South Park Neighborhood Association

SPNA Meeting Minutes, 3-5-2007

Quincie Douglas Community Center

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Shirley Hockett, co-chair. Introductions were made and the dues basket was passed. The minutes of the last meeting on February 5, 2007 were read and approved.

Officer Scott Paglinawan was present to give the police report. He is new to the area and no officer has been appointed to the vacant Weed and Seed position yet. There was a burglary at 32nd St. and Park; the police were called but did not arrive until several hours later. Another burglary occurred at 39th St. and Park. The police are having manpower issues and calls are being prioritized. Officer Paglinawan warned residents not to enter the house if they arrive home and the door is open or there are other signs of illegal entry. Iron bars on doors and windows are a deterrent, also make sure areas are well lit and visible, not concealed by shrubbery. A resident reported that water was being stolen from her outdoor faucet and used by persons living in a trailer without water and electricity. It's illegal to live in a trailer without utilities and this can be reported to Development Services at 791-5550. Residents also reported two abandoned vehicles at 37th and Tyndall, and transients living in abandoned vehicles and building fires on a vacant lot near 24th and Park.

Ben Wilder from the University of Arizona Desert Laboratory presented a program on invasive buffelgrass. The grass is spreading along roadways throughout the Sonoran Desert which is creating a fire hazard that seriously threatens the ecosystem. Residents are encouraged to kill the grass by prying the clumps out of the ground or spraying them with Roundup when they are green and actively growing. More information is available at www.buffelgrass.org.

Pat DeVito from Tucson Metropolitan Housing presented information about a proposed development at 36th St. and Country Club. It will be 60 units of two and three bedroom townhouses available on a lease-purchase basis to families with incomes up to 60% of Pima County's median income. They wanted South Park's endorsement of the project, and none of the residents present had any objection to it as long as Pueblo Gardens is not opposed to this development in their neighborhood. Pat also reported on the 69 senior housing units that are supposed to be built next to the pool on 36th St. They hope to have approval from HUD by mid to late April and start construction in May.

Next there was a report on the Bridges development proposed for the area between 36th St. and I-10. The zoning hearing was continued from February 8 to March 8 when the Zoning Examiner will make a recommendation to Mayor and Council. Then the Mayor and Council will vote on it, probably in late March or early April. It is important for residents to attend this meeting when it's announced and support the development.

Maggie Gerring reported on the special Southside Neighborhood Presidential Partnership (SNAPP) meeting that was held the previous week. 85-100 people attended to discuss crime issues on the south side of town, including representatives from the city, mayor, city teams, police, fire, state representative, city council, and county supervisors. This is an ongoing project and a written report will be forthcoming.

Announcements:
The treasurer, Louis Padilla, passed away and a new treasurer is needed. Nominations and volunteers are welcome. SPNA would like to establish some sort of memorial to Louis, who was very active with Silverlake Park. Suggestions included putting a bench in the park, planting a tree, or naming the walking trail after him.
Louis was also the representative on the Citizens Advisory Council for the intersection and bridge projects at Kino Parkway and 22nd St. Bill Seitz volunteered to replace Louis and attended a meeting. Since they have decided to combine the two projects of the Kino and 22nd St. intersection and replacing the 22nd St. bridge, the project had to start over with design changes which has slowed the process down. More information should be available at the next CAC meeting, probably in May.
Residents were reminded that they can compare their property valuations to their neighbors' on the internet, and that they can appeal the valuation if they do not think it's fair.
The Hope VI Art & Culture Partnership gallery at 35th St. and Park is hosting a reception for the current art exhibit on Friday, March 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
The Pima Council on Aging is accepting applications for financial assistance programs for home repairs for seniors age 60 and older. The deadline is April 14, 2007. For information call 790-0504, ext. 2016 or email dedwards@pcoa.org.
There will be a writing workshop by Rita Maria Magdalena on March 6 at Quincie Douglas Library.
Therese Perreault is proposing to undertake a photography project in the neighborhood to make a new South Park brochure that will replace the current "walking tour" brochure.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.