Heritage Herald - The Newsletter of Heritage Hill - May/June 2010

8/9/2019 Heritage Herald - The Newsletter of Heritage Hill - May/June 2010

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126 College S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-459-8950 Fax: 616-459-2409

Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Fri..

Answering machine available for after-hours messages.

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.heritagehillweb.org

Purpose:

The purpose of the Heritage Hill Association is to

provide neighbors a way of collectively building a

healthy, historically preserved community in which

people can live and work in a secure and stable

environment.

Ofce Staff:

Jan Earl, Executive Director

Barb Lester, Crime Prevention Organizer

Maria Zache, Administrative Assistant

Wilhelmina Daniels, Afternoon Receptionist

The Heritage Hill Association Board of Directors

President*Mike Clark, 310 Washington SE, (C) 644-6453

Vice President*Steve Yared, 259 Morris SE, (H) 454-2703

Treasurer*Tom Czerwinski, 457 Paris SE, (H) 443-5608

Secretary

*Jackie Taylor, 5155 N Quail Crest Dr SE, 49546 (H) 942-5941

*Kathi Barkan, 253 Morris SE, (H) 451-1906*Deb Bryker, 6601 36th Ave, Hudsonville 49426, 669-6754* Justin Fales, 233 College SE #1, 581-1472

*Margaret Farratell, 41 Prospect NE, 885-2518*Vicki Hudson, 250 Morris SE, 456-9032*Nikki Hoort, 135 Lafayette NE, (H) 454-5101*Jane Lovett, 29 Gay SE, (H) 458-4504*Jaime Misner, 303 Madison SE, (H) 454-3309*Jim Payne, 27 College NE, (H) 454-2367*Mary Robinson, , 220 Union SE, (H) 459-2119*Amy Ruis, 414 Prospect SE, (H) 822-9451

* 1st Term

** 2nd Term

The Heritage Hill Association Board of Directors meets

at 7 pm the third Wednesday of each month at GRCC

East Campus, 415 East Fulton. The meeting is in the

Robert Sneden Lecture Hall #1 and is open to the

public.

The Heritage Hill Foundation Board of Trustees

Chairman

Barbara L. Roelofs, 227 College SE, 459-0091

James Booth Burr, Jr., 1244 Lake Drive SE, 458-1246

Sam Cummings, 15 Ionia SW, 458-5235

Rebecca Smith Hoffman, 454-5373

Jim James, 3082 Thornapple River Dr. SE, 949-8484

Milt Rohwer, 30 College SE, #64, 235-7528

Heritage Hill Association Committee Chairs

Block Rep: Barb Lester, 459-8950

Garden Tour: Kathi Barkan, (H) 451-1906

Nikki Hoort, (H) 454-5101

Finance: Tom Czerwinski, (H) 443-5608

Newsletter: Jan Earl, 459-8950

Pledge Drive: Jackie Taylor, (H) 942-5941

Preservation: Jaime Misner, (H) 454-3309

Trafc and Mike Clark, (C) 644-6453

Parking: Barb Lester, (W) 459-8950

Zoning: Craig Nobbelin, 458-0471

Home Tour: Judy Jorgenson, 454-2583

Stafng: Chris Truesdale, 456-5448

Sue Karsen, 455-1223

Distribution: Don Rietema, 776-1716

Publicity: Tom Truesdale, 456-5448

TheHeritage Herald- Circulation 4,800

TheHeritage Heraldis published by the Heritage Hill

Association Board of Directors six times a year (bi-

monthly). The views and opinions expressed are not

necessarily those of the Board of Directors. We reserve

the right to edit. Address correspondence to The Heritage

Herald, 126 College SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Typography & Printing: Storr Printing Services, Inc.

The Heritage Hill Association

2

Summer is back in Heritage Hill. Theneighborhoods been relishing great weather

with people strolling, jogging, biking, porchand stoop sitting, digging in the dirt, smelling

the lowers, and kids and dogs - they are all

over the place! Also the yard sales day could

you believe all the people!? All these visionsconjure up a great neighborhood! As you areoutside doing your summer fun (or maybe

maintenance) things, be sure to welcome all

new neighbors that sneaked in around you. Itsalso a good time to share your skills on your

block with any and all who may need them!

Please come and enjoy our gardens at the

3rd annual Heritage Hill Garden Tour onJune 19th. It is so fun to see the creativity

and often hidden side of our neighborhood.

Tickets are only $8.00 in advance and

$10.00 on the weekend. All the info is in thisHeraldor at the website, heritagehillweb.

org. The web is an easy place to buy tickets!

Home Tour is coming shortly after the close

of the summer season. We sure do need ahouse or two for the Fall Tour as well as theSpring of 2011. CALL 459-8950 or EMAIL,[email protected] as say yesI want to open my house for Tour!

School is out for those graduating seniors!!!

