Board notes: SCNA Board meeting-July 10, 2007

Board hears plans for proposed Broadway development; Scott Gordinier joins board; Flea Market to be discontinued

SCNA Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the "Garden" Room of Sierra 2. The next meetings are on Sept. 11 and Oct. 9.

Special Guest: Millenium Real Estate respresentative
Marc Jasso, prinicipal of Millenium Real Estate, presented plans for construction of the Broadway Lofts at the northeast corner of 19th Street and Broadway. Plans currently call for 97 units of housing including 8,500 square feet of live/work space. Freeport Bakery will be moving to the ground floor occupying approximately 6,000 square feet. Some 22,000 square feet of office is also planned.

The city of Sacramento has leased additional parking space under the freeway adjacent to the parcel to the developer. The city is conducting its review of Jasso's application which includes Design Review; they have determined that no EIR is required since recently completed traffic studies provide sufficient information to evaluate impacts.

One of Jasso's major goals with this development is to build as green a development as costs will permit. Many believe that this project, which may break ground in early 2008, will stimulate revitalization of the Broadway Corridor. The 97 condominiums will be market rate rentals.

New board member appointed
The SCNA Board appointed and welcomed new member, Scott Gordinier of 11th Avenue. Scott learned about the board by coming to First Friday events. An analyst for Kaiser Permante Health Plan, he is interested in tree issues and was appointed to SCNA's Neighborhood Concerns Committee.

Flea Market plans change
The board noted that the neighborhood's participation in and support of the annual Flea Market has waned. Staff reported that space rentals have declined and most of the renters were professional sellers. In a recent issue of Viewpoint, the board notified the neighborhood of the possibility that the Flea Market might be discontinued. No response was received. Since many neighbors have been holding garage sales on the same day as the Flea Market to take advantage of the advertising and increased foot traffic, the board decided to experiment with declaring a neighborhood garage sale day and to discontinue the Flea Market.

Executive Director report
Executive Director Julie Gerth announced a new office employee at Sierra 2 who is experienced in all things mechanical at the 24th Street Theatre. David Smith is putting together a handbook for theater renters, and he will also be available to assist renters in the theater. This is viewed as both an added value to Sierra 2 theater users as well as increasing protection of the SCNA's investment in theater assets.

Facilities Committee
John Mathews reported that a test of room sensors to increase energy efficiency is now underway in Room 12. The sensors turn off lights and heat when the room is empty.

Development Committee
Bruce Gerth of Castro Way, who helped initiate the monthly First Friday dinners and Screen on the Green, and who organizes the summer Music in the Park events and much more, has announced that this is his last year as chair of the Wine Tasting Committee. The board expressed much gratitude and respect for Bruce's service and discussed plans for his replacement. The board is seeking a new Wine Tasting chair person or co-chairs with strong and seasoned committee experience. Those interested may contact Julie Gerth at julie@sierra2.org or at 452-3005.

Neighborhood Concerns Committee
Committee co-chair Rosanna Herber noted that businesses on the Broadway Corridor are in the process of voting to form a Property Based Improvement District ( PBID) but that the Broadway Partnership will to continue.

Tree concerns were discussed at length. Neighbors want and need all kinds of tree information: What to do if trees are diseased? What to plant when diseased trees are removed? And how to maintain and care for trees to help them last longer? The Viewpoint will be asked to start a series on these tree topics.

Co-chair Kathleen Ave informed the board of a proposed drive through only coffee stand that would be located 20th Street and Broadway. The board voted to oppose the new coffee stand because of concerns about litter and traffic congestion generated by such a facility.

She also reported that Neighbors Advocating Sustainable Transportation has sued Caltrans, alleging inadequate environmental review to support their proposed new HOV lanes. She also affirmed that SCNA has donated a modest sum to support those efforts as previously decided.

-Submitted by Andrea Rosen
SCNA Secretary

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