H/PNA

Hudson/Park Neighborhood Association
Albany, New York

September 19, 2007

Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Roger Bearden, President.

Attendance as follows: Roger Bearden - President, Ellen Picotte - Vice President, Richard Brash - Treasurer, Richard Berkley - Zoning and Codes Chair, Leslie Javarone, Collin Rost, Rich Azzopardi, Lili Kelly, Scott Jarzombek, Kathy Bilos, John Carson, Steph Richardson, Nabil Botros, Melissa Mansfield, Joseph Burke, Carrie Barnett, Lauren Ryba, Paul Miller, Michael Weidrich, Donald Wardle, Todd Nelson, JoAnn Stevelos, Matt Montesano, Charlie Sullivan, Dan Malsan, ,Jodi Danaher, Richard Conti, Brad Glass, Mac Mowbray, JoAnne Dolan, Tom Bourke

An Announcement by Scott Jarzombek was made regarding our website is a work in progress.

Michael Weidrich, Lark Street BID Executive Director - Mr. Weidrich thanked the association for our sponsorship of First Friday and the Family Zone for Larkfest. Michael introduced himself, indicated he commenced his role as ED in April, has survived all the recent activities this summer. He is having discussions with the BID membership along with HPNA and Center Square NA to improve Lark Street and the BID and would like to develop a committee with reps from all three groups. He will email committee opportunities. He is exploring how to stimulate retail business. Several suggestions were made from the floor, including a pharmacy. S. Richardson suggested establishing resources to help struggling businesses, N. Botros suggested providing additional parking. Mr. Weidrich will have an “open door” policy for suggestions.
To answer a question from the floor, the V-Pass is no longer in effect

Codes and Zoning: Hollywood Café, 275 Lark Street – the application for a use variance to allow for the expansion of an existing nonconforming use as a tavern to include a rear outdoor cafe was distributed. Owner Colin Rost described recent patio and parking lot improvements including lighting, fencing, security cameras and paving. The outdoor patio has been there since 1982. He also indicated that he has been working on fixing problems at Café Hollywood, and has been training and educating the new staff and managers and providing policies to remediate noise, trash, abuse of the parking lot, etc.. He also now has a working kitchen and menu, serving dinner to 12:00 midnight on weekdays and weekends (Friday-Sat.) til 3:00 am. Mr. Rost responded to questions from the floor.

Comments from the membership can be posted at codesandzoning@hudsonpark.org

Codes and Zoning: 404 Madison Avenue – application for use variance to allow for the increase of units from two to three at 404 Madison Avenue. Applicant not present. The Application was distributed via our website. Discussion and comments were heard from the floor. Rich Berkley will provide more details for discussion and opinions on the website.

Public Safety/Albany Police – Matt Montesano discussed the recent meeting with Chief Tuffey regarding incidents in the neighborhood including a daylight mugging at Washington and South Swan Streets and recent robberies. The perpetrators of the robberies entailed assault from behind; a description of the two perpetrators was given; the area is being saturated with police and all beat cops have been deployed. Matt’s unit has provided a safety presentation for the workers located at 99 Washington Avenue. He urged residents to leave porch lights on, sit on your front porch and has asked bar owners to have a bouncer out front to advise patrons leaving to be safe. Matt has spoken with the manager of the Price Chopper regarding the noise/condition of their parking lot. He will continue to monitor the situation. He can be reached at 447-7875.

Tracey Condon was introduced as our new Beat/Bike Policeperson. She can been reached at 458-9420 between 6:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Emergency Services Report – Lt. William Jones had to leave early, no report given.

Albany County Legislature – Chirs Burke no present – no report given

Albany Common Council – Richard Conti – Richard attended a Public Safety Meeting to establish a public safety structure for Park South, Hudson/Park and Center Square. We need to identify issues and have policies to deal with them. Need more community involvement and all are welcome to provide comments.

