Minutes for Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Normal Heights Community Center/Zoom
4649 Hawley Avenue
Attendees:
X = in attendance
| X | Paul Coogan (C) | X | Kenny Patrick | X | Emilie Colwell |
| X | Allan Harjala (VC) | X | Dan Soderberg | X | Jacob Koopman (P) |
| X | Sami Burrows (S) | X | Greg Stone | X | Brian Adams |
| X | Frances Prichett (T) | X | Nancy Lawler | ||
| X | Julia Corbett | X | Scott Kessler (AABA) |
Paul called the meeting to order at 6:06 and read the opening reflection. Then Paul gave a brief overview of the meeting procedure.
Board introduced themselves along with where they live in Normal Heights.
Community Attendees
2 zoom participants, 8 attendees in person – 8 signed in.
Agenda modifications
Action/Decision items to be added: 4712 Felton change of use from vacant to restaurant/non-profit
Paul motioned. Allan second. Unanimous approval. (Emilie & Dan abstained due to late entry).
Approval of previous meeting minutes
September 3rd Regular Meeting
Jacob motioned. Nancy second.
Unanimous approval from 8 present: Frances, Julia, Paul, Allan, Jacob, Nancy, Brian, Kenny. 4 abstained due to absence, Dan, Greg, Emilie and Sami were not present.
Non-Agenda Public Comment
- Talmadge neighborhood block party on Saturday, October 5th 2-6PM. Adams Ave, Miracle & Euclid Drive.
- Terry Hoskins, running for City Council District 9. Two forums and one debate so far; another upcoming at Kensington Church, October 14th and one at Rolando meeting.
- Becky Rock informed community about reporting on fiscal of law enforcement impacts of legalization of marijuana pot shops and children use. City responded to grand jury report–findings were non-fiscal costs are not reported by city; findings are done by county not city.
- Jacob Koopman, New Path Narcan project provides free overdosing kits and will leave one at the community center.
Treasurer’s Report
Frances reported that balance remained same, $332.46.
Presentation on Short Term Rentals in Normal Heights by Allan Harjala
Allan conducted an analysis to discover if/how the short term rentals could impact housing accessibility in Normal Heights. As a case-study, looked at Airbnb listings located in the neighborhood–94 whole home full-time short term rentals. 1% of total number of whole-homes short term rentals are allowed by the city in the neighborhood. Full presentation and deck will be available on the website.
Paul will take the idea to CPC to see if other community groups are interested in
Vote: Election of Board Seats for Open Seats
No candidates present for election.
Madison Stevens expressed interest for the next meeting.
PRJ-1105637 Easement Vacation – 3404 Cromwell Place First Review Assessment Letter
No representative present. Paul to follow up on inspection related to storm drain and forward to Sara.
PRJ- 4712 Felton change of use from vacant to restaurant/non-profit
Anchi Mei Executive Director–Make Projects in process of getting permits to activate the vacant property to a restaurant/non-profit. Make Projects provides work experience and job readiness for women immigrants and refugees. Anchi presented the rendering and floor plans for the space. Anchi is asking for the Board support in the addition to the neighborhood as they need neighborhood use permit. https://www.sdmake.org/
Jacob motioned for Board to send support letter for the project. Sami second.
Unanimous board approval.
Elected Representatives
Sara Al-Agha from District 9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera’s office
Sara provided flyers on community budget survey and encouraged attendees to complete. The mock building in Ward Canyon has been delayed due to asbestos, which adds complications to demolition. SDPD is checking on the encampments in Ward Canyon. Curbside collection event next week on Wednesday, October 9th at 7:30AM, for electronics, appliances, mattresses you can put it out on your curb–only on specific streets that can participate. For specific streets, people can contact Sara via email.
Sara will ask about chainlink fence opportunity and share date of asbestos test with board.
Mayor’s Office – Fatima Maciel
Representative not present, but Paul passed along the staff report and provided a quick overview of some highlights. The report is available via the https://normalheightscpg.org/.
County Supervisor Montgomery Steppe or representative
No representative present.
State Senator Atkins – Toni Duran
No representative present.
Assembly Member Ward – Christopher Gris
No representative present.
District 51 U.S. Congressmember Jacobs or representative
No representative present.
Chair report
Community Planners Committee – no update as Paul was out of country during the meeting.
Adams Avenue Business Association
Scott was not present.
Community Garden Update
Paul provided update that community garden received approval to proceed. Next steps: economic development, will begin lease agreement, and then contract will be with a legal entity. However, likely 4 months until there will be an opening, from lease agreement to getting water turned on. Will feature 28 plots.
Community Engagement Committee
Jacob provided an update on the ad hoc meeting with Jacob and Sami. He highlighted some of the key ideas: agenda posting expansion, flyer promotions, educational opportunities/presentations, cross-collaboration with local businesses.
Emilie advised we have postal stamps should we need mail anything.
Financing Committee
Jacob provided update on potential financial opportunities to help grow community engagement, such as a virtual polling technology, digital advertising, print ads.
Paul called 5 minute break.
Executive Session
The Board introduced themselves and what inspired them/got them involved in the Normal Heights Community Planning Group.
Adjournment
Sami motioned to adjourn. Emilie second.
Paul called the meeting to adjournment at 8:46.