WECA MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 20TH 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7pm, by President Patricia Woodward.
Minutes: The Minutes from the June WECA meeting - taken by * were distributed. * made a motion* to accept them and * ‘seconded’ this. The Minutes were unanimously approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Helen Hillstrom distributed statements detailing the balance of funds as at 30th June. * made a motion* to accept these and * ‘seconded’ it. The motion was unanimously approved.
Old Business:
BLOCK CAPTAINS: Rose presented an updated list of forty-four Block Captains. However, areas 3A and 6A still need to be filled, both are on W.Montgomery Avenue. If anyone can be of help delivering the newsletter here please contact Rose.
THE WECA NEWSLETTER: Patricia outlined the proposed content of the upcoming newsletter and stated that the deadline for ad’s and articles would be 1st October. All pieces should be submitted to Editor Kathy Smeltzer, (her e mail is available on request from President Patricia Woodward). Amongst others, future articles discussed were– a Candidates’ forum, (18th October – see ‘new business’ for further details). Others pertained to new, postal services available within Roger Miller’s Frame Shop, the usage of Rockville’s Library building and West End realty sales. An update of the Mount Pleasant Church situation and RORZOR, will also be included, especially the residential aspect, as will TCAT (Town Center) issues. Other possible articles will concern pedestrian safety at Richard Montgomery High School, and finally, anti crime ‘tips’ to help safeguard residents and generally raise awareness. The inclusion of various local blogs and City based websites were also discussed and *, (as webmaster for the WECA site), will explore these issues further.
THE DUBALL DEVELOPMENT AT TOWN CENTER: Patricia relayed Duball’s new proposal for a mid price range hotel to be included in their West building. After assessing photographs and plans of the project, a lengthy discussion ensued which lead to a motion* being made by *. He succinctly proposed that a letter be written from WECA stating that we oppose the new changes proposed for Duball’s current project, and also that Patricia, should testify as such, to all appropriate parties including the Mayor & Council/ Planning Commission etc. * ‘seconded’ this and a vote was taken. Thirteen were in favor of the motion and 1 opposed, the motion was carried. A comment was made to remind all citizens that they are eligible to state their opinion at the Open Forum at City Hall. Also, that the Planning Commission and others rely heavily on residents’ input to gain a well rounded picture before reaching their decision. Others were alarmed about the potential parking issues that may occur. The hotel plans state that there will be 175 keys/rooms and that the hotel and retail parking will be separate from the residential area of 230 dwellings. Many people also commented unfavorably upon the interior design and ‘build out’ of the hotel. After several people contributed their opinions, * crafted a motion* that WECA add to the letter the fact that, to go ahead with the numbers proposed would lead to such small residential units being less desirable and therefore less ‘marketable’, (the lack of ‘outside windows was also discussed, as was the current glut of unsold one bedroom apartments in Town Center). So in short, the letter would clearly recommend that Duball reduce the number of residential units, yet keep them to the original, square footage size presented to community groups at the very outset of the project. In addition to this, Patricia was asked to mention that the style of the interiors and general ‘build out’ of the hotel was not seen as being consistent with the character or a true reflection of Historic Rockville. This motion was ‘seconded’ by *, and a vote was taken. 11 were for the proposal and 3 opposed. The motion was carried.
A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SUMMER:
SIDEWALK FOR BEALL AVENUE: Work is scheduled to start 17th September for the section from North Van Buren to Luckett St - the sidewalk is hoped, weather permitting to be completed by mid November. In 2008 the other sidewalks are scheduled to be installed from Lynch to Mannakee St and Mannakee to Owens St. Walk the block meetings were held in March and June ’07 for the 200, 300 & 700 block so that residents could give their input. A walk the block meeting for the 500 block of Beall is planned for sometime this Fall. The sidewalk design will comprise of a 5ft wide with handicapped accessible ramps and a concrete curb. Some residents were disappointed that the City was ultimately unable to narrow the width of the sidewalk, to take into consideration parts of Beall Ave that vary in width. This was because the bulk of the money obtained for the project, came from a Federal ‘Walk to School Safely’ program, which has specific standards that need to be met in order gain access to the funds. Residents will not have to pay anything toward this project and all existing driveway aprons will be replaced with new, concrete aprons.
IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AT MONUMENT:* spoke of a project destined to improve pedestrian safety where Rose Hill meets Falls Road. The pedestrian crossing will be raised and clearly marked but not have a pedestrian light. A landscaped median and other lane changes are also planned near Rose Petal Lane. This project was first discussed in the Summer of 2006. Maria will check on updates and feed back information at the next meeting.
WELCOME SIGNS ON MARYLAND AVE: Some landscaping has already been completed, but the actual positioning of the signs still needs approval from the Mayor & Council. As soon as those details are finalized the project can hopefully move forward to completion.
