Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association

April 2000 Meeting

Minutes of Meeting : April 12, 2000

Alcatraz Avenue Neighborhood Association
Minutes of Meeting : April 12, 2000
Location: 1633 Alcatraz Ave. Berkeley, CA 94703

Attendees:
City of Berkeley:
Lee Hightower, Officer Dave White, Ronnie Turner, Taj Johns, and Margaret Breland

1. Roll call and introductions by Chairperson Ron Casimere.

2. Reading of the minutes by Secretary Richie Smith.

3. Margaret Breland reported on the success of the dedication of the new traffic signal light on Ashby Ave. and Mable St., which took place on March 18.

There was some discussion of closing of liquor stores in the area, and there will be more to come on that at future meetings.

Margaret stated that there would be an unspecified amount of money for the Block Party.

4. Lee Hightower reported that the four-way stop sign at Alcatraz Ave and King St. is still under discussion. The intersection may be used as part of the Bike Plan, and a Transportation Commission meeting to discuss this was planned for April 27.

The ongoing discussion of sewer backups in the 1600 block was raised. Chairperson Ron Casimere read the response from Rene Cardinaux, Director of Public Works. Streets Division believes that the problem is not with the city's lines, but with the property owners' laterals, and therefore the property owners' responsibility. However, this issue is still in dispute. A list of addresses with severe problems was compiled.

5. Ron Turner reported that the pedestrian street lighting program is underway.

There was some question about whether money was left over from the porch lighting program. There is money remaining in that fund.

6. Officer White reported narcotics problems on 1500 block of Alcatraz. Also some drug traffic reported in 1400 block at Baker St.
There is also a problem house on 63rd St. Many neighbors have been calling to complain.
Also report on 1600 block of Prince St. where a Block Captain was shot.
Contact Officer White (phone) or Taj Johns (phone). In cases where the neighbors are afraid to call, there is a number where callers can remain anonymous.