Overland Park

Minutes of June 28 2007 Meeting

Jun 29, 2007

Overland Neighborhood Association (ONA)
Minutes of 6/28/07 Meeting

Call to Order (CTO) by President Catherine Sandy at 6:41pm at John Collins Church, 2320 S. Bannock.

Present: Catherine Sandy, Charley Samson, Lois Strohmeyer, Steve Nash, Liz Groggen, Marilyn Senum, Lois Barnes, Maria Martin, Jack Unruh, Pattie Romero, Mary Ann McCann, James Sample, Ray Ehrenstein, Dawn Spelke, Barb Poole, John & Rebecca Chapman, Ronnie Crawford, Anne Hatcher, Janelle Kenny, Stan Gaels, Bernice Gaels.

Minutes of last month?’s meeting were approved.

Treasurer Lois Strohmeyer?’s report showing a balance of $1,164.60 was approved.

Director of Deep Thoughts Jack Unruh reported on ONA Watch and Rebecca?’s ?“Bob Cratchit-like?” clerical efforts with the cards, which have been sent to District 4. The signs are in for the eastern quadrants, and Jack wonders about a possible Business Watch in the fall.

Jack also reported that the proposed Iliff pedestrian bridge is now ?“percolating just below what?’s going to happen.?” The estimated $10.2 million cost is being challenged by figures from the engineering firm that worked with the DU sociology class.

Catherine Sandy mentioned a fund for ONA Folk Hero Deb Sanchez at a P.O. Box in Englewood. Deb has written a personal letter of thanks and an account of her financial needs. It?’s been sent to the Shattuck group and will be published in the Washington Park Profile. She has requested, and received, lavender and mint for her garden. With training, neighbors could do overnight care, and Catherine has contacted Excel about a swamp cooler.

Both Kevin Dickson and Jack have attended the Transit Alliance Citizen Academy and learned that the overwhelming priority for TOD (Transit Oriented Development) is safety, followed by accessibility, comfort, etc. Jack noted that Kevin (celebrating his 50th birthday this very night and therefore not present) had floated the trial balloon of a 10-story building where the junkyard is now. Referring to such a structure as a ?“beacon,?” Jack thought it might ?“amortize the cost vertically.?” Residents of the affected areas of South Cherokee Street were well represented, some making their debuts at an ONA meeting: Maria, Liz, Steve, Pattie, Janelle and Charley. They expressed serious reservations about such a plan, especially given recent real estate transactions. Development on South Delaware is one thing, they said, but the disposition of Cherokee quite another. All agreed on the need for a neighborhood plan before the March of Commerce and Speculation decides it for us. Jack noted that city planner Karen Winzarra says the city is ready for such a plan.

Jack also noted that speculator John Cook and his daughter Dominique have purchased the Shattuck site. Also, by way of warning, Liz circulated pictures of a new house on Sherman, between Yale and Vassar.

Stan says a new wave of racist and illiterate graffiti has hit cars in the northwest quadrant. He?’s made a police report and notes our neighborhood liaison officer is Tim Swint (720-913-7183). Catherine mentioned a power wash machine, which we might share with other neighborhood organizations.

In her farewell appearance at ONA meetings, Julie Connor circulated flyers about Excel?’s latest Ruby Hill transmission line scam. Unburdened by the need for her usual diplomatic language, she said, ?“It just stinks?” on a number of levels. The public hearing is scheduled for July 9th, but Connor thinks the decision will have already been made, so pressure neighborhood groups may be the only hope.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08pm.