Mayfair Civic Association Meeting Minutes (January)

Mayfair Civic Association Meeting

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

7:00pm

Mayfair Community Center

2990 St. Vincent St. Philadelphia, PA 19149

 Board Members Present

Joseph DeFelice, Mike Williams, Pete McDermott, Kevin Leonard , Suzann St. Marie, Donny Smith, Lisa Greco, Anna Stacey, Mia Hylan, John Jenkins, James Ortlieb, Milt Martelack, Melinda Mulvenna, Bill Becker,

Board Members Absent

Megan Whalen, Mike Ennis, Dana Lambie, Mike Serverson,

Proceedings

Pledge of Allegiance

Meeting called to order at 7:09 pm by President Joe DeFelice.

Membership and By-Laws Update

Review of by-laws changes from previous meetings requires that voting members be paid members of the civic association. If interested in membership, attendees were asked to see Sergeant at Arms, Donny Smith or Assistant Sergeant at Arms, John Jenkins to obtain an application and pay for membership. Applications can also be obtained at the Mayfair Civic Association website at mayfaircivicassociation.com.

Milt Martelack Jr. has been appointed the Proviso Enforcement Officer and will be in charge of monitoring and reporting on the provisos set in place by the Mayfair Civic Association Zoning Committee. If a business or zoning applicant is found to be in violation of the provisos set for them during their zoning hearing in front of the MCA, they will be asked to comply and if they do not comply, a complaint will be filed with the Philadelphia Zoning Board to have their zoning revoked.

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer Kevin Leonard reports that the current balance is $3997.72

Previous Balance as of 11/19/12: $4229.48.

Deposits:  $72.74

Withdrawals:  $304.50

The MCA is now an officially registered 501c4. Tax exempt status was received from the IRS and the MCA will be filing a tax return this year.

The money raised for the Methadone Clinic Defense fund via a raffle at the Christmas Craft Show and Tree Lighting ($202) was given to Treasurer Kevin Leonard to give to the Mattioni Law Firm.

Honoring Lisa Marie Deeley

Lisa Marie Deeley is a staff member of Councilman Bobby Henon. Lisa is not only a Northeast Philadelphia resident but is a regular attendee of many of the Northeast events, is extremely supportive of the local civic associations and extremely responsive to complaints and helping with community issues. At the March 18, 2013 meeting, Lisa Marie Deeley will be honored with a Legislative Honoree Award courtesy of the Mayfair Civic Association.

Zoning

 There are no current zoning issues/applications to discuss at this time.

Steve Mangan owner of Healthy Concepts Gym will be open by February in the old Giggles and Gifts second store location.

In the May 2007 Primary Election, the voters of Philadelphia overwhelmingly approved the creation of a Zoning Code Commission (ZCC) to reform and modernize Philadelphia’s outdated, antiquated, and complex zoning code.

This New Code went into effect on August 22nd, 2012.  The New Code includes language that Neighborhood Groups(*) must obtain certification as a Registered Community Organization (RCOs).  The Tacony/ Mayfair Special District Controls Legislation (commonly referred to as an Overlay) has been removed, and new base districts have been established including CMX-2.5 which was established specifically for Commercial Corridors such as Frankford & Cottman Avenues.

Most of these Avenue Properties will be rezoned as CMX-2, CMX-2.5, and CA-1

CMX, meaning Neighborhood Commercial Mixed Use.  CA, meaning Auto-Oriented Commercial

Most of the Corner Store/Businesses will be CMX-1

Descriptions:

CMX-1, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use District

The CMX-1, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use district is primarily intended to accommodate low-impact, small-scale, neighborhood-serving retail and service uses in storefront buildings, as well as the types of residential uses allowed in surrounding zoning districts.

CMX-2, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use District-2

The CMX-2, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use district is primarily intended to accommodate neighborhood-serving retail and service uses. The range of allowed uses is broader than the CMX-1 district.

CMX-2.5, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use District-2.5

The CMX-2.5, Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use district is primarily intended to accommodate active, pedestrian-friendly retail and service uses in commercial nodes and along commercial corridors. The range of allowed uses is slightly narrower than the CMX-2 district and the development standards are intended to promote a pedestrian-oriented environment.

