyce for his presentation.

10. Bud Freel, Councilman-at-large, addressed the group.

a. Property at 800 West 22^nd street

• Bud wanted to correct some misinformation, which may have been given at the September TNA meeting.
• The property in question has been vacant for over ten years.
• The owner has been cited several times for violations, and the property has been taken to sheriff sale several times. The owner has been successful in retaining ownership each time.
• The city has been increasing fines imposed on vacant properties
• Bud along with Norm Griffiths has been working with law enforcement, legislation and the Department of Licenses and Inspections to arrive at a resolution.

• To pursue the condemnation of a property, a letter must first be sent to the owner. This procedure was followed, but there was no response.

• An appraisal of the property was performed with photos of the outside and inside of the house. The owner was sent an offer based on the appraisal.
• While the process was moving forward, the U. S. Supreme Court issued a decision on eminent domain. In addition, the State Legislature in Dover passed a bill, which imposed a six months waiting period before the condemnation of properties.
• Hearings dealing with the property have been held.
• In accord with current law, a petition to acquire the property through condemnation will be filed in early January.
• Once the city acquires the property through condemnation, it will have twenty-four months to rehab the property.

• The owner still has access to the property, because she is still the owner.
• L&I can remove trash and cut grass, and then seek restitution for the cost.
• Issues: accumulated trash, mold, open roof and feral cats.

· There were several comments from the audience to indicate that the neighbors are thankful for the actions taken so far.

b. Property at 2211 Baynard

· Dumpster is overflowing.

· Bud Freel will follow up on it by making the Department of Licenses and Inspections aware.

c. Bud embarked on a campaign to deal with trash and litter in city of Wilmington

· Community outreach meetings have been held to promote public awareness and education.

· The Clean Wilmington Committee produced brochures six months ago. Copies were distributed to those present. The next step in enforcement of the codes in the spring 2006. The hope is to mail a copy to each homeowner in the city; however, funds have to be raised for printing and distribution.

· In response to a question, Bud stated that he was advised to wait until May to move toward the enforcement of fines. Things need to be done in phases.

d. 2307 Briarwood has an issue with poor trash can management.

e. Bud met with Home Depot to arrange a coupon discount for city residents who buy trashcans.

11. Jim Silvis, an owner of properties in the Triangle Neighborhood, addressed the group.

a. He addressed concerns, which have been brought to him, about teenagers involved in sexual activity in full view of the public in a yard on North Franklin Street.

b. The two tenants are supportive. One reads the riot act to the teenagers, but the problem is resolved only for a time.

c. Jim encouraged those who witness the inappropriate behavior to call him at 792-1410

d. Several members of the group provided some details:

· One girl and three boys

· The teenagers visit the property. They do not live in the apartments.

· The upstairs tenant does have foster children living with her.

· A concern was raised by the lack of a quick response by the police.

o Captain Michael Maggitti replied that the police did respond last Wednesday; however, the offenders fled.

o There were two calls logged on Saturday and one on Sunday, and the police responded within an hour.

o A possible connection to a particular school was suggested.

o There is no evidence of drug abuse.

o Make it uncomfortable for these teenagers, and take pictures for the purpose of follow-up. It would be appropriate to work with truant officers.

o Use the normal police line 654-5151 or send an email.

· Meg Hudson called the group to closure on the issue.

· Concern was raised about the girl involved.

12. Norm Griffiths addressed the group.

a. An NPC (Neighborhood Planning Council Newsletter), autumn 2005 issue was distributed.

b. On November 8^th from 6 to 8 pm at Del Tech, 3^rd and Shipley, there will be a community forum for all neighborhood associations.

c. Fire prevention activities will be taking place in October.

d. $30,000 has been found for the playground project across from Warner Elementary School. The funds will be used for new playground equipment.

e. A problem exists with people working on cars on the streets. Increasingly, mechanics are working on cars and leaving behind debris. Norm along with Councilman Gregory will sponsor a bill to prohibit such activity.

· The first fine would be $250, then the fine increases.

· Anyone who sees someone changing oil, installing breaks or the like should call the police.

· The current laws have low fines.

f. Council took a stand on not increasing use of the Cherry Island Landfill by other municipalities. Norm voted against the enlargement of the Cherry Island Landfill. Seven percent of Cherry Island trash comes from the city. A significant amount comes from New Castle County.

g. Cost of hauling city trash is prohibitive, so the Cherry Island site must remain.

h. Councilman Potters intends to sponsor a bill restricting the use of plastic cones and lawn chairs to save parking spots. Once again, the police would be the enforcement agency. One concern involves digging out a space after a snowstorm. This bill would prevent the saving of the space by the placement of cones and plastic chairs.

· Five persons present would favor the proposed bill; however, the majority present would not support the bill.

i. Councilman Gregory will be proposing two related bills concerning the closing of stores from midnight to 6 AM each day. The intent is to reduce the number of legitimate places drug dealers can use to dispense their products.

· The alternate version would selectively close down stores used by drug dealers.

· By contract, a 7-11 franchisee must stay open 24 hrs , laws or no laws.

13. Captain Maggitti addressed the group.

a. Crime statistics were distributed. The request was made to have the crime report sent out the TNA egroup electronically. Meg will provide the information in digital format to the secretary. Currently, the report is in Excel format.

· No addresses given, but block locations are given.

· 2399 means the block of 2300

b. It is important to report incidents to the police. Tom Baker is an advocate of reporting. Robberies should be reported.

c. Ninety percent of all police and fire calls come from Salesianum, Terry Apartments and Parkview Apartments.

d. There are some known sex offenders living in the neighborhood. The managers of the dwellings know who the individuals are.

· The Attorney General determines the level of risk

· There is a Website, which posts the names. The URL can be obtained through a Google search.

· Maybe someone from the Attorney General’s office could come to speak to TNA

e. Truck and trailer parked on 19^th street will be ticketed at the rate of $150 for the first offense.

f. The police are trained to respond to major crimes, so may not be as adept with dealing with minor violations.

14. Andy Molter who resides on Franklin Street addressed the group in an effort to get a zoning variance. He works from his home, and is a dealer in outdoor gear and wear. He is self-employed, and does not conduct a retail business out of his home. He would like to employee another salesman-clerk to work with him. The city does not allow the addition of an employee without approval. Andy assured that there would be minimal impact on the community.

a. No serious objections were raised by the group

b. The variance would lapse after twelve months of inactivity.

c. The Zoning Board will have a hearing, and a report will be made that no objections were posed by TNA.

15. Meg Hudson addressed the group.

a. Concetta organized progressive party. There was a good turnout. About sixty-six persons participated.

b. On October 8th, there will be a fall clean up in our garden starting at 8 or 8:30 AM. Some fall replanting is necessary. A neighbor who works at Longwood Gardens will take a look and advise appropriate plantings for the garden.

c. Membership drive will conclude at the next meeting with a drawings.

d. Halloween parade will be start at the Warner Parking lot on Sunday, October 30, starting at 3:30 PM.

e. Neighborhood watch

· Jim Carey has been in the hospital, so someone is needed to distribute the schedule.

· Pat Joyce will be calling to remind those who have committed time.

f. Christine Tate and Meg will help with welcoming new neighbors.

g. Concetta is working on a membership database, which will be published.

h. Leaf pickup in November will be announced in the next TNA newsletter.

i. Is anyone interested in neighborhood caroling during December?

j. Christine Tate can provide diagrams and a narrative explaining the lack of curb cutouts.

k. Next meeting in the Warner Elementary School cafeteria at 7 PM on Monday, November 7.

16. The meeting ended by 8:45 PM.