Congratulations to all members of the Class of2010and best wishes on their life exploration.

Enjoy a great summer! Jan EarlExecutive Director

Bylsma Painting CompanyOver 30 years of excellence

616-308-8849No one has painted more houses in Heritage Hill.

rickbylsmapainting.com


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Plant Health Care Pruning Removals Cabling & Bracing Tree Fertilization Insect/Disease

Control IPM Programs

Brian McKenzieISA Certified Arborist

1-877-BARTLETT

616-245-9449

www.bartlett.com

The City of Grand Rapids ended theirconsideration of a street lightingutility. They directed the City Managerto ind another way to resolve the $3.7

million deicit in the Citys budget. TheCity Manager previously provided a list

of City positions that would be laid offto provide the savings. As police oficer

and ire ighter lay offs are not permitted

following the successful ballot proposal,the Manager shared that he would be

forced to seek further layoffs in otherdepartments.

The reason for this proposal was thatthere are limited pools of money that acity can raise to cover the cost of services.

Grand Rapids income tax is now at themaximum the State allows with the

passing of the recent vote; property taxes

are all down due to the stalled economyand foreclosure crisis; and the biggest

of all, the State is not sharing its local

revenue sharing. This money that waspromised to cities is instead being used to

balance the states budget. Michigan citiesare all in crisis because this money has

not been allocated as intended.

The Street Lighting proposal wassuggested because by law, the Citycan collect this fee. In fact, 83% ofmunicipalities charge this service fee.This fee would allow funds that the City

currently pays to light the lights to be

used on other City services. The streetlighting fees would raise $3,768,496.

The fee in traditional neighborhoods(Heritage Hill) would be 53 cents per

front foot.Our lots are typically 36 to 50-

foot parcels and the cost would have been

$19.88 to $26.50 respectively for each

property owned on an annual basis. Forstreets with historic street lighting, the

rates would be 63 cents 10 cents moreper front foot. For most of us in Heritage

Hill, we would have had to pay on average

$20 to $31 for each property every year.What happens if this $3,768,496

that this fee could have generated is notcollected? This is the big hurt:

Return Federal grants and cancelstreet projects

Close all swimming pools in 2010

and thereafter Reduce park maintenance to

$500,000 of contracted work Reduce Executive Ofice staff by

another 25%

Reduce Code Compliance staff byanother 42%

Reduce Planning staff by another55%

The Good and Hurts So Bad sides of the Citys StreetLighting Proposal

[email protected]

Clean. Green. Organic.www.cleanairlawncare.com

Call or Email today for a FREE estimate!

is your lawn really green?

Clean Air Lawn Care uses the most technologically advanced, battery-powered

electric equipment to keep your lawn looking its best. Also oering organic

treatment for a safe & healthy lawn.

A lawn care service thats so clean, green & serene...

you might not notice it.

Participant in the Park Upgrade Program

Be a Volunteer for Garden Tour and receive a Free Ticket!

Shift times are 101:30 and 1:305:00. Saturday, June 19th

Call: 459-8950 or email: [email protected] to sign up

(Cont'd on page 4)


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Association for the Blind and Visually ImpairedDavid Baumgartner & Patricia NormanDennis BeckRachel C. BickfordJoanna E. BraunLynn and Patricia Bravender

Paul and Zora CarrierJennifer CinderJulie and John ColvinNancy O. CoulterThe DemlingsSusan and Nick DuesberyDyer-Ives FoundationPatti Gardner and Kim DeStigerEmily FieldsFountain Hill Center for Counseling & ConsultationGeoff and Susan GillisChuck Goldsmith & Kevin MachielaPhillip H. HammerDave and Cathy Hathaway

Huge thanks to our recent Heritage HillAssociation contributors:

George and Susan HeartwellAn Hile and Bob RocheNikki HoortVicki Hudson and Gary KorreckSusan Mary JeffreySusan JacksonMary JohnsonJudy JorgensonThe Kaspura FamilySusan KlcoSuzanne LaChanceJack LensinkThea and Bob LeunkJohn and Susie LogieCassandra LoweMary ManguseLaura and Chris MartinLesley MayerPhilip and Linda Nordstrom

Alice OConnorDrue Orwig and Karen GaribaldiClay E. Palmer & Glen ReedJim Payne and Char KruzichDonna PostPregnancy Resource CenterElizabeth SaraisJayne and Joe SchuitemaSarah and Randy ScibaDavid and Diane SpiekerStonecastle DentistryJacqueline TaylorPamela and Jon VanderPloegMike and Tammi Van TilSteve and Cindy Velzen-HanerScott WaltersGerry WilletteBetty Zylstra and David Baak

Reduce Economic Development

staff by another 25%

Reduce Diversity and Inclusionstaff by another 25%

Reduce other General OperatingFund departments staff by

another 6%

Street Reconstruction

Eliminate street reconstruction projectmatch by returning grants

($400,000)

