Triangle Neighborhood Association

Meeting Summary

Monday, November 3, 2008

 

1.               The normal meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held at the Warner School Library on Monday, November 3, 2008, and began at 7:02 PM.  There were 35 persons present at the start of the meeting.  Thirteen additional persons joined the meeting in progress.

2.               Howard Sholl, TNA President, made a few announcements:

·       Recent crime stats for the neighborhood will be posted on our yahoo group.

·       Mrs. Madeline Perry was introduced.  She has a request for a zoning variance.

3.               Mrs. Madeline Perry addressed the group:

·       Her home is at 2011 Monroe Court, and a zoning variance is being requested.

·       She would like to build an addition consisting of one story with a porch.

·       There is a need for a wheelchair accessible entrance.

·       Support of the association is being requested.

·       Norm Griffiths addressed the group about the requested zoning variance:

o      A November 12 hearing has been scheduled, and Mrs. Perry’s request has been placed on the agenda.

o      She has talked with the local councilman and the President of the civic group.  Tonight she came to speak at the TNA meeting.  She is seeking a straw poll at the meeting.

o      She has gotten signatures from the neighbors.

·       The new construction will be closer to property line than normal, so a variance is needed.

·       Observation from the floor: There are some serious code issues here in addition to variance.

·       Norm asked about roof rain water runoff.  No answer was provided.

·       Vote: Majority was in favor of the variance, and one person abstained.

4.               Captain Harris, Wilmington Police Department, addressed the group:

·       Good news: There were extra patrols on October 30 and 31, and there were no problems on Mischief Night and Halloween.

·       There have been break ins, and thefts from vehicles.  These are considered criminal mischief.

·       Crime stats are available.

·       On the day after Thanksgiving, there will be a Christmas parade Market St. which will end at 9th and King.

·       Observation from Howard: There are gatherings in the park after dark.  Answer: Please call the police.

·       We have witnessed a rash of car break-ins. Seven tires were slashed.

·       Use the non-emergency number (302-654-5151) to report incidents.

·       Cell phone 911 calls may go to the New Castle County.

·       Arrested juveniles are adjudicated by Family Court.

·       He will check on the legal grounds for publishing pictures and names of arrested juveniles.   

5.               Tom  Baker addressed the group:

·       He serves as the representative to the Blueprint Community. 

·       The removal of graffiti from bridge on Route 202 is being considered.  This is a responsibility of New Castle County.

6.               State Senator Harris B. McDowell, III  addressed the group:

·       Concerning the traffic on Route 202, a line of reflectors will be installed at the Miller Street lane, as one approaches Broom Street.

·       Although the economy is not in the best of shape, we will recover.  There will be a decrease in services.  The state budget will experience $250 million loss of revenue.  There is little fat in State Budget.  You can be a help by acting as a conduit of information to your representatives.

7.               Norman Griffith, City Councilman for the Second District, addressed the group:

·       On the mind of the city leadership now is how we will experience cuts.

·       The current Police Academy will bring the police department strength to 340.  Currently, the city loses one officer a month.

·       Law enforcement is 32% of the city’s budget.

·       The city will get funds for capital projects, in particular the water treatment plant over the Brandywine will receive repairs.

·       Be aware of the need to pay the “Earned Income” tax, even if you work outside of the city.  Efforts are made to collect back income taxes.  New residents need to be told about the income taxes. There have been some mailings to inform citizens.

·       The important election tomorrow will have a record turn out.

8.               Howard Sholl announced that polls will open at 7 AM and will remain open until 8 PM.

9.               Tim Sharpe requested new members for Neighborhood Watch.   Interested persons are asked to see him at the end of the meeting.

10.            Frank McKelvey mentioned that there are some bits of information everyone needs to know.   Perhaps we could design the top ten things one should know to live in the Triangle.  Howard suggested that the Board discuss this suggestion.

11.            Tom Baker spoke about the active e-group we have in the neighborhood.  It is a great way to communicate.

12.            Observation from the floor:  School buses come through the neighborhood, and cars get sideswiped. Howard Sholl suggested we talk about this issue in the future.

13.            Pat Joyce announced that the food bank needs food.  It is in Newark at route 72.

14.            From the floor: The recent Halloween party was a success. Kim led the effort.

15.            Tom Baker mentioned that the Red Clay School District chillers are quiet now, due to the fall season.

16.            The meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM.