Downtown Neighborhood Association
Albuquerque, NM Monthly Board Meeting
December 2, 2009
The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Neighborhood Association took place at Harwood Arts Center, 1114 7th St. NW, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at 7:00 PM pursuant to prior approval. Board members in attendance: Lindi Anderson, Robert Bello, Lee Blaugrund, Laura Bruzzese, Sue Byrch, Gabe Campos, Jim Clark, Dick Deichsel, Reba Eagles, David Keleher, David McCain, Jacque Wright, and Bob Yuhas,. (13)
Board Members not in attendance: (1)
Other neighbors present: Marilyn Bowman, Susan Deichsel, Jacqueline Guilbault, Rick Miera, Anna Muller, Peter & Holly Seibert, Karen & David Taylor, and Pat Weston.
Chair Jim Clark, called the meeting to order. A quorum was present, the meeting duly convened, and ready to proceed with business. After introductions, the Board approved the agenda and minutes from the November Board of Directors Meeting as presented.
Treasurer’s Report
Jim Clark submitted the treasurer’s report for November 2009. Beginning balance was $9,625.34. Membership dues of $90.00 and Business Membership dues of $50 were deposited, and checks written for the November Newsletter printing of $246.00 and Bulb Giveaway – DNA Beatification Project for $296.72, leaving a balance of $9,222.62.
Police Report
Sgt. Paul Duran and officer Chris Patterson were present to represent the APD. Sgt. Duran introduced himself as the new shift commander for downtown. He stated that burglaries are up in the city overall, as we approach the Holidays. It was advised to keep our doors locked and don’t leave items visible in our cars that would attract a
Break-in. Also, don’t start our cars in the morning to warm them up, and leave them unattended. The attack plan is still in effect on Central Ave. for cruise and other vehicle violations, bar problems and panhandlers downtown. Over 1300 citations were issued in November. Sgt. Duran asked e-mail him directly, paulduran@cabq.gov, with information or concerns.
Zoning and Development Actions Notifications
Jacqueline Guiilbault requested that, when a presentation is made at a DNA meeting, neighbors be invited to attend that meeting, and get their input about the proposed project. She recommend that Board members check out the site before the presentation to be better informed about the project. After lively discussion, a motion was made and passed, to have the Zoning Chair notify all Board members by e-mail, giving information about the location and what the presenter is trying to accomplish. This e-mail should be sent at least one week before the presentation. The Zoning Chair would also give this information to the residents on either side, across the street, and behind the site, and invite those neighbors to attend the presentation to get their input. After further discussion, a second motion was made and passed to delay taking a vote after a presentation at the DNA meeting. Board members would cast their votes by e-mail to the Zoning Chair the following week.
Jim Clark advised the project presented by Mr. Skinner at the November meeting, for the lot on the SW corner of 12th & Lomas, was being reduced from 5 to 4 units. The ZHE hearing is scheduled for January, date to be announced. David Taylor, the neighbor south of the project, requested the DNA withdraw support, because he believes it burdens our neighborhood, traffic, height, neighbors, and doesn’t’ meet the historic overlay requirements.
Robert Bello advised 811 7th St. NW window alterations, and 1005 Forrester’s application were approved by city planning.
Announcements and Activities – Anna Muller
- The former La Posada at 125 2nd St. NW has reopened as the New Hotel Andaluz. A flier was passed out on upcoming events. The DNA has been invited to have an event at the hotel, possibly the Annual meeting.
- La Mexicana Party Menu fliers were passed out to order posole, tamales, etc. for Christmas. Their phone # is 242-2558 and orders need to be placed one day in advance.
- Regarding the city’s recent approval for a liquor license. Had the DNA invited an APD officer to speak to the law enforcement problems bars create, the application wouldn’t have been approved.
- Anna thanked NM State Representatives Rick Miera and Jerry Ortiz y Pino for getting money from the state for trees planted in the DNA area and improvements in Robinson Park.
Rick Miera thanked the DNA for it’s donation to the residents on Forrester to help buy candy to give out on Halloween.
Membership and New Letter – Marilyn Bowman
1. The next newsletter will be in February.
2. Would like more businesses to advertise in the newsletter. Space is an issue.
3. Would like to give a free ad to new DNA member business owners.
4. New members who join the DNA in Dec. – Feb., be given the whole year membership.
Sector Plan Update
The next Sector Plan meeting is at Consensus Planning, located at 302 8th NW on Weds, Dec. 9th @5:30pm. Date and location for the 1st public meeting will be discussed.
Cental Ave. Improvements – Lee Blaugrund
Consultants are drafting a design for Central as 2 lanes with a median. The consultants hope to have plans ready for viewing, comment and feedback by the end of the year.
Home Tour committee – Lindi Anderson
An organization meeting will be at Jacque Wright’s house, 509 11th St. NW on Tuesday, Dec. 8th. E-mail Lindi Anderson or Jacque Wright if you are interested in working on this committee.
Adjourn
With no remaining business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned @8:55pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Deichsel
Downtown Neighborhood Association
Albuquerque, NM Monthly Board Meeting
December 2, 2009
ADDENDUM
Zoning and Development Actions Notifications
Re: Lot on the SW corner of 12th & Lomas
Jim Clark will send a letter to ABQ City Planning, withdrawing DNA support for this project.
Home Tour Committee
Anyone interested working on this committee please contact -
Lindi Anderson – e-mail lindianderson@mac.com, or
Jacque Wright – e-mail jacquelinemwright@gmail.com
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Deichsel
Secretary
Secretary