CA-1 and CA-2, Auto-Oriented Commercial Districts

The primary purpose of the CA-1 and CA-2, Auto-Oriented Commercial districts is to accommodate a very broad range of uses, often in the physical form of shopping centers and other destination-oriented uses in which a large percentage of customers will arrive by automobile.

(*) Mayfair Civic Association is a Registered Community Organization (RCO), August 15th, 2012.

Methadone Clinics Update

A decision from the oral arguments hearing from the court of common pleas held on 11/05/12 is still pending regarding the ongoing case with The Healing Way.

A hearing was held today (01/23/13) for the Northeast Treatment Centers (NET) attempts to open up in Holmesburg on State Road next to Sweet Lucy's. Due the amount and length of testimony by NET, a continuance of the hearing will be held on March 6, 2013.  The Holmesburg Civic Association is opposed to this treatment center and the MCA wrote a letter in support of the HCA'a opposition of the methadone clinic for the zoning hearing.

Currently, via donations, $3000 has been raised for the neighbors defense fund to help offset ongoing legal costs incurred by the case. Any other donations for the defense fund can be sent to Mattioni Law Firm located at 399 Market St. Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19106. More information is available on the MCA website mayfaircivicassociation.com.

Shamrock Shuttle

The Shamrock Shuttle is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013 and the Northeast Erin Express for Saturday, March 9, 2013. The MCA plan on meeting with the new 15th police district Captain McCloskey and the participating bar owners as they did last year to discuss a plan of action and areas of improvement to combat public urination, sanitation issues and quality of life issues throughout the neighborhood. Mayfair Town Watch will also be patrolling the neighborhood and Frankford Avenue that day during the event and an increased police presence will be requested from the 15^th Police District.

Mayfair Arts Initiative

Bill Becker, owner of Headquarters (7213 Frankford Ave) is the newly appointed chairman of the Mayfair Arts Initiative. Starting in February, Headquarters will also be offering art lessons for children and adults in their store. You can email Bill Becker at tattoodad237@gmail.com for class information and pricing.

Third Thursday--The Mayfair Arts Initiative will host an informal gathering of Northeast Philadelphia artists at Headquarters or another public location (TBA) every Third Thursday of each month. Local artists, artisans and anyone with an interest in the local art scene are welcome to attend. Visit "Mayfair Arts Initiative" page on Facebook for more information and meeting locations.

Avenue Art Project--The MCA would like to see an increase in public art installed on Frankford Avenue. A sculptures to be placed at Frankford and Cottman is in the early discussion phase.

Mayfair Farmers' Market 2013 Update

In 2013, the Mayfair Farmers Market will be held on a bi-weekly basis on Ryan Ave at Frankford and Cottman Ave. starting on April 21, 2013 and ending on Sunday, October 20, 2013. A flier with all of the tentative dates was made available to meeting attendees. A finalized version of the vendor application will be made available on the Mayfair Civic Association website (http://www.mayfaircivicassociation.com), the Mayfair CDC website (http://www.mayfaircdc.org/cms) and the Mayfair Business Association website (http://mayfairbiz.blogspot.com) as soon as it is completed.

The Mayfair Farmers Market is currently sponsored by the Mayfair CDC and Republic Bank. Currently, another sponsor is being solicited for the 2013 season. Please contact Joe DeFelice (josephjdefelice@yahoo.com) or Suzann St. Marie (sstmarie1@aol.com) if you or your business is interested in sponsoring.

Mayfair CDC Update

The CDC continues to explore a Business Improvement District (BID) for Holmesburg/Mayfair to spur business development.

The CDC has applied for a Business Privilege Tax application to partner with Allegheny Iron. Instead of paying taxes to the city of Philadelphia, Allegheny Iron would partner with the community group and directly contribute $85,000 a year to the Mayfair CDC to be used for improvement and maintenance projects in Mayfair. Approval of the application from the city of Philadelphia is pending.  

The CDC is also exploring a Greening Grant of $30,000 from the city for cleaning graffiti off the poles and cleaning up the business corridor.

The CDC continues to monitor the house at Sheffield and Frankford that was going to be taken over under a conservatorship program. However, the owners of the house have been doing improvements including new windows, new flooring and extermination of the pests in the house. The plan is for the house to be put on the market to be sold.

