Update on Zoning Hearing

I forgot that I have an early meeting tomorrow morning so I'm posting Tuesday's Diary entry now. It's just a bit more info to add to the last blog on zoning issues.

Michael Allen from the Planning Department was nice enough to clarify my questions about the Cingular antenna tower. The permanent structure IS meant for the roof of the parking garage, or specifically, the roof of the elevator shaft connected to the parking garage. It would extend about 9 feet above the roof of the shaft. That makes SO much more sense. I wish they'd explained that on the agenda in the first place.

I did a drive-by of 1137 Markley today. It looks worse than photos of it that I found online. It's in really bad shape. I have to wonder if there are structural problems. It's got a red notice on the porch. Anyone know what that means? If you want to see the inside, check out this 57 second YouTube real estate video that was posted in August just before the current buyer bought it.

 

Tomorrow's Zoning Hearing

Before I get into today's topic, a reminder that there's a Council Budget Workshop at Municipal Hall tonight at 6 pm

Tomorrow night (Tuesday), the Zoning Board will conduct its monthly hearing at Municipal Hall at 7 pm. I noticed a few interesting items on the agenda (which you can read at http://norristown.org/userfiles/file/events/1129.pdf) that everyone should know about.

I'll start with the item that concerns me the most--yet another request for a variance by Cingular Wireless regarding the Montgomery Hospital parking garage. This time they want "a permanent facility that would consist of 12 panel style antennas which would be surrounded by a screening structure that would match the existing building. The height of the proposed antennas would be 90 feet and the top height of the screening structure would be 91 feet..."

In past proposals, the language always mentioned the roof of the parking garage, height above the roof, and total height. This time the roof isn't mentioned at all, making me wonder if this would be a free-standing structure. But if you look at a map of that block, you'll see that the only free area on the property is the wide, fairly nicely landscaped sidewalk that wraps around the garage on Powell and Fornance. Cingular doesn't say exactly where this permanent facility would be or how wide it would be.

Now, I've been meeting with a committee comprised of residents of that neighborhood, and representatives from the Norristown and County Planning Departments and Elon, the developer for the hospital site. We've been working very hard to come up with new zoning and a master plan for those blocks which will make the developer happy, the neighborhood better, and Norristown proud. What we've come up with ought to help stimulate retail development in the empty stores along Powell and Fornance. I'd hate to see all that hard work ruined by a 7 or 8 story ugly tower. Even if it's on the roof of the garage, it will still increase the height at least anther 3 stories.

I've sent off questions to the committee to see if any involved knows more about Cingular's proposal. I'll let you know what I find out.

There are 2 requests on the agenda to "allow for the operation of an existing duplex" at 719 Belair Circle and 1137 Markley.  The first is located off of Selma Street between Oak and Elm, in a little isolated group of houses built around 1959, with that one thing so rare in N-town--lots of parking. The houses all have driveways, some wide enough to accommodate several cars. 719 and its twin and a few other houses in that development look as if they were probably designed to be duplexes. Given all that, I'd be fine if it stayed a duplex.

1137 Markely, however, is a twin built in 1920 for single family use. It's between James and Harding Blvd, a VERY dense block to begin with. No off-street parking and on-street parking is a nightmare only made worse by the new construction and changes to the curb line. Previous owners (the new owner just purchased the property) let the house deteriorate, which you can see in this photo showing a porch wall leaning at precarious angle and front steps that seem to have sunk down a bit on the left side. This whole block is an example of the kinds of houses and areas of town that we ought to be reclaiming as single homes instead of encouraging higher density.

The only other item on the agenda is a request "to allow for a 1500 sq. ft. addition with the height of 20’ to the existing building to be used for storage...for an eight (8) foot high decorative metal fence along Mill Street and Lafayette Street to match the proposed PennDOT fencing" at 201 East Lafayette, which is owned by Duff Plumbing and Heating Supplies. (Am I the only one who, when I see their sign, can't help thinking of The Simpsons and expects the sign to say "Duff Beer" instead?). Anyway, the architect is Douglas Seiler, who's on N-town's Historic Architecture Review Board, so I trust him not to build anything ugly and inappropriate. I think decorative fencing will dress up that corner.

So that's the rundown. I know it's a busy holiday week, but get to the meeting if you can, especially if you live in the 3rd District and will be most effected by the antenna proposal and by the bad parking situation (and potentially really bad traffic situation caused by it) at 1137 Markley.

Questions about the hearing should be directed to Jayne Musonye, Director of Planning and Municipal Development, 610-270-0451.

Events For the Next Week

I'm doing my listing of events a day early because I'll be out teaching writing to 4th graders tomorrow. If I hear of other events in the meantime, I'll do another blog tomorrow afternoon or Saturday.

Tonight, don't forget about the Police Department's public COMPSTAT meeting, 6:30 pm at Municipal Hall Council Chambers. It's a good way to see firsthand how our police have changed their methods and why crime is down 23%.

Also tonight, also at 6:30 pm, come to a discussion of how an ArtPlace grant for art along the Schuylkill River trail could boost Norristown's downtown economy, hosted by Norristown Arts Hill. The discussion will be led by members of the Montco Planning Commission. At the Montco OIC (Basin and Arch--park in the lot off Basin), 2nd floor. Questions: Contact eric.malm@cabrini.edu .

Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm, YouthNET holds FREE Creative Workshops every Saturday morning for students ages 12-16 years old at 19 W Marshall St. Lunch is included.

Saturday from 7:30 to 9 pm, ACPPA is hosting a Latin Dance Class and Party for adults. Beginning Salsa class and Latin Dance Party. Couples and singles are welcome. $18 per person ($15 for ACPPA members). Register at this link.

Monday night starting at 6 pm, Norristown Council will conduct a Budget Workshop in the Municipal Hall 1st Floor Conference Room.

Tuesday morning from 8:30-9:30 am, the Norristown Business Association will hold their monthly breakfast meeting at Stoney Creek Office Center, Bldg 2, 2nd floor. You don't have to be a member to attend. If you're a business owner, nonprofit leader or just interested in developing a thriving business community in Norristown, come meet the NBA. The guest speaker will be John Lubinski representing one of N-town's newest businesses, Metal Supermarket. They'll also discuss the upsoming Small Business Saturday and their Light Up The Dark Contest. Please RSVP to info@norristownba.org.

Tuseday evening at 7 pm is the Zoning Hearing Board Meeting. The agenda is available at http://norristown.org/userfiles/file/events/1129.pdf . I'll cover the items in another blog before the meeting. Questions should be directed to Jayne Musonye, Director of Planning and Municipal Development, 610-270-0451.

Wednesday at 3 pm is the monthly meeting of the Norristown Schuylkill River Action Team at Barton Partners, 700 E Main St, #301. The team, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, is working on developing recreational opportunities along the Norristown section of the river and Schuylkill River Trail, and on ways that improving the riverfront and trail can boost the town's economy. All Norristown residents are welcome to join the team. RSVP to Lizzie Hessmiller at lhessmiller@pecpa.org.

Thursday is Thanksgiving and Friday? Forget the insane crowds at the mall and shop in Norristown instead. Don't know where to shop in town? The Norristown Business Association has begun a directory of Norristown small businesses on their Facebook page. They'll be adding a new business each day, so check back often.

Saturday Nov 29th is Small Business Saturday. Shop the many small businesses we have in Norristown (do it every day, not just once a year). Next Saturday, the Norristown Business Association will be at 31 W Main St, in front of Banh Mi Bar & Bistro from 11 am to 2 pm, handing out info about our small businesses and about membership in the NBA. They'll hold a raffle drawing at 1 pm. You can't win if you don't stop by.

Theater classes for kids and teens will start at Theatre Horizon in January. Go to this link  for more info and to register.

Check the calendar links in the right column for more events at the library and elsewhere.

Litter From Store Circulars Piling Up Again

Most of you have noticed that as of 2 or 3 months ago, houses in the borough are once again having store circulars delivered to them. And once more, these circulars aren't being brought inside and are littering the whole town. We're getting back to looking the way all the naysayers expect Norristown to look and we'd better nip it in the bud quickly.

