Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Board MeetingMonday May 11, 2020

Zoom6:30 pm

Mission: To advocate for and enhance the quality of life in the Belknap community.Vision: To be a vibrant, diverse and desirable place to live in Grand Rapids.Public Space Goals: Improving access down Belknap hill; Hastings Connector & Linear Park; Better Pedestrian Connections.Add’l Priorities: Social Connections; Active in the Neighborhood; Voices Heard in Local Gov’t.

1. Call to order and additions to agenda2. Clancy Lofts – Modderman3. Approval of April minutes and financials4. Projects Updates

a. Providing Assistanceb. Additional Coronavirus Responsec. Schedule PILOT Conversationd. Progress on Public Spaces

5. Miscellaneous & Public Comment 6. Adjournment

2020 Board Meeting Schedule, 2nd MONDAY of each month, 6:30 pm

June 8July 13August 10September 14October 12November 9 (Annual Meeting at Coit Creative Arts Academy)December 14 (Old board/new board potluck)

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Neighbors of Belknap Lookout Meeting MinutesMonday, April 13, 2020

Video Conference via Zoom

Members Present: Loren Sturrus (President) Robin Benton Amy GautraudKara Harrison Gates Dan Miller (Recorder)

Members Absent: Brian Bremer Jonathan Swets Loretta KlimaszewskiDean Rosendall

Staff Present: Elianna Bootzin

Guests Present: Milinda Ysasi (GR City Commissioner) Brian CraigBridget Ward (GRPL)

7. Meeting began at 6:40 pm.

8. Milinda Ysasi gave an update on what the City of GR is doing in response to the Corona Virus situation and invited questions. City Commission cancelled the March 31 meeting but will meet virtually on April 14. The public may log into that meeting.

a. In re a question from Dan: Police are not ticketing people who congregate in public but are “educating” them to maintain a safe distance.

b. In re a question from Kara: The City Commission postponed the approval process for recreational marijuana dispensaries until October to see how the process is going elsewhere in Michigan and to give time for various interested parties to be adequately consulted. Issues to consider include expungement of misdemeanor violations for marijuana possession and land use permits.

c. In re a question from Dan: The City Commission is also looking at models to follow in upcoming elections in light of the Coronavirus safe distance rules.

d. In re a question from Robin: The Lieutenant Governor is establishing a task force to examine causes of the racial disparities that have been evident in the Coronavirus situation such as illness and loss of employment. Grand Rapids will be represented on the task force. She asked Robin to send her data collected by the Racial Equity Committee about racial disparities in Belknap Lookout so she can forward it to the task force and other interested groups. She noted that everyone is affected by the Coronavirus but the response needs to be targeted to aid those most in need.

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e. In re a question from Loren: Grand Rapids maintains a lobbyist in Lansing to represent the city’s interest in state legislation.

f. Loren asked whether Grand Rapids can lobby the state to make national elections into holidays as has been done in Virginia.

g. Loren also asked whether the internet could be treated as a public utility since the current situation reveals how crucial it is. Elianna noted that Marquette University has made the City of Marquette into a “WiFi bubble” so that everyone can access the internet on their cell phones, Ipads, computers, etc. Robin noted that the United Nations has declared access to the internet to be a basic right and he would like to see that recognized by the state government. Milinda asked Elianna for more information about the Marquette program.

h. Loren asked whether the City of Grand Rapids could sponsor an infrastructure bank, such as they have in North and South Dakota, to help small businesses, especially minority-owned ones, to get through crises such as the current one. He noted that Baltimore provides credit to residents that might be a useful model as well.

i. Robin said that Grand Rapids is a popular destination for Millennials but also one of the worst places for African Americans to live and find work. Only 3% of African Americans who live in the Belknap neighborhood are homeowners. He would like Grand Rapids to join the National Human Rights Cities Alliance to redress that historic racial disparity.

j. Milinda said that Grand Rapids will receive around two million dollars in extra CDBG funding for the recovery and needs to figure out how to use it.

