The next virtual meeting of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association will take place in January 2022. The date has not yet been determined.
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These minutes from the recent meeting of the ANA on Wednesday,
November 17, 2021, were written by Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary.
Albemarle Neighborhood Association
November 17, 2021 Zoom Meeting
Minutes
Larry Jayson, President presided over the zoom meeting with 19
participants
Peter Gomori, Treasurer
Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary
1.Community Officer Smiarowski began the meeting discussing recent
attempted carjacking on Beverly Road and East 5 street on Tuesday
evening, November 16. Perpetrators were not yet apprehended.
Theft from mailboxes was addressed. With the mailboxes being
retrofitted, there has been diminished incidence of theft. However,
there are thefts at the Fedex mailboxes. It is recommended that
Fedex mailings be done at Walgreens site and other Fedex places. It
is a citywide problem.
Shoplifting incidences are occurring with greater frequency at
Walgreens. The arrest and release policy adds to the frequency of
the incidences.
Amazon drop offs do not have the same theft problems
Car thefts are also occurring in Kensington when keys are left in
the car.
The catalytic converter thefts were brought up. If they do occur,
please call police and if there is a problem filing a report, ask to
speak to the Supervising Officer on duty.
2. Council-Elect Shahana Hanif was introduced. She was born and
raised in Kensington.
Her goals are to have a safe and clean
neighborhood. She will ensure that trash will be regularly picked
up. She hopes to restore funds to the Sanitation department. She
wants to increase the role of ACE in maintaining the neighborhood,
regarding trash pickup and graffiti removal. More trash baskets are
needed. The composting program needs to be reinstated.
Council-Elect
Hanif has been meeting with the 39th district which is a large and
diverse district. There have been “listening to” sessions. The
flooding issue is a key priority.
Collaboration with Robert Carroll
and other agencies will be a priority in managing our district.
The
problem of the homeless at the Kensington Plaza needs to be
addressed regarding people needing services, as well as garbage that
accumulates.
3. Peter Gomori has contacted the owners of the vacant Rite Aid
building and arranged to have graffiti removed. It appears that Rite
Aid-Walgreens has the lease. There is neighborhood interest in
having a legitimate business that would rent out building that has
been left vacant for several years.
4. Dissatisfaction was expressed at the lack of cleanliness of
storefront sidewalks and streets. Business owners should be held
accountable for clearing garbage in front of stores. Especially
noted was the garbage in front of a vacant store on Church Avenue
between East 4th and East 5 street.
Rat and raccoon problems were cited in front of houses. Perhaps
composting would alleviate this problem as well as keeping houses
clean in outside areas.
More garbage cans are needed, especially at
the corner of McDonald and Albemarle Road.
The placement of bike stands was addressed as a danger to drivers
and pedestrians especially on the corner of Church Ave and McDonald
Avenue.
5. Interest in having more people attend Community 12 Board meetings
that would better represent our community.
There is a need for
greater responsiveness of the 66 Precinct to our Kensington
neighborhood.
6. Ocean Parkway Clean up efforts have been a success. There are new
trash cans as well as a Jobox for tools and supplies for volunteers
who choose to maintain cleanliness on Ocean Parkway. Talk to Peter
Gomori regarding access to the Job box. Seasonal Park employees from
the Parks Department have also been hired to assist with cleaning.
7. There will be a free art activity for children on East 5 street
this Saturday to create plaques with statements regarding street
cleanliness. Supplies for painting on wood plaques will be made
available.
8. A dangerous situation was reported regarding a person on the
middle of Ocean Parkway who has been continually creating a
disturbance and is a danger to himself and others. If you notice
this person, please notify the Police Precinct directly at 718 851
5611
8. The next ANA meeting will take place on zoom in January. The date
will be determined. Suggested speakers for the next meeting include the Sanitation
Department, and Commanding Office of Police Precinct 66
Respectfully submitted
Jannette Katz Gomori