Frankly, I don't mind the circulars--I like getting the ones for the stores I go to each week. I recycle the rest, and the plastic bag can be recycled with grocery store bags.

Most homeowners I know bring the circulars inside the day they show up, though not all, which I don't get. Why would you want your property to look like a trash heap?

The main problem seems to be the landlords. As I've said before, the majority of housing units in Norristown are rented. If tenants don't take in the circulars--and many of them don't--only a handful of the landlords will pick them up, even if they visit regularly. It's like they're both waiting for the other to make the first move. Worst yet are the rental houses that are between tenants, like the one next to me.

Since my next door neighbor moved on September 30, workers and/or the landlord have been at the house at least 3 times a week as they fix up the place. The circular packages have been piling up on the porch. The workers have even thrown them off the porch into the side yard (for no reason I can see). The pages have been blowing all over. The clincher was when someone put a recycling bin on the front porch last week AND STILL DIDN'T PUT THE CIRCULARS IN IT. After a few days, someone eventually did clean up the porch slightly--and yes, I only mean "slightly" (why wouldn't they pick up ALL the papers?). Circulars still litter the side yard, and since the windstorm the other morning, they're all over the neighbors' yards as well.

I'm hearing the same thing from residents all over town. A lot of landlords just let the circular packages and other trash collect on their properties. Isn't that a Codes issue? Why isn't anyone being cited? We could be making a fortune in fines.

Still, you can't blame Council for this one. They tried to remedy the problem by outlawing the circular packages, which is why we didn't get them for so long. But the company who distributes the blasted things sued Norristown, so the circulars are back.

Council DID give us an out. If you don't want to receive the packages, place a sign “no larger than 18 inches by 6 inches” on your property that reads “No Solicitation or Handbills.” (Hey, landlords, you can do this, too.) If the company continues to deliver them, report them and they'll be fined $600 to $1000 for each property where they distribute unwanted advertisements. I'd suggest putting your sign inside a window or door glass, where it'll be protected from the elements, otherwise you might find yourself being fined for not maintaining the sign. The posting will also apply to slips of paper put in your door handle--restaurant take-out menus, etc., but not political handbills. We're stuck with them.

If you have a problem landlord who lets trash collect, feel free to print out this article and put it in his mailbox (though he'll probably just let it blow all over--maybe mail it to his residence instead). Or you can do what I'll be doing from now on. Until another tenant moves in next door, I'll do the neighborly thing and bring in nextdoor's package to recycle when I bring in my own. Unless the distribution company sues me for that, too.

Or how 'bout we organize a weekly town bonfire? I'll bring the marshmallows.

Last Night's Town Hall

Despite nasty rainy, cold weather yesterday, we still had a pretty good turnout for the Town Hall at the library last night. I define good as being better than the number that usually show up for Council meetings. We had at least double that.

I'd also rate as "good" the meeting itself. Not excellent, because there wasn't enough time for questions on topics that weren't on the agenda. I barely had time to shout out "What about leaf collection?" before the library threw us out. I had a few other questions and I'm fairly sure other attendees did, too.

But we WERE given a lot of information last night. Jayne Musonye, director of Planning, gave an update on most of the developments currently in progress in the borough. On the Montgomery Hospital site, they're currently removing asbestos and other hazards from the buildings, then will proceed with interior and exterior demolition. The planned development is 100 units. A committee of borough officials and residents are working on the language for the the zoning to make sure the development is good for Norristown and the neighborhood. A resident asked if it would include Section 8 housing. Jayne said because Elon is using state funding, Section 8 has to be allowed, although this will be a seniors-only community. I agree with her that it makes a difference. I think we need affordable housing for our seniors. I just hope they're decent places to live.

Luxor at Sandy Street will be 157 units of upscale, luxury apartments. The belief seemed to be that this particular developer had attracted other investors in places he'd developed before, so they're hopeful the same will be true in Norristown.

