Triangle Neighborhood Association Meeting

Monday, November 6, 2006

 

1.                  Howard Sholl, TNA President, began the meeting at 7:07 PM.  There were 25 persons present, and five more joined the meeting later.

2.                  Howard made the following announcements:

·        Tomorrow is Election Day.  Question from the floor: How do you register a write-in vote? Answer: Push the button on the left hand side of the booth.   A red light will flash. A space for writing a name is available.  Write the name of the person, and then make the rest of your selections. Finally, push the green button.

3.                  Tom Baker addressed the group:

·        There have been 13 thefts and one burglary in our area recently.

·        A detective has been assigned to investigate.

·        There are fliers on the front desk describing a person wanted for questioning.

·        The recent crime report is not good.

·        Howard interjected to advise the group to keep windows locked and keep porch lights on.

·        Call the police if you see anything suspicious (654-5151).

·        Neighborhood watch is necessary even during the rain.  Poor weather conditions can act as a cover for those attempting to commit a crime.

4.                  Norm Griffiths addressed the group:

·        There have been a number of robberies in the downtown area:

o       Oct 18  11:30 PM

o       Oct 21 9:50 PM with a hand gun

·        The city wants to develop downtown; however, these crimes deter persons from coming downtown.

·        The best advice is to keep alert and walk like you mean business.  Do not portray any signs of weakness.  The police have stepped up the patrols.

·        There was a robbery on a small street near the Washington Ale House.

·        In the 2800 block of Franklin Street, a young man was found shot in his car.  The victim had a long criminal record.  His friends have erected a memorial with balloons, stuffed toys and candles. He lived down on 4th street.

·        Norm had an opportunity to talk to the police academy class.  His topic was city government, and provided them with a handout of the city structure.

·        City Council has addressed once more the issue of combined sewer overflow.  Like other cities, Wilmington is being watched by the EPA for violations.

·        The city is investigating “real time control’ with a series of doorways to channel overflow.  Funds have been authorized to employ a vendor from Canada to help remedy the situation.

·        Bud Freel has raised the issue of multiple cars claimed by one household in a residential parking area.  As it stands now, no one person can have his/her name on three or more cars. If an individual can show that children live in the sticker area, an exception can be made.  The measure is meant to stop commuters from taking up spaces in areas where parking is at a premium.

·        A related issue concerns persons changing oil, break pads and the like on the city streets.  At times old oil is dumped down sewers. If anyone should witness this type of activity, call to report the matter to Norm or to Captain Maggitti.

·        Pat Joyce raised a question: Are you aware of the rash of burglaries in our area of the city?  There have been eight burglaries and four attempts recently.  A police car should be circling our neighborhood.  Answer:  Yes, I am aware and the police are aware.

·        Norm reported a personal incident near 28th and Baynard.  Some one asked if he could cut the grass in a homeowner’s yard.   During the conversation the individual said: Don’t make me steal.”

·        A word of caution: leave nothing on a car seat.

·        When the new police academy class graduates in March, there will be more police on the street.

·        Police Officers constantly share information with one another.

·        The business persons in the downtown area pay an improvements fee for sweeping and police service.

5.                  Captain Maggitti addressed the group:

·        Tom Baker has been given the crime stats, and they are not good.

·        The city is divided into eight districts.  There is one car in each district.

·        Mischief night was quiet; however, Halloween was not quiet.

·        An argument resulted in the death of a 26 year old at the hands of a 16 year old.  The suspect was picked up on Bennett Street.

·        The police wish they could assign more officers to each district.  Right now we operate on a triage approach.

·        The police have issued a flier on Wayne Jackson, who is being sought for questioning.

·        Question from the floor: “Two men were loitering around the zoo.  Do I report it as suspicious behavior? Answer: Yes, let the police check it out, at least.

·        As a rule of thumb, if standing on corner is known to draw police, then those loitering will leave to go to another corner.

