Island Neighborhood Association of Waltham
Executive Board Meeting Minutes
November 8, 2000
The meeting began at 7:35 p.m. All present signed an attendance sheet which is kept on file by the recording secretary.
Update on 77 Rumford Avenue (the Pantos Building)- A discussion was had surrounding contact from Ken Snow, LSP, phone calls from prospective buyers of the property, and a letter from Anne Marie Desmarais, LSP to Barry Fogel. The fence surrounding the contaminated area has been repaired and more signs posted.
Trees for Rumford Avenue- A lengthy discussion regarding planting trees along Rumford Avenue, to make a "gateway" into our neighborhood, was generated. Adrian passed out many different sources of information about grants and resouces available.
Adrian's vision for for Rumford Ave.: Have 40-60 trees planted along it on either side; have the sidewalks redone in both the Waltham and Newton sections.
How to do it? A brainstorming session ensued and included the following ideas (in no particular order):
Contact the DPW to find out what the best process is.
Contact the City Councilor and/or Alderman
Seek grants- A block grant from the Planning Dept.?
Contact business owners in both Newton and Waltham
Work together to write letters to identified individuals regarding this idea
Seek planning assistance-Contact Edith Makra at the Mass. Urban Forestry Program
Get significant INA members involved
Consider that Rumford Ave. as an extension, so to speak, of River St. in Newton, where they have just redone the sidewalks and planted trees
Seek betterments?
A question of whether to link planting trees with redoing the sidewalks
Build support from area businesses regarding this idea and get their input before we start
Contact Dan Driscoll to see if he has any advise or opinions he could offer
Encourage businesses to plant trees elsewhere on their property
Get support of island residents via a signed letter of support
Create an artists conceptual drawing of what it could look like.
Membership issues: How to increase membership,and get members involved? Ideas:
Get e-mail addresses of as many people as possible.
Do more social events, such as a holiday open house.
Send INA greeting cards out at Xmas to all residents.
Find ways to get individuals excited about neighborhood projects such as tree planting or neighborhood cleanups.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00
p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Marriott,
Co-Recording Secretary