The Kennedy-Kendrick Project (also senior housing) had been waiting for funding, but should get moving soon. Ditto for the Condominiums at Courthouse Square (the top floors of the bank building at Main and Swede). The Municipality is working to find a good tenant for the first floor, one that will compliment the development, but also enhance Main St and be accessible to the public.

The Lafayette Street Project has begun outside N-town's borders (between Ford St and Conshohocken Road), but has apparently already stimulated investors who are now looking at properties along that corridor and between there and the river. Lafayette Street will eventually be a 4-lane boulevard between Ford St and the Dannehower Bridge. The extension will connect it to the turnpike. Jayne assured us that riverfront development will be smarter here than in Conshy. A public walkway is planned between the development and the river so residents will have access, and to prevent worse flooding.

Five Saints Micro-Distillery has been hard at work converting the Humane Firehouse at Green and Main. Once open, they'll manufacture bourbon, which will be sold worldwide, but also conduct tours, have a tasting room and maintain part of the building as a firehouse museum. They're on schedule to open next March. They'll provide jobs to the community, yet also be a place that will attract visitors to Norristown.

Let me say that I think Jayne Musonye is a real asset to N-town. I've seen her go to bat for the residents many times and that's because she's a long-time resident herself. You can tell how much she loves the town as she talks.

Next up was the Police Department. We heard a Crime Stats update (violent crime down 27%--part one crimes down 23%). He explained how COMPSTAT works and how the new community policing policy is making a difference, especially in neighborhoods most vulnerable to crime in the past. He reminded everyone that the COMPSTAT meeting on Thursday night is open to the public (6:30 pm at Municipal Hall).

Then Bob Glisson, Public Works director spoke. Markley Street is ahead of schedule and should be complete from Elm to Johnson Hwy by next September. After that, the next phase will cover Main to Elm.

As far as street paving goes, I was disappointed to hear that the only streets mentioned and apparently being worked on were Oak, Elm, and Willow. I wanted to ask why the main roads in need of paving--Swede and West Marshall, for instance--were being ignored, but as I said, we didn't get a chance to ask additional questions. Seems to me, if you want to project a positive image of Norristown to visitors--if you want people to shop on West Marshall or downtown--you'd make sure the roads they have to drive to get there don't bounce them around like they're in an earthquake. Well, if enough members of Council and Mr. Glisson had to drive over the mess on Swede next to the library last night, I hope they noticed the problem.

Lastly, Crandall Jones talked about administrative stuff. The Municipality's new website should be live in about a week. It will include a mobile app that will let you photograph, say, a pothole and send it directly to Public Works. (I can see the website crashing when thousands of photos start rolling in.) He spoke about the budget, explaining that they were still conducting an audit, so they're being conservative in expenditures until that's done. He encouraged everyone to come to the Citizens Leadership Academy when it's offered again.

As for leaf collection--it's a townwide problem. Many people, including myself, reported seeing the leaf collector out the 1st or 2nd week, but haven't seen them since. Mr. Glisson said the problem should be taken care of this week. Someone on James Street said he saw the collector yesterday--not his usual street cleaning day. If they're showing up on other days, that's a problem, because cars are only moved on street cleaning day. On my street, we have lots of cars parked in front of or on top of leaf piles on other days. If the collector doesn't come this week, or misses leaves on your street because they came the wrong day, call or write Mr. Glisson (and copy council) and complain. rglisson@norristown.org or 610-270-0437 .

So that was the Town Hall. A fairly good meeting, though maybe for the next time, a venue (GNPAL perhaps?) that will allow a longer meeting would be nice, so we can ask more questions.

Thanks to Linda Christian for taking photos last night. I forgot to bring  my camera.

Shop Small, Norristown

When I began making entries in my Norristown Diary, one of the first topics I tackled was why small businesses are good for Norristown's economy. I'm not sure how many read that blog, or were convinced of its message, but with the holiday season revving up and Small Business Saturday less than 2 weeks away, the topic ought to be revisited.

