Door to Door Magazine Salesman Scam

There is a guy going door to door selling magazine subscriptions and books for Omni Horizons. I googled them and there were several sites indicating this is a scam. For example – http://www.counton2.com/cbd/news/local/article/scam_alert_magazine_door-to-door_sales_in_charleston/21003

and http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=23061&TM=37585.55

The young man who came to my door asked a lot of person questions, against my better judgement I let him come in the foyer of my home. Then he told me he wanted to give me a hug and tried to hug me. I sent him out.

If you google  Omni Horizons Scam you will read some pretty scary stuff about this group. Be careful.

I have already called the police,  but if you see this guy you can give them a call too. The SBPD’s 24-hour number for non-emergency calls and general information is (574) 235-9201.

Thanks to all who came to the meeting on Sunday.  It was a great turnout with lots of good discussion.  Remember, the only way we have a voice with the city is if we are organized into an association so it makes a great impression on our City Councilwoman, Ann Puzzello who was at the meeting when so many neighbors come.

Minutes:

1) Update on the Home a 1328 Hillcrest:

City Council Member, Ann Puzzello updated the neighborhood on the home at 1328 Hillcrest.  The owner had intended to demolish the existing home and build a student apartment complex, however, because the fire department was going to require major modifications to the alley, the developer has since shelved his project for the time being.  The status of the property is still up in the air.  Ryan Dvorak mentioned that the Hillcrest property and another parcel in the neighborhood were rezoned as multi-family in the 2004 comprehensive rezoning ordinance. Residents might be able to challenge this rezoning in court because they didn’t receive the normal notice for rezoning.  Also, he suggested neighbors be aware of notices they might receive regarding any potential rezoning requests elsewhere in the neighborhood.

2) Conservation District

Mary Ellen O’Connell introduced Amy Minnich from the Historic Preservation Commission to discuss the possible creation of a conservation district for our neighborhood. She explained that creating a district would create an additional step for someone who wanted to demolish a home in our neighborhood.  Should the owner of the 1328 Hillcrest home want to move forward with a demolition and rebuild, the process could be slowed if we became a conservation district because an additional approval would be required.  Amy explained that creating a conservation district is a lengthy process and would be initiated by the neighborhood sending a request to the Historic Preservation Commission.  Our neighborhood would have to decide the level of conservation that we wanted to impose (i.e. what construction/changes that can be allowed, etc.) She explained that the homes in our neighborhood have already been surveyed so the process would be simplified for us.

Those present discussed the pros and cons of creating a conservation district. Amy Minnich is going to forward information to us about the process of setting up a district, as well as an explanation of the various criteria that could be imposed on such a district. Residents discussed providing feedback on the creation of a district via the neighborhood blog. We also discussed having another meeting in the next two months to revisit this issue.

3) Trees in Parkovash Park

Barb discussed that we have lost several trees at Parkovash Park and she requested a volunteer to work with the City Arborist to see if we can get replacements.  Andrea Rogers volunteered to take on this project.  Several trees in the neighborhood have recently been marked to be removed and it was suggested that we see if the city would pay to have the trees moved to the park.  Barb also suggested that people work with the city/utility company if their trees have been marked for removal because it might be possible to save the tree. Ryan Dvorak, State Representative for the neighborhood, also suggested that people contact him about trees that are marked for removal and he can contact the utility companies to see if the trees can be saved.

Jo Broden suggested the possibility of adding a basketball hoop back into Parkovash Park. Residents discussed the pros and cons of adding a hoop and Jo Broden asked that the neighborhood board consider adding this to a future meeting agenda.

4) Community Garden

Residents had a brief discussion on the feasibility of creating a community garden.  ______ suggested a portion of her property that is in full sun for the garden.  The sunny lot on Angela next to the dentist office was also suggested, however, it was pointed out that this land is owned by Memorial Hospital so the other lot may be more ideal

5) Crime

Residents discussed recent occurrences of car and garage break-ins in the area.  It was suggested that we utilize the city’s current crime watch program and see if the city will consider our neighborhood one area, rather than two, to allow a better flow of information.  We discussed that when someone involved in the program receives a call about crime in the area, they should contact the neighborhood association to see that this information is shared with other neighbors via the email distribution list.  We also discussed the lack of a police presence in our neighborhood and it was suggested that all instances of crime should be reported to the police as they may increase their patrols in the neighborhood.

6) Leslie Viktora who lives at 305 Wakewa asked for some help from anyone in the neighborhood to get her overgrown yard back in shape. Since the death of her parents, the Shapiro’s, she has had a hard time keeping up the house and yard.  Leslie said anyone who helps is welcome to some of the plants that will need to be cleaned out.  Leslie will contact us with a good date and we can send out an email.

7) Upcoming Parties/Activities
-Fourth of July / 10 am Bike Parade at Nokomis Park / 1 pm games

-Yard Sale – 3^rd Saturday in August.  Give Buffy Pennino a buck if you will be participating in the yard sale to help with advertising costs

-Neighborhood Party – It was suggested that we have a party, possibly the day             after the garage sale.  We can apply for a $200 grant from the city to help with the            cost of the party.

