West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.

January 6, 2004/ Hartley House at 413 West 46th Street

Jan 04, 2005

1. Welcome and Introduction of New People- Christina welcomed Barbara Carmichael, who paid membership dues that evening.
2. Treasurer?’s Report- No report.
3. Secretary?’s Report- Darrick distributed the November Minutes. Watty Strous moved they be accepted as is and Steve Flum seconded the motion and the membership voted to accept it. Darrick reported that since only two members were present, a meeting in December was not conducted.
4. Vice-President?’s Report
4.1. Steve Flum reviewed some of the Block Association?’s past accomplishments.
5. President?’s Report
5.1. Christina reported that the Holiday Party was a success. Watty Strous coordinated the potluck dinner held in Hartley House?’s dining rooms. The dinner took place on Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30pm.
5.2. Christina reported that the Restaurant Row Association is now active and suggested that the Block Association attend a future meeting to address complaints regarding patrons from several restaurants and sandwich boards placed by restaurants on the sidewalk. Sarah Weinberg (402 West 46th St.) reported complaints about the HA Comedy Club.
5.3. Christina solicited a member to attend the Midtown North Police Precinct Meeting.
6. Committee Reports
6.1. Nominating Committee- The newly elected 2004 officers are:
?• President- Christina Boers
?• Vice President- Steven Flum
?• Treasurer- Mark Sutton
?• Secretary- Darrick Sampson
6.2. Ivan Shapiro House- Watty Strous reported he attended a meeting recently; few problems were cited. He plans to attend the next meeting on Marsh 24th.
7. Unfinished Business
7.1. Informal poll of members: what do you want your Block Association to accomplish in 2004? - Darrick hosted a high level discussion to determine what the goals and objectives of the Block Association should be in the coming year. Cognizant of the limited human resources we have to execute the membership?’s needs, Darrick asked the membership to prioritize the topics.
The membership offered the following as goals; the first one was cited as the most important and will be the primary goal for the officers in 2004:
?• Be a residents?’ advocate for emerging problems by directly contacting the party(s) responsible for detracting from our quality of life. (Many members))
?• Communicate our presence to residents so that we can enjoy the collaboration of many at meetings to identify the best solutions and face problems with a critical mass. A mail campaign to friends of the Block Association was suggested. (Steve Flum, Hans Dudelheim)
?• Raise money and contribute to important neighborhood institutions such as St. Clements and Hartley House.
?• Disseminate information to residents. Publish a newsletter, obtain email addresses from residents. (Elliot)
?• Be a social outlet for residents through two receptions during the year. (Darrick)
?• Support the right to vote by discussing political issues, candidates and coalitions (Etain O?’Malley, Allison Tupper)
8. New Business
8.1. Allison Tupper notified the Membership of an article in the Chelsea Clinton News concerning high rises in Hells Kitchen.
8.2. Member reported uneven sidewalk on the south side of the street by Yoshi Japanese Restaurant. 311 will be called.
8.3. Christina asked the Membership if they would prefer to meet at 7pm in the dining rooms. Membership accepted this proposal.
9. Public Announcements- No Report
10. Adjournment