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Minutes from March 9, 2004
Southwest Neighborhood Association
P.O. Box 4783, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866
SSWNA.org
----Meeting held in the cafeteria of the Geyser Road School at 7pm.
----Opening statement from Molly Gagne’, President, offering observations about the Southwest Neighborhood’s identity in relation to the rest of the city. Maps, highway signage, and city services all affect community perceptions. Members wrote what they feel are important “first impressions” when entering a residential neighborhood. Results will be compiled for the next meeting.
----Vice-President Joe Kearney was thanked for the printed material at the meeting. He gave additional reports later in the agenda.
----Recording Secretary, Donna Richardson (substituting for Cary Hickey)
submitted the minutes from January 13 meeting which were read and accepted after correcting an email address.
----Corresponding Secretary, John Baldwin, reported that notices for tonight’s meeting were sent out to all local papers. Brendan O’Donnell (O’Donnell’s Report) was present for the meeting. A “thank you”was sent to Tom Curley for the efforts made by Public Safety at the January 13 meeting. A request was made to check the web site to be sure it is operating correctly
(SSWNA.org) .
----Treasurer, Arlene Fernandes, reported 42 households paid annual dues of $10. There was one withdrawal of $10 for postage and printing expenses.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS - “Adopted Issues” -Report of proposed stop sign at Hayes and Vichy Dr. given by John Baldwin. Site line will be re-examined once the shrubs begin to grow. Other suggestions are “moving the STOP sign forward to the corner” and (or) “making it an all-way stop”.
Building Permits - Joe Kearney reported that the house that had obtained a building permit in years past still has not completed the work (unfinished siding). He will check if another permit has been issued or a certificate of occupancy given.
Tree Belt/right-of-way - Molly Gagne’ reported a Freedom of Information
(F.O.I.L.) request was sent to the city attorney requesting to see required permits issued by
D.P.W. for paved or stoned right-of-ways that exist throughout the city, especially in the southwest part of the city.
Documentation in the form of 23 photos was included. Molly met with Mayor Lenz and Attorney Dorsey about the R-O-W issue and also about a letter from N.Y.State Dept. of Transportation concerning the placement of the “City of Saratoga Springs” sign on route 50, south of the city. The city line is near North Line Road.
Roadside trash - Jean Hall reported that the County will place a sign on Geyser Road saying that a portion of the highway has been “adopted” by the Southwest Neighborhood Association. 2 to 3 clean-ups per year are required. Members are encouraged to give their name to Jean if they want to help.
City property on Hathorn Blvd. - Cary Hickey wrote a letter to Commissioner McTygue requesting that the rusted and dented metal building on city property be examined and improved to eliminate a neighborhood eyesore.
OLD BUSINESS - Report from Erin Dreyer, Assistant to the Commissioner for Public Safety. Ms. Dreyer answered questions that had been email to her:
1. The City Attorney’s Office is examining a new form for Code Enforcement that will serve to educate the residents about the city codes.
2. The City Attorney is working on what will be the Code for derelict cars within the city.
3. Community Police Officer Program not in place yet.
4. No program is currently in place to be sure that all neighborhood dogs are licensed (which insures that they have
innoculations). A resident can make a F.O.I.L. request to find out if a dog has been licensed.
5.Debbie Harper (assistant to Accounts Commissioner) is examining the Codes defining “kennel”.
Possible land development off of Geyser Road - Reported by Joe Kearney, who attended meetings at the Gideon and the Planning Board. The project could add about 112 new homes to the area. Residents are requested to write a letter to the Planning Board voicing any concerns they may have with this project. Joe informed the members of a problem that Serotta Bike on Geyser Road is having with sewerage backing up into his lines from the Geyser Road line during times of high usage. Questions need to be asked if the line on Geyser Road is capable of handling more sewerage from new houses?
Recreation Commission President, Bob Spratt, updated the members on the current meetings being held to plan for a new indoor facility. He also briefed us on upcoming events sponsored by the Commission.
John Baldwin encouraged members to attend “Monday’s in March” which covers all aspects of water issues in Saratoga Springs. The meetings are held at the library.
Molly Gagne’ reminded members of local happenings- Tree and Shrub Sale (forms available at the meeting from Soil and Water Conservation Dept.) “America on the Move” program will take a local form and the Mayor’s Office will keep us posted. The Saratoga Greens met at the library to discuss ideas for improving pedestrian and bike access throughout the city. The new TRAIN STATION is open and all are encouraged to visit! Members are reminded of the importance of the Arts to our community and encouraged to support the effort to keep the NYC Ballet.
Adjournment at 8:30 Next meeting will be May 11 |
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