Swimming PoolsClose all three remaining swimming pools

in 2010 and 2011 ($870,000)

Park MaintenanceEliminate 10 positions, from 15 to 5

positions and eliminate seasonal staff($892,320)

Non-Public Safety staff - Eliminate 18positions - ($1,606,176) Reduce Executive by one position,

from 4 to 3 staff

Reduce City Clerk by one position,

from 9 to 8 staff Reduce Code Compliance by ive

positions, from 12 to 8 staff Reduce Planning by ive positions,

from 9 to 4 staff Reduce Economic Development by

one position, from 4 to 3 staff

Reduce Diversity and Inclusion byone position, from 4 to 3 staff

Reduce Fiscal Services by oneposition, from 10 to 9 staff

Reduce Treasury by one position,from 19 to 18 staff

Reduce Assessor by one position,

from 16 to 15 staff Reduce Income Tax by one position,

from 16 to 15 staff

Reduce Comptrollers by one position,from 15 to 14 staff

_____________________($3,768,496)

This is the struggle that the CityCommission is facing. If not street lighting

fees, where else can money be found to

fund the services that make Grand Rapidsthe place we all want to be?

The City Commission welcomes email

from concerned citizens and organizations.

Heres how to contact them:

[email protected]

[email protected]@grcity.us


[email protected]


Street Lighting (Cont'd from page 3)

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Dating from village times, FosterPark is one of Grand Rapids oldest

public spaces. Over the decades that havepassed, there undoubtedly are hundreds

of interesting stories about this little

green triangle at the State and Cherryintersection. I found one story recently.

But before I share it, you should have a bit

of background.Canton Smith arrived in Grand

Rapids from Rhode Island during the year1837. It was a year later that the Village of

Grand Rapids was incorporated. CantonSmith bought the Eagle Tavern from Louis

Campau, Grand Rapids irst hotel. Twoyears later he purchased the National

Hotel contributing to Smiths reputation

as the Village Landlord. The irst coveredcarriage built in Grand Rapids was made

for Canton Smith in 1846 as a cab for hisguests. Smith did well in Michigan, but

California was calling. He went west in

1850 for the promise of gold.Smith had platted Smiths Addition

to the village of Grand Rapids in August

1849. The plat consisted of 80 acresbounded by Jefferson on the west,

Washington on the north, Madison onthe east and Cherry on the south. State

Street followed an old Indian trail thatled diagonally from the northwest to thesoutheast corners

of the plat. Thetwo triangles of

land on each end

of State streetwere designated

as commons Lincoln Place

Park (formerlyState Street Park)

and Foster Park.

Grand Rapids became a City and in

1850 an ordinance was passed to allowgas lighting. Canton Smith returned from

California in time to witness his National

Hotel burn in 1855. Smith got busyrebuilding the hotel with a new four story

wood structure. In January 1860, theCourthouse caught ire and all the original

land records held there were destroyed,including the deeds of the two parks

along State

street.Fast

forward a fewyears to 1877.

The Michigan

Supreme Courtheard a case

involving CantonSmith claiming

ownership of

State Street Park. Smith did not prevail.It was probably that time period being

referenced in the following articleappearing the Daily News 1908.

Interesting Bit of HistoryConcerning Foster Park

From The Daily News, 13 October1908, Grand Rapids, Michigan

To the Editor of The Daily News

A bit of history concerning Fosterpark is not without interest. The location

is known as the Canton Smith addition.Back in the seventies (1870s), the exact

date matters not for the purpose of this

item, Canton Smith, a pioneer of GrandRapids, was advised that he had never

surrendered title to the ground nowcontained in the park, although it was his

purpose originally to dedicate the sameto the use of the public. Without warning

to the authorities Mr. Smith purchased a

barn from an owner of property adjoining,moved it to the park and surrounded the

tract with a substantial fence.In due time proceedings were

instituted in the common council for

the purpose of ejecting Mr. Smith fromthe premises and the city marshal was

instructed to remove the encroachments.The marshal was very much

perplexed over the problem. To throwdown the fence, a few good men were all

that was needed, but moving the barn

was not so easy to accomplish. The citydid not own ground in the vicinity and

to demolish the structure might involvea heavy bill of expense, in view of the

fact that an action for damages would

probably follow.While the marshal deliberated over

the problem he was approached by thelate C. C. Rood.

Concerning Heritage Hills Foster Park

(Cont'd on page 7)


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Since 2005,VanDerKolk Painting has provided

architectural paint restoration for the Cornell

residence in the Heritage Hill District.

Roger, what would you like your Heritage Hill neighbors to

know about VanDerKolk Painting?

I am very pleased with your company. You show up when you say

you will and you stay on the job until it is completed. That, in itself,is noteworthy.

