Meeting 4-24-06

We had a long, interesting, and successful meeting chaired by Mary on Monday, April 24, 2006 at Elizabeth's house. Entertainment was provided by almost-two Alexander. The following was discussed:

• Mara's dance troup performance May 12 at Macy's - call to buy tickets for $10 (which gets you 15-20% off shopping that day);
  
• traffic calming on Malta (update on ideas presented at GPA - no decisions yet);
  
• graffiti removal in the neighborhood (the city supplies eqipment; once/month volunteers are organized by GPA; Kevin and Mary volunteered 2 hours on Chenery);
  
• update on Doug's van accident/insurance report - slow progress; Henry's car was hit the same day by the same uninsured motorist;
  
• Friends of Urban Forest's 20th Anniversary - they want to plant 15,000 trees (call them if you want to get involved);
  
• changes planned for Bosworth St: 2 hour meters from Diamond to Lippard, and 2 hour unmetered limits from Lippard to Elk, M-S from 9-6pm instead of current unmetered limits of four hours, M-F from 10-4pm); concern raised: will this direct "more parkers up our (already-congested) way?
  
• earthquake seismic retrofitting: Henry presented engineer's ideas of how to strengthen our houses; main weakness is the front - garage doors, front doors, and stairs weaken; remedies exist - call for unofficial, non-binding "consultation";
  
• neighborhood blog: Martha presented idea and sample of a neighborhood blog; decision: explore idea further, and invite neighbors to join; concerns raised regarded security, privacy, and the blog name;
  
• cancellation of next meeting (July 31) in favor of a BBQ and variety/talent show on July 15. See you there!