HPCC - March 2003 Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Shannon Mischler, HPCC Secretary

President Lisa Williams called the meeting at 7:35 PM.

Block Watch Chair, Jan Stayianos introduced Officer Mike Gay. Officer Gay reported that the Zone 5 police are aware of the complaints made about the tow truck companies parking on Highland Park residential streets. These tow trucks have been cited, and the police have discussed these problems with the company owners. If any one sees these tow trucks illegally parked or speeding they are to report the vehicle license plate number to Officer Gay at (412) 665-3770 or phone 911. Officer Gay also reported a rash of vehicle break-ins, specifically for inspection stickers. There was one reported burglary in Highland Park, but no location was given. And vagrancy and drugs were reported on Mellon and Jackson St. Please contact Officer Gay at (412) 665-3770 with any further complaints.

David Hance, President of the Highland Park Community Development Corporation, introduced Michael Eversmeyer. Michael is the researcher and writer of the Highland Park nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. Michael gave a presentation with slides on the architectural history of the homes in Highland Park, the development of the neighborhood, city growth patterns and transportation. He explained the history dating from the 1860s, through the building boom in the 1890s and the building decline after 1930. Michael stated that of the 1,850 structures in HP, 13% were built before 1900, 78% between 1900-1930, and 9% since 1930. The purpose of the presentation was a public meeting to solicit questions and comments about Highland Park's nomination in the National Register. The historic designation for Highland Park would benefit the community with its Federal and State listing, the honorific character, and the use of Federal tax credits in income producing properties.

Lisa Williams notified the meeting that the Vintage Retirement Center in East Liberty is having a 5K "Wacky Run/Walk" on April 19th on Highland Ave. Vintage encourages all the neighbors in Highland Park to join the festivities.

Lisa stated that she, along with the Summer Day Camp Director, Janice Burgett, will meet with Citiparks on Monday March 24 to discuss potential uses for the Farmhouse by the community. Right now it is used by the Community Plan, for office space, and the Summer Day Camp, for six weeks in the summer.

The HPCC Public Safety Committee Chair has resigned. If you are interested in this position, please contact Lisa Williams.

Dana Thomas, the HPCC House Tour Committee Chair since 2001, is looking for help in organizing this year's house tour. The last tour was in 2001 and was a great success. It takes many people to put this successful tour together, and the committee needs assistance if this is to happen again this year. If you are interested in helping or nominating your home, please phone Lisa Williams or Dana Thomas.

Rudy Maceyko reported an email on the HPCC website, about an incident of noise and police calls on Bryant Street related to underage drinking. The police were called, but no one was apprehended.

Residents on Stanton Avenue along the stretch leading to the park entrance have reported unwanted construction activity which they believed was the installation of a new yard debris collection area for Public Works. HPCDC President David Hance and District 7 Councilman Len Bodack Jr. reported that a "berm" and visual tree barrier are being put up in an area where downed trees and other plant debris will be handled at that site. Initially workers were working at night in order to complete the project, but Len reports that there will be no further night-time work.

Kelly Vitti, reported on behalf of Tania Grubbs (Reservoir of Jazz Chair), a discontent with Citiparks Reservoir of Jazz Coordinator, Kevin Amos, who has taken over the event with little input from the Highland Park Community Club. There is a debate as to whether the Reservoir of Jazz should have one or two musical acts on a given evening, and whether the HPCC should be allowed a concession stand. The HPCC agreed to continue with the $1,000 donation but to ask that in the future the HPCC have more input on this great event that Highland Park helps sponsor.

The East Liberty Development Corporation will have a meeting on Tuesday March 25 from 7-8:30 PM at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

The next HPCC meeting will be changed to Wednesday April 16 at Dilworth Academy on Stanton Ave.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.