Community Development Meeting Minutes from May 26

[Eric Neubauer]

Discussed Current Problems / Issues in Neighborhood:

1.) Drugs + Prostitution @ Grafton and Ferry

2.) Illegal Dumping @ business + homes in Fair Haven

3.) Dates for CD sponsored / supported events

4.) Importance of Neighbors to Neighbor relationships in the rebuilding of Fair Haven

Discussed ways to end the blight of the warehouse on Chatham + Ferry by enlisting community members to participate in a clean-up of the problem property.

Talked about ways to stem the "negative forces" we battle in Fair Haven - from illegal dumping to open drug dealing etc. Recently Joan + family had 10 bags of leaves dumped on her property. There is illegal dumping all over Fair Haven streets / property and others who are content to be a disruptive force. We combat the "negative forces" with positive action. Community Service, Youth Programs, Neighbors taking care of other Neighbors etc. We want to encorage CSNA membership involvement in the many activities of CSNA and partner organizations who are promoting events focused on creating POSITIVE change in Fair Haven.

We posted a tree-planting event on the CSNA calendar + announcend the dates for the Grafton / Ferry Block Party (August 21). In addition, CD Team + Ferry Stree Block Watch is actively cleaning up the streets and talking with neighbors on the 1 and 3 Saturdays of each month from 10 am to 11 am starting at 167 Grafton Street. Come and Join.

[Inesta Belardo]

Can some one tell me when the next community meeting is. I would like to attend if possible.

Thank you,

Inesta Belardo
Start Community Bank

[Eric Neubauer]

Dear Will Meyer,

Thanks for your comment and I appreciate your concern.

I believe the best way to "push back" the negative forces in this neighborhood is to get involved (personally). Come to our CSNA meetings at 6 pm the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Mary Wade Home. We are strong in numbers and when we have a " personal presence" in the neighborhood. That means the police, city officials and our neighbors should see us in the streets making a difference (i.e. Tree Planting, Cleaning Up the Streets & Parks etc.)

Second, use things like See Click Fix to spot problems, make people aware and invite your friends to use the site to complain. City officials monitor this site and act accordingly.

Third, contact your alderman and make your concerns known. I have found them very responsive.

Finally, use the relationships you have and that you develop in the future to develop support for your concerns and be the squeaky wheel that get noticed. It works.

I would love to talk. Email me at [e-mail]

[Will Meyer]

When is the next time issues such as these can be brought up in a meeting? I am new to this area and website so forgive if I am not aware of the protocol here. I wrote on 'ClickFix' that I would actually like to see some kind of quick and harsh police action in response to the "negative forces" we're battling. Is that an unrealistic expectation? We have mostly been discussing traffic issues but certainly if someone dumped trash or whatever in my front yard I'd be pretty upset by that too. Based on members experience, what can we expect in terms of NHPD involvement? It's very nice to see a proactive approach such as that outlined in the last meeting minutes, but I am talking about immediate problems where a defensive plan must be in place. Sorry about all the words - can somebody respond to this?