Beachwood Canyon Neighborhood Association

Minutes 

4-19-07 Spring Meeting 

Call to order 

Self-introduction; the following board members introduced themselves: 

Larry Markes, Gary Wilmes, George Abrahams, Jack Fitzgerald, Mary Anne Nelson, Nina Van Tassell, Fran Reichenbach, Missy Kelly, Lori Hughes 

Approval of minutes: Correct the spelling of Mary Anne Nelson’s name. Missy/Nina Motion carried with the one correction. 

Treasurer’s report tabled. Also, 25 new members have been added. 

Crime Report: Tabled since our senior lead officers are doing duty in another part of the city. According to the LAPDonline website, there were only a few minor burglary from motor vehicle crimes in our area. 

BCNA non-profit status: Larry explained how the BCNA has had a 501 c 4 since its inception 9 years ago. The rationale at the time was so that we could “affect legislation.” Meanwhile, we have done community improvements, advocated for the neighbors and kept the community informed of all crime/safety matters in order to enhance our quality of life. This activity is more closely suited for a 501 c 3 organization and this designation comes with the added benefit that donors and members may enjoy tax-deductible benefits. Donations and memberships to a 501 c 4 are not tax-deductible. Since our primary activities match those of a 501 c 3, the motion was made to make the BCNA a 501 c 3. Motion (Missy/Jack) carried with two nays – vote was taken of the board and all members in attendance.  

BCNA bylaws: The new bylaws have been posted for a few months on the website (BeachwoodCanyon.org). Motion was made to accept them as they stand. Fran asked, “If I notice something that needs to change, can I bring those proposed changes to the next meeting for a vote?” Yes, members may bring items for consideration to any meetings for a vote of the board and all members present at that meeting. Motion to accept new bylaws carried. 

Development: Westshire Drive project – concerns with construction staging. Project owner, Temil Marmon pledges to minimize the excavation.  This project will be evaluated by the Specific Plan’s Design Review Board on Thursday April 26^th at 6 p.m. at the Village Coffee Shop. Fran suggested that people attend these hearings routinely to give their input on the development that comes to this hillside community otherwise there is nothing to complain about. Fran encourages neighborhood participation. 

Fire Safety: Missy gave the details on the fire that we saw on Mount Lee. Kids were playing with lighters while hanging around the Hollywood Sign. The boy’s and their parents left that evening back to Illinois. 

Fire Station 82: George asked about the Fire station moving. Fran shared the plan that is in force now to create a Regional Fire Station on the property at the northeast corner of Van Ness and Hollywood Blvd. Prop F already owns this land. The Fire Department will keep their current station for storage and emergency staging. 

Street Cleaning: Jack asked about Street Cleaning – Larry says that the City will be doing more of it in the future. 

Side Walk Improvement Project on Glen Green: Carol from Glen Green wants to know what is going on with the sidewalks. Larry says that the neighborhood sidewalk beautification project is starting on Glen Green. The sidewalks are being repaired where they are cracked and repaved over.  

Colette asked regarding the properties on Beachwood—the house is empty and the hearing notices are down. Fran knows the owners and was told that!  each of the two parcels are going to be high end condos. She asked that Colette report any changes that she notices regarding activity or otherwise on these parcels. 

Traffic on Beachwood: Alan Donovan (reserve traffic officer and neighbor) is concerned about the traffic on Beachwood. Alan almost got in an accident. He suggested that West Traffic is the place people should go for traffic complaints 213-473-0222  (Complaint division.) Missy says to ask for Officer Taylor.  Larry Markes has noticed a black and white sitting around Glen Green/Graciosa/Beachwood writing tickets.

One neighbor told how northbound Gower traffic wanting to go west onto Franklin clogs Franklin (they get stuck in the middle of the street when the light changes) and the southbound Gower traffic can’t get across Franklin. Larry says that the DOT has been informed. The neighbor says that the signage is inadequate for that intersection. Larry suggested that we bring the DOT to the next meeting along with West traffic and the fire fighters from Battalion 5. George suggests that the traffic officers stake out five points. 

Mail theft/Identity Theft: Alan also says to be on the lookout for people placing notices on your gates or doors. The delivery person may be a meth addict pulling mail out of your box for identify theft. Lock your mailbox.