What impressed you most about VanDerKolk Paintings craftsmen?

Your crew is professional and courteous. Attention to detail is

commendable. It's not just a job...your crew and yourself are as

proud and pleased with the finished project as much as the customer

is. The clean-up upon completion is outstanding, often difficult to find

a stray paint chip on the ground.

How was your budget addressed for your painting project by

VanDerKolk Painting?

You tailor the project with the customers budget; sometimes doing

a side or sides a year...very important, especially in today's

economic climate.

Overall, how would you grade VanDerKolk Painting's quality, value

and customer service?

You provide A+ service. VanderKolk Painting makes what could be

a negative contractor experience a surprising pleasant one. I would

highly recommend VanderKolk Painting.

On April 22, 2010, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will enforce a new law that all contractors must have

proper certification for dealing with lead on homes built prior to 1978. For example, pressure washing for paint removal willbe outlawed. VanDerKolk Painting's paint shaving system utilizes HEPA equipment to safely contain lead based paint.

This process provides 15 years of durability and has a 5 year warranty. VanDerKolk Painting has completed their certification

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7/167

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Phone: (616) 459-0116

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Web: www.mvwines.com

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616.588.6395 fax

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Diane Griffin BROKER - REALTOR

616.915.6060

Marshal, he remarked, you have been

ordered to move Smiths barn from FosterPark.

Concerning Heritage Hills Foster Park (Cont'd from page 5)

Yes, assented the marshal.

Well, marshal, I own the ground

adjoining. I shall be in Grand Haven all

day tomorrow. The council has directedyou to move the barn, you say.

Yes.

Well, remember, marshal, I shall spend

all of tomorrow in Grand Haven.

Before Mr. Rood returned the

marshal had acted on the suggestion.A few days later Mr. Smith

approached Mr. Rood and sought toconvince him that he was unlawfully in

possession of the barn. The conference

closed by Mr. Rood paying $20 for thebarn. Rebuilt and reitted as a comfortable

little house it stands on the spot to whichit was moved by the marshal. Smith made

no further attempts to recover Foster Park.

-Arthur L. White

Foster Park was named for WilderD. FOSTER, a native of Orange County,

New York who came to Grand Rapids in

1838 and set up a hardware business. Hebecame mayor for the irst time in 1854.

Wilders sister, Cornelia FOSTER wasmarried to Charles Conant ROOD. So its

all about family when Mr. ROOD involved

himself with Mr. SMITHs placement of thebarn on the FOSTER Park property.

It is likely that the property now at319-321 Cherry Street, immediately to

the west of Foster Park, was owned by Mr.

ROOD in the 1870s. And this is likely thelocation to where the barn was moved. I

have not researched the deeds, but on thisparcel lot 6 of block 3, Smiths Addition

the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest B.FISHER was built. Mrs. FISHER was the

daughter of Charles & Cornelia (FOSTER)

ROOD., Sophronia C. ROOD.Arthur L. WHITE, the writer of the

letter to the editor, was no doubt ArthurS. WHITE, noted newspaper editor and

Grand Rapids historian. He was intimately

familiar with the FOSTER and FISHERfamilies.

- Don Bryant, April 2010- With Acknowledgement to William

Cunningham, City Archivist, Community

Archives and Research Center.

ALAN STOCKTON

Realtor

2213 Wealthy SE, Suite 200East Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Office: (616) 458-3655Direct Line: (616) 974-6910Direct Fax: (616) 974-6911

Cell: (616) [email protected]


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Code Compliance Pilot Program - hardwork no glory: Due to the city budgetcuts, neighborhood associations are

working to alert owners to code violationsthat have been turned in to the city

Housing Inspections ofice. We send out a

courtesy notice on behalf of the city and ifthe problem is corrected the case is closed

with no fees and no hassle. Sounds prettysimple doesnt it?

Well, I must tell you, being a code

worker is not fun. When there areneighborhood folks who for good reasons

may not be able to put on the new roofor paint their house or repair the garage

or even accomplish a project that seemssimple to most of us, it gets dificult. The

city has an appeal process that can allow

owners more time.

Information on the Michigan StateHousing Development AuthorityMSHDA home improvement loans isprovided to those interested. These aregreat loans because they give owners a

long pay-back period, very affordable

payments and a lower interest rate.Some neighbors have pitched in to help a

neighbor or friend with chores that wouldnot be done otherwise. Thank you to

those good hearts.Be aware that Heritage Hill

Association is notiling the complaints.

We are responding to complaints the cityhas already received from others and

trying to resolve them before the citysends out their oficial Notice of Violation.

Questions? Call me at 459-8950.

