The West Pine Laclede Neighborhood Association will meet on Tuesday, November 14th at 7 pm at Northwest Coffee, 4251 Laclede (at Boyle). All are welcome!
We have no confirmed guests but we have heard that a developer who’s interested in the Kramer’s Marionnettes now-vacant Laclede property may attend our meeting to discuss plans for the site. We would welcome them any time.
The minutes from our October meeting and copied below and will be presented for approval at the upcoming meeting. Please note that to save on paper and ink, only a minimal number of hard copies will be printed for review and approval, so you are encouraged to read the minutes on line prior to coming.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
West Pine Laclede Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2023
7:03 Harold Karabell began the meeting with introductions of neighbors and the introduction of our presentation speaker, Martha Bagnall.
Martha Bagnall is a resident of the CWE and is a concerned citizen speaking about the environmental upgrades in the Inflation Reduction Act. Martha would like to create awareness about the IRA incentives. The main thrust of the incentives is tax rebates. To accompany her presentation, Martha created a hand-out for meeting attendees.
The National website for Rewiring America is below:
- This guides citizens about IRA incentives in dollar-for-dollar expenditures.
- The site informs about conversion from gas panels to electrical panels, such as heat pumps, water heaters. Each of these offers incentives to the user.
- The energy audit (should be a trained individual) is also covered by the incentives.
- Installation is through contractors.
- This money stays in the local economy.
- What about condos? Manhattan Mews is preparing solar panels which will be financed through loans through the HOA.
- Some electric vehicles and charging stations are covered. Rebates are according to income.
The WPLA thanked Martha for her informative and helpful presentation.
Harold then moved to approve September Minutes, which were approved unanimously.
Treasurer Terry Werner provided an update of our finances:
- $2,792.04 Checking
- $2,072.84 Savings
- $4,479.01 Time Deposit
One expense was incurred for seeding at Laclede and Newstead.
Yusef Scoggin spoke to Lorraine Simpson’s presence on our behalf at the most recent Special Business District meeting.
There is a bid in place for resources for holiday decorations and beautification and in-ground sprinkler systems.
The district hopes to install additional cameras in the north-south streets.
Youssef gave an overview of the SBD in the Central West End. Harold thanks the SBD for funding the for our Neighborhood Night Out.
Alderman Michael Browning provided latest district activity
The regulation of short-term rental is underway. This is an effort to rein in crime related to short-term rentals.
If the regulation passes, owners of short-term rentals will be required to
- submit a permit
- put a local agent on call for any problems
- limit of four units owned by any one person
This will open more affordable housing in the city.
Excessive noise and partying will result in revocation of the permit.
How will owners be taxed? Permit system will allow owners to tax as a rental property.
The proposed “Unhoused Bill of Rights” will attempt to de-criminalize homelessness.
Michael Browning is not in favor the bill as it does not address the need for housing and changes in policy structures. The Alderman objects to the bill’s legalization of undesirable behavior, particularly urinating and defecating in public (this sentiment was widely shared by the membership in attendance at the meeting as well).
The zoning change bill makes it easier to open shelters in the neighborhood. The community should be part of the decision.
NIS Coleman introduced himself to the new members and described his work on behalf of the neighborhood
Terry announced the “Sweet Spot Honey” for sale.
Karen Karabell thanked Ron for the literature – ??? – from the city.
Terry announced the Halloween Hoot bike ride through Bellefontaine Cemetery for the Friends of Bethlehem. Sunday, October 29th at 2:30. $15 per bicycle.
The meeting closed at 8:00 PM
Thanks, as always, to Northwest Coffee Roasters for graciously hosting our meeting