-Halloween Party

-Plant exchange in the spring?  Also in the fall when some plants go dormant.

-Next meeting: in September, or possibly earlier to discuss the Conservation      District.

Neighborhood Meeting

Dear Neighbors

We are having a neighborhood meeting on Sunday JUNE 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm in Parkovash Park. (Corner of Parkovash & Lafayette)  RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE 14.

This is our first neighborhood meeting of the year and there are several topics we want to discuss with all of you.

Other items:

.  Update on the home on  1328 Hillcrest.  The owner was planning to destroy the existing 1832 home and build an apartment complex.  We will tell you the latest information we have on that situation

2.  There have been a number of break-ins and property damages in the triangle.  We need a better way to share information.  Can you help?

3.  There were a number of trees destroyed at Parkovash Park during a spring storm.  What do you all think about asking the city to replace them?  We need some help from all you green thumb folks

4.  We would like to plan some family events for the Triangle,including a bicycle parade around Triangle Park on July 4.  A late summer picnic and the annual Halloween party.  WE NEED PARTY PEOPLE !!! to help plan.

5.  There has been talk about trying to do a community garden but again we need some help organizing and finding a spot. Obviously for next year.

  Maybe we can have photo’s of your neighbors working at the Sunburst Marathon water stop in the Triangle.  If you ran or walked in it, bring your pictures !!  We’ll try to have a posting board up.

Please come share your ideas, your families and your friendship with your neighbors.  We will try to get fliers out to everyone but please remind your neighbors about the meeting.   This is your neighborhood and we all want to keep it a great place to live.  Help us keep it fun and safe.

 

Your Association team:

Barb Sutton, Aaron Holdsworth, Angie Dvorak, Cec Lucero

North Shore residents angle for preservation

GENE STOWE
Tribune Correspondent

Parkovash Park, with swings and playground equipment, is one of two parks in the neighborhood, with Leeper Park right across the river. Another all-natural grassy swath features both sun-splashed and shady areas.

North Shore Triangle, central to the history of South Bend and numerous multi-generational families, is organizing to protect its traditions and its properties.

Since Samuel Leeper bought the land in 1866 and started selling lots, the stately columned mansions on a rise overlooking the St. Joseph River and the sturdy development that stretches to Angela Boulevard have housed distinguished community leaders.

“I think it’s one of the best neighborhoods in the city,” says State Rep. Ryan Dvorak, who moved in three years ago and whose wife, Angie, is on the neighborhood association board.

“You can walk or ride your bike downtown or to Notre Dame. It’s a great family neighborhood. We’ve got a bike trail that runs in front of our house.” 

The association organizes a Halloween party, water stations for the Sunburst that runs down the street, and an alley cleanup.

“There’s block captains now for most of the neighborhood,” Dvorak says. “A lot of the people have lived there a long time — several generations now in some cases.

“When they’re sold, they don’t even go on the market. We bought without it going on the market. We were interested in looking at that area of town.”

Like many neighbors, the recent buyers are making significant improvements to their property.

“We’re planning on doing a big exterior renovation,” Dvorak says. “There are several of those going on on my block. People are interested in their homes. It’s a great neighborhood with a great group of people.” 

Tom Broden moved into the neighborhood nearly 40 years ago, and his son John moved in in 1996.

“When we moved in, there was quite a difference,” he says. “At that time, there were still properties that were subdivided into apartments and things like that. The general reputation of the neighborhood was fairly modest.

“That has markedly changed, no question about it, over the last 40 years. I think there’s a rather positive impression of the neighborhood, in general. It was kind of a gradual development.”

John Broden knows several others of his generation who have come home to North Shore Triangle. He lives outside the historic district, designated in 1978, that runs along the river, but the whole area is enjoying renewal.

“I think it’s real interesting that there are a number of families like myself who were raised in the North Shore Triangle and have bought here and are raising their families here,” he says. 

“One of the things I love about the neighborhood, especially for our kids, is at various times of the year you have neighborhood gatherings in Parkovash Park.”

Parkovash, with swings and playground equipment, is one of two parks in the neighborhood, with Leeper Park right across the river. Another all-natural grassy swath features both sun-splashed and shady areas.

Some neighbors, worried that the second-oldest structure in the neighborhood — an 1892 farmhouse — could be demolished for modern development, are considering a designation that would prohibit destruction.

The “preservation district” would not have the detailed power of the historic district that oversees smaller changes, but it would require a public hearing before a building could be razed.

“I have been looking at getting a designation of the whole area as a conservation area,” says resident MaryEllen O’Connell. “It seems like a good solution. You don’t have to bring every exterior change to the commission.” 

“You can pull down a house from 1892 without any planning or public hearings” in the present situation.

“That is not a good situation to be in. At least the neighbors will have a chance to say.”

