July 2012 Block Club minutes

Please find attached the minutes for the Grover Heights and Williamsburg Triangle meeting for July 18, 2012.  There were 32 attendants, 5 call-ins, one email, and several concerns spoken to presidents in person as they could not attend the meeting.   The other notation is for the groups that  met with WE energies, ATT, Asplungh and made reports to the groups.  There is another group that meets with the Port Washington Construction Supervisors and those updates are sent weekly from the field supervisor Casey himself. 

MPD
Reported that crime has increased in both areas.  There has been additional burglary attempts, vehicle thefts and abandonments, and some shots fired in the air.  Several hot spots were reported.  Residents believe that the increase may be due to traffic and those who have now find additional hiding spots.

For example, vagrancy and transient activity has increased in both areas.  New hot spots are being created as people are being prevented from crossing at certain places which results in increases of activity in these areas.  Residents are asked to call in any activity or email so that it can be reported anonymously.  There is still a concern about speeding and having a speed box or officer sit and ticket on streets where cars are driving exceptionally fast instead of just on Capitol.  One resident reported to the officer that he was told, "There is no speeding sign posted on either King, 7th, or 6th so he can drive as fast as he wants."

Residents again requested additional police patrol for the area during weekends. 

Neighborhood Concerns
Residents on 7th street in GH reported tree falling in the yard of an abandoned home and being unable to reach the owner or the realtor who manages the property to handle the situation.  Fire department was called and WE energies did what they could to have some safety standard.  The gate was nailed shut to prevent people from entering.  No one has been able to find realtor or owner.

Residents would also like to know the number of vacant and abandoned homes in the Williamsburg Triangle area.

Alleyways and streets were reported for needing filling.  In addition, sidewalks raised by tree roots were also reported to Mr. Boyd of street maintenance.  Some of those have been taken care of.  Yet the alleys of 8th in the 4000 block the alley behind 4100 block of  N.7th and several sidewalk areas need maintaining on both 6th streeets as they are raised by tree roots.
Some of these areas are still in need of repairs. We will schedule another meeting with Mr. Boyd.


There is a tree concern around in the 3800 block of  6th  street.  We are concerned whether or not the aphids and sap that runs, as it eats the car paint and kills the grass around it, poses a health risk to the individuals around.  Forestry visited but could not answer the health risk.  Residents are concerned about the tree remaining in place.

Many residents off of Port Washington are concerned that they are not informed about the Port Washington Construction.  The company was asked to recreate the letter with timelines so that it could be redistributed keeping everyone informed as more than one street is affected.  Company stated it is policy to deliver on Port Washington only; however, surrounding areas are affected as well as businesses.  Some of the businesses are worried that they will have to close as construction is to last until Oct.  Some are concerned about the great loss of money and wonder if theere are business grants to help recover some of the losses.

 As a result, the company has allowed for some of the members to attend a public meeting to hear of the construction and ask questions.  A business liaison has also been put in place so that questions may be streamlined at the one hour meeting.  The meetings are open to the public but we ask that no more than four or five individuals attend so that the engineering piece of the discussion can be completed during the allotted meeting time.

Residents and business owners alike have noticed that the curbs and the street on Fiebrantz has been cracking since construction has been taking place.  There are pieces of the curb on Fiebrantz near Port Washington that are now completely missing.  Musa from the city has inspected and is referring this to Cecelia the business liaison for the city.


Some residents have reported sewer rats and yet some near the Fiebrantz area report dust and dirt and having to rinse cars and houses frequently.  The question was posed as to why there was not a screen placed on the dumping ground 4092 N. port Washington to protect homes and cars.  Many are reporting frequent battles with dust and the concern that recent paint jobs on the house or business will be damaged.  Another question posed was where to place damage complaints.  Several homes had floods during a recent rain and a commercial building has substantial damage that may be linked to the construction taking place on Port Washington.  If you suffer any damage, see sewer rats, or other issues, please take pictures and email them to us as we can forward the concerns to the parties in addition to your formal complaint being registered.

 Residents are also concerned about getting a clean up agreement in place now before the construction from both Meade and LaLonde are done.  Residents would like to know what kinds of clean-ups are planned and when they will take place.  For example, sewer inspects prior to the construction and there will also be sewer inspects right after construction is completed. 


Block Party
Scheduled for Aug 11th from 10-7pm at the Green Bay Playground.  The committee meets weekly at Carolyn's and notices are being sent to businesses to ask for donations and participation.  Notices are also being sent to elected officials.  Rick is leading the committee.  Gracelyn Wilson is working with the block club committee also.  Please email if you would like to serve on the committee.

DOT
Trimming has been completed for the first time. Grover Heights is concerned about the brush on the side of the fence next to freeway.  These still touch the wires and lines for the cable, phone, and electricity.  These still pose danger to the residents.  DOT has trimmed the side nearest residents who have noticed that the overgrowth contributes greatly to the appearance of squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opposums, and insects. 

DOT is supposed to return to trim the second side and look for what residents could use the property for.

Candidate forum
Residents were invited to the brainstorm where those who will run to take State Rep Elizabeth Coggs place will present.  Millie Coby also visited and spoke very briefly to the group.
Residents were also notified of a Friday Event sponsored by Ald. Coggs.
Residents were notified of a Thursday event sponsored by Sup. Willie Johnson.

Residents also would like to know how to become  a TIN as well as from where to get citywide grant information.



WE energies (Asphlung) has completed tree trimming to remove hazards in the Grover Heights area.  ATT has yet to complete the trimming.

If you had additional concerns, please email or call so that we can get them addressed as best as possible from both the project supervisor Casey and the Business Liaison Cecelia.

Thanks to the distribution team: Diane, Churchill, Rick, Samuel, Betty, and Officer Osiewalski.

Respectfully submitted,

GHNBC