Neighbors of Belknap Lookout



Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Board MeetingTuesday, December 10, 2019700 Clancy Ave NE6:30 pmMission: To advocate for and enhance the quality of life in the Belknap community.Vision: To be a vibrant, diverse and desirable place to live in Grand Rapids.Public Space Goals: Improving access down Belknap hill (design DDA budget FY2020); Hastings Connector & Linear Park (implementation City of Grand Rapids summer 2019 & 2020); Better Pedestrian Connections (MobileGR planning durable crosswalk and “stop for pedestrian” signs).Add’l Priorities: Social Connections; Active in the Neighborhood; Voices Heard in Local Gov’t.Call to order and additions to agendaApproval of October and November Minutes and November Financials (Motion)Approval of Insulation Work (Motion)Review of 2019Priorities for 2020Miscellaneous & Public Comment Adjournment2020 Meeting DatesAssuming we keep the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, the meeting dates will be:January 14February 11March 10April 14May 12June 9(July off)August 11September 8October 13November 10 (annual meeting)December 8Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Board Meeting MinutesTuesday, October 9, 2019, 700 Clancy Ave. NEMembers Present:Loren Sturrus (President)Brian BremerTodd LeinbergerLoretta KlimaszewskiDaniel Miller (Secretary)Dean RosendallJon SwetsElianna Bootzin (Executive Director)Members Absent with NoticeRobin BentonRob KennedyGuests Present:Bob GrootersKara Harrison GatesTerry MorrisJon Re (City of GR Traffic and Safety)Fire Chief KellyAnkur Rugta (Co-Owner of C3 Industries)Vishal Rungta (Co-Owner of C3 Industries)Andrea VanDykePat Waring (GVSU)Loren called the meeting to order at 6:35pm.There were no additions to the AgendaReport on upcoming changes to parking on Trowbridge—Jon Re and Fire Chief KellyParking on Trowbridge between Coit and North Streets will be restricted to one side in order to provide adequate safe access to emergency vehicles. The biggest concern is the plating plant/print shop on North Street which could catch fire. The change will take place before winter. Parking permits may be modified accordingly when MobileGR meets in the spring. Loren asked that residents who live on Trowbridge be given preference right away since most of the parking spaces are being taken by GVSU students which leaves residents w/o a place to park near their homes. He wants to see MobileGR take up the issue now rather than waiting until spring. In response, Jon said he would talk to someone about that and get back to NOBL by the end of next week.Dan and Loretta suggested that the City may need to examine congestion on other streets as well such as Newberry and More which are barely passable for one vehicle when cars are parked on both sides.Loren asked if the City would revisit the removal of parking spaces on Hastings. Jon clarified that the City intends to go to a total of eight retail parking spaces on Clancy and four on Coit. He noted that there is also customer parking behind the building. Elianna asked about the porous paver section DTN intended to add on the north side of Hastings (replacing the planters). Jon replied that would only accommodate three parking spaces and emphasized the hurdle of finding sufficient greenspace to offset the loss. Elianna will clarify whether DTN is moving forward with this concept. Todd complained that Rowsters’ business was ruined when those parking spaces were taken away. Same thing happened to them when construction eliminated on-street parking in front of their business on Fulton. Loren recommended that the issue of parking on Hastings be continued at the next NOBL Board meeting.Discussion of marijuana dispensary at 49 Coldwater—AnkurAnkur updated the NOBL Board and guests on C3 Industry’s plans to open a marijuana dispensary at 49 Coldwater, NE. (See his distributed business plan.) He solicited public comment by sending sent postcards to all residents within 500 feet of the proposed site. There was not much response.The site did receive a waiver from the regulation restricting such businesses from locating in close proximity to a public park. The next step is the Planning Commission, with hearing date expected to be November 14.Recreational marijuana is not yet authorized in Grand Rapids; if a licensing process is approved, C3 is prepared to offer such products. Ankur emphasized that a licensed distributor is much better for the community than reliance on black market transactions which come with lots of health and security risks.Terry asked how the police will tests drivers and others for impairment. Various members of NOBL said that diagnostic tests are being devised in other states such as saliva tests, visual checks, roadside sobriety tests, etc. Loren suggested that C3 post signage warning about driving under the influence. Ankur agreed and also indicated a willingness to participate in community/school education efforts to alert neighbors about health and safety concerns.Ankur highlighted positive community impacts such as hiring minority and neighborhood resident employees (30% in each category). He intends to pay a “living wage” and to provide health benefits to his employees. He wants to work with the NOBL Board to organize a jobs fair. No one under 21 will be hired.Ankur said that the GR Police have reviewed his security plans which include lots of cameras and they signed off on them. No loitering will be allowed on the site. No