HPCC - January 2000 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Diane DeNardo & Ollie Rieley

The meeting was called to order by President Diane DeNardo at 7:30 PM.

Reports

COP: Officer Scalise reported that Enrico's Tazza d'Oro was burglarized early one morning in early January. The cash register was stolen after a forced entry. The modus operandi suggested that the perpetrator was the same one who had previously burglarized Walnut Market. Although an arrest was made in the Walnut Market case, the suspect was released because the witness declined to testify.

Officer Scalise noted that elementary precautions such as keeping doors and first floor windows locked can deter burglars. Also if neighbors are watchful for each other they can do a lot to reduce break-ins; if you watch out for your neighbor, your neighbor is likely to return the favor.

Councilman Ferlo questioned Officer Scalise why crime statistics aren't being reported to the meeting anymore. Officer Scalise indicated that she does not receive them and doesn't have access to the database on which they are kept. Councilman Ferlo noted the value of alerting the community to both the number of incidents reported and the arrest activity. Residents would be aware to take precautions and would also be aware that a significant number of arrests are occurring.

Membership: Kelly Meade reported that there are currently over 600 memberships. She will give a full report at the next meeting.

President's Comments: Diane thanked MaryLee Snuffer for organizing the first annual HPCC night at Zoo Lights. Over seventy people attended the event. There was a group rate discount and the HPCC provided hot chocolate. Due to the popularity of this event, an HPCC skating party will be organized at Schenley Park.

Diane reported that she completed the application for the Public Art Pittsburgh program which was discussed at the November meeting and it has been submitted. The City of Pittsburgh will be meeting in late January to study the proposals.

Virginia and John DiPucci have offered their home for the annual HPCC party that usually takes place in December. Paula Flaherty will organize and publicize the event.

Diane reported that the Mayor's office called about changes to zoning. Highland Park's re-mapping was completed before other neighborhoods got started. This topic will be discussed at an upcoming HPCC meeting to be announced.

Diane and Tom Dickson, representing the HPCC and HPCDC, met with Commander Bryant of the Zone 5 Police Station. The meeting covered many topics including crime in the neighborhood, speeding on Highland and Negley Avenues (with a special concern for student and school bus safety), increased patrols on Bryant Street (particularly during peak restaurant hours) and a need for increased patrols in the park. Diane reported that Commander Bryant was very responsive to the concerns raised and courses of action were detailed. Several of those present at the meeting indicated that they had noticed increased patrols in the neighborhood. Councilman Ferlo suggested from the floor that more stop signs are not needed as much as more enforcement of the posted 25 MPH speed limits on both Highland and Negley. He suggested that another meeting be called with Director Reginella of the Public Works Department and Commander Costa of the Traffic Division to discuss appropriate measures to reduce speeding. Commander Bryant was informed of HPCC and HPCDC activities and plans which affect public safety issues and public relations for the neighborhood.

Program

The program for the meeting was a report by Tom Dickson and Rob Stephany on the projects of the Highland Park Community Development Corporation. The goals of the HPCDC are to redevelop and revitalize Highland Park residential housing stock. The exciting news from the presentation is summarized in the Presidents message on Page 1.

Tom passed around a "draft" of a banner to be hung from light poles around the neighborhood. Several comments were presented from the floor to be given to the designers of the banner.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.