REPORT FROM OUR ANNUAL MEETING
Hi Neighbors,
The Allendale Neighborhood Association held its annual meeting on Tuesday April 23, at 7 PM, in Allendale United Methodist Church. The meeting was attended by over forty residents. Minutes from the 2018 meeting were approved (copy attached) and the Treasurer Nina Light reported a bank balance of $9,283. as of December 31, 2018, the end of our fiscal year.
Three presentations followed.
Police Report
Assistant Chief Joseph Dente, Officer Cory Crawford and Sgt. Jason Deary reported no violent or severe crime or break-ins in our neighborhood last year, only some petty theft from vehicles that that were left unlocked. They also reported that crime is down 30% city-wide and that our neighborhood crime watch organization is a model for others. They reminded everyone to lock cars and to keep lights and cameras on at night.
Neighborhood Update
Jim Stitt gave an update on neighborhood activities. In addition to our annual meeting, we have three other events each year.
- This year’s Easter Egg Hunt was at the home of Brian and Connie Smith. This neighborhood event has been held for more than 30 years. And, as always, it was well attended.
- Our Carefest work day in September was in support of Allendale United Methodist Church. About twenty neighborhood volunteers worked with a number of church members to clean up and refurbish the church landscaping. The City supplied a dumpster and free mulch. Ray Ferweda donated equipment to remove a segment of sidewalk on church property. The project was a big success.
- In November our annual block party on 42nd Ave. was attended by over 400 people. Food, entertainment, children's activities, and beautiful weather made the event a huge success. The day was planned and coordinated by Nina Light.
There are two major issues facing the neighborhood:
- Inconsistent re-development of large home sites,
- Loss of our tree canopy.
The ANA board will be working actively on these issues during the coming year, including working with the City.
ANA is also working on two new projects:
- A new website, Facebook page, and email program- all intended to improve neighborhood communications. The website has launched at www.allendaleneighbors.com, as has our new email program.
- A security fence and landscaping to close off the open space between the neighborhood and the Haines Road / 38th Ave. intersection.
City Tree Ordinance
City Director of Planning and Development, Liz Abernathy, and Urban Forrester, Shane Largent gave an update on the City Tree Ordinance. Approved permits are required to remove all trees. Failure to obtain a permit before removing a tree will result in a $500 fine. When a tree is removed, if the result is less than two shade trees on the property, a new tree must be replanted. Generally speaking, removing Live Oaks greater than 30 inches in diameter will not be granted a permit. Laurel Oaks are being unnecessarily granted removal permits. ANA will work with the City to correct this. The City tree department has a new position approved to follow up on tree removal activity. All agreed that a healthy tree canopy is a big asset to the neighborhood. ANA will offer discounted trees for replanting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30. If you have any questions, please an email to info@allendaleneighbors.com
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