McDaniel Civic Assn.

Minutes July 21, 2008

Minutes July 21, 2008

McDaniel Civic Association
P.O. Box 7075 Wilmington, Delaware 19803
web site: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com

The McDaniel/Concord Manor Civic Association meeting opened at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 21, 2008 at Aldersgate Church by RJ Miles, President. Debby Waxman, Secretary; Mike Lauser, Treasurer; and Vice President, Taber Smith were present. There were approximately 18 people for the meeting.

RJ started the meeting by beginning with those present that needed to move on to other meetings. First up was Corporal Amy Kevis (New Castle County Police). She reviewed the crime stats for our area for the period January 1 to present. While our area is better than many, it has seen an uptick in activity. There have been magazine solicitations without a permit. There also seems to be a man in a hood bothering a number of elderly women. Mail theft has become another target. Unlocked cars and trucks have also seen an increase in loose change and other items being stolen. With the slowing of the economy, these types of crimes become more prevalent. She couldn’t stress enough that we need to keep our vehicles and homes locked. She suggested that if we don’t care to leave our house lights on all night, we should invest in motion sensors. As there is only one County Officer for each 2,100 residents, it is up to each of us to do all we can to deter crimes, as well as to keep our eyes open to report anything suspicious we might see. If it’s not life and death, instead of calling 911, call 573-2800.

Block Watch has been started with RJ taking a shift between midnight and 3 AM on weekends. The amount of teens walking around, skateboarding on Route 202 business’ railings, etc. at 3 AM is quite astonishing. While some may be innocent, others will be into mischief, and others into even worse. It’s up to us to report such gatherings at this time of night. Anyone interested in the Block Watch should call RJ 479 9636 or email him for more information at rj@blanca.com. There are three different levels of involvement. (1) The Advisory Council can send information to each house, (2) individuals can keep an eye out and report tag numbers and suspicious activity, or (3) can team up with a physical presence, a mobile patrol. It was moved, seconded and passed that the Civic Association will reimburse mileage for this activity up to $1,000 for the first year. This will be revisited in one year to assess its effectiveness. Again, please give RJ Miles a call if you’d like to volunteer or need more information. The Civic Association can afford this as our finances are in good shape, especially because of the mild winter.

Volunteers are also to be a part of the Graffiti Brigade. This only involves a couple hours and keeps our communities from becoming an eyesore. It also sends the message that we care and won’t tolerate an escalation in other criminal activity. Pictures are taken beforehand and there have actually been some prosecution because of our involvement.

Lastly, Ms. Kevis touched on the problem with some of our smaller streets, such as Prospect Avenue in Concord Manor, where larger trucks and vans are parked on the street with a car on the opposite side which does allow for emergency vehicles to get through. This is a terrible problem for fire trucks and even ambulances in some places.

Bob Weiner of our New Castle County again let us know that he is still active in keeping Stoltz from building a new shopping center on the corner of 202 next to the ShopRite shopping center. It is currently zoned residential and he would like to keep it that way while adding a bus stop. This will not increase the traffic the way a commercial shopping center would. On July 30, there will be a meeting at the Brandywine Towne Center where Stoltz will tell why the community does, in fact, need a new shopping center. On August 5, there will be a Public Hearing in New Castle County’s Corporate Center at 89 Read’s Way. RJ will be attending to represent the Civic Association.

He advised the County will not be raising taxes this year, and they have actually managed to cut the employee rate to 2002 levels.

Instant Civil Ticketing for code violations is now effect. However, instant actually means that residents will be given a ten notice letter before subject to fines. This should cut down on county resources needed to keep cases open sometimes for as long as three years. If anyone needs a copy of the County Code Violations, they can be found on Bob’s website www.bobweiner.com

He also advised that Pilot School will be moving to the horse farm now located behind the five restaurant row on Route 202.

Our State Senator, Charlie Copeland, then spoke to us. He stated the General Assembly finished their session on June 30 without addressing the $217 million shortfall the budget has. He was quite discouraging about Delaware’s place as last in the nation for economic activity. Apparently, we can expect a tax increase.

Shellpot is being paved sometime between now and November. If anyone is experiencing decrepit streets, either Charlie or our State House Representative, Greg Lavelle, are the ones to notify. This can be done through the Civic Association website which has inks to both Greg and Charlie. One or the other will take a look at the street(s) in question and assess them against others that have been noted.

Someone asked him about cancer clusters and the water supply. He noted that under the present Governor, she has not opted for disclosure. However, this issue will be revisited during the next term with the new Governor. Charlie is all for disclosure. He will not be seeking another term as State Senator, instead running for Lieutenant Governor.

RJ then took the meeting back over. He invited everyone to National Night Out on August 5 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Woodshaven Park on Darley Road. This is to promote community crime prevention and is a family affair with food, games and information.

In invitation as also extended for our annual community part at 6:00 PM on Saturday, August 16 in Goodley Park. Food and fun will be provided.

We were again cautioned about the increase in the dog waste and abandoned cats. We all need to do our part to keep our community clean and safe. There has also been an increase in yard waste being dumped in our community parks. There will be enforcement of this issue if those involved can be identified. However, there shouldn’t be excuse just because there is a yard waste ban now in effect. We have a community member who has started his own business. Not only is his business a cheaper alternative, especially for seniors, but hauling away yard waste in included (on a separate day). Please contact Joe at 478-3191 or his website with email at www.Brandywinewaste.com

Our snow removal contractor is Absolute Lawn Care. The proprietor lives in Fairfax and cares about this community.

As there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Debby Waxman