Treasurer’s Report – Richard Brash distributed and reviewed the Treasurer’s Report.
Upcoming Events: October 20, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm – Family Harvest Festival at the Hudson/Jay Turnaround Park. Honest Weight Food Coop will sponsor this event. Jessica Hayek of Park Avenue will assist residents with various activities.

Blue Moon - This event will be held on November 17th at 6:00 at the Senior Services Center, 25 Delaware Avenue and all are invited. Volunteers are needed to help organize and set-up.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Picotte, VP

Minutes 2/15/06

2/15/06 Minutes:
Officers Present: Ellen Picotte, Richard Brash, Danielle Sanzone

Members Present: Rev. Smart, Rom Marasinski, Edward B. Smart, JoAnne Dolan, Eileen Dulay, Chief James Tuffey, APO Mike Colbert, APO Loren Grugan, Janine Jurkowski, AFD Bill Jones, APO Matthew Montesano, Aferdita Bardhi, Michael Tuman, Nancy Goody, Juan Peiom, Kathleen Kearney, Paul Miller, Tom Bourke, John Frederick

Introductions and Welcome
Change to January’s Minutes: HRC abbreviation, observed by Ellen Picotte.
Approval of Minutes from 1/18/06, motioned by JoAnne Dolan, seconded by Janine Jurkowski
Announcements: Ellen talked about the First Night Feedback surveys, the need for volunteer to help Jodi with the newsletter and the success of the brunch.

Speaker: Nancy Goody of Irving Street from Citizens for Responsible Zoning --Goody talked about the zoning changes on Holland Avenue. It was changed from a commercial zone to a commercial highway. Goody and her organization believe this action is illegal, not needed, unfair, and environmentally unsafe. The group is filing a law suit but they need money and support from the communities around Holland Avenue. For more information, contact Goody at: nhg5@columbia.edu or 453-9780.

A motion passed to help the organization: it was motioned by Reverend Smart and was seconded by Richard Brash.

Treasurer’s Report: Richard Brash asked people to continue paying dues and provided a monthly budget statement.

Speaker: Chief James Tuffey, Albany City Police--The recently appointed police chief said that his officers, in our neighborhood and in the rest of the city, are doing a great job. The police are trying to cooperate with the school district to solve some problems there. Tuffey believes that everyone –neighborhoods, police, schools, other organizations-need to work together.
Issues about local graffiti incidents, dog leash laws, fast traffic, pedestrian safety, drugs and prostitution were raised by several neighborhood residents.

Ellen Picotte also asked where these gang members and troublemakers come from—NYC? To which Tuffey answered that many people involved in such gang organizations are homegrown. The police are working hard to take action to stop this cycle.

Albany Police Department Report: Presented by Mike Colbert--There was a narcotics raid at 216 Elm St. Two arrests were made and heroine was found. There was also an arrest at
Bombers.

Matthew Montesano also talked about how bottle scavenging is illegal as is leaving bottles out for people to look through. He also recommended joining the local neighborhood watch.
Bill Jones also announced that there would be a quality of life meeting at the Schuyler Mansion on Feb. 21 at 6p.m. He explained that the south end revitalization affects all of the neighborhoods. Jones is with the Investigation/Code Enforcement Unit, he is mainly specializing in quality of life and code enforcement issues. To contact him: 447-7879 or wjones@albany-ny.org

Kathleen Kearney said there was a break-in on Willett Street. Mirrors and oil paintings were stolen from the front foyer/vestibule.

County Legislature Report: Presented by John Frederick.--He has been appointed to the civic center committee which will be making decisions about the Pepsi Arena and the new convention center.

He announced that the installment plan was passed for a one year pilot plan. Now building owners keep their properties and put more money into them. He also talked about the county buying new voting machines which may or may not be touch screen operated.

Old Business: BZA-approved the plan for 235A Elm. Block Captains – there will be samples of the new neighborhood brochures at the H/PNA meeting in March.

New Business: Need chairs for annual events besides Blue Moon. Also need ideas for speakers.

Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Sanzone
Secretary

Minutes 1/18/06

1/18/06 Minutes:
Officers Present: Judy Levin, Ellen Picotte, Richard Brash, Danielle Sanzone
Members Present: Mac Mowbray, Paul Miller, John Frederick, APO Mike Colbert, APO Loren
Grogan; Juan Picasso, Eileen Dulsey, Jodi Danaher, Steph Richardson, JoAnne Dolan, Marie NewmanBruschi, Romuald & Rebecca Marasinski, Anthony Sutherland, Leslie Javarone-French, Marion Smart, Felicia Collins, Bryan O’Malley, Peter Levin, APO Matthew Montesano, Eileen_____

Welcome and Introductions
Guest Speaker: Patricia Fahy, former Albany Board of Education member discussed five areas in her presentation. She focused on performance standards/academics, funding, making the schools smaller, safety in the schools, and competitions/privatization.
Mac commented on issues that arise when the high schools are overcrowded; Ms. Fahy agreed. Stephanie also asked how the community can become more involved. Fahy responded by talking about a program which would have mentors for seventh-graders to give them a head start in the college search. It was also discussed how up to 80 teachers may be retiring this year. That is almost one-tenth of the total amount of Albany teachers.
Questions? Fahy’s email: pat.fahy@yahoo.com

Announcements: Website has bulletin board and within the first weekend of the website being active, it had over 200 hits.

Approval of Minutes from 12/21/06 was motioned by Mac and seconded by Stephanie.
Treasurer’s Report: Attendees were reminded to pay dues. A vote to donate $250 to the Senior Center was motioned by Stephanie and seconded by Jodi.

Police Report: given by Mike Colbert: Arrested a “parking toll-collector” at Jay and Lark Streets; someone was arrested at the Dunkin Donuts; there was an attack on Jefferson; Eileen’s car has been broken into 13 times in the past year. The police said they patrol these areas frequently, especially Jefferson. They said they depend on the public’s effort as well.
The South Station phone number is 462-8049. Non-Emergency calls: 438-4000.

Emergency Services: no report

County Legislature report: John Frederick: He is seeking suggestions for ways to increase support for The Egg since he was appointed to The Egg’s Board. County budget was passed in December. There were no property tax increases and no layoffs. The Albany County-sponsored Safe Ride program on New Year’s Eve was a success. It gave hundreds of rides and one driver saved people from a fire. He is working on a plan to allow commercial property owners to pay delinquent taxes in installments. Currently owners would have to pay the full amount or foreclose. The installments would have a hefty interest rate. He is also working with the DA to improve Park South and wants to beautify Dana Park. Members of that neighborhood association asked if people from H/PNA would help with the beautification process.
Common Council: Richard was re-elected; check out website for more information.
CANA: Leslie reported discussions on several issues: the need for comprehensive zoning in Albany; the need for public cable access and a reminder that people may not leave cars running when they are not in the vehicle: it is against the law.

CRC: Ellen reported that the owner of 58 Delaware Avenue made a request to put vinyl on the front façade; the request was denied.

Old Business: Stephanie reported on the Block Captain Initiative: Not many people have signed up to be lock captains or alternates; she suggested that she would recruit temporary “captains” until the plan is ore developed. It may take until June. Official “block captains” will make it easier to give out/get nformation. This initiative also includes plans to design welcome packets, provide H/PNA stationery and in general, provide more “polish” to neighborhood activities. 10-12 people are needed to sign up. Suggestions? Please fill out forms she passed out and or email her.

