Triangle Neighborhood Association

February 2, 2009

 

1.                         The regular meeting of the Triangle Neighborhood Association was held on   Monday, February 2, 2009 in the Salesianum School Library.  It began at 7:04 PM.  There were 22 persons present, and 8 persons joined the meeting in process.

 

2.                         Howard Sholl, President of TNA, started the meeting by welcoming everyone.

 

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

·       Over the last month, there have been three alarms, one assault, one theft and 1 criminal mischief report.

·       Officer Matthew Severance, the TNA Community Police Officer, was in attendance.

·       Question: When a vandalism case goes to court, can we find out the resolution?  Answer: Each case is handled individually.  The Attorney General will contact the one who reported the criminal mischief.

 

4.                         Trippy Congo, 2nd District City Councilman, addressed the group:

·       I am and will be present at these meetings to hear your issues.

·       My contact information is:  218-8630 (cell), 384-7162 (home)

·       Question: Is it true that Verizon will not be providing services in the city.  We were looking for some competition.  Answer:  The issue will come up in City Council this week.  I will get someone to talk to us.

·       What do you expect from me each month?  Answer: To be kept up to date on City Council issues.

 

5.                         John Rago, Mayor’s Office, addressed the group:

·       The City is disappointed that Verizon pulled out.

·       History: Rollins promised cable to everyone, rich and poor.  Rollins is not able to provide.

·       Verizon wanted to transfer a commitment to an affiliate.

·       In short, Wilmington wants what other cities have.  Watch channel 23 for the proceedings.

·       There are questions about the build out of services.  There would be a penalty of $1,000 for each day, if contact is not fulfilled.

·       Customer service issues remain.

·       City was blasted in the News Journal newspaper about cable service.

·       Comcast announced it will close studio lease.

·       The City hopes to go back to Verizon.  We believe that Verizon has portrayed the City as unfair.

·       Eminent domain can be defined as: No one’s property can be taken without just compensation.

·       If eminent domain is lifted, the taxpayers would suffer.  This is a very difficult issue.

·       Harris McDowell, State Senator, proposed just compensation plus 20 percent plus re-settlement costs.

·       L & I was refused admission to a property in the 1900 block of Baynard.

·       Clean Wilmington Committee fliers were distributed.

 

6.                         Senator Harris B. McDowell, III, Legislative District 1.  addressed the group:

·       In the original cable act in 1950’s, Congress did not think that cable would go out of the cities.  So, there was no competing set of wires.  The result is a regulated monopoly.  We have evolved.

·       Two companies now, so they can compete.

·       Anarchism exists, so we need to re-examine.

·       We have a new Governor. We had two great candidates.  Mr. Markell is a quick study.  He starts with a ton of weight on his shoulders. 

·       Our economy is driven by the nation.   We are $600 million behind in the State budget, so there will be some pain.

·       Sustainable energy is worthy of consideration.  TNA is aware of the Blueprint Communities effort. The one problem is that nothing goes into a tank or on a meter.  We work to capture energy, so our bills will be lowered.  We could explain it as “Conservation through Efficiency.”

·       In the new federal stimulus package, Delaware will have $2.4 million to apply to small business and residences.

 

7.                         Greg Panik, TNA Treasurer, provided a report.

·       Balance of $4,000.

 

8.                         Tim Sharpe, Chair of Neighborhood Watch Committee, had no comments for the group, initially; however, he continued to thank the new volunteers.

 

9.                         Tom Baker said that someone on the Neighborhood Watch did not return the log book.

 

10.                      An issued was raised from the floor:  “Buses are still driving through the neighborhood.”  They are coming down 25th street.  A few remarks were made:

 

·       Cars are driving through stop signs routinely.  Reference: 20th and Franklin.

·       Some buses are looping at 19th street then proceed to I95.

·       From the floor:  Would someone be willing to monitor?

·       We need details, so City Council can act.

·       Sign: No buses allowed.  Can this be done?

·       Bus numbers are needed. Bus T60 comes down Harrison Street.

·       Franklin Street – John Collins said he would be willing to be on the lookout

 

11.                      Tom Baker thanked the police and the city officials for getting an abandoned house boarded up.

 

12.                      At 22nd and Harrison there is junk, trash and wallboard, which need to be collected.

 

13.                      Howard Sholl addressed the group:

·       TNA received a solicitation from Friends of the Park.  As in the past, we will send the usual check.

·       The trash schedule has been delivered to our homes.  It can be downloaded, also.

·       Red Clay School District is looking for a new superintendent.

·       Info is placed in the TNA egroup.

·       The June meeting will be at Salesianum.

 

14.                      Pat Joyce addressed the group:

·       Charles Park Studio can be visited.  It is close.

·       Sports Hall of Fame can be visited, but arrangements must be made.  Group rates are available.

·       Could TNA sponsor a volunteer day?  Howard said he will take it up with the Board.

 

15.                      Howard Sholl mentioned:

·       Blue Ball Barn admission is free for a time.

·       The path will be connected between the Brandywine Park and Alapocas Run State Park, according the Friends of the Park.

 

16.                      Frank Joyce asked about the presence of any new members.   No one responded to the question.

 

17.                      The meeting ended at 8:05 PM