For more information about the after school programs, go to their website www.amybiehlhighschool.org

The meeting started with an introduction from Councilor Debbie O’Malley welcoming people to the meeting and giving an overview of the Sector Plan and the update effort. Councilor Isaac Benton also spoke briefly about recent planning efforts regarding the design of Central Avenue, which is the DNA’s southern boundary. Jim Strozier with Consensus Planning introduced the project team – Nevin Harwick, project transportation engineer; Chris Wilson, project historic preservationist expert; Jackie Fishman, project manager with Consensus Planning; and Justin Montgomery, planner with Consensus Planning. He gave a brief overview of where we are to date in the planning process and then introduced Jim Clark, member of the sector plan update committee. Jim Clark gave a brief overview of the committee process and explained that the committee had been working with Consensus Planning on the project for several months prior to this first public meeting. Jackie Fishman then summarized the purpose of this first public meeting, and how it will relate overall to the plan. She explained that results of this meeting will help form the goals and objectives for the sector plan, which in turn will set the framework for the sector plan. She stated that this will be the first of four public meetings held throughout the planning process. Jackie also pointed out the project contact board which gave contact information for Petra Morris, City project manager; Kelly Sanchez-Pare, Councilor O’Malley’s Policy Analyst in City Council Services (Councilor Isaac Benton’s Policy Analyst, Kara Shair-Rosenfield, was also present); and Jackie Fishman; and web site information for City Planning, Council Services, and Consensus Planning.

Jackie then asked that everyone split up into the four breakout groups as designated by color dot on the agendas. Participants then went to the individual break-out groups, each with a facilitator and someone to record the comments on large note pads. The facilitators were Jim Strozier, Jackie Fishman, Petra Morris, and Justin Montgomery. The recorders were sector plan committee members – Jim Clark, Jennifer DeGarmo, Stephen Littlejohn, and Richard Deichsel (board member). An open discussion took place, centered around three
1. What do you like about your neighborhood?
2. What would you like to change about your neighborhood?
3. What would you like your neighborhood to be in the next 15-20 years?
The break out group discussions lasted approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes. There was commonality among the four groups in terms of their likes, dislikes, and what they’d like the neighborhood to be in the future. The following is not meant to be a comprehensive
list of comments, but rather a brief list of areas of agreement.

Likes the historic properties and single family character of the neighborhood, though there’s a need to educate realtors and buyers on opportunities.

Likes the walkability of the neighborhood, though, it should be improved to make it more walkable – better sidewalks, crossings, traffic calming Bike access good, but should be improved and expanded.

Likes the location and convenience of the neighborhood between Downtown and Old Town, and likes the proximity of the museums.

Likes the neighborhood commercial uses (former Sunshine Cafe) and would likemore of them (restaurants) in locations along Central, Lomas, Mountain Would like a neighborhood grocery store and other small businesses like a bakery, laundry, coffee shops, bookstores.

Likes the sense of community, diversity of the neighborhood, and knowing their neighbors – “front porch living”.

Likes the mature trees, parks, and open space, though parks should be improved with lighting to increase safety and add more plantings; and need to plan for street tree replacement.

Likes the access to transit, though it should be expanded Has concerns regarding safety along Central Avenue, need for better lighting; concern for the bus station along Central Need for traffic calming along Lomas; wants Lomas to be a gathering area and
Need to reclaim and maintain alleys Surface parking lots should be developed with appropriately scaled infill.

Does not like the number of bars and thinks there should be more retail and Does not like bail bonds offices in residential neighborhoods.

After the break-out groups discussions, everyone came back to the larger group and heard a summary of each group’s comments from a group spokesperson. Jackie Fishman then wrapped up the meeting with a reminder that participants can contact any
one of the project managers on the team or from the City, and that they will be informed of the next meeting, where participants will be asked to weigh in on the draft goals and objectives written and based upon the comments received at this meeting.

Board Members not in attendance: (2)

Other neighbors present: Marilyn Bowman, Susan Deichsel, Sgt. Paul Duran, Jacqueline Guilbault, David Liotta, Dave & Karen Taylor, Lora Vassar, 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 January Board of Directors Meeting as presented.

Treasurer’s Report

Jim Clark submitted the treasurer’s report for January 2009.  Beginning balance was $9,372.62.  Membership dues of $15.00 and Movie Location Fees of $100.00 for a total of $115.00 were deposited.  $70.00 Post Office Box Rental was paid. .The month-end balance was $9,417.62

Police Report

Sgt. Paul Duran was present to represent the APD.  The APD officers are continuing work on speeding and other traffic issues on Central and Lomas.  Members talked about issues with homeless, break-ins, etc.  Sgt. Duran said to e-mail him directly, paulduran@cabq.gov, with information or concerns.  He was also asked if crime statistics could be presented at a future DNA meeting.   He stated that they were, and would try to have them available at the next DNA meeting.