Calling All Neighborhood Watchers:Keep watch for any unusual activityon your block. There were two home

burglaries this spring where a back orside door was kicked in for entry. In the

irst incident the suspects left the door

open while they were inside. They alsoleft the gate to the yard open. The thieves

were scared off without taking anythingbecause the dog got out and a neighbor

brought him back to the yard and shut

the gate. We think the noise of the gatebeing shut scared the thieves off. Thank

goodness for thoughtful neighbors!In the second incident a month later

two teens kicked in a side door and stoleelectronic equipment. After the owner

came home and police arrived an eagled-

eyed police oficer in a cruiser saw a teenhe knew has been in trouble before. He

stopped the youth and found one of thestolen items in his pocket. More stolen

items were found in the suspects home

and returned to the owners. He wasarrested. Thank goodness for sharp

police oficers!Neither break-in was the work of a

professional. The thieves ended up with

no loot and one was arrested. If you see

anything on your block that arouses your

curiosity keep watching and dont hesitate

to call the police if you think a crime could

be in progress. Call 911 if police could

still catch a suspect thief or 456-3400 to

report a crime after the fact.

Free Home and Apartment SecurityChecks: Would you like to know howto pin your windows or to know if

your deadbolt is safe? Find out how

an intruder could get in and what willkeep him out. Call me at 459-8950 for

a free home/apartment security surveycomplements of our Heritage Hill

Association Neighborhood WatchProgram. Our Crime PreventionPrograms are supported by JAG-ARRA

funds and Community Development Block

Grant Funds and neighbors like you.

Washington Street: Several neighborson Washington between Prospect and

College SE are working to organize agathering of everyone who lives on the

block and even the rental owners who

N e i g h b o r h o

Grand Rapids City Curfews

10 PM Under 12 years old11 PM Under 15 years old12AM under 17 years old


9/169

live elsewhere. A Washington Street

newsletter is also in the works. Anyoneinteresting in more info or in getting

involved can call Barb at Heritage Hill,459-8950, to get connected with your

Alex or Mike your Washington/Madison

SE Block Reps.

If others in the Hill need helporganizing a get-together on yourblock I can help. Call me at 459-8950or email [email protected]

Denver Gunn enjoyed HHA Yard SaleDay: We continue to hear from neighborsthat Denver Gunn has been knockingon doors and requesting cash for an

emergency. This has been going on for

about three years. Neighbors reportedGunn was at the recent Yard Sale day, May

22 asking folks for money once again. Heoften says he is works at the hospital or

is a college student and just needs a few

dollars for ix-a-lat. If he comes to yourdoor and you do not want to give him

money just tell him no. He will go away.

Denver Gunn on Wealthy SE in late winter

d P o t p o u r r i by Barb LesterPersonal Safety Checklist

Use your peephole door viewer.

Use deadbolts on your door and keep them locked.

Make sure windows have pins and locks. Never leave them open whileyou are gone or asleep without having the pins in place. Remember thatstorm doors and screens do not provide adequate security.

Keep exterior lights on all night long and use high watt bulbs. Get to know the police operators call them whenever you see suspicious

activity and report all crime incidents.

Trim overgrown shrubbery that obscures windows and door ways. Get to know you r neighbors and organizer a block club.

Hold a Neighborhood or Apartment Watch meeting. Keep safety spray hand ah home.

Put out a big chain and large dog dish at your door even if you dont have

a dog. Make sure all ladders are chained up or put away.

Bill Reed

Carpenter Extraordinaire

Remodeling, Repairs & Cabinetry

Moving, Hauling & Appliance Set-up

Licensed & Insured

541 Madison SE

Grand Rapids

MI 49503

616.558.8418

[email protected]

serving Grand Rapids from the heart of Heritage Hill withAddies Pantry & Addies Diner

www.centralreformedchurch.org

corner of College & Fulton

Join us for classic worship and liberating theology

every Sunday at 9:30am

Embellish Handbell Choir ConcertApril 18 4pm

serving Grand Rapids from the heart of Heritage Hill withAddies Pantry & Addies Diner

Join us for classic worship andliberating theology every

Sunday at 9:30am

Quality Child Care Provided

Corner of College & Fulton

www.centralreformedchurch.org

bestwayCLEANING SERVICES windows carpets

commercial residentialinsured bonded

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P.O. Box 68492

Phone 616.827.8473

Grand Rapids MI 49508

Fax 616.827.8828

[email protected]

Cell 616.498.2004


10/1610

[email protected]

616-451-8331

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Specializing in historic:

Restoration, planning anddesign

Community planning

Mainstreet design andconsulting

Tax credits

National RegisterNominations

Winter-Troutwine Associates, Inc.

Preservation Architecture and Planning

City HonorsHeritage HillNeighbors withPreservationAwardsKerry Baldwin served on the Grand

RapidsHistoric Preservation Commission.She and husband Mitch Baldwin and their

two children live on College SE, in anold Heritage Hill home. Their backyard

was kid-central after they built a locally

infamous tree house and bought atrampoline.