Mayfair Memorial Playground (at Lincoln High School) Update

Easter Egg Hunt

Co-chairwoman Melinda Mulvenna reports that they are working with the School District to get fencing installed. Currently MMP has $22,000 in the bank and the fencing needs to be approved by the School District. Funds continue to be raised to get install additional equipment

The 2013 Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for Saturday March 16, 2013 from 11am to 1:00pm. As always, community volunteers are needed to help with the planning and preparation for this event as well as volunteers for the day of the event. Bakers are also needed for the Bake Sale Table. There is a meeting planned for Tuesday, 02/05/13 at 7:30pm at the Mayfair Community Center.

Please contact one of the committee members via the playground Facebook page at "Rebuild Mayfair Memorial Playground (at Lincoln High School)" or at mayfairmemorialplayground@yahoo.com if you are interested in volunteering. All proceeds for this event will continue to go towards new fencing and equipment at the playground.

Mayfair Town Watch Update

 The group is still looking for volunteers to become regular patrol members. More information can be found on Facebook under "Mayfair Town Watch" or at mayfairtownwatch@gmail.com. Applications and information were also present at the meeting.

Mayfair Town Watch President Anna Stacey reiterated the need for new members to patrol the streets with current member. Currently patrols are limited due to lack of patrolling members. The next 2 hour certification meeting will be held on February 4, 2013 at the Mayfair Community Center.

Mayfair Clean-up Committee Update

A volunteer team of neighbors led by Jim Ortlieb and Anna Stacey continue to hold clean-ups assisted by CLIP. Most recently they did the Frankford Ave Business Corridor, the Mayfair Playground at Mayfair Elementary and Mayfair Memorial Playground at Lincoln High School. The committee also removed the planter boxes from out front of Family Dollar on Frankford Ave which were being used as trash cans and ashtrays.

Clean-ups have been halted during the winter but they will be starting back up in April.

The committee is always looking for suggestions for areas in the neighborhood that could use a cleanup. Make any suggestions about areas that need a clean-up via the their Facebook page at "Mayfair Clean-up".

Mayfair Dog Park Update

A fundraiser was held at the Grey Lodge Pub on 11/10/12 with raffles and a 3-hour afternoon happy hour with cash bar. The committee was looking to raise money to file for 501c3 status and has approximately $500, which should be enough to get the process started. The committee is looking to formalize itself by holding officer elections at an upcoming meeting and establishing a bank account with their current funds. The long-term goal is to raise money for fencing and long-term maintenance which is estimated to be approximately $10,000.

Mayfair May Fair and Mayfair Fallen Heroes Run (honoring Officer Chuck Cassidy)

This is the sixth year for both the MFMF and the Mayfair Fallen Heroes Run to be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013. This year's Fallen Heroes Run will honor Officer Chuck Cassidy.

Sergeant at Arms, Donny Smith spoke about the possibility of expanding it this year by closing off Frankford Ave from Bleigh to Wellington and condensing all participants into that area. It was also suggested that it might be beneficial to hold the Mayfair Farmers Market on the same day. A planning meeting will be scheduled within the next couple of weeks to formalize plans.

Public Presentations

Coalition Against Hunger --Noelle Dames presented information about her organization which works on connecting people with food resources in their communities. They are reaching out to partners in the Mayfair area including churches, community groups, politicians, etc. Ms. Dames explained that the Northeast does not have the concentration of food resources available like in the rest of the city but there are some. The group attempts to reach out to those most at risk; seniors and families with children. They are looking for community volunteers to help with their  Volunteer Day that culminates in a physical door-to-door outreach (block-by-block campaign). Sign-up sheets were made available in the back of the meeting if anyone was interested in helping out. There is also a Senior Hunger Task Force and information was available at the back sign-in area. Ms. Dames can be contacted at ndames@hungercoalition.org

HIAS Pennsylvania, Refugee Food Security and Nutrition Coordinator--Chloe Tomlinson presented information about her organization which provides legal and social services to refugees located in the Philadelphia area. There are several families from Iraq and Sudan trying to rebuild their lives within Mayfair and they would like to connect with and contribute to the community through community gardening as they are typically coming from an agricultural background. Ms. Tomlinson asked for suggestions to identify areas of greening and can be contacted at ctomlinson@hiaspa.org.