O’Connell came four years ago from Columbus, Ohio, where she lived in German Village, the largest historic property district in the United States. She’s hoping to boost the preservation in North Shore. A meeting on June 14 will advance the cause.

“I think we’re moving as a group in the right direction,” she says.

SB Trib Sunburst Photo Gallery

Six of the 14 photos in the SB Trib Photo Gallery of the 2008 Sunburst were taken at the water stop in our neighborhood at Lafayette and Tonti.  Look at them at:

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=SB&Date=20080531&Category=Sports&ArtNo=777642609&Ref=PH&Profile=1129&Params=Itemnr=3

On June 6, 2009 let’s cheer on the nearly 3000 marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10K runners passing through our neighborhood.  If you’d like to volunteer with other neighbors anytime from 6am to 10:30am, contact 2009 water stop co-captains: Barb Sutton (233-5470) or Judith Mengel (234-9973). 

Rich Mah

The West Side Urban Garden Market opens May 23, 8 a.m. – noon, at 1025 North Bendix (just south of Lincoln Way West)  – If you have produce to sell or are looking for some delicious fresh local produce to buy, please check the attached UGM fact sheet for more information.

July 17 & 18: The College Football Hall of Fame has expanded their Enshrinement Festival to include a ribs cook-off and a downtown block party and fireworks spectacular on Friday, July 17th plus an Urban Adventure Race and a Hall of Fame Grand Parade, 9:30 a.m., July 18th.  WNDU-TV will broadcast the parade live.

If you would like a parade or booth application, or are interested in volunteering along the parade route, please contact me and I can send those to you or connect you to the appropriate individual.

If you would like to share your neighborhood news with your community neighbors, please send to me at dhess@southbendin.gov.   Please note that I will be out of the office May 20-23 attending the Neighborhoods USA Conference but will send out any news the following week on May 29th.

Recent Development in the North Shore Triangle

 

Hello Neighbors.

There is an important development in our neighborhood that you should be aware of. This regards the property at the corner of Hillcrest and Angela, on the southeast corner of the T-intersection, up on the hill. The current owners are proposing significant changes to the existing property.

There are 2 structures on the property: a large, old, brick house (one of the oldest in our neighborhood, built in 1892) and a smaller 1-story house, both of which have been rented as apartments for many years. The owners propose to remove both existing structures and build a new 2-story apartment building on the site consisting of 2- and possibly 3-bedroom apartment units, with the potential capacity for approximately 24 people. There would also be a parking lot as required to accommodate the number of residents. To provide access to the apartments, changes are proposed to the alley behind the property, which intersects with Angela. Their target demographic is college students.

Those of us living on adjacent blocks (Hillcrest and Otsego) were invited to an informational meeting with the property owners and the developer last week at the suggestion of 4th District Council Person, Ann Puzzello. Generally, we learned that this project will go through a number of steps involving the Building and Zoning Commissions and the Area Plan Commission.

Clearly, a project of this type and magnitude will impact those of us who live nearby, as well as the neighborhood as a whole. We ask that you attend upcoming public meetings on this matter, as there are a number of zoning issues and variances about which we may have some input. We’ll post meeting dates on this website as we learn of them.

Please consider contacting our City Council members, both of whom are aware of this issue:

Ann Puzzello, 4th District (office: 235-9321) (e-mail: apuzzell@southbendin.gov)

Al “Buddy” Kirsits, At-Large (office: 235-9321) (e-mail: akirsits@southbendin.gov)

You can also contact us to share your input or concerns:

Jo Broden (289-0401)

Maria Cashore (233-6124 or malrin@sbcglobal.net)

Please share this important information with your neighbors. Our collective input is crucial to maintaining the quality and integrity of our great neighborhood.

Thank you!

Sunburst June 6, 2009

Calling all Northshore Triangle neighbors!  Show your spirit!  Close to 3000 marathoners, 1/2 marathoners and 10K runners will pass through our neighborhood June 6, 2009.  We need help staffing a water stop on Lafayette Blvd (between Parkovash Ave and Tonti) from 6 am to 10 am where the runners pass by twice.  Meet your neighbors and be part of the excitement!  If you can join us for all or part of the time, please e-mail your name(s), shift time(s), telephone # and tee shirt size(s) to Rich Mah at:  rmah_1@yahoo.com or leave a message at 282-1633.  Then you’ll get a nice Sunburst volunteer tee shirt, breakfast items to nibble on, an invitation to a volunteer lunch south of the ND stadium and the gratitude of many runners. 

Folks at home can cheer and clap for the runners and, if it’s warm, put sprinklers out.

Thanks, Rich Mah.

Attempted Break-in

Neighbors,

Just an FYI…we just discoverd that someone broke into our piano trailer, either last night or the night before, most likely on Tuesday (there’s rust on the cut). They  cut the lock on it. It doesn’t look like they took anything (we have moving blankets, straps and dollys); but you should be aware that they are out checking the scene for valuables. i’m going to report it to the police.

Stephen and Mary Merriman

Welcome to Spring!