March 1st Minutes

The meeting on March 1st started off with an update from the public safety committee. They spoke of recent belt-tightening and budget cuts at New York's public schools, with word that the percentage of current cuts could double next year. Many after school activities are cut from this point in the year on.

The committee wondered how the budget cuts might affect the police department. We've seen more foot patrols in the neighborhood lately, though a friend of Michael Broder's tenant was recently robbed at gunpoint on Madison and Bedford Ave. Recently there's been workers late at night working on the green house at 186 Madison.

Next was an update from Andrew Robinson about finance and fund raising. He'd like to send out thank-you notes to people who contributed dues last year, and these notes could include a list of things that have been done in the past year with the dues.

Toya then spoke about out block beautification plans. We'd like to purchase between 20-25 planters for the block. Ideally, we'd like to have help from the homeowners to water the planters in front of their house 3 times a week. The galvanized buckets seem like the best solution for now, as the wooden ones are more expensive and less durable. We've also been thinking about evergreen or ivy plants that would keep the block green in the winter. Green Guerrillas might be able to help with the plants.

One of the grants we're applying for this year must have matching funds, so further fund raising will be necessary. The grant requests have been organized.

For Old Business, we've had a quiet month. The basement of 186 Madison has finally been sealed off, so hopefully there won't be any more problems with pipe theft. There's been a fair amount of confusion with the water board lately. Bills are, at times, inaccurate. I hadn't received my water bill for three years before contacting the water board last month. Please contact the water board to make sure there's nothing unusual with your bill.

For New Business, there's currently people living in the building s on either side of Michael Broder's house. There was also some complaints about too many circulars being distributed on the block, with mention of a new ordinance designed to cut down on the number of circulars distributed.