Everyblock.com--Laura McColgan presented information about her organization Everyblock.com which is a neighborhood news website owned by NBC. Upon signing up, members can customize their page by zip code, neighborhood, and view posted civic meetings, community events, crime statistics, local restaurants, and real estate listings on a weekly basis. Suspicious activity and city issues can also be reported on the page as well.

Turning Points for Children--Lou Grow presented information about his organization Turning Points for Children (TP4C). TP4C's mission is to support families in raising safe, healthy educated and strong children by partnering with caregivers to develop and strengthen protective qualities and by offering them the tools, skills and resources they need to ensure their children's optimal development. Services include: social work, mental health, parenting classes, and food and wellness networks. Many of these services are free and no health insurance is needed. TP4C will be holding a community forum on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 from 6pm to 8pm at the Tacony Baptist Church located at 4751 Disston St. Philadelphia, PA 19136. For more information email info@TP4C.org or visit TurningPointsForChildren.org.

Legislative Meeting--Rep. Kevin Boyle will hold a legislative meeting to discuss Methadone treatment facilities and their effect on communities. The meeting will be Wednesday, January 30 at 10 A.M. at the Mayfair Community Center (2990 St. Vincent St., Philadelphia, PA 19149). For additional information contact Rep. Boyle's office at 7518 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19136, Phone: (215) 331-2600 Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Philly 311—Not present.

SHS-Honeywell--Megan Connelly—Not present.

Open Discussion

Engine 38 has been reopened in Tacony. However a neighbor, who is a Philadelphia firefighter, alleged they may be subject to brownouts where it will be closed 3 nights out of the week. This has not been confirmed.

Lt. Cook (PSA 3) from the 15 police district introduced herself along with 2 of her team, Officer Bill Smith and Officer Mike Smith. Lt. Cook and the Officers Smith are looking for community feedback regarding their concerns and hot spots in the neighborhood as well as quality of life issues. Officer Smith's email was provided to Mayfair Town Watch President Anna Stacey. Attendees were offered the opportunity to speak with the officers after the meeting to discuss specific issues within the neighborhood. The officers were recently involved in the prostitution bust in Tacony and are aware of increasing issues of homelessness in Pennypack Park down by the Solly Ave. Bridge.

There were questions regarding the methadone clinic (Healing Way) and the lease agreement with landlord Dennis Kulp and The Healing Way. The Healing Way is approximately 2 years into their 5 year lease with Dennis Kulp.

There were concerns regarding increased vagrancy, drug sales, and the services that were explained and offered by some of the public presenters at the current meeting such as food resources for low income families and free mental health services. The person raising the concerns was worried that increasing the availability of these services in the area would lead to larger issues and a further decline in quality of life issues. MCA president Joe DeFelice explained that MCA meetings are an open forum for community information.

Lynne Plata is looking for volunteers to help at Mayfair Elementary to establish a Safe Corridor Program. There are reportedly issues with traffic around the school during pick up and drop off, safety crossing the major streets, and understaffing of crossing guards. Ms. Plata is asking for 1 hour a month. It was suggested that Ms. Plata start a Facebook page for the group to increase awareness of the issues and recruit volunteers. Ms. Plata's contact information is  215-450-0386 or lynnecroth@yahoo.com.

Jack Costello Boxing Club (located at Longshore Avenue & Tulip Street) is holding a Social Fundraiser on Saturday, February 23rd, 2013 to raise funds so they can continue to offer their programs to neighborhood children & young adults. The fundraiser  will be held at District Council 21 Banquet Facility (2980 Southampton Road) from 8:00 p.m. till 12:00 Midnight. The cost is $35 includes Open Bar & Buffet.

St. Matthew's School and Parish invites all alumni to join their Facebook page at "Saint Matthew Parish Social Events Committee” (https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Matthew-Parish-School-Social-Events-Committee/186293594794269?ref=ts&fref=ts) to remain updated on fundraising and social events that directly benefit the school and the parish.

The next MCA meeting will be scheduled for March 18, 2013 at 7pm at the Mayfair Community Center. This meeting will be the yearly Candidates Night.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm. 

Meeting minutes submitted by Communications Secretary Mia Hylan on 01/25/13.