First of all, any community that depends on big corporations makes itself vulnerable. Towns all across America who experienced prosperity while their steel mills or coal mines or big factories were in operation, are now in decline since the company closed down or operations were moved oversees or their products became obsolete.

I was in the Detroit area for 2 weeks about 11 years ago. In Dearborn and Pontiac, Michigan, I saw empty car and truck factories, vacant store fronts and abandoned houses everywhere. Detroit itself was slightly better off. Auto company headquarters are still there, at least, plus lots of small businesses. But the surrounding 'burbs, developed to accommodate more and more car and truck factories, look like a war zone.

Norristown has seen this sort of thing happen on a smaller scale as our larger employers have closed down--Wonder Bread, for instance, and most recently, Montgomery Hospital.

It's a little hard to wrap your brain around (or it was for me), but money is a finite thing. A set amount of money changes hands in Norristown each day. Whether that money stays in the community or leaves town depends where it's spent. Spend your dollar at a nationally-owned company--say McDonalds--and a chunk of that dollar will go to the company headquarters in Oakbrooke, IL in profits and franchise fees. Their equipment, food and supplies aren't purchased locally either.

A company needs to provide 3 things to a local community for local economic growth--jobs, taxes, and profits need to stay local. In a corporation, profits are dispersed to shareholders, who could be anywhere worldwide. If you close down a factory, there go the jobs and local taxes. Even if the corporation maintains a local office, it's not giving as much back to the community as it's taking.

If you've been listening to the news, you've heard that casinos are closing in Atlantic City, but one economist I heard last week said that the casinos were never good for that community. They provide jobs, yes, but the lion's share of taxes go to the state and not the local government. Profits go out of state to corporate headquarters and shareholders, and often out of the country. Atlantic City was seeing a boom in dollar stores, pawn shops and poverty long before the first casino closed.

Jus' Java

Each small businesses may not provide many jobs, but spreading the jobs out among many businesses makes the town less vulnerable. Ideally, the best kind of Norristown small business is one owned by a resident homeowner. I'm not only talking about their dollars staying here as property taxes, but being homeowners, they're more vested in our community and less likely to up and move operations elsewhere.

But even if the business is owned by someone who rents, or lives in nearby suburbs, they're still more likely to put a good percentage of each dollar earned back into the local economy. Especially if they realize that by supporting other N-town small businesses, they help themselves.

Anna Catanese Flowers

Small businesses provide a cushion to a town's economy when big businesses move out. In Norristown, the more small businesses we have, the more reliable that airbag is in case of emergency.

So here's the bottom line, to grow our town's economy, we need to increase the amount of dollars coming into town and decrease the amount leaving. That simple.

You can help by shopping at Norristown's small businesses this holiday season. Sure, you can't get everything you need in N-town (not yet--give us time). Still, when you're entertaining, think, say, pulled pork from Sessano's or Banh Mi sandwiches or Mexican or Asian or barbecue take-out. We have 3 or 4 florists in Norristown, plus other residents who do flower and fruit arrangements. We have small businesses who sell Christmas greens and trees and other decorations--Plymouth Produce, for instance. We're even beginning to see a return of clothing shops to Norristown. (I'll see if I can come up with other store suggestions in a future blog.)

Just, before you run out to the mall, stop and ask yourself, "Can I get this in Norristown?" And yes, I understand price can be an issue, but don't assume our small businesses are expensive without checking them out. Personally, I'd rather spend a few extra bucks in town, especially for something made here, than imagine my dollars taking the next fast train out of N-town--maybe even headed out of the country--making our community poorer by the minute

Get-In-Touch-With-Your-Community Events, All Week

Did everyone see our first snow of the winter last night? And have you noticed that West Marshall and downtown are now are decked out with big lighted snowflakes on the light poles?  But it IS still fall, which means leaf collection--don't forget, if you want to get rid of your leaves, rake them to the curb for your regular street cleaning day (or put them on your garden beds to compost over the winter).

You can tell the holidays are close, though, because all of a sudden, N-town's event schedule is jam-packed. When you begin holiday shopping, remember that shopping at Norristown's local small businesses is the best gift you can give your community's economy this year.

