Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association

Ven-Mar Meeting on June 4, 2002 (originally posted on 6/16)

Jul 03, 2002

The meeting was opened at 7:10 p.m. by Sheila Bernard, Acting Chairperson, in the Auditorium Complex of the Walgrove Avenue Elementary School.

The first item on the agenda was e-mail voting on acceptance of the By-Laws.

Evelyn Dravecky stated that those who voted, voted to accept the By-Laws, with only one opposed. Those present at the meeting also voted to accept the By-Laws by consensus vote. Thus the Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association?’s By-Laws are now approved.

Alex Utas introduced Steve Kane, who, with his father, Vincent Kane, is leading neighborhood opposition to the projected installation of a cell tower at the New Life Gospel Church at Walgrove Ave. and Vienna Way. Steve provided information on the proposed project and reasons why it should not be built. A motion was proposed by Alex Utas and seconded by David Moring as follows:

?“The members of the Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association stand opposed to the application by Cingular Wireless for permission to install a cellular base station in our residential neighborhood at the New Life Godpel Church and to the associated request for a zoning height variance. The existence of this base station would be a matter for disclosure at the time of sale of homes in its vicinity and would result in reducing property values. Enlarging the size and height of the existing church tower to accommodate large antennae and the construction of a large equipment box on the church roof would have a negative aesthetic impact on the local neighborhood. The adjacent neighbor of the church property would expect to suffer a deterioration of his quality of life every time the proposed facility is serviced. Approval of the application would serve to establish a bad precedent for this residential neighborhood. We urge our local representatives to join with us in opposing Cingular?’s application and request.?”

This motion was unanimously approved by members at the meeting.

Attending this meeting was Tisha Bedrosian, Preseident Pro Tem of Grass Roots Venice Neighborhood Council. Tisha confirmed that active members of our Neighborhood Association were stakeholders in GRVNC. Participation in the June 13 GRVNC election for representatives on the Council by those who cannot prove stakeholders status at that time is assured, but their ballots will be placed in a special category, pending proof of stakeholder status.

Also attending the meeting were candidates for District 1 and District 4 of GRVNC, which will represent a portion of Ven-Mar Neighborhood Association?’s area. District 1 is north of Palms Blvd. and District 4 is south of Palms. David Moring is running for the District 1 office; Pete Savino and Chris Williams are candidates for the District 4 office; Sheila Bernard is running for "at large" office. All of the candidates were given an opportunity to present their ideas and vision for the Council and how they would like to represent their constituents.
After a question and answer period with the candidates, the meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Prepared by
Evelyn Dravecky