Zoning and Development Actions

1.     Lora Vassar presented for Steven Sacks, re garage conversion to art studio at 609 11^th St. NW.  Plan is to expand existing garage 8’ forward and 10’ to one side with no variances required.  The DNA Board will vote by e-mail and a letter reflecting the results will be sent to the LUCC.

2.     Owner David Liotta presented, re windows not approved by LUCC on the renovation of 224 14^th St. NW for his future personal residence.  Problems sited by the LUCC were window sizes, windows not having true divided light, and north kitchen window being too small.  Mr. Liotta stated that permits were issued based on the windows installed, but the LUCC pulled the permits, because said windows didn’t match the ones he was replacing.  Mr. Liotta is claiming hardship, saying the cost of replacing the new windows with ones the LUCC requires, would not leave him with enough funds to finish the renovation, causing him to loose the house and force him into bankruptcy.  DNA Chair, Jim Clark, advised Mr. Liotta to write a letter to the LUCC advising the benefits of the windows he installed and plead his case.  The DNA Board will vote by e-mail and a letter reflecting the results will be sent to the LUCC.  LUCC hearing date is scheduled for March 10th.

3.     1216 (1200) Lomas NW – Conrad Skinner Townhome Development:  Application was withdrawn.  ZHE Hearing was scheduled for Feb. 16^th.

4.     601 11^th St. NW – Steven Sacks – Front gate Arbor: Mr. Sacks will not pursue getting permits, and will remove arbor frame.

5.     1008 Forrester NW – James Opel – Demolition of 441 sq.’ single car garage then building a new 750 sq.’ double car garage, with  a 2^nd. floor office space. There was discussion about the second floor office space being able to look down on neighbors yards, and possibilities to avoid this problem.  The LUCC Hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2010.

Activities – Updates

1. Sector Plan Meetings

a. The next Committee Meeting is Wednesday, Feb.10^th @ 5:30PM, at the Consensus Planning office – 302 8^th St. NW.

b. A Sector Plan Public Meeting by Consensus Planning is on Saturday February 20th, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm at Manzano Day School.

2. Home Tour Committee

Lindi Anderson and Jacque Wright advised:

a. Scheduled for Sunday, May 9^th – Mothers Day

b. That seven homes have committed – are fairly close together and mostly south of Lomas.

c. Work needs to be done on advertising.

d. Advanced ticket sales be available on website and purchased on Pay-Pal.

e. A motion was submitted and passed to authorize $500.00 for promotion of the Home Tour.

3. The DNA Google Blog is set up.  Jacque Wriight advised to go to the topic,

then make comments.

4. Gabe Campos suggested setting up a link to Google Maps on the DNA website, for a virtual tour of houses in the historic neighborhoods.

Adjourn

With no remaining business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned @8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Deichsel

Secretary

P.S. The Home Tour Committee meeting will be held at Lindi Anderson’s house – 421 11^th St. NW on Tuesday, February 23^rd at 6:00 PM.

Tour hours will be from 12:00-4:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 ea. and will be available at Mary Fox Park on the day of the tour. You may also purchase tickets in advance on the DNA website for the discounted advance purchase price of $9.00 ea. (www.abqdna.org). Website tickets will be available March 1st through May 8th.

Volunteers are needed to help in 2 hour shifts during the tour. In return they will be given a free pass for the Home Tour. Please contact Lindi Anderson at 238-8291 if you are able to volunteer.

This is the big fund raising event for the Downtown Neighborhood. In the past the proceeds have helped fund The Grower’s Market, Harwood Art Center, Fall Bulb Give-A-Way and Forrester Halloween Candy and Prizes. Please spread the word and make this the “Best Home Tour” we’ve ever had.

The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Neighborhood Association took place at Harwood Arts Center, 1114 7^th St. NW, Wednesday, Jan 6, 2010 at 7:00 PM pursuant to prior approval.             Board members in attendance: Lindi Anderson, Robert Bello, Laura Bruzzese, Sue Byrch, Gabe Campos, Jim Clark, Dick Deichsel, Reba Eagles, David Keleher, David McCain, Jacque Wright, and Bob Yuhas. (12)

Board Members not in attendance: (2)

Other neighbors present: Jon Anderson & Laura Daby, Marilyn Bowman, Susan Deichsel, Sgt. Paul Duran, Jacqueline Guilbault, Anna Muller, Karen 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 December Board of Directors Meeting as presented.