9. The Board did not discuss the Clancy Lofts project because no one was present from Modderman to present or answer questions.

10. The Board discussed its letter of support for the duplex planned for 637 Coit.

a. Elianna reported that the project will have to go before the City Planning Commission for approval rather than being approved “by right.”

b. Kara suggested changes in wording to reflect that circumstance and also recommended changing the language to include the phrase “contingent upon” compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Board approved the change.

11. Board approved the Minutes of March 10 and the Financials Report.

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a. In re a question from Loren: Elianna said that taxes and wages would be distributed among programs later through a hand calculation (currently shown as “not specified").

b. Loren noted that Loretta would like some money in the third PILOT allocation (to be requested) to be made available for her cat neutering project.

12. Board discussed NOBL’s 990 Report

a. $71,000 came from rents on 700 Coit, grants, and gaming.

b. Money was spent on salary, and on 700 Coit expenses (utilities, mortgage, maintenance) and improvements.

c. In re a question from Dan, Board decided to allocate $200 to fix deficiencies in the heating plant. Elianna will follow up on it.

13. Board discussed the CDBG grant

a. Elianna reported that NOBL was recommended to receive the same grant amount as the previous year.

b. Kara suggested using our letter to report on how the money was spent last year. Elianna will instead prepare a letter detailing outcomes based on measurable benchmarks set in our CDBG contract.

c. In re a question from Robin, Elianna said that NOBL reports on its CDBG metrics quarterly (reimbursement requests are made monthly).

d. In re a question from Robin, Elianna said that NOBL probably cannot use CDBG funds for data collection but that actions undertaken in response to that information probably could be. Loren said that the Intern’s work might qualify for CDBG funds. Kara said that Garfield Park Neighborhood Organization is gathering similar information. Robin said the Racial Equity Committee is pioneering the collection of data on racial disparities and it could train other NO’s in power analysis and data collection. Loren asked if these efforts might qualify for CDBG funds. He said “You can’t manage what you can’t measure”. Elianna said she plans to attend a webinar later this week on disparate racial outcomes from COVID-19. She hopes it will provide guidance on what a sample report might need to be effective now.

e. In re a question from Robin about how NOBL activities had been affected by COVID-19 Elianna said she is working fewer hours from home.

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f. Kara noted that the recent Federal Stimulus Relief program includes Economic Injury Disaster loans for small businesses and non-profits that maintain their payrolls during the Coronavirus lockdowns. The loans do not need to be repaid as long as they are used for legitimate purposes such as wages and keeping the office open. She asked whether NOBL could qualify for such a loan. Elianna calculated that three months of such expenses would amount to approximately $15000. Robin moved and the Board approved that NOBL apply for a loan. Kara will fill out the application with information supplied by Elianna. Robin suggested that some of that money might be used to reactivate the Racial Equity/Community Relations Committee.

14. Board discussed whether NOBL needed a Zoom subscription for approximately $15/mo.

a. Robin noted that there are two versions: a regular version like the one we were using at this meeting and a more expensive version that would allow webinar meetings that could include more features.

b. Robin and Kara said they have regular Zoom accounts, and both were willing to allow them to be used for NOBL Board meetings.

c. Board decided not to subscribe to Zoom at this time.

15. Board discussed projects

a. Robin asked whether NOBL should flyer the neighborhood with information about issues relevant to COVID-9 situation such as domestic violence, proper social distancing, and where to find assistance. Elianna will help prepare the flyer and Robin will distribute 100 at Creston Plaza.

b. Kara asked if the store at the corner of Coit and Fairbanks had posted guidelines about social distancing, etc. Robin said they recently posted a sign, but patrons are not following the guidelines.

c. Kara noted that people using the stairs at the end of Fairbanks for exercise are not following proper distancing and are handling the railings which could spread the Coronavirus. Robin asked whether NOBL should post a sign reminding people to avoid behaviors that could spread the virus. Kara said people don’t seem to pay attention to the signs or even to verbal warnings.