Now that the boys are in collegeKerry has taken up beekeeping. The back

yard is now a garden with a beehive. Aishpond offers some tranquil moments.

On June 22 you can check out her back

yard because it is on our Garden Tour.When she was not chasing kids,

Kerry served as a Heritage Hill Block Repfor over a decade, organized block club

meetings and events with her neighbors.

Several years ago she and neighbor PaulaMcNeely and their children planted a

lovely street corner garden at Collegeand Cherry still blooming after all these

years!.

Kerry is a go-to person for any groupshe is working with. Thank goodness she

lives in Heritage Hill because we could notdo without her.

Bob and Julie Connors received their

preservation award for a stunningrestoration of their Italianate home at71 Lafayette Avenue NE, built in the

1870s. Anyone who buys and restores ahome that is 130 years old must be cra

congratulated for surviving the incredible

never-ending-story of historic homerehabilitation. Their efforts beneit not

only that home but the neighborhood aswell.

Their home was built circa 1873 by

a railroad businessman named HenryWallen Jr. In 1910, it became home to

local attorney, William McKnight and his

family. The house would remain in theMcKnight family until 2004 when theproperty was purchased by the Bob and

Julie.

Over the years the building haddeclined in condition so they immediately

set to work repairing and restoring theentire building from foundation to roof

and every surface in between.

Long after we are gone themeticulous repairs to the structure will

carry on the history of the Heritage HillDistrict as well as beneit the entire

neighborhood.

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Please remember us when your apartment needs renters. Your dollars not onlyfind you tenants but also support the programs of the Heritage Hill Association!

You can list your apartment right at the website or stop by the HHA office. Wewelcome you!

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11/1611

Board Notes

(Continued on next page)

Discussions at the March, 2010 Heritage

Hill Association Board Meeting included:

Staff Reports: Barb Lester elaborated onthe role of the Heritage Hill Association in

the Citys new Code Enforcement projectthat oficially started on March 1st

Land Use Issues: University Preparatory

Academy will be attending a neighborsmeeting hosted by NCBC on March 23

to discuss possible changes in designto its addition proposed for the former

City High building. Board member Jim

Payne presented the position of HHA andneighbors to the GR Public School Board

so that the neighborhood is on recordwith that board also.

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Open Everyday: 8 am until 11 pm208 Union Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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The Pleasant/Madison ParkCharrette went well. Between 100 125

people attended throughout the day

(2/20/10). The presentation of thedesign at 6:00pm that day yielded an

open park and playield, also utilizing thecity-owned lot on the northeast corner

of Pleasant and Madison. All raised

top ground will be graded level to thesurrounding sidewalk and pushed to rear

of lot for a sledding hill as well as adding avaried topography around the playground

area.Fundraising: Garden Tour is going well ahead of where it was last year at the

same time. Home Tour is still searchingfor homes.

Texas Holdem The Association received

its State license for the event set for July1, 2, & 3. Rylees Hardware move - Two

shifts of HH neighbors were coordinatedfor the Rylees move and Rylees donated

$500 per shift to the Association for the

help.Community Involvement:

The Neighborhood Safety Task Forcemeeting is set for April 1, 6:30pm at

the Association for the Blind/VisuallyImpaired regarding Clarks and

surrounding area.

New Business:a. Marketing: Jane L. pointed out Uptown

mailings designed to draw peoplesattention to the Uptown shopping district.

She suggests that we should push efforts

of promoting our neighborhood beyondHH district. Mike Clark suggested a work

group come together to offer a couple ofexamples of things the HHA can do, and

present those examples at the next (or afollow-up) meeting.b. ArtPrize Discussion on the

Associations hosting an artprize venueat Foster Park. There is a $100 venue

application fee. Conversation ensuedas to the nuts & bolts of artist/venue

conjoining. A motion was made and

accepted to sponsor Foster Park as anArtprize venue.

Discussions at the April, 2010 Heritage

Hill Association Board Meeting

included:

Public Comment Rob Pease, GRFDdiscussed the city budget cuts and stated

that they are down 23 ireighters.

Changes are being made to increaseeficiency, utilize technology and to

conserve resources where possible toretain quality service. Rob stated the

goal of having 19 people arrive at anemergency scene within 10 minutes is

challenging to meet due to the cuts. If the

May 4th millage is approved, GRFD will beable to rehire 15 ireighters.

Recommendation from the Community

Involvement Liaison Group to changethe names of two committees:Newsletter to CommunicationsCommittee; Holiday Potluck toHospitality Committee: Afterbrief discussion, the motion passed

unanimously.