New Business: Judy reported on Brunch plans: help is needed on Saturday 2/11 and Sunday2/12 for moving supplies from Mac’s garage, shopping and cooking. The brunch will be Sunday, Feb. 12 from
10-2 at the Senior Center.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Sanzone

Minutes 3/15/06

3/15/06 Minutes:
Officers Present: Judy Levin, Ellen Picotte, Richard Brash, Danielle Sanzone
Members and Visitors Present: Mac Mowbray, Paul Miller, John Frederick, Brian Levine, APO Mike Colbert, AFD Bill Jones, APO Matt Montesano, Dan Malsan, Andrew Harvey, Edward B. Smart, Judy Stacey, Marie Bruschi, Tom Bourke, Loren Grugan, Richard Berkley, John DeJohn
Changes to February’s Minutes: John Frederick is on the committee for the convention center (not the conference center), the address for the BZA building is 235A Elm, and we are looking for people to head all H/PNA events except Blue Moon
Approval of Minutes

Guest Speaker: Dr. Eva Joseph, Albany Superintendent of Schools – Talked about charter schools in Albany, school safety, changed traffic patterns for lunch periods and the media being better about the situation. She said that the schools and the children are safe. They have taken action to fix certain problems. Some actions include making more lunch periods and working closely with the police department. Mac asked about separating the incorrigible students with the respectful students. Joseph explained that, while there are only a small percentage of students with incorrigible and criminal behavior, they do try to have alternatives for them. And Andrew, from the Dana Park Association, asked how to get parents more involved. Joseph said that has always been a huge challenge. Joseph also talked about how tax payers are hurting due to there being too many charter schools in Albany. Tax payers are carrying the brunt of this cost with 9.55% of taxes going to charter schools for only 2,000 students. Joseph recommends
talking to Assemblymen about this problem.

Guest Speaker: John DeJohn, the owner of DeJohn's on Lark and is also running of VP of BID – March’s BZA meeting was discussing expanding 286 Lark into a sport’s bar while also combining the rear kitchens of DeJohn’s and 286 Lark. Mac was concerned about having enough egresses, Dan Malan was worried about trash removal being at odd hours of the night to wake him up since his apartment is near DeJohn’s trash area, and Ellen asked if it was wise to make two buildings into one parcel. DeJohn said he would take all the comments and concerns into consideration. He wants to make sure all the neighbors and customers are happy so the restaurant can bring more business to the area. The project will cost about $750,000 because DeJohn wants to do everything right.

Police Report: APO Matt Montesano – He talked about the Citizen’s Police Academy which started March 21 and is every Tuesday. Each week participants talk with different people in the police department to get a new perspective on their job and how they relate to our everyday lives.

County Legislature Report: John Frederick – He talked about the new civil service jobs and new voting machines. He is still supporting a convention center in downtown Albany to make it part of the community. He is also working on making the Lake House more usable as a restaurant, café or to rent ice skates in the winter.

Old Business: CANA, HRC, BZA – At the CANA meeting, Brian reported that the association is recommending a process for the successful comprehensive planning for Albany. There is also a new common council president. HRC had no report. BZA is allowing vinyl windows for 235A Elm and reviewing 286 Lark case. Lucky 13 convenience store is looking to move from 452 Madison to 450 Madison. And 448 Madison, Lionheart Pub, is seeking approval to expand business to second floor with possible intentions of running a club.

Block Captain Brochures Introduced – People are recommended to get in touch with Stephanie for comments at 463-0668 or stephanierichardson@yahoo.com. Also, H/PNA plans to stay in touch with Rom and Rebecca, the designers of the brochure. Block Captains are still needed as well.

New Business: Andrew Harvey and Judy Stacey from the Dana Park Neighborhood Association – Since the two associations share the Dana Park, they want to start sprucing-up the area to make it more like the intersection of Madison and Western. John Frederick recommended getting kids involved and John DeJohn recommended getting businesses on the Lark BID to support the project. Anyone with questions/comments call Judy’s cell at 229-0168.
Anyone with Code Enforcement issues, contact William Jones at 447-7879.

Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Sanzone

Minutes 11/16/05

11/16/05 Minutes: Officers Present: Judy Levin, Ellen Picotte, Richard Brash, Danielle Sanzone
Members Present: Rev. Smart, APO Mike Colbert, Mac Mowbray, Stephanie Richardson, APO Matt Montesano, Marie Newman Bruschi, Leslie Javarone-French, Jo Anne Dolan, Rich Berkley, Mike Bergan, Kathleen Kearny, Elissa Kane, Marcus Pryor, Paul Miller, Brian Levine, Charlie Sullivan, Richard Conti

Introductions and Welcome

Approval of Minutes from 10/19/05 meeting. Minutes were approved with two changes.

Treasurer's Report: The report was presented by Richard Brash. He said people still needed to pay dues and provided a monthly budget statement. (see newsletter for particulars)

Albany Police Department Report: Mike Colbert said there was an armed robbery on the corner of Chestnut and Lark. No arrest was made. The suspect is a black male with dark clothing.
Mac Mowbray said Center Square resident (and friend) was stalked and assaulted by seven teenagers in Washington Park at 8 pm, before a party in the lake house.
Rich Berkley reported that the Monday night before Elections someone set fire to his garbage cans put out for trash pickup. He was disappointed in the lack of interest on the part of the Fire Dept

Emergency Services: no report.

County Legislature: no report/presenter.

Common Council report: Richard Conti said the new council will begin their term on Jan. 1; there was a 1/3 turnover. The city budget should be done by Monday, Nov. 21. There is a Wynn Development in Park South. The District Attorney, David Soares, is starting a new initiative with a focus on landlords and tenants with this "Safe Homes" program.
There has been a noise ordinance change. They are working on a chain of command proposal in the mayor’s absence.

Also, a reduction in the size of the council of 15 members has been recommended. Conti also said First Night’s route and map would be out soon.

Two questions about the report were asked by the pastor and by Kathleen Kearney. The pastor congratulated Conti on his re-election and asked what was being done to help schools and youth programs. Conti said the city was cooperating with the school district. Kathleen Kearney asked if the mayor appoints someone in his/her absence and about Park South. Conti said the city was trying to find a better solution for the mayor’s chain of command.

Old Business: (Block Captain discussions were moved from new business to old business) Stephanie Richardson said the organization needed to reinstitute block captains to hand out neighborhood association material to people on their block.

She said other cities, like Portland, ME, use it to decrease crime.

She described three phases for the program so people would not be overwhelmed. She wanted people to help her with neighborhood material. Material would include: a formal neighborhood registration form and business cards.

Suggestions were given for fundraising and building a firm membership base: having jars in businesses, having cocktail party events and finding sponsors, like Keybank.

She said volunteers were needed and to email her at stephanierichardson@yahoo.com with comments.

Zoning Issues- RE: 306 Hudson has a property manager named Glen Friedman who was invited to a Steering Committee meeting. Members used the opportunity to discuss the expectations of the neighborhood regarding business hours and encouraged the property manager to let the H/PNA know if current or future changes/building modifications were being considered.

RE: 235 A Elm Street is being renovated and wants a use variance from a two family to a five family unit. The application does not include adequate rendering of the planned residential units. There is also concern that the first floor might be converted to a commercial space. H/PNA will not support the appeal. We will support a three unit building.

Judy Levin reported that Armory's is requesting a variance for an LED signboard. This is controversial with neighborhood.

Blue Moon- Kathleen Kearney said due to her membership list, not everyone received an invitation to the Blue Moon dinner. She also apologized for the wrong RSVP date of Dec. 1.

New Business: Richard Berkley said the website is up but he needs more information for it. The site, www.hudsonpark.org, costs $15/month and was $20 to buy the domain name. Motion passed unanimously to give $20 to the site.

CANA- Leslie Javarone-French and Brian Levine said the main presentation was on the city budget and landfills. Another meeting will be Dec. 3 at the First Lutheran Church.

Christmas party- Marcus Pryor said the party would be at Justin’s on Dec. 21 at 7pm. The usual spending is about $300-400.

Announcements: DeJohn offered to do fundraiser for St. Anthony’s but as of today, there was no response to his offer.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Danielle Sanzone
Secretary