Community Development Advisory Committee

CDAC MINUTES DRAFT November 29, 2011 3:45 P.M. ROOM 319 Members Present: Les King, Democles Angelopoulos, Robert McKeon, John Mathieu. Edward Derr Members Absent: Lynn Norris, Brian Eckenrode Others Present: Gary Evans and Susan Goldman The CDAC meeting was called to order at 3:53 p.m. Presentations were made by the following applicants: 1. Greeneville Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) - $136,500 Peter Procko, Chairman of Greeneville NRZ and John Mercier It was stated that without some revitalization the Greeneville neighborhood was at risk. The Greeneville NRZ is an organization made up of a core group of Greeneville residents that are intent on improving the reputation of Greeneville. This can only be achieved through investment in the area that promotes neighborhood stability, safety and a sense of community. The pavilion will be used to host outdoor meetings and events, farmers markets and other commun ity activities. Landscaping, park lighting and additional seating will facilitate this use. Additional street lighting on the Central Ave business district will deter crime and make residents and shoppers feel safer. This will encourage more pedestrian traffic. Demo Angelopoulos asked to have the list of projects prioritized. Red McKeon was concerned that lighting in the park would encourage unwanted late night usage. Peter Procko said that would be addressed through the use of timers on the lights. John Mathieu mentioned that illuminating the park will help cut down on criminal activity. Ed Derr questioned the need for an information kiosk. John Mercier said that would be a way to advertise upcoming community events. Gary Evans explained that the CD office was approached by the Greeneville NRZ to assist in gathering all City departments that need to be involved. This is a collaborative, proactive approach. It will bring a positive attraction to the area to help foster neighborhood pride. Les King requested more detailed information regarding the following:  location of pavilion and breakdown of cost.  A rendering of end product  Sample pictures of receptacles and benches. He stated it was a good concept but more details were needed. 2. Norwich Housing Authority - $25,000  Charles Witty, Hector Bailargeon & Steve Garstka The PY 37 original request of $100,000 was for 50% of the roofing project at JFK II State project. This was originally going to be a two year project. The final allocation of $75,000 requires accomplishing this over three years. An additional $25,000 will put project back on two year track. This will streamline the bidding process and result in lower bids. The Housing Authority will be responsible for the architectural costs involved. This is a State Affordable low income housing project and the State does not provide any operating or capital improvement funds. All shingles and underlayment will be removed to expose any existing roof damage. The gutters and downspouts will also be addressed. An environmental review revealed that there is no existing asbestos or lead paint. 3. Norwich Police Department - $40,000 Chief Fusaro, Deputy Chief Pat Daley & Sargeant Peter Camp Safety and security in Greeneville is a priority of the Police Department. Peter Camp was introduced as the officer that will be implementing the Neighborhood Outreach Program in Greeneville, Taftville and downtown that was funded with CDBG PY37 funds. This funding will be used to purchase and install 4 digital zoom high resolution cameras on Central Avenue in Greeneville. These cameras will be tied into the existing NPU fiber optic infrastructure and can be installed quickly. The new neighborhood patrols and cameras will allow police to be proactive as opposed to reactive. The resulting fear reduction and crime reduction will help build pride in the Greeneville neighborhood. Ed Derr asked about the effectiveness of four cameras. Pat Daley explained that these four cameras could cover 12 city blocks with their digital zoom capacity and overlapping fields of vision. The Committee decided to postpone deliberations until more detailed information was received from the Greeneville NRZ. A meeting was scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM for final deliberations. Other None Adjournment Motion was made by Red McKeon, seconded by John Mathieu to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The CDAC meeting ended at 5:15 p.m.