Treasurers Report: HHAs inancialpicture is pretty much as to be expected

for this time of the year.Staff Reports:Jan E. stated that she isforming a Central High campus networkto begin meeting with GRPS for ideas


12/1612

Board Notes (Cont'd from page 11)

and plans for the campus. This need was

recognized through the UPrep issue.Quarterly meetings are planned. Barb L.

highlighted that Denver Gunn is back in

the neighborhood and an updated photoof him will go out on e-alert. She also

presented an update on the new housingcode-compliance project. If violations

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are not corrected through courtesy

letters, the case goes back to the city forenforcement. HHA will receive $4,000 +

$4 per address for this service.Community Involvement:Education Kathi B. to remain aschair. Suggestions were to improve therelationship and communication with

GRPS, including a possible educationcolumn in the Herald. NeighborhoodSafety Task Force Barb L. reportedon the meeting with stakeholders andClarks. Neighbor Bill Bruursema will

work with a group to mentor the Clarksowners; art and/or food posters are being

sought for the exterior of Clarks.

Land Use IssuesParks/Art Prize HHA registered FosterPark as a venue and neighbor DavidFalb will serve as host. Numerous HH

locations are registered venues as well.ArtPrize is planning two illumination

events for the Hillside neighborhood for

the irst two Fridays of ArtPrize. Detailsto come.

The Association donated $50 to theFriends of GR Parks for all its work on

the yet to be named Pleasant Park.

The Friends of Parks is also organizinga Citywide clean-up for May 15. Barbs

organizing the effort for Foster Park.Preservation & Zoning The Associationis donating $50 in the name of Jim Karsen

to the Boy Scouts restoration projectof the Lincoln statue and the Calkins

Law Ofice at State and Washington. 111Lafayette NE Jan E. reported that a

renovation company is exploring the useas a home/ofice and temporary housing

for visiting employees. Jan is scheduled to

meet with the potential buyer and realtorbut stated that neighbors would not

support a commercial use at this address.The old Public Museum has been open for

a temporary exhibit for the month of May

and will be an Art Prize venue.Jim P. gave a U-Prep update and reported

that both the North College Block Cluband Tom Czerwinski spoke at the Historic

Preservation Commission hearing. The

U-Prep proposal was defeated in a 4-3vote. U-Prep is unlikely to go back to HPC

but the future of the former City Highcampus is still somewhat up in the air.

Trafic & Parking - Barb L. reported thatshe spoke with a person interested in

opening a hair salon in the WOW building

on State Street. More parking is needed atthe site for this use and a zoning variance

would be necessary. Barb will refer toHHA Zoning Committee. Trafic has

increased on Michigan, Fulton, Wealthy

and Leonard due to the I-196 constructionproject. Trafic is also an issue south of

Logan due to the sewer project. Collegebetween Logan and Pleasant is two-way

due to work on Pleasant Street.

Administrative:Finance The Finance Committeecompleted the iscal assessment at theofice and everything is in order.

Institutional Liaisons a meeting is


13/1613

(Continued on next page)

scheduled with Saint Marys on May 13th.Jan is still trying to secure the buses for

Home Tour from Spectrum Health.Fundraising:Garden Tour Nikki H. reported that theSave the Date postcards have gone outto several hundred addresses; Garden

Tour is on HHAs Facebook; television ads

will run in three weeks; volunteers areneeded.Home Tour Jan E. reported that thereare 4 houses lined up for 2010 and that

houses are really needed for both theOctober and May Tours. The May tour will

be the third weekend.Pledge Drive Jackie T. reported that thepledge plea was in the last newsletter and

that the letter will go out soon. She alsoreminded board members to donate.

Texas Hold-em Steve Y. is chairing theirst event set for July 1- 3. Volunteers are

needed for 5-hour shifts. A second event

may be held in December but a new venueneeds to be found due to overbooking at

TJs Gaming Room.

Discussions at the May 2010 Heritage

Hill Association Board Meeting

included:

Treasurers Report: Tom C. reportedthat expenses exceed revenues, which isto be expected at this time of year. Tom

also highlighted that the income from the

Rental Service continues to be slightlybelow budget.

Staff Reports:Jan E. commented thatICCF has plans to develop a parcel of

land in the vicinity of Little Jacks market

on Wealthy Street. The plans are forcombined Housing / Commercial / Multi-

use building; a community discussiongroup will be formed at the end of June.

Barb L. gave an update about ArtPrizestating that she has been contacting

artists and has communicated with David

Falb who is acting as host for the FosterPark venue.

Committee/Liaison Reports:Fundraising - Jackie Taylorreportedthat she submitted an updated Goals

and Objectives, sent it to all committeemembers and requested their feedback.

Garden Tour Kathi B. made a plea forvolunteers. Nikki H. reported that the

cards, posters and tickets are printed

and will be distributed. Nikkis donatedT.V. ads will run from May 31 stup until

the weekend of the tour on 8 West andon Early Morning on WOOD TV8. Nikki

will also record a PSA to be broadcast onWYCE radio.