·        There have been burglaries around 5:00 and 6:00 AM.  Some persons go out early to warm up their cars or to go jogging.  A car can be stolen, or a bike can be taken off a porch.   Give the police a call to run an assessment on the security of your homes.

·        The two officers for the Triangle Neighborhood area, Chris and John, are on nights this week.

·        We now have crime stats for most of 2005 and all of 2006.

·        Three Dodge Caravans have been stolen recently. The early 1990’s Chrysler products are easy to steal.

·        Question from the floor: On what side of the laws is Craig Thornton?  Answer:  He is clear currently, but do not give him any work to do on your lawn or in your home.  Make it uncomfortable for him, so he will go to another place.

·        Question from the floor:  Is anything going well?  Answer: Yes, the Safe Streets program is going along well. Probation officers and police work well together.  They are empowered to search homes at any time, and they have taken guns off the streets.

·        Community Watch training will become available.  Tom Baker is persistent.  Members of the community need to be the eyes and ears of the police; however, do not get in the middle of things.

 

6.                  John Rego from the Mayor’s Office addressed the group:

·        The way neighborhoods look is important.  Trash indicates that a criminal can do his work.  Vacant properties are a menace.

·        Instant ticketing will take effect in Wilmington in January, but will not be seen until April.  Code enforcement officers will get to know the area, and will go after consistent violators. A $50 ticket will be issued day in and day out to violators.  If not paid, the fee will be attached to property tax.  This applied to tenants as well as property owners.   This is not a fund raiser for the city.  The officers will be trained to be prudent.

·        Recycling is taking place in six areas of the city with an 85 % participation rate.  The results show a diversion of 29% from land fill.  About 19 pounds per household is the norm, and a good program can rise to 22 pounds per household.   The mayor wants the recycling program to be expanded city-wide.   The color of the containers will be changed to maroon

·        A yard waste ban is expected to go into effect on January 1, but probably will be delayed.  Place your leaves near the curb, and a composting company will collect the piles. Yard waste bags are being considered with the possibility of a payment per bag.  

·        Pat Joyce mentioned that the sewers at 21st and Van Buren, and also 22nd and Harrison have collapsed.

·        There is an effort underway to paint the bridges in the neighborhood in somewhat the same fashion as the bridges are painted in Newark area.  We have to be persistent.

7.                  Howard Sholl addressed the group again to say that Lee will collect forms for those who want to join TNA.  There will be a drawing.

8.                  Lee McKelvey, the TNA Treasurer, reported a balance of  $3,854.

9.                  Tim Sharpe announced that there are ten new persons involved with Neighborhood Watch.  They are: Les Hendrix, Gary Camp, Andrew Walls, Valerie McDonald, Cheryl Chapnick, Jim Carey, Mike Lavr, Jim Cycyk, Frank Bafundo and Kevin McLaughlin.

·        More persons are welcome to join.

·        Two Town Watch signs fell off the cars.  We have two signs now, but we used to have four.

·        Norm Griffiths volunteered to  get two more signs,

10.              Frank Joyce addressed the group:

·        New members are signing up

·        Leaves will be picked up on November 20, 2006 in our neighborhood.

11.              A drawing was held.  All those who have paid their TNA registration fee are eligible.  There were five gift certificates to be awarded.   The winners were: J. Nuttal; Frank and Mary Jo Habb; Patricia McBride; Greg and Wendy Pollock and Dr. Victor Venturena.

12.              Concetta will put the new names in the TNA database.

13.              Any other business?

·        We should be aware of the blinking light on Concord Avenue.  It is before the I95 exit ramp.  It warns about an upcoming red signal.

·        Question: Is it possible to get a guest parking sticker? Answer from Norm: Yes, call 576-3980 and ask for a “Do not tag” sticker.

·        John Rego mentioned that the plans for the synagogue are beautiful.  The congregation has decided to stay in the city.  More lights will be added on the property.

·        Any pole lights which have been knocked out should be reported to the city.

·        Work on the new playground will begin in the new year.

14.              The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.