use of marijuana will be allowed on site. C3 will take responsibility to keep the property clean by picking up litter each morning. C3 intends to use about half of the 9,000 sq ft building for its operations and hopes to rent out the other 4500 sq ft to another retail business. Ankur said there are 25 parking spaces on site including several handicapped spaces so there should be no traffic problems. He hopes to open the business 6 to 9 months following City approval. Brian asked if the business would generate much traffic in the alley behind the building. Ankur said “no” because there is adequate on site parking accessible from Coldbrook. The only possible traffic in the alley might be an occasional small delivery truck.Brian asked if C3 has a relationship with any physicians in the area. Ankur said “no” but that C3 can make referrals to doctors who can advise patients on the use of medical marijuana.Todd asked “What is the NOBL Board’s role?” C3 will table at the NOBL annual meeting on November 12, prior to their Planning Commission hearing on November 14. They would like support from the neighborhood for their proposal. Board approved the Minutes of September 10 meeting and Financial Statements.Board discussed roles of Board officers (See Handout pp 5-7)Elianna asked for suggestions for revisions. Todd asked why the chair only votes to break a tie. Is that according to Roberts Rules of Order? Loren said “no” it’s just how the By-Laws are written. Loretta recommended that all Board members should have the right to vote. After further discussion, Board agreed that Loren would consult Roberts Rules of Order and the Board would decide the matter at its next meeting. Todd recommended that only the Chair and the Treasurer should be allowed to sign checks for the Board. Elianna noted that she signed checks occasionally when the matter was urgent. The Board agreed to limit signatures to just the President and the Treasurer and the Executive Director. The Board agreed that only the President and the Executive Director had authority to sign contracts (with renters, e.g.) as they were directed by the Board. Board discussed Utilities and MinisplitElianna sought ideas for help reducing our tenant’s heating costs, which have been as much as $200 to $260/month in winter. Loren recommended insulation kits for the windows. An “energy audit” may be useful, as well.The Annual Meeting will be at East Leonard School on November 12, at 6:30 pm.Elianna is resubmitting our building use form, and the group agreed we would plan to be out by 8:30 pm. Loren suggested she check with Coit School to see if they are available in case we need to change the venue.Miscellaneous and Public CommentLoren is following up with City staff on the matter of Bazzani’s revisions to their proposed project which were only shared with NOBL for “informational purposes”.In regard to upcoming elections to the NOBL Board, Kara, Andrea, and Amy indicated that they would be candidates for the open spots. Jon is also eligible for re-election and indicated that he would like to serve on the Board for another term. There are three 3 year terms and one 2 year term. Elianna will get BIOs from each candidate and send them out to the neighborhood. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.Respectfully submitted, Daniel MillerNeighbors of Belknap Lookout Annual Meeting NotesTuesday, November 12, 2019Board Members Present: Brian BremerRob Kennedy Loretta KlimaszewskiTodd Leinberger Daniel Miller Dean RosendallLoren SturrusJonathan SwetsBoard Members Absent: Robin BentonStaff Present:Elianna BootzinGuests Present: See sign in sheetLoren opened the meeting with introductions to the board members.Candidates for election to the board—Jonathon Swets, Amy Gautraud, Kara Harrison-Gates (not present)—were introduced. Since three seats were available, all candidates were approved on a voice vote. Pat Waring from GVSU offered a visual presentation of the construction underway at the Interprofessional Health Center and the parking decks on the south side of I-196. Ultimately there will be 1200 parking spaces shared by Spectrum staff and GVSU staff and students. The parking structure is expected to alleviate the parking pressures in the Belknap neighborhood as requested by the residents at public forums. She noted that the development of 50 below market rate housing units on Trowbridge is still planned.Rick DeVries from the City Engineering Department described the recently completed, ongoing, and future construction projects in the Belknap neighborhood. (See the map he provided.) He responded to questions about the cost of the Hastings Linear Park from Coit to Sinclair (it includes decorative street lamps and significant amounts of retaining wall), the possibility of adding parking beside the Gateway retail units (cutouts are possible on the north side of Hastings but the south side of the street is already reserved for the pedestrian walkway), and the need for ground cover on the west side of Belknap hill to prevent erosion (temporary cover will eventually be replaced by landscaping designed in coordination with the City Forester and other interested individuals and organizations).Professor Michael “Mick” McCulloch from Kendall College of Art and Design introduced four architecture students who presented imaginative illustrated plans for developing the west side of Belknap hill as a visually appealing part of Grand Rapids. Their themes were bridge, café, retreat, and orchard. The audience was encouraged to submit feedback to the students.Loren adjourned the annual business meeting.Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Special Meeting NotesTuesday, November 12, 2019Board Members Present: Brian BremerRob Kennedy Loretta KlimaszewskiTodd Leinberger Daniel Miller Dean RosendallLoren SturrusJonathan SwetsBoard Members Absent: Robin BentonStaff Present:Elianna BootzinGuests Present: See sign in sheetDean Rosendall and his associate Matt Hall gave a visual presentation of the revised plans for the Copper Rock development at 835 Fairview, NE. He noted that the units had been reduced in size—two stories not three—and number—five condos not nine—and that there would be two onsite parking spaces for each unit. William Hebert expressed dissatisfaction with the aesthetics of the units which he characterized as “cartoonish.” He thought that use of masonry rather than vinyl siding would give the units an appearance of permanence. He said Copper Rock or its parent company is using our neighborhood to sell its units and should therefore give more attention to the concerns of the neighbors about how the appearance of these new units would affect the current resident of the neighborhood. Dean responded that the residents immediately adjacent to the proposed development had seen the plans and given their approval of the design. Alan Otis agreed with William that the appearance of the development was not attractive and would quickly show its age but said he was pleased by many of the changes from the original design. Brian Craig said he wished Copper Rock would consider national standards of design rather than merely imitating what already exists in the Belknap neighborhood. He noted that the NOBL Board is the steward of the neighborhood and should demand the highest quality of design from developers. After noting that the Development Committee had voted to recommend the revised project to the Board, the NOBL Board voted to approve it (5 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention). Elianna will draft a letter to the Planning Commission indicating the NOBL Board’s approval of the Copper Rock development.The NOBL Board discussed the proposal to open a Marijuana dispensary on Coldbrook Street to be operated by C3 Industries. Loren noted that C3 Industries have developed a good record as a careful and conscientious company who would run the business in a responsible manner. Todd said the risks of having such a business right across the street from a heavily used city park had not been fully explored. After discussion, the Board voted to have Elianna draft and send a letter to the Planning Commission stating that while the NOBL Board would leave it up to the City to decide whether to approve the proposal, the Board acknowledges that C3 Industries has done due diligence in announcing its intentions to the neighbors and soliciting their feedback as well as providing assurances to the NOBL Board that the facility will be a well-managed business with adequate parking, full security, and employment practices that will benefit the Belknap community. Loren adjourned the meeting and thanked the attendees for their comments.C3 Medical Marijuana Neutrality LetterNovember 20, 2019 Dear members of the Planning Commission,I am writing this letter to convey NOBL’s neutrality on the C3 Industries’ medical marijuana application. The NOBL board unanimously passed a motion at our annual meeting on Tuesday November 12 at East Leonard Elementary not to adopt a formal position in either approval or disapproval while recognizing that C3’s owner, Ankur Rungta, has met or exceeded our expectations for engagement of the board and individuals/entities near the site. Specifically, he has:Contacted the organization acquiring staff review of the good neighbor plan (and electronic dissemination of same to board members) prior to applying with the City of Grand Rapids;Presented to the board in AugustContacted individuals/entities near the site and presented to those who attended NOBL’s October meeting as well as providing updates to the board.Followed up with individuals/entities near the site in person as requested.Yours sincerely,Elianna BootzinExecutive Director835 Fairview Support LetterNovember 20, 2019Dear members of the Planning Commission,I am writing this letter to convey NOBL’s support for the hearing on the redevelopment of 835 Fairview NE pursuant to CopperRock’s presentation of undated site plan and renderings by Design Architecture to an audience of approximately 25 people at our annual meeting on Tuesday November 12 at East Leonard Elementary. The NOBL board subsequently passed a motion to support the project (5 in favor, 1 opposed, 1 abstention). We understand that with the addition of living space at the front of the first floor of each building, the garages for the southern two buildings will start farther back and include one fewer stall per building.Yours sincerely,Elianna BootzinExecutive DirectorMeeting InformationFinancials – Our liability adjustment proposed at the last meeting turned out to be limited to a transfer between the line item used by the desktop version of Quickbooks and the federal withholding line item used by the online version. The newly created asset amount for the land at 700 Clancy was determined to be $6,000 by reviewing the title value and subtracting the amount originally insured. Similarly, the asset amount for the land at 704 Clancy was determined