Tonight from 8:30 to 11 pm is Movie Night at the George Washington Carver Community Center, 249 E. Jacoby St, 610-277-7480. $5.

Saturday from 9 am to noon, Norristown Council will hold a Budget Workshop, Municipal Hall, Conference Room.

Saturdays at 10 am and Thursdays at 6 pm, get in shape at the Step It Up Fitness Boot Camp at the Carver Center (249 E Jacoby) with professional trainer Blayne Pierce. $10. Continues through Dec 13.

Saturday begins open enrollment for health insurance again (frankly, I think it's cruel that they tell you the premium increases right before the holidays--or that they increase the premiums at all). You can get help at an Open Enrollment Event from 10 am to 2 pm at the Norristown Regional Health Center, 1401 Dekalb St, 610-278-7787. Please bring proof of household income, ID and SS cards, legal immigrant documents, employer coverage info, username and password if you already have a Marketplace account.

Saturday, 11am-12pm at the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library (Powell and Swede). Come learn about Diabetes. Dr. Paul Schick, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson Medical College, will present information related to Type 1, Type 2, and Pregnancy Diabetes.  610-278-5100

Monday at 6 pm, Norristown Council will host a Town Meeting at the Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell Street. The agenda will cover the Montgomery Hospital demolition and development, Luxor at Sandy Street, the Kennedy-Kendrick Project, Lafayette Street Project, the Condominiums at Courthouse Square, Five Saints Micro-Distillery, police update, street paving and Markley St, the budget, etc.

Tuesday from 1:30 to 5 pm at CADCOM, 113 E Main, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s bank examinations staff will provide an overview of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which encourages depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of local communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. All are welcome to attend. To register, click on this link

Tuesday night at 6:30 pm is the monthly Council Workshop, which will include a presentation of the 2015 budget. Budgets will be distributed to the public for their review (Public Comment for the budget will be on Dec 2).

Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 am, Latino Collaborative meeting at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, 1605 Main St. Jennifer I. Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs for the City of Philadelphia will speak. Please register via email at Advolifeline@aol.com .

Wednesday, 6-7 pm at the Montgomery County Norristown Public Library--Artful Arrangements for the Holidays: Genuardi Florists will be on hand to demonstrate various ways of arranging your centerpiece for the holidays. 610-278-5100.

Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm at Montco OIC (Arch and Basin), 2nd floor, the Norristown Arts Council presents an Art on Our Trails Mixer. The Montgomery County Planning Commission will lead a discussion about the role art could play along the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown, and how it could help the economic growth of downtown.

Also Thursday night beginning at 6:30 pm, the Norristown Police Department will hold a public COMPSTAT meeting  in the Norristown Municipal Council Chambers. I went to the last one in August. This is a fascinating look into how our top-level cops analyze crime trends in the borough and come up with effective strategies to fight them. The meeting will likely run at least 3 hours. To submit anonymous tips on crime, call 610-278-TIPS(8477) or at NPDTips@norristown.org.

Every Monday through Thursday, 3:30 to 6:30 pm, NASD students, grades 5-8, can get FREE tutoring and homework help, plus do creative projects and activities at The Incite Institute on the Roosevelt Campus, 1161 Markley. Sponsored by the Men of Excellence. To register, contact Hakim Jones, hjones@nasd.k12.pa.us or call 610-630-5048.

Spread the word to your favorite Norristown businesses: The Norristown Business Association is hosting a "Light Up The Dark" holiday lights contest from December 1 to January 1. Just put lights (any holiday--Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwaanza, Solstice, etc--or more than one) in one of your store/business windows from 5 to 9 pm (or longer) every night during the month. If you want your display judged, you can read the rules at this link. Prizes will be given for most artistic design, most creative concept, most humor, and the display that projects the best image of Norristown. To enter your business, send an email to info@norristownba.org with the Subject Heading “Light Up The Dark.” Include your business name, address and phone #.

One last note: Jus' Java has reopened at their new location (317 Swede, across from the Courthouse). Stop by and welcome them back. (We missed you, JJ!)