Wards Corner Civic League

The October 2011 civic league meeting will be held on the 17th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes a Q & A with Delegate Kenny Alexander, Delegate Lynwood Lewis, Senator Ralph Northam, and Ben Loyola.

Here is President Jim English’s message for June 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

As fall approaches, so does election season. At our October meeting we hope to bring all of the candidates who represent us in our civic league area to our meeting. We are inviting the candidates who are running unopposed as well as those who are running with opposition. Invited are Delegate Kenneth Alexander and new Delegate Lynwood Lewis who is replacing Paula Miller as a result of redistricting. We are also inviting Senator Ralph Northam who is running against Ben Loyola. I am asking them to debate the issues for our area in a structured forum format as we have done before in our candidate forums. I am hopeful all of these folks will come to our civic league meeting.

At our September meeting I discussed the rumor and non-rumor mill that has been circulating around Wards Corner regarding future development in the business district. While I don’t want to beat a dead horse, I do want to share with you what I said at that meeting for those of you not in attendance. So here it is.

It was reported in the Virginian Pilot on September 15th that an Upscale Grocery Store was coming to Wards Corner. You may remember the headline.
“Harris Teeter to Wards Corner? September 15, 2011

The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that Chris Perry has plans to begin demolishing a dilapidated shopping area in Wards Corner within six months. He would replace it with a shopping center anchored by Harris Teeter.”
While we have known for some time that Mr. Perry does have plans for making extensive changes to his property, most, if not all of what is out there regarding his plans is rumor until he makes the announcement. Unfortunately, the civic league president from Suburban Acres Civic League made this announcement at his September meeting that was also attended by the reporter who broke the story in the Pilot. The problem with breaking this story is that it is not from Mr. Perry himself. If indeed he is negotiating with Harris Teeter to build a store on his property and the deal is not complete, the irresponsible release of this information, whether true or not, could kill the deal. That would be very unfortunate.
What is not rumored and also verified by me is that most, if not all, of the tenants on his property have been given 6 months leases and must vacate their businesses after their lease expires. Some may stay longer until the changes to the property are complete or under way. I also know that those current tenants that I have talked to plan on staying and relocating in the Wards Corner business district.

Therefore, what we know is that Mr. Perry is planning on redeveloping his property – and soon. What we don’t know is who will be there and what the new Perry shopping center footprint will look like. It is exciting to know that Mr. Perry is moving forward with the revitalization of Wards Corner. We have been waiting for something like this to happen. Hopefully this may encourage other large property owners in the business district to do the same – and soon. Some of them may need that encouragement to redevelop their properties. We can only hope that this will be the start of the revitalization that we have been working on for the past 15 years.

Regardless of whatever happens in the business district, we should be cautious in what we say and not spread rumors about possible land or business deals that may be in the works. To do so may kill any potential deals. It is the responsibility of the property owner to release this information when they are ready to do so. For anyone else to do so is irresponsible!

Please enjoy the information in this newsletter and I hope to see you at our next meeting.

Sincerely,

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The September 2011 meeting will be held on the 19th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes an invitation for the City Manager, Marcus Jones, to present.

Here is President Jim English’s message for June 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

The summer of 2011 is now almost in the history books as it has once again sped by very rapidly. I hope your summer was enjoyable and relaxing. Now that we have survived one hurricane named Irene, one earthquake, and an intermittent barrage of smoke from the continuing fire in the Great Dismal Swamp, I hope you are ready to begin the fall activities. Let’s hope we don’t have any more hurricanes this season. With fall fast approaching, school is in session and the Wards Corner Civic League will begin holding its regular meetings again beginning with our meeting at 645PM on September 19th to be held at the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center. While we have not had a meeting in two months, our board members and members of our civic league have been busy working on issues to make our area better. This newsletter reflects some of these issues and concerns that we have been involved in and working on.

Over the summer two major accomplishments were realized that impact all of us.

First, we finally reached an agreement on the design and location of the new sewer pump station that will be located on the property of the Wellness Center. After several meetings, including those at our regular civic league meetings and others following, a final compromise was reached. We wish to thank Kristen Lentz, Director of Utilities and her staff for working with us so closely in reaching this compromise. They all deserve a healthy sincere thank you as they represent the best in our city government. The new pump station will be located just inside the entrance road to the Wellness Center to the north and slightly inward of the road. Its design will be brick and as much as possible blend in with the architecture of the nearby homes across the street and neighborhood. The next steps for final approval will be a review and approval by the Norfolk Design Review Committee and final approval by the Norfolk Planning Commission. Once these approvals are met, construction on the pump station could begin this fall. This of course is in preparation of the new sewer lines that will be placed throughout our neighborhood beginning with the streets of Burleigh, Maycox and North Shore. This construction will also begin late this fall.

Secondly, the city has finally agreed to start acquiring property in the Denby Park/Texas Street area of Wards Corner. This area, of course, has been the major source of crime in our neighborhood. In accordance with the 2004 Wards Corner Comprehensive plan, the City is purchasing property in Denby Park.

As quoted in the Virginia Pilot and the Wards Corner Now website.

“City Council members and the Wards Corner Task Force have partnered on the need to acquire properties within the Denby Park neighborhood, specifically the Texas Streets section. The acquisition is part of the city’s plan to build safe, healthy neighborhoods that will sustain future generations.

Total units being acquired are 68 apartment units located in seven buildings and the grounds. The parcels include 316, 320, 324, 336, 340, 360 and 362 San Antonio Boulevard.

My best to you,

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The June 2011 meeting will be held on the 20th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
The Agenda includes an update on the proposed pump station on Newport Ave.

Here is President Jim English’s message for June 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

The June meeting will mark the last meeting of the first half of the civic league year until we resume our schedule again in September. Summer is just around the corner and schools will be out and hopefully we will all enjoy some vacation time. Over the summer please continue to enjoy the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center. There are over 7000 members now. If you are not a member please consider joining. Please take advantage of this facility in our own back yard.

I wish to thank Barbara Ross for her continued dedicated service as our newsletter editor. She continues to do an excellent job preparing the newsletter each month. She has done this for us for the past seven years. This takes a significant amount of time to complete and Barbara’s newsletters are informative and always on time. Barbara, we thank you for your service and look forward to your newsletters again in the fall. Enjoy your two months of newsletter free time. Also I offer a special thanks to Joan Griffey and Ray Duron for keeping the records of our meetings and ensuring that our finances are in order. We also thank Ray and Betty and their clean-up crew for keeping our adopt-a-spot area clean year round. Joan, also thank you for your continued great efforts as Chair of the Beautification Committee. Joan is now also the Secretary of the Norfolk Federation of Civic Leagues. Also many thanks are in order to Sue Classick, our Vice President who is in charge of organizing the delivery of our newsletters each month with our many newsletter carriers. Thanks also to our many newsletter carriers for their time in delivering our newsletters to you. This also is no small task. Finally, a special thanks to Martin Thomas Jr. for his service as Vice President, providing us needed guidance at our Executive Committee meetings and for keeping our website up to date. As a newly appointed member of the Planning Commission, Martin has once again stepped up to provide needed service to the city and us on this important Commission. Martin is also the Webmaster for WardsCornerNow and an active participant in the leadership of that group. Also, thanks to you, our members, for your continued support by attending our meetings each month and working to improve our neighborhood. Thank you all!

Your job over the summer is to think about what improvements you would like to see in your and our neighborhood. Please let any member of the Executive Committee know what these improvements should be. Do you want improved lighting at the Northshore playground? Do you want more enforcement of cars parking on lawns? Do you see areas of city infrastructure (streets, curbs and gutters, etc.) in our neighborhood that need addressing? Is crime a continuing problem that needs to be addressed more aggressively? Think about what improvements you would really like to see in the entire Wards Corner area. Please also let us know what topics you would like to have speakers on in the fall out our civic league meeting and let me know. When we meet in September, we will hopefully have a list of these needs that we can share with you. Over the summer rest assured that the dedication and commitment of the membership of Wards Corner Now, the Task Force, Business Association and area Civic Leagues (including and especially ours) will continue the push with our city elected officials and senior city management staff to move ahead for making the Wards Corner area great once again. We will not be taking the summer off but will continue our important work.

I would urge all of you to attend the June meeting on the 20^th, as we will again hear from the Department of Utilities regarding their proposed location for the new sewer pump station. I believe we have reached some location decision with Utilities that it will be near the entrance to the Wellness center, we are not sure just exactly where it will be in that area. Also please come and give input on what this proposed pump station should look like when it is finalized. This is your chance to have input on these decisions and I urge you to participate in that process.