to be $3,500 by reviewing the title value. Both items were offset by journal entries from the Equity line item. Our GVSU PILOT funds did arrive, but our November reimbursement check and a September donation were both stolen and cashed fraudulently. We are working with the check writers and their banks to have those funds traced, returned, and re-issued. We have also obtained a locking mailbox to prevent further occurrences.Insulation Work – Elianna recommends accepting the first part of WMGB’s proposal to air seal and insulate rim joists in the basement for $1,096.20. She does not recommend accepting the second portion to insulate the basement walls for $3,454.92. The smaller job represents an acceptable level of investment of general funds.2019 Results – What did we do well this year? What are some easy improvements we can make that will help us reach more people, achieve better performance, etc.? What fell so flat that it should be discontinued? You can think of these as green light, yellow light, red light. Take 5-10 minutes to fill out sticky notes. We’ll group them and share some of our favorites of what went well before continuing to the next topic.2020 Priorities – We’ll incorporate some of our previous notes into this section as well, since as we think about/record/group what we should do next year, we will consider what should be the same, different, new, and improved. Keeping in mind that we have to meet our CDBG metrics for public safety and neighborhood leadership, as well as complete our GVSU PILOT-funded projects, each board member should note at least one activity they will be directly involved in specifically and can suggest other projects as well. The main CDBG categories (with some of Elianna’s existing project ideas) are:Home safety (encourage shoveling, help neaten messy yards to reduce larceny risk)Public safety (self inspection explanation to small businesses)Leadership (continuing education on board roles, organization, and city processes)Improve the neighborhood (dumpster day, alley clean up, litter pick up, shovel; these projects could hire or contract out to use hours Elianna has been missing)The GVSU PILOT projects (with some potential details) are:Spay/neuter feral cats (and upkeep) – LorettaTrash cans (finish placement and continue maintenance) – Elianna, volunteersTraffic calming on FairviewCommunication (fall postcard for annual meeting? Or earlier 40th anniversary?)Beautification (intended actions have included lighting [Dean] and planting [Jon])Community garden - Amy, Loretta, JonEvents (board meeting food, 40th anniversary house parties and open house, NNO)Some other strategic plan items and advocacy opportunities may require action:Getting down Belknap Hill – advocate for a particular design or design elements from the Kendall College students’ projects to the City and DGRIHastings Connector – continue sharing communications with neighbors through completion of the projectBetter pedestrian connections – see GVSU PILOT traffic calming, monitor MobileGRSocial Connections – Elianna will try meeting people out in parks this spring-fall Advocacy – ask GVSU to extend the Tenant Relocation ProtocolNonprofit consultant Susan Howlett recommends making goals for infrastructure and money as well as programming. As we’ll see in our letter from our most recent CDBG monitoring, it’s time to take another step on improving our finance and HR processes this year. Let’s wrap up by considering what new people or organizations we need to become connected to, what physical or technological resources we may need, and what plans and policies we need to develop. Similarly, let’s note what actions we should be taking in terms of investment, fundraising, and sustainability. We need to decide now if we are going to continue poker next year. I would like to request that if we do, we identify 3-4 day captains who will run a day each and recruit volunteers to join them.Regular Report Contents: Crime (last four weeks) from Fire from (one week)Public Safety: Elianna made great progress on fire inspection notifications and has begun checking in with all the neighbors we have phone numbers for to learn their concerns and talking about the importance of shoveling.Development: The Community Development Committee and City Commission set conditions for the sale of 627 square feet of 840 Livingston Avenue NE on December 3 for CopperRock’s project at 826 Fairview. C3 Industries’ application for Medical Marijuana at 49 Coldbrook will be on the December 12 Planning Commission agenda. Updates on Old Business:No further updates on 712 or 762 North, office signage, HousingNOW, trash can at L&L or lighting on stairs. The Officer Roles have been edited as determined in discussion in October. The complete board document packet can be sent electronically now, and provided in hard copy in January for the new board. It includes: Board list with contact information and terms, Bylaws, Officer Roles, Procurement Policy, Diversity Policy, Grievance Policy.Work plan: I feel like we’re getting back in the swing of things to close out the year more or less as expected. I still need to draft an annual appeal but hope to have that ready next week.Hastings follow up: Colin from DTN reported that they are going to pursue trading the planters for porous paved inset parking. Other area news: 601 Bond requested reimbursement of eligible Brownfield expenditures. ................
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