Treasurer’s Report

Jim Clark submitted the treasurer’s report for December 2009.  Beginning balance was $9,222.62.  Membership dues of $60.00 and Business Membership dues of $90 for a total of $150.00 were deposited.  The month-end balance was $9,372.62.

Police Report

Sgt. Paul Duran was present to represent the APD.  The Valley area Command worked on food and toy drives in December as well as continuing the Central Ave. focus.  Overall, crime was very quite in December.  Sgt. Duran mentioned in December to e-mail him directly, paulduran@cabq.gov, with information or concerns.

Zoning and Development Actions

1.     1216 (1200) Lomas NW Townhouse Development – Conrad Skinner Presentation was cancelled.  ZHE Hearing was moved from January 19^th to A February date to be announced.  Three guests made comments for the DNA Board to not approve this project.

a.     Karen Taylor, neighbor next lot south of project, read statement of numerous points on how the proposed structure would negatively affect her property.

b.     Robert Gorman, owner of commercial property north, across Lomas Blvd., stated reasons the project would impact the neighborhood adversely

c.     Pat Weston, neighbor across 12^th St. expressed concerns there wasn’t enough parking, and access wasn’t safe for residents or emergency vehicles.

2.     908  Roma NW,  Anderson Residence – Jon Anderson did an initial presentation for his new personal residence.

This project involves the tearing down of an existing converted garage, and replacing it with a new, two story 2000 sq’ residence.  Mr. Anderson presented floor plan, proposed exterior materials, and artist conception of view of residence from the street.  No set- back or height variances were requested.  The Board and guests engaged in lively discussion after Mr. Anderson left.  A motion was passed for the Zoning Chair to send Board Members an e-mail regarding this project, and for Board Members to respond with their vote within 72 hours.

3. Zoning – Robert Bello

924 Forrester – windows approved

1113 Roma    – windows approved

601 11^th St.     – arbor red tagged for being too high. Owner has removed, and is applying for approval.

Updates

1. Sector Plan Meetings

a. Next Committee Meeting is Weds. Jan. 13^th @ 5:30PM at the Consensus Planning office – 302 8^th St. NW.

b. A Sector Plan Presentation by Consensus Planning is on Saturday January 16^th, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hotel Blue – 717 Central Ave. NW.  Public invited.

2. Home Tour Meeting

a. At Reba Eagles home – 610 11^th St NW on Tues., Jan.19^th @ 6 pm. –  Potluck. e-mail Reba – dreagles44@msn.com if you have any questions.

b. Anyone interested in working on this important committee, please contact:

Lindi Anderson – e-mail lindianderson@mac.com

Jacque Wright   – e-mail jacquelinemwright@gmail.com

3. Board-Member Nomination

Jennifer Degarmo nominated Rick Miera for the open DNA Board position.  Board members questioned if there is a conflict of interest with Rick holding a Board               position, being a NM State Representative.  Neither Jennifer or Rick were present.  The Board Chair suggested, and the Board agreed, to defer any nominations until         the DNA Annual Meeting.

4. Chair Jim Clark, talked about the improvements in communication that had recently been approved by the Board for the presentation of proposed             projects.  To further improve this process, he posed a couple of questions. 1. What is our job as a Board?  2. Should we have a check list to work from.  Gabe Campos said he had started one some time ago and would e-mail it to the Board for consideration.  Laura Bruzzese suggested setting up a Blog for more efficient communication.  It would eliminate the multiple e-mails going back and forth.  The Board agreed this would help, and Jacque Wright said she would try to have it set up by the February meeting.

5. Articles for the next News Letter need to be sent to Laura Bruzzese by February 1^st.  Laura’s e-mail is Imbruzz@aim.com.

Adjourn

With no remaining business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned @9:07pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Deichsel

Secretary

It is important for the building community to understand the different
issues about energy consumption, what there impact is, and how it can
be improved.

This course will be offered in two seasons in February and March and is
only $99. The course fee is inexpensive due to grant funding for this project.

There is an information session this Friday the 15th at 10am at UNM
Continuing Education Building in Albuquerque. If you would like to know
more about the course and/or would like to attend the information
season please let me know.

For more information please contact:
C. Birk Jones
Masters Student/Research Assistant
University of New Mexico
Department of Civil Engineering
PH # 505-629-8787
Email: cbjones@unm.edu

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 7^th 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 12^th & 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 7^th St. NW window alterations, and 1005 Forrester’s application were approved by city planning.

Announcements and Activities – Anna Muller

1. The former La Posada at 125 2^nd 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 8^th NW on Weds, Dec. 9^th @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 11^th St. NW on Tuesday, Dec. 8^th.  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

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November 2009 DNA Newsletter