Finally please have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer. We will continue our work to improve our area throughout the summer. We hope to see you again in the fall at our September meeting.

I also hope to see you at the June meeting.

My best to you,

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The May 2011 meeting will be held on the 16th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes an update on Construction at DePaul Hospital and Norfolk Collegiate School and an update on the proposed pumping station on Newport Ave.

Here is President Jim English’s message for May 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

Provide funds to improve the residential and business areas of Wards Corner consistent with the Neighborhood Plan. Land Acquisition of blighted property from willing sellers will be pursued based on prioritizing areas in a strategic manner.

2012 Proposed Budget for Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan

2011 Proposed Budget for Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan

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The April 2011 meeting will be held on the 18th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
The Agenda includes an invitation to City Manager, Marcus Jones, to present.

Here is President Jim English’s message for March 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

I have good news and bad news to report this month. First the good (or should I say great) news.
Our own Martin Thomas Jr. has been appointed by City Council to the Planning Commission. Congratulations Martin! This means we will have a voice and vote on the Planning Commission when it comes to development decisions in our Greater Wards Corner area. This is first for us as we have never had a voice on this Commission and hence have had a hard time getting the votes needed in development decisions that will ultimately go to City Council. With his vote he can vote against such projects as new apartment complexes and other businesses that we may or may not find favorable in Wards Corner. I am not aware of any other appointments to the city’s many boards and commissions from our civic league area. I have served for many years on the Norfolk Environmental Commission and currently serve on the Norfolk Public Health Advisory Board. We wish you well, Martin, in your new appointed role and we know that you will serve us well.
In the bad news department, the Virginia General Assembly has gerrymandered the State electoral districts and Norfolk has unfortunately lost another delegate in the Republican controlled house redistricting plan. While Norfolk population warrants three delegates, we have lost Paula Miller and her district. This means that we will have someone from another City (Portsmouth or wherever) representing us. Isn’t that exciting! I can’t wait for them to accept my invitation to our civic league meeting when they (whoever) run for office and come to our March General Assembly update meeting. Let’s see how well they will represent Norfolk and us. I would encourage each of you, if you don’t like this arrangement, to send the Governor an email or letter letting him know of your dissatisfaction of the lack of meaningful representation for Norfolk and our area to the general assembly. This is the second time in ten years that this has happened to Norfolk and our area. We lost a delegate from our area the last time redistricting was done. Fortunately we still have two Senators for Norfolk and we will still have Senator Ralph Northam representing us in our area. You should be infuriated with this gerrymandering plan. I am.
Finally, I need to report that despite what our community police are telling us regarding the crime in our area, robberies and burglaries are up in the Greater Wards Corner area. The following was recently posted on Wards Corner Now and all are encouraged to heed this advice.
“With the increase in reported robberies and burglaries in and around the Wards Corner area, please be reminded to report all suspicious activity to the police. What is suspicious? Below is an excerpt from the Norfolk Neighborhood Coordinators’ Manual, developed by the Crime Prevention Division of the Norfolk Police Department.
“WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?
Basically, anything that seems even slightly out of the ordinary . . . could be criminal activity.”
Examples (not a complete list):
• A stranger inspecting or entering your neighbor’s home while your neighbor is away.
• Someone trying to open a neighbor’s door or window.
• A moving truck or van pulled up to a neighbor’s home while they are gone.
• Remember, burglaries often occur at times when they should be most obvious (broad daylight, in full view of observers).
• Someone carrying property such as televisions, stereos, etc., at an unusually late hour or in an unusual place, especially if it does not appear that the property is newly purchased.
• The sound of shattering glass could signal a possible burglary, vandalism or larceny in progress.
• Anyone peering into vehicles as they walk down the street or someone removing tags, gasoline or parts from a vehicle.
• Someone attempting to enter a vehicle using a coat hanger or other device.
• Never assume that it is the owner who has locked his keys in his car. Be suspicious of anyone tampering with the hood or trunk of a car.
• An improperly parked vehicle or abandoned vehicle or someone leaving one vehicle and driving away in another may be signs of a stolen vehicle.
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle could be a victim of possible abduction.
• Persons loitering around schools, parks, and isolated areas or in the neighborhood. These loiterers could be possible sex offenders or burglars.
• Business transactions conducted from vehicles, especially around schools, playgrounds or parks.
• A steady flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis could indicate drug sales or a fencing operation (purchasing of stolen goods).
• Offers of goods or repair work at an unusually low price could indicate stolen property or some type of fraud.
• All fights, screams and loud noises (such as explosions) should be reported.
• Door-to-door solicitors without properly issued licenses and identification should be suspected.
“DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO CALL. CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT IN PROGRESS SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”
Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 441-5610
Lastly, please visit our website http://www.wardscorner.com or http://www.wardscornernow.com to read more about this and other important news items affecting our area. I hope to see you at our next meeting on Monday, April 18th at 645PM at the Wellness Center.

Thanks,

Sincerely,

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The March 2011 meeting will be held on the 21st at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
The Agenda includes a presentation by State Representatives Paula Miller & Kenny Alexander and State Senator Ralph Northam.

Here is President Jim English’s message for March 2011:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

If you missed our February meeting, you missed a great one. It was great in that we honored three Granby Elementary Students who won 1st place in their school class’s science fair with their interesting science experiments. They then went on to the Norfolk City Science Fair where each one of them also did very well. In fact one of the students won first place in their class category. The names of the three students and their science projects that they shared with us at our meeting are:

5th Grade:

Jacob Grigsby

“Which Method of Transferring Bacteria is the Quickest?”

Heath Science, 5th Grade, 3rd Place

4th Grade:

Xander Chiera

“Which Combination of Bearings and Wheels Will Make My Awesome Skateboard Go The Fastest?”

Design Technology, 4th Grade, 1st Place

3rd Grade:

James Rakestraw

“Which Marble Will Fly Farther When Thrown With a Constant Force?”

Design Technology, 3rd Grade, 3rd Place

Congratulations to all the winners, their proud parents and their Lead Science Teacher and Fair Coordinator, Ms. Laura Moore. You make us proud!

In other news and after discussion with Police Red Sector Commander Lt. MacKenzie and Community Resource Officer Davis at our last meeting, we have decided to make increasing our communication with the police a top goal for us this year. Our primary goal is to work with the police in responding to incidents that are currently happening in our neighborhood in real time. We want to assist by providing the police with information such as descriptions of suspects, their locations, vehicles they may be driving, and other needed information in an effort to help the police apprehend those individuals. The police officers in turn will provide us with more timely information concerning incidents in our neighborhood when they can do so. This will probably be done in part by establishing email links between the police and us. As this process develops we will bring you more information.

At its last Planning Commission meeting, the Commission members voted against the proposed changes submitted by Art Collins regarding his development project on Newport Ave. While this is a setback for him, it is not over for the project. He can still build what he wants without any more approvals if he goes back to the original plan that was approved a couple of years age. So, we should not be overjoyed yet with this latest development since we still don’t know what he will do. We can only hope that whatever he does he will get serious and do what is in best interest of our neighborhood. We will continue to monitor his development proposal with the city Planning Department.

We recently found out that although the application by For Kids for a thrift store in the business district was turned down by the Planning Commission, For Kids is resubmitting its proposal again in hopes of getting a different vote to allow them to open their thrift store in the same place. While I have already submitted a letter to the Planning Commission indicating our disapproval of this project because it is not a positive fit for the business district, I will again submit another letter indicating the same as the first. In my opinion “NO MEANS NO” and I don’t understand what they don’t get about NO. So stayed turn for future developments on this issue as well.

Also regarding the businesses in the district and on a sad note, I must report that the Wards Corner Pub has closed effective March 13th. This is indeed unfortunate and yet becomes another victim of the lack of attention being paid by downtown to revitalize Wards Corner. Perhaps we need more thrift stores, check- cashing places, pawnshops and rent-to-own stores in the area to attract quality businesses to Wards Corner.

We would like to hear from you regarding what you would like to see or hear at our regular civic league meetings. Each month we try to bring you as much new and important information as we can as well as interesting speakers. If you have ideas for topics, speakers or other issues please let us know. You may email me or contact any of the officers that are listed in the newsletter. This is your civic league and we want you to be a part of it.

Finally, our Virginia General Assembly Delegation will be at our next civic league as announced in this newsletter. Please come and hear what they have been doing for us in Richmond. This is an important year in that Norfolk will be redistricted and it could have a significant impact on who represents us in Richmond in the future.

Sincerely,

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The February 2011 meeting will be held on the 28th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda.  An invitation has been extended to the City Treasurer, Tom Moss, to present.

Jim English’ message will return next month.

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The January 2011 meeting will be held on the 24th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes a presentation from President, Jim English, election of Officers, and a vote on the proposed Thrift Store at Wards Corner.

Here is President Jim English’s message for December, 2010:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

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The December 2010 meeting will be held on the 20th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes a presentation from Thaler McCormick, CEO of ForKids, Inc.  She will present on her proposed thrift store in Wards Corner.

Here is President Jim English’s message for December, 2010:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

Holiday Greetings to all. The holiday season is again here. It is a time for great anticipation, reflection and joy as all of us celebrate our own traditions and religions. It is also a time that we need to reflect on those in our community, city, nation and world who may not be celebrating a joyful season and reach out to them in whatever ways we can. This year, that is particularly the case for the unemployed who may see their benefits end if Congress does not extend them. Helping the shut-ins or needy is perhaps the best gift we can give. Thinking of those fighting a war in the far away Middle East and assisting their families is the best way we also as neighbors can support them. As we gather with our own families this holiday season let us not forget that there are those folks out there who may not be able to celebrate. They need our thoughts and prayers. A simple smile, hello or can I help you goes a long way to show them that someone cares. Let us also pray for all of our city, state and national leaders for responsible decision-making in the coming year.

I always like to use this time of year to talk about going “green” for the Holiday season. Undoubtedly this is the time of year of over consumption. If you are looking for some ideas on going “green” for this Holiday season I am again going to share with you some of those ideas that are circulating on the web. The following is taken from Go Green This Holiday Season: Have an Eco Friendly Christmas by © S. Elliott

“Christmas Cards that Protect the Environment
Let’s face it; most Christmas cards end up in landfill. They can be loving reminders to people far away, but this year why not consider sending e-cards to loved ones who have computers. That way you can send loving thoughts of the season while showing your love for the planet.

Holiday Wrapping Paper and the Environment
I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t had a moment’s pause when disposing of all of that wrapping paper the day after Christmas. What a waste. This year, why not try wrapping smaller gifts with fabric. There are thousands of Christmas fabrics available that can be cut with pinking shears (so they don’t ravel) and used to wrap smaller gifts.
These decorative wraps can be used year after year. The average bolt of cotton fabric is 42” to 45” wide, and many seasonal fabrics are very reasonably priced. Fabric makes a unique and impressive presentation when used to dress a gift, and it is also good for the environment. Or look for recycled and recyclable papers for gift-wrapping paper. Also try other ideas like giving baskets, reusable gift boxes and bags.

LED lights. Look for Christmas tree lights and outdoor lights that are LED. You will save on energy and get more hours of use from environmentally friendly LED light bulbs. Turn off lights when you’re not around.

LED Candles. Invest in a few LED candles to strategically place around the home. They are safer, last longer and don’t let off dangerous fumes, lead and etc.

Switch to Soy Candles. Soy candles are healthier and provide a “green” alternative, especially for the winter holiday season.

Don’t use disposable plastics. This year, if you’re inviting friends over for Christmas, forget the disposable plastics and Styrofoam. Use the real thing!

Recycling Bin. If you happen to use some supplies during the holidays that can be recycled, be sure to put a recycling in the room so people will use it, rather than throwing those items in the trash.

Buy Local at Christmas
It is a good practice to get into the habit of buying local. When you buy local seasonal produce or buy from local artisans, you are saving on packaging and transportation costs.

Your Christmas Tree
There is some controversy over whether an artificial or real tree is the most environmentally responsible way to go, but it is a sure bet that if you buy a living tree that you are planning on planting after the holiday, you’ll be doing the planet a favor.
When you shop for a living tree, select one that will grow in your area and can be kept in a pot outdoors until your ground thaws in spring. Plan on bringing your living tree indoors no more than a week before Christmas, and put it back outdoors right after Christmas. If you live in an apartment, or don’t have room in your yard for an evergreen, check into the option of donating it to a local rest home or children’s center after the holiday. If you opt for a cut tree, try to locate a lot that sells trees that are locally grown, and recycle it after the holiday.

Christmas Gifts

If you are buying electronic gifts to replace items in your home, dispose of old electronic components and batteries responsibly. Whenever possible, purchase gifts that are made from recycled materials or from retailers that support eco-friendly businesses.
Consider making a eco-aware donation on a gift recipient’s behalf this year. Teaching someone the value of giving is a great gift in itself.
Energy Awareness Over the Holidays
Cut back on your Holiday lighting. It’s tempting to want to share your Holiday spirit with the neighborhood, but consider the ways in which the energy might be better spent.
Use good energy conservation practices in your kitchen by monitoring your use of the oven and controlling how long you leave your refrigerator door open. This seems like a small thing, but waste adds up.
Holiday Food
Don’t buy more food than you can eat. Use leftover vegetables to make soup after the holiday. If you have extra, you might consider sharing by donating it to a local charity or soup kitchen.

Going green is an every day commitment, but you can make a start during the holidays. Give a gift to the planet and everyone who lives on it by being ecologically conscious.”

I hope to see you at our December 20th meeting as we will have representatives from ForKids who will discuss their plans to open a Thrift Store in the business district of Wards Corner. We need you there to hear this and voice your concerns or support for this venture. We all need to ask and answer the question: “Is this the best type of business we want in Wards Corner?” We also will have updates on the Collins Project on Newport Avenue.

Finally, from my family to yours, please have a safe and enjoyable holiday season with the best of wishes for a prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

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The November 2010 meeting will be held on the 15th at 6:45pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

The Agenda includes a presentation from Sheriff Robert McCabe.

Here is President Jim English’s message for November, 2010:

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Neighbors,

The Planters have arrived in the business district. I am sure that our Secretary, Joan Griffey, is jubilant if not ecstatic. She has worked tirelessly for over two years trying to get the city to provide these in an attempt to add another piece of beautification to the area. It has been a long “fight” with many setbacks and stonewalling by the city. Now they are being put in place. Our thanks also to Councilman Andy Protogyrou who helped push this along since he was elected. Of course, there is a catch in that we must provide the upkeep on the planters including watering and weeding. If you would like to assist Joan and her “gardeners” in this endeavor please contact her. I am sure she would be most appreciative.

There are more updates regarding the Collins property on Newport Avenue. Several of us met with Mr. Collins at his property in the Westport complex a couple of weeks ago. At that time, Mr. Collins provided us with a new revised plan for the property. He has taken many of the suggestions that we have presented at previous meetings although he continues his plan for apartments and not condominiums. He has made some compromises to his original plan and we are closer to agreement with what he wants to do as a result of his presentation. I wish to thank Martin Thomas Jr., Sue Classick, Linda Transeau and Sam Ross for attending this important meeting with me. There were also other community leaders present including Jim McDonnell, President of the Talbot Park Civic League as well as Louis Eisenberg, a member of the Wards Corner Task Force and Wards Corner Now. We all generally felt better about the revised plan that was presented although we have not committed to it yet.

In order to begin the process of moving forward with the Collins’ proposal, a few of us met with the City Planning Director and Zoning Administrator. We did this to discuss how we can proffer an agreement with Mr. Collins and include what we want to see when this plan does get approved. This of course means that we want to ensure that what he proposes is indeed what is ultimately built on the site. It is our intention to keep all interested parties informed and updated as we move forward with this process. To that end, all of Mr. Collins’ new proposal documents are now posted on http://www.wardscornernow.com and http://www.wardscorner.com. I would encourage anyone with an interest in this project to visit the website and post your comments about his new plan.

Finally, at the next Wards Corner Now meeting to be held on November 20th at the Wellness Center, Mr. Collins will be present to discuss his plan and listen to your comments. This is your chance to come and hear about his new plan and to present your comments. I encourage you to attend. In addition, I will have the documents available at our next civic league meeting on November 15th for you to review.

I hope to see you at our next meeting on November 15th at the Wellness Center at 645PM. Sheriff Bob McCabe well join us and give us updates on his office and how he can help us.

Thanks for your continued support of our area and hope to see you at the next civic league meeting.

Sincerely,

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