Triangle Neighborhood Association

October 6, 2008

 

          The October 2008 meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held on October 6, 2008 in the Warner Elementary School library.   The meeting began at 7:03 PM.   There were 17 persons present at the start of the meeting, and 10 persons joining the meeting in progress.

 

  1. Howard Sholl, President of the Association, introduced the officers and members of the Board of Directors.  He acknowledged the presence of Captain Harris, Norman Griffith and Justen Wright.
  2. Captain Harris, Wilmington Police Department, addressed the group:
    1. Packages are being stolen off of porches.
    2. Criminal mischief is occurring late at night.
    3. Two young persons were arrested recently. They were caught in the 2100 block of Van Buren Street.
    4. Another person was locked up for stealing packages.
    5. The new class of police recruits is currently at 28.  They hope to graduate in January 2009.
    6. Observation from the floor: Once before we talked about lower hanging lights on the streets.  There was no response.
    7. Question from the floor:  In today’s newspaper there is a story about 120 new police officers for New Castle County.  Has the city made an offer to increase salaries for city police?  Answer from Norm Griffiths: Hiring will be spread out over five years.  Money is the big issue, but not the only issue.
  3. Howard acknowledged the presence of Herman Holloway, Mike Brown and Trippi Congo.  Mr. Congo is running unopposed, so he will be our councilman on January 3, 2009.
  4. Norm Griffith addressed the group:
    1. A handout about a “Shredding Event” on November 1, 2008 was distributed. We must be careful of identity theft.
    2. In a city Finance Committee meeting, funds were requested for the repair/replacement of the membrane of the filter plant on the Brandywine.  There is another question about the sewer and water mains, which are over ninety years old.  The ability to borrow money will become a concern.  It was reported that the revenue from tickets has increased.   Remember that after $75 in fees has accrued, a car will be booted.
    3. The city is in a squeeze.  It cannot expand, so it must find nearby sources of income.
    4. The nation’s financial issues will impact Wilmington.  There are storm clouds in the distance.  We must all consider sustainability.
    5. Local TV station 22 will broadcast and re-broadcast Finance Committee meetings.
    6. Question:  Is instant ticketing working in our neighborhood?  Answer:  Yes.  There are a lot of things happening behind the scene. 
    7. I express my appreciation for being able to serve as your Second District councilman for 16 years.  I will continue to serve until January 2009.
  5. Michael  Brown, Councilman At Large, addressed the group:
    1. There are many difficult decisions facing the city, especially financial ones.
    2. We must be good watchdogs of the people’s money.
    3. We are on the move.  In the next few years, you will see members of the city government working as a team.
    4. Congratulations.  TNA is the only local organization that has a Town Watch.
  6. Howard brought some neighborhood business to the floor:
    1. There will be a progressive dinner.  The registration form can be found in the October 2008 Newsletter. Details: Make checks payable to Concetta LaMarca; $15 per person; respond by October 25.
    2. After investigation, it was determined that the people running the stop signs are from the neighborhood, not outsiders.  Even the owners of trucks, which are running the stop signs, live in the neighborhood. We need to be careful of the many children in our neighborhood.
    3. TNA is in the middle of its membership drive.
    4. Our annual Halloween Parade will be on Sunday, October 26th at 3 PM.  It will begin in the parking lot of Warner School.
  7. J. J. Nuttall spoke for Frank Joyce, who could not attend the meeting.  He announced that Julia Mercia will serve as the new regional block captain.
  8. Tim Sharpe thanked people for being involved with the Neighborhood Watch.  A suggestion would be for persons to stand outside their houses on Friday, October 31 as the children go about their Halloween visits.
  9. Tom Baker mentioned that the chillers discussed at the pervious meetings have been found to be too loud.  The City will be approaching the Red Clay School District to resolve this issue.
  10. An observation from the floor:  The repaving of 19th street has been completed; however, some things have not been restored to their original condition.
  11. The candidates for local offices introduced themselves to the group and offered a few brief comments. 
    1. Trippi Congo:

                                                    i.     Seeking to become the Councilperson for the Second District,

                                                  ii.     I look forward to meeting each of you.

                                                iii.     Tonight, I came to listen.

                                                iv.     I live at 24th and Market at the Congo Funeral Home.

    1. Justen Wright:

                                                    i.     Seeing to become the At-Large Councilperson,

                                                  ii.     Looking forward to speaking with all those living in the Triangle Neighborhood.

                                                iii.     I am willing to help each of you.

    1. Michael Brown:

                                                    i.     Seeking re-election as Councilperson-At-Large,

                                                  ii.     I am the only Republican that sits on City Council.

                                                iii.     I will continue to focus on the issues.

    1. Herman Holloway, Jr.:

                                                    i.     Seeking to become City Council President,

                                                  ii.     An informational flier was distributed.

                                                iii.     I have a long history of experience.  I have served in General Assembly and been involved with budget issues.

                                                iv.     There are too many guns.

    1. Norman Griffith:

                                                    i.     Seeking to become City Council President,

                                                  ii.     I have a history of community outreach.

                                                iii.     For twenty-five years, I have been employed by DuPont in the legal department.

                                                iv.     I served on the Board of Trustees of Del Tech.

  1. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

 

 

                                                                                     Compiled by

                                                                                     Fr. J. Dalton

                                                                                     November 2, 2008