New Business:
A CANDIDATES’ FORUM: The next WECA meeting will be a Candidates’ Forum and will be held on October …. at 7pm at Rockville Presbyterian Church. Several candidates for Mayoral and Council positions will attend and many ‘hot’ topics will be discussed. Mimi Vitol has kindly offered to provide light refreshments for the event.
CITY UPDATE: Maria Broadbent presented a variety of information, more details concerning the events can be found on the City website.
1) The Old Post Office: the organization providing a day service for the homeless community has withdrawn their application. Maria will provide an update if there is any change concerning the Police Dept. and this building.
2) The latter have just won an award for the 5th consecutive year for meeting high standards in policing.
3) Bealls Grant Apartments: The owners are now proposing that a section of their building be dedicated specifically for seniors. By pursuing this route, they hope to meet the existing legal standards necessary for the project to move forward. Previously they could not as Beall Elementary was already oversubscribed.
4) The Rockville City Police Department is currently seeking new recruits, next exam held on 9/29 at noon at the Senior Center.
5) Candidate Debates: three televised debates will be featured during October on the Rockville Channel (TRC11). They will be on October 4th at King Farm Community Center (7pm), 9th at the Social Hall, F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre (7pm), and 16th at Lakewood Country Club (7pm). They’ll be broadcast at later dates.
6) The Home Owners Tax Credit Program, deadline has been extended until Oct 31st.
50th Anniversary of the twinning of Rockville and Pinneberg, celebrations will be held from 7-11.30pm, on October 7th at the new library. Tickets are available from City Hall or online.
7) Rockville is having a Western style Chilli Cook Off on September 29th, in keeping with the theme, a mechanical bull has also been hired for the event.
8) The City is reviewing the long term plan of their Parks & Recreation Dept. This is in order to meet the growing changes and needs of Rockville’s current population and to take into consideration changing demographics in the future. To discuss this and add your opinion there will be two meetings: 10th October at Civic Center Park, (downstairs in the F.Scott Fitzgerald Theatre), and 11th October, 7-9pm at Rockville’s Senior Center.
DILAPIDATED PROPERTIES: * raised the subject of certain ‘eyesores’ in the vicinity, ie:100 Montgomery and Burbanks, and 200 Dale etc. Maria explained that the whole issue is still being worked on by the City’s Legal Department as it involved many complexities. However, many attendees then recounted assurances that were made to deal with these complaints, at the Town Hall style Meeting at CES. Several residents were dissatisfied with the slowness with which the City is addressing the issue and commented upon the speed with which the City acts over seemingly minor infringements.ie; lawn grass that is a little long on an otherwise well kept property. The majority of the group was anxious to have this issue dealt with in a timely fashion, and asked Maria to give a clear, updated response in October.
NEW POLICE LIAISON OFFICER: Sergeant Eric Over of the Rockville City Police Department introduced himself as the new liaison officer for the neighborhood association. He emphasized his availability and will be pleased to clarify any issues as well as give talks to the group if requested.
NOISE BARRIERS FOR 1-270: * spoke of an issue that * has been spearheading for 6.5 years. This concerns the potential installation of noise barriers along I 270, (near Owens Street). Earlier in September * met with Delegates Simmons and Andrews and this issue is now, once more moving forward. Delegate Andrews is to present a plan to the County Council, proposing that funding is raised from Federal sources ( 80%), the County or elsewhere (20%) and the City of Rockville (10%).
KARN PARK: * distributed a plan showing landscape design for Karn Park, a parcel of land which was donated by the Karn family to the City over 30 years ago, and it has remained undeveloped. However, the City has now allocated $15,000 for a beautification project – a noticeable difference should be seen by Thanksgiving. Local neighbors are apparently keen to participate in the maintenance of the park along with the City.
THIRTY OAKS: (Buckingham) One resident voiced her concern about a similar piece of undeveloped land, which is overgrown with wisteria and bamboo. She was advised to contact Rob Orndorf at City Hall, and/or Paul Newman, the area Block Captain.
INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION: A discussion began about community contact and interactive ways of communicating. It concluded by inviting a resident to be an online moderator if they had the time to fulfill such an undertaking. * suggested she contact ‘Freecycle’ Rockville, an online service for people who want to give items away, hence the name. * suggested ‘Rockville Central’, an informative blog where locals can, amongst other things, list services and products for sale.
PEERLESS ROCKVILLE: Are working on the conservation and beautification of ‘Frieda’s Cottage’ at Chestnut Lodge. They are inviting people to tour the property on Sat. 29th September between 8am and noon. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own picks and shovels to work in the grounds around the cottage.
* made a motion* to adjourn the meeting. * ‘seconded’ it. The vote was unanimously agreed and the meeting was adjourned at 8.55pm.
NB: *THE NEXT WECA MEETING WILL BE A CANDIDATES’ FORUM, 7pm, October 19th, at Rockville Presbyterian Church Harrison Street.
Respectfully submitted
Jan Balkam