d. Kara noted that Garfield Park NO sends out daily reminders from the CDC regarding proper conduct along with “cheerful updates” about good things that are happening in the community to help people stay engaged with their neighbors and avoid feeling isolated. They also share contact information about resources for anyone who has concerns or needs. Amy said the CDC has a Coronavirus “tool

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kit” NOBL could distribute and we could encourage people to call us if they have specific needs so we could put them in contact with appropriate resources. Robin noted that the Grand Rapids Pandemic Mutual Aid Committee is offering help to people. Kara suggested we could include links to them and other resources in the flyer we are going to distribute.

e. Dan said the residents of Newberry Place come out of their homes every day at 6:30 pm to greet each other from a safe distance. Perhaps NOBL could encourage neighbors to do that throughout the Belknap Lookout area.

f. Loren suggested that we should pull all of these ideas together. Amy volunteered to prep CDC information for Elianna to share on social media. Elianna will also continue to send out regular “email blasts” perhaps even once a week. Some bi-lingual materials could potentially be created as well, with help from Loren’s sister. Robin said NOBL should promote the African American Health Institute which is located in the Belknap Lookout neighborhood. Loren noted that portions of the Spectrum Hospital campus are located in Belknap Lookout as well.

g. Board agreed to have a meeting in May to follow up on these proposals.

h. Kara said that she is still working with the Kent County Land Bank to secure a lease of the land used for the neighborhood garden plot. Loren noted that the Kent County Land Bank is still wrapping up options and contracts on parcels.

i. Loren reported that Rick, the GR City Engineer, said they have not yet done the design work for the stairs at on Belknap Hill but he still thinks they will cost $800,000 to construct.

16. Miscellaneous and Public Comment

a. Brian thanked the Board for taking the concerns of the neighborhood seriously.

b. He noted that his suggestions regarding the Conflict of Interest Policy seem to have been overlooked.

17. The meeting adjourned at 8:20.

Respectfully submitted, Daniel Miller (recorder)

Meeting Information1. Clancy Lofts – Modderman

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Project overview: RJM is proposing a condo development with 2 affordable units on the three lots at the SE corner of Clancy and Fairbanks, as required by their purchase agreement with the Housing Commission for the corner lot. After extensive work with the Development Committee to add porches creating a social interface between the building and the street, the group recommends the project to the board.

1/8 Meeting notes (attended by Elianna Bootzin, Kara Harrison Gates, Bill Hebert, Dan Miller, Dean Rosendall, Jo Ann Stevenson, Loren Sturrus, and Gretchen Warnimont; guest Marshall Grate).

Joe Modderman presented a revised look for Clancy Lofts on the north end of the east side of the 600 block of Clancy (not identical to existing buildings). There are 18 units, four front entries with small porches. 28 parking spots in the lot behind (14 on each side) – condo owners would buy a spot with their unit. The ratio is 1.3/unit, which is better than the current houses. There is a dumpster pad. The parking lot is restricted by 3-4 feet of brick and (green)fenced and gated. Unit composition is still under revision, but there will probably be six 2 bedroom units and twelve 1 bedroom units. Since the northern lot is being purchased from the Housing Commission, two of the units must be “affordable” to someone at 80% of the Area Median Income, which would be a unit price of up to $160,000. This requirement is included in the deed restriction. Current tenants are on a month to month schedule. They do want to give them sufficient time to move and have previously added money to tenants’ purchases or paid cash or check to help them get into their next apartment. There will of course be plenty of lighting. The building has 120’ frontage. Units vary because of stairs, etc., but will range from 800-1000 sq ft. Materials are expected to be steel and cement board. A reference for the materials (but NOT architecture) is 349 Cummings in Standale/Walker. Dean wondered about the option to break it into two buildings. Gretchen asked why it doesn’t look like houses. The ASP does call for larger buildings on the 600 block of Clancy. Bill disliked the modularity, noted that 221 Trowbridge looked “cheap”, and said that he preferred the brownstones. Marshall explained how the brownstones pull people to the street to interact. Is it possible to enhance the porches? Joe noted that they are trying to accommodate a lower price for buyers. They will not be able to get to Planning Commission until at least March due to the long wait list. They would like to start building in late spring or early summer. It will probably take about 18 months (more than one year, less than two). An 850 sq ft unit would be $265,000. Bill asked about the directionality of the lighting. Dean inquired about a bump out to help create visual interest across the front of the building. The group didn’t have any problems with the number of units but requested more – and brick – porches to be brought to the next meeting.

