East Sacramento police officers Darby Lannom and Jeremy Schwartz visited July?’s MENA board meeting and encouraged people to attend the Neighborhood Response Team meetings (see article on page 2). The road construction on J Street was discussed and MENA member Ron Maertz said the standard material, rubberized asphalt, used now will create a warmer environment. Later in July, the board voted via the internet to send a letter of support to Assemblyman Dave Jones regarding the Truth in Development Act. This bill would protect neighborhoods?’ rights to know the backgrounds of the owners of the development projects at the time they submit their applications to avoid surprises.
At August?’s ?“grass-roots?” meeting, representatives from the Sacramento Mediation Center briefed the board on the services they have to offer regarding neighborhood disputes. MENA is in the discussion phase of a plan to possibly seek a mediator?’s help regarding the Mercy heart center expansion project. The McDonald?’s on Folsom Boulevard will be undergoing a complete remodel and there is a hope among many local residents that their design not ?“copycat?” the look of Long?’s, Trader Joe?’s and other businesses. While there is something to be said for continuity, MENA president Rian Troth mentioned that part of what makes East Sacramento so unique is its ?“eclectic style.?”
September?’s meeting was back indoors and included a report from the parks committee regarding the jogging path and the city?’s plans to fix the muddy situation.
Rian also went over some development proposals passed on to MENA from the city. The Lutheran church on H Street wants to demolish a small on-site home and replace it with a modular home. There is also a proposal for an in-fill project on I Street between Alhambra and 30th Streets. The plan is to put 6 condominiums behind two homes. The condos would have alley access. A plan was also proposed to split a lot at 3491 Elvas and add a home.
MENA board meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Shepard Garden Arts Center. All are welcome to attend.