Home Tour Jan E. reported thatrecruitment for houses is going very

slowly only 4 houses so far - and made a

plea for all members to recruit neighborsand friends to open their homes. Homes

are needed for the spring 2011 tour as

well.

Pledge Drive Jackie T. reported thatpledges are at 14% of the budget, which

is good for this time of the year. Sheissued a reminder for members to get


14/1614

Board Notes (Cont'd from page 13)

their pledges in and stated that Barb

will be hosting another Phone-a-ton andthat Jackie will write personal notes on

reminder letters when they go out.

Texas Hold-em Steve Y. reported thathe has visited the Texas Hold em venue

T.J.s Charity Card Room and that allis in order for the July 1, 2, 3 event. The

July 1st

shifts are illed; Steve will continueto recruit volunteers for the remainingshifts.

Community InvolvementEducation Mary R. encouraged members

to attend school board meetings. Jan E.commented that the irst meeting of the

Central High Campus network will be on

May 25th; many immediate neighbors andstakeholders plan to attend.

Neighborhood Safety Task Force BarbL. reported that the beer signs have been

taken down at Clarks and that an artist is

needed to paint posters on the building.

Land Use IssuesParks Congratulations were given toBarb for the May 15th Foster Park clean-

up. Meijer donated a $50 gift card for

plants and many volunteers participatedin giving the park a great facelift.

Preservation & Zoning -Jan E. remindedthe board that the HPC awards were

being presented the following day at the

Grand Rapids Community Foundation.Mike C. reported that staff is monitoring

the calendar in regard to the use variancegranted to the Bethlehem Lutheran

Church property which will expire in the

summer.Trafic & Parking Constructioncontinues on Jefferson, Cherry, south

Madison and Pleasant streets.Administrative:Institutional Liaisons Mike C. reportedthe very great news that Spectrum Health

will again be donating the buses for HomeTour.

New Business: Street Lighting FundingProposal from the City: Mike C. explained

that the amount of property taxes

being collected has gone down and thestates revenue sharing has decreased

dramatically and is not going to thecities as intended. Grand Rapids is very

much struggling for funding. The city

is proposing instituting annual fees forproperty owners to pay for street lighting

based on their lots frontage. If thisproposal does not pass, further deep cuts

will be made in the areas of housing andzoning, street reconstruction, swimming

pools and park maintenance. A public

hearing will be held Tuesday May 25that 7pm to discuss the proposal. Mike C.

suggested scheduling an action item for

the June meeting and also including theinformation in the upcoming Herald.

The HHA Board meets at 7:00 p.m. on thethird WEDNESDAY of every month at GRCCEast (formerly Davenport,) 415 East Fultonat the Robert Sneden Lecture Hall. Neighborsare welcome to attend. If you would like an

item placed on the Board agenda, pleasecall the HHA ofice at 459-8950 before 4:00p.m. of the second WEDNESDAY of the month.If you would like to address the Boardregarding an agenda item, public commentis taken at the beginning of each meeting.For non- agenda items, public comment istaken at the end of each meeting. Typically,Board meetings last from 7:00 p.m. until8:30 to 9:00 p.m.

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The Heritage Hill Association126 College SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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***Note 2010 Board Meetings will be held the third WEDNESDAY of the month***

****Wednesday, June 16, 2010****HHA Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m.GRCC East Campus (Davenport)

Robert Sneden Academic Building Lecture Hall415 East Fulton

Saturday, June 19, 20103rd Annual Heritage Hill Garden Tour

10 am 5 p.m.13 urban gardens to Tour within Heritage Hill.

Tickets on line at heritagehillweb.org

*****No Board Meeting in July, 2010****

Annual Heritage Hill Association Events to Remember:

*DATE CHANGE*:

Tuesday, August 3rdHeritage Hill Night-Out Picnic

Enjoy a summer night with fun and food!

Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3, 20102010 Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes

We welcome you inside 11 or more historic homes.

Friday, December 3, 2010Holiday Potluck and Annual Meeting

Holiday Cheer, Great Food and conversation with Heritage Hill neighbors.

Santa comes, you should too!

Remember HeritageHill Property

Owners:There is a City Preservation Ordinance thatgoverns all exterior changes, repairs and/or additions to Heritage Hill

properties. Call the GrandRapids Historic Preservation

Commission at 456-3451 for

information on approvals. Youcan access the application form

at the Citys website, www.ci.grand-rapids.mi.us at the

Planning Department section orat the Heritage Hill Associations

www.heritagehillweb.org.This ordinance applies to all

exterior changes, repairs, and/or additions to your home andproperty. Items such as doorsand windows including storms,

yard structures, driveway andsidewalk approaches, and fences

do need HPC approvals.

Heritage Family Dental

Bruce M. Weny, DDS616/451-2336255 Washington SE, Suite 4, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Documents

Heritage Herald - The Newsletter of Heritage Hill - May/June 2010