October 2005 Minutes
General
Eddins Cottages developers discuss draft plans for corner of Chestnut and Carlton Avenue. Existing structures (2 rentals, one vacant) will be torn down. Want to complete Chestnut Street.
1200 square foot, two story condos. 6 detached units along the street corner, and 4 attached “townhome” units in the “back” of the property. Sidewalks will be built along both corners. Houses will be built with HardiPlank siding, energy efficiency, and other smart designs. The PUD will be in front of the Planning Commission for preliminary review tomorrow, with a public hearing possible in November.
Neighborhood noted maybe garage doors are out of place, and having more front porch would fit right into Belmont-Carlton. Also, asked if it would work to have more open space on the site, perhaps to help deal with drainage/run-off and have a small park, especially with this density.
Yard sale signs are not allowed on public property (utility poles, street signs, etc)
Traffic
Mirror for Douglas Avenue intersection approved (up to $50), need to get location finalized. Chris will call Dominion Power to ask about using pole, otherwise, ask building owners
CTS is installing a bench at the Belmont Park bus stop
Chris is checking with City on bush at corner of Carlton/Mont that blocks sight distance.
Chris is developing a sidewalk needs list for the neighborhood in advance of the next CIP round
We will request two new stop signs in downtown Belmont as an interim safety feature until we can devise and implement a more permanent street system.
The PTO is working on a letter and petition supporting the change of speed in the school zone from 25 to 15 “when flashing”
Try to mark no parking in front of W.E. Brown
Oral History Project
Kicked off at Fun Fair, two interviews and many contacts. We want to be ready for round 2 before Thanksgiving when families get together
Clark School PTO – Fun Fair was a successful event, even with rain
Fundraising
We are going to begin the steps towards becoming a 501-c-3, which start with by-laws, then incorporation, then tax paperwork. This will help us in grant writing and receiving private donations for targeted projects. Jeph will work on the version he has from an attempt a few years ago. Check with Katie Swenson about the “Friends of McGuffey Park”. We should check to see if we can spend earned money on street projects, to help speed them up? It would be very helpful to get match money for a TEA grant to do downtown Belmont (streetlights, sidewalks, traffic safety, landscaping, etc.)
Development
The alleyway letter to the Planning Commission was discussed. Rather than make specific guidelines suggestions, we will ask them to make guidelines to cover the topics of concern. Would like all property owners adjacent to entire alley proposed for use notified, and include alley in site-plan review process, and have emergency services review the proposal. We will make it clear that this is for NEW development. Jeph will make adjustments and we will mail it in soon. Chris will contact someone on the PC to let them know its coming.
Neighborhood Design Day was interesting, and had decent attendance. People are not sure what will change or occur with results, but it was a good conversation.
Avon/Palatine PUD to Planning Commission tomorrow
Capshaw did purchase Jimmy Dettors property
Toaster museum, near Mas, may open soon after a recent fundraiser.
North Belmont is under review to become a historic overlay district
City may remove or alter the “PUD” zone.
Parks – Rives park drainage repairs are complete.
Newsletter – it might be best to bulk mail it, non-profit status would make this cheaper
We are going to print refrigerator magnets this month so every house will know when we met, the web address, and PO Box to the association.
One idea from Strategic planning day is for city to have different neighborhood updates in the utility bills. Maybe we could provide our own text?
Drainage and mosquito issues, maybe we need a stormwater management review and plan? Bat boxes will help some. Why does City ask residents to drain small puddles when large areas have standing water?
Rather than adopt a street, we will rotate which street gets picked up, and try to do a twice a year pick up event.
Try to find out what is going on at Dettors old property – Coran Capshaw bought it?
Why doesn’t the City devote resources (Staff and budget) to traffic if it is such a persistent issue?
Noise baffles have been added to the pavilion, but it doesn’t seem to help much. There is an active group pestering City Hall about it, and anyone can join them
