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.

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!

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!

North Shore Triangle Neighborhood Association minutes

North Shore Triangle Neighborhood Association

Open Meeting

November, 9, 2008

Unitarian Church

 

Minutes:

 I.  Neighborhood Watch Program

 Sgt. Ross from the South Bend Police Department attended the meeting and gave an overview of the city’s Neighborhood Watch Program.  He explained how Block Captains in the neighborhood would be in charge of receiving call from the police when crime occurs and then pass that information on to 5-6 houses in the neighborhood.  We currently have a small number of Block Captains in our neighborhood and need to increase the number if we are to effectively get the message out about crimes in the area.  Sgt. Ross also said that the Harter Heights Neighborhood uses email to get information out about crime. 

 

 

Also, Sgt. Ross invited us to attend the Regional Neighborhood meetings that are held in the city every first Thursday of the month at 6:45 at the police department. At these meetings, the police department provides information about crimes that have occurred in the four corners of the city.  Finally, Sgt. Ross explained about the types of crimes occurring and what we can do to prevent instances of crime.

 After Sgt. Ross left, we talked about the best way to improve the Neighborhood Watch program in our neighborhood. It was decided that we would have a meeting with our current Neighborhood Rep’s at some point and then have them go out and canvas their areas to see if others are interested in being a city block captain.  Once we have the names of people who are interested we will get back with Sgt. Ross to plug those names into the list used by the city.  We will use this list to make contact via phone when crimes occur, but will also use the website and our email list to email crime information to neighbors.

 

 II. Party Planning Committee Update

 

 Buffy gave a re-cap of the recent Halloween Party.  She talked about finding new ways to staff the games at the parties so the same people are not running the game during the whole party.  She also mentioned that we raised $44 in donations, which she will use for expenses at the next party. 

 

 The next party will be the Winter Party, which will be in February around Valentines Day.  She talked about possibly having sledding and a chili contest.  The party will be held in Parkovash Park. 

 

 III. Fundraising Committee Update

 Cec passed around the T-shirt design contest forms and explained that we will have a Neighborhood T-shirt sale to raise funds for future parties, the printing of flyers, etc. Residents are encouraged to submit a design for the T-shirts by February 1.  After that, a winning design will be selected and unveiled at the Winter Party and we will then begin taking T-shirt orders.

 

 

IV. Green Committee Update

 Iris gave an overview of their activities, which has included surveying alleyways and identifying areas in need of clean up and trimming.  She and others in the neighborhood have trimmed certain areas that were really overgrown and plan to continue working on this.  Angie also told how her Neighborhood Rep, Victor Karczewski had organized a clean-up in the alley between Northshore and Marquette and a company came through afterward to pick up the trimmings.

 

 

V. Recap/Things to Do

 -Continue to get the word out about the Association, as many residents are still not aware.

-Continue to gather contact information of residents.

 

-Use the blog as a method of communicating neighborhood activities and instances of crime.  There was also talk about tweaking the blog so that new information would be more easily recognized.

-Work to expand the Neighborhood Watch Program by identifying new people interested in being Block Captains.

-Have next Open Meeting in February.

Northshore Triangle Neighborhood Associate meeting

This is a reminder that there is a Neighborhood Association open meeting tomorrow, November 9

at St. Joe High School

3:00 to  4:30 pm

We will be meeting about the committees that have been formed.  A representative from the South Bend Police will be there to talk about the Block Captain program and forms will be available for a t-shirt design contest.

Please pass this on to all of your neighbors. – and see if they would add their email address to our list so we can communication out to them quickly if something happens in the neighborhood.

Thanks.  See you there.  

Barb Sutton