Fourth of July in Sycamore Knolls

It hadn't cooled off much by 7:00pm, but still we all gathered at the foot of Montclair for a spirited "march" up the hill to the park.

There were some old-timers (including some who had grown up in Sycamore Knolls) and some newbies (including some who had lived in the neighborhood for less than a week!), and we gathered under the shelter at Southeast Park for some refreshments and a chance to get to know one another.

A splendid time was had by all!

Blooming Neighborhoods

The Sycamore Knolls Neighborhood Association continued its long-standing participation in the annual "Blooming Neighborhoods" event during the Farmers' Market this past Saturday.

Neighborhood associations from all over the city each were assigned to a table set up in a semicircle in front of City Hall.  It was a wonderful chance to meet with neighborhood leaders from all around Bloomington, and to see what sorts of projects and events are organized by our fellow Bloomingtonians.  The City also bestows awards on neighborhoods who have had notable accomplishments over the past year.

Holiday Caroling in Sycamore Knolls

Neighbors,

Here are some pictures of the "HornBones" performing in Sycamore Knolls on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

The caroling (and the gathering that followed, under the park shelter around some hot chocolate and cookies) besides being generally a good time and a good excuse to hang out with your neighbors, also was a part of a fundraising effort.

Information about donating to the Bloomington Community Band, either on-line or by mail, can be found on their website: .

Neighbors,

Here's a brief report on the informational meeting about the "Goat Farm" property at City Hall (the Showers Building) that I attended on Thursday evening, December 8. Teela James, who lives on Montclair, also attended, along with about 25 others folks, many of whom live near the "Goat Farm."

Dave Williams, Director of Operations & Development for the City's Parks and Recreation Department, opened the meeting by stating that the city has no specific plans for the "Goat Farm" at this time, and indeed has no money to implement any plans. We also learned that the "Goat Farm" property is 31 acres in size, and Mr. Williams pointed out the relatively large number of parks within a short distance to the "Goat Farm" (Sherwood Oaks, Olcott, Winslow Sports Park), which suggests that there is no need for any particularly intensive park development at the site.

The meeting then was turned over to two IU students who had conducted a study that was intended primarily to gather input from residents about what sorts of things they might like to see at the "Goat Farm." The study consisted of an on-line survey and interviews with people using the portion of the Jackson Creek Trail that runs through the "Goat Farm."

The top responses gathered by the students included: install a dog park; leave it natural; use it as an outdoor educational space; install a petting zoo; include a small parking lot; establish picnic areas; plant more trees; develop a Disk Golf Course; and develop community gardens (similar to the Streeter Gardens across from the YMCA).

The list of things that the respondents most opposed included: any commercial use; tearing down the barn; housing; sports fields; a parking lot; restrooms; and anything that would substantially increase traffic.

At the meeting, the IU students supplied 4 large maps of the "Goat Farm," and asked the attendees to gather in groups around the maps and mark them with Sharpies to indicate the specific sorts of things that we might like to see there. The suggestions that emerged at the meeting largely paralleled those gathered through the on-line survey and the on-trail interviews, except that it was evident that some of those who live closest to the "Goat Farm" were opposed to the development of a dog park. Some residents also noted that the area is used by wildlife as a way to move out from the more developed areas of the city.

The "Goat Farm" is prone to flooding, so there emerged a concern about the continued erosion of the banks of the creek. Several residents whose property backs up to the creek noted that the creek is now much wider than it once was, for example, and Mr. Williams noted that at some time in the future the creek may need to be cleaned up to improve the flow of water through the area. There was discussion about what sort of bushes and trees might be planted near the creek to stem the erosion.

- Robert

Minutes - Annual Meeting - November 9, 2011

Minutes - Sycamore Knolls Neighborhood Association - Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, 9th November 2011

Welcome

Robert Terrill, President, welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the officers.

Annual Treasurer’s Report

Gary Wiggins presented the Treasurer’s Report. As at 10/23/2011 there was a credit balance of $2,292.62. Gary will update the directory.

Resignations:

Robert Terrill (President), Gary Wiggins (Treasurer) and Shirley Davies (Secretary) will all be resigning as of the next AGM meeting in the fall of 2012. A Nomination Committee will be formed to obtain names of people willing to serve in these positions.

Discussion of the City’s Solicitation of ideas for the “Goat Farm”

There were two suggestions. First, that the Animal Shelter be relocated to this location. And second, an off leash area. The second suggestion was favored by the meeting and Robert will pass this suggestion on to Parks and Rec. It was agreed that the open space should be conserved and attention be paid to drainage.

Proposed Construction of a Walking Path at Childs School

Childs School is proposing to build a walking path around the perimeter and the playground. Concern was expressed at to whether this would open the door for discussion once more about the walking trail along Rock Creek Drive, whether bathrooms were being considered, and the construction of more paving in the flood zone.

Value of Mature Trees

Although Jan Lamm was not present, she wanted people to recognize the value of mature trees in their yard and the added value to personal property. The meeting agreed but also recognized that the neighborhood was well established and many of the trees are getting past their life span.

On Street Parking across from Driveways

A reminder will be included in the next newsletter.

Parking at Childs during Drop Off and Pick Up

Various options were discussed - bump out, pinch point, temporary cones - and it was decided that Robert will start with the Childs School Principal to get his opinion of the safety issues.

Barking Dogs: Speak to owner first, and then call Animal Control if problems continue.

Community Band Fundraiser:

Gary Wiggins requested support from the SKNA for this fundraiser. It was agreed that although we could not donate funds, we could ask the band to play carols in the neighborhood finishing up at the South East Park, advertise this, and hope that people would donate.

Minutes submitted by Shirley Davies, Secretary

9th November 2011

HAND Update - May 2011

THE HAND UPDATE

An updated listing of information for Bloomington residents!

Important upcoming dates for neighborhoods!

• May 11, 2011 - Overview and distribution of Neighborhood Improvement Grant applications, 6 p.m., Hooker Room of City Hall
• June 1, 2011 - Presentation of Blooming Neighborhood Awards, 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers
  
• June 4, 2011 - Blooming Neighborhood Celebration - come celebrate neighborhoods at the Farmers' Market, 9 a.m. to noon
• June 9,2011 - Neighborhood Leadership Series, 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers
  
• June 13, 2011 - Small and Simple Grant applications due
  

Blooming Neighborhood Awards - Will be presented at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Neighborhood Celebration

Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to noon, Farmers’ Market, 401 N Morton

The Blooming Neighborhood Awards/Celebration was created in 2001 by the City of Bloomington to recognize Bloomington Neighborhoods for their efforts and rewards the accomplishments of organized neighborhood groups. The City provides tables for neighborhoods to set up displays and promote their neighborhood during the festivities. Last year 22 Neighborhood Organizations had festive displays – promoting the unique character of their neighborhoods. The day provides a wonderful community event starting with our Farmers’ Market and a combination of activities for the Blooming Neighborhood Celebration.

Have your neