Meeting Minutes from 3/14/2006
Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association
14 March 2006
Those present voted unanimously that the group should send a letter as an organization regarding the proposed school redistricting.
Preparation for the Planning Commission Mtg., Tuesday, March 21, 2:00 PM
Arnie Horowitz explained how we are in the process of opposing the development plan presented by Paradise Development.
Last year there was a public hearing about rezoning the current residential properties that are of interest to Paradise to commercial use. The developers chose instead to pursue a special exception to the zoning and failed. We are now returning to the Planning Commission where the developers will continue their effort to have the properties rezoned. There will be a public hearing followed by a staff report, and then the Commission will take a vote. This is not a hearing like we had at the Zoning Board. The Planning Commission makes a recommendation to City Council, who’s acts are legislation, not legal rulings on existing law. Everyone will have an opportunity to speak at this hearing. If City Council wants to pass the zoning, they will need a “super majority” (7/9) if the Planning Commission votes against it, but only a simple majority (5/9) if the Planning Commission favors it. If it passes City Council, then it will have to be signed by the Mayor. We would then have 30 days to file with the Zoning Board. If we were to lose there, we could then appeal in Appeals Court. From there the case would go to Common Pleas Court. The total process can take well over a year.
Strategies for approaching the Planning Commission hearing were discussed.
Outreach Efforts (Marisa/John) Contact was made with several neighboring community groups who expressed willingness to support our efforts.
Bylaws/Incorporation as a Nonprofit (Clare)
In order to incorporate, we need to fill out a form, provide a mailing address and a mission statement.
Clare also provided a table comparing several elements from a number of different Bylaws. Attendees were asked to take the handout home and provide feedback to John about a mission statement within the next week.
Survey Results
John provided graphs of the information collected from the survey so far, along with a collection of comments for the group’s review.
Community Kick-off Mtg.
Mary reported that she heard back from the mayor’s office and that, although his schedule is very full, we can probably get him to drop by for our meeting. We will also invite Councilwoman Carlisle, the new Zone Commander, and perhaps a representative from Public Safety.
NEXT MEETING – TUESDAY MARCH 28