2/5 Meeting notes (attended by Elianna Bootzin, Bill Hebert, Scott Huebl, Rob Kennedy, Dan Miller, Dean Rosendall, Jo Ann Stevenson, Loren Sturrus, and Gretchen Warnimont; guests Vickie Craig and Marshall Grate).

Jim Brodi substituted for Joe at this meeting to share a revised look with larger porches in the front and especially the back. He brought a CAD version of the drawing to visually clarify the extent of the brick portion of the façade, two thirds up the building/the first two floors. The metal panel accents are used in part to avoid a need for lintels on the windows. The white horizontal line is a stone cap.

Gretchen reiterated that it doesn’t fit the neighborhood in terms of the appearance of the surrounding houses. She also doesn’t like the parking arrangements generally. JoAnn felt that the long front façade could use more dept. Dean noted that this is a single large condo building as opposed to apartments, the

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first time this form has been used for that ownership structure. The group considered the possibility of describing its proximity to a similarly large apartment building across the street as a reason for it being appropriate for this particular site. It is very likely this rationale and/or similar statements will be used as this project moves forward. Additional options raised were that we do not want another large building again and that this is “not a binding precedent”.

The group considered whether the porch change was enough. Most want more. Jim described and sketched potential dimensions for adding piers and wrought iron. Dean also suggested wrapping masonry etc. or other decorative materials around the back as the buyers may want a nice view when they park as well. Bill expressed a dislike of the current trend of mixed materials. Gretchen thought a peaked roof would help; it was clarified that that isn’t possible due to height limits in that area. There are also flat roofed buildings nearby, including the NOBL office. Dean suggested LP or James Hardie instead of metal for a softer feel. Someone noted that it would be prudent to include brick at the base for better weathering; this recommendation is expected to be included.

Jim’s approximate porch changes extend the side porches. The center porches remain small, though Marshall recommended at least changing how they are centered to allow a chair to be positioned out of the walking path on each one but more importantly advocated for a larger center porch. We can expect landscaping in front.

It was reiterated that the parking area will have a gate. The visual screening will likely be augmented by evergreen vines and trees. Bill requested down lights if possible. He would have liked to see where fixtures will go as well; it sounds like that may change in analysis later but will certainly fall between the City’s minimum and maximum. We touched briefly on the parking spots again.

Gretchen proposed a future requirement of including 2 spots for very low income as a condition for NOBL support.

She was also curious about security for the doors.

With the discussed porch changes, a rear elevation, materials, and possibly lighting details, the group agreed that it could finalize approval by email to move the project to the March board meeting.

3/4 Meeting notes (attended by Elianna Bootzin, Kara Harrison Gates, Dan Miller, Dean Rosendall, Jo Ann Stevenson, Loren Sturrus, and Gretchen Warnimont; guest Marshall Grate).

The group reviewed new elevation and site plans featuring the addition of three large porches provided by RJM, with Elianna clarifying based on conversation with Jason that the greenspace shown in the site plan is accurate whereas the extra sections of railing in the corresponding portions of the front elevation were not. With one member opposed, the NOBL Development Committee recommends RJM’s Clancy Lofts project to the NOBL board for support at the Planning Commission for Special Land Use, accepting its size, flat roof and homeownership status specifically because of its proximity to the similarly sized and designed apartments across the street; the committee also accepts its density and height solely due to the affordable units included in the project.

The project will be on the NOBL board agenda for April. It was understood that RJM will submit their application at Planning Commission to get in line for a hearing.

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2. Approval of April minutes and financials - Net revenue for our programs continues to look off because wages are not distributed among them automatically. The current plan is to calculate an adjustment in July. Our cash balance is higher than this time last year because we have funds for both Census work and the second set of PILOT projects.

3. Project Updates

a. Providing Assistance – A local volunteer has really kickstarted efforts with masks and hand sanitizer (the latter provided by L&L) to be distributed at same. Elianna has acquired materials for “neighborhood improvement kits” that recipients of the first set of “public safety kits” can sign up for; they and their kids will be able to chalk their walks and decorate their windows to cheer up their neighbors. We’ll put out a general call for those interested in receiving them mid-May if supplies last. Robin has already delivered the flyers we discussed last time at Creston Plaza, and copies are going in the public health kits also. It may be possible to source another round of masks and hand sanitizer if desired.

b. Additional Coronavirus Response – Park meet ups are now park walk & waves (second and fourth Sat in odd months). When restrictions somewhat relax, I think setting up the even month potluck as a “simultaneous picnic, eating with only your own household” might work. Signed up for National Night Out event, acknowledging that depending on restrictions at that time we may need to encourage folks to hang out on their own porch/lawn, adapt games kids can play from adjacent driveways (if they have them), and pick winners of a scavenger hunt that takes place the 2-4 weeks previous. What else? Who will do what, when, to bring additional projects to fruition? (Pick up trash and shared yard work days were posted in April and May; some light interest but no photos yet.)

c. Schedule PILOT Conversation – Robin, Jon and Loretta and I could meet by phone to bring a proposal (including continuing spay/neuter project funds) to the next meeting. Can we pick a day/time or two now? Who can confirm with Jon if needed? Should the board members involved stay on to complete the evaluation discussion previously planned?

d. Progress on Public Spaces - Improving access down Belknap hill – Loren and Elianna owe Rick DeVries at the City a reply email – when/how prep? When appropriate, Dave Bulkowski anticipates Disability Advocates staff engaging users. Hastings Connector & Linear Park – no action anticipated for NOBL at this time; construction has been expected to move forward this summer; the City selected a contractor on 4/14 and the applications for the housing demolitions for the connector have been submitted. Pedestrian Connections – Spring parking counts by MobileGR are delayed due to COVID. Garden purchase/long term lease – As established, other projects likely take precedence. Still, any progress,

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Kara?

Regular Report Contents: Crime (last four weeks) from www.crimemapping.comFire from https://grandrapids.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=50bbc7410e5447b99edde0e32d62f4c4 (one week)

Public Safety: Online COVID 19 outreach continues to dominate our current efforts. Stay alert for scams related to COVID 19 and spikes in criminal activities like larcenies. Lock your car!

Development: The group received training on the Master Plan, ASP and zoning ordinance from Elizabeth Zeller at the Planning Department this month. An agreement for 719 Prospect is nearly complete and we can expect to participate in a charette moving forward as requested. Anyone interested in determining the logistics for that process should let Elianna know. 506 Fairview has requested to go to the BZA to make the case to rebuild the rear of the building. We will be involved in starting community outreach around the Master Planning process soon.Revised 637 Coit letter:April 28, 2020Dear Members of the Planning Commission,I am writing this letter to relate that neighborhood engagement took place on RJM/Modderman’s duplex at 637 Coit. The NOBL board saw color elevations and sample material photos on Tuesday March 10 after the project was recommended by the Development Committee and restated its opinion at its meeting on Monday April 13. The board supports the construction of the duplex contingent on the inclusions of the ADA-compliant units. There were no major objections. Yours sincerely,Elianna Bootzin, Executive Director

Updates on Old Business: No further updates on 712 North, office signage, HousingNOW, the trash can at L&L, bike trail or Pitch Night funds.

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Organization Operations: Duct repair complete. Elianna improving versatility of organization operations by ordering a laptop, printer (longevity), plus better password security and data storage upon its arrival. Kara applied for the EIDL; it was declined (out of money); even w/ new funds, we could only get $1000.Other area news: The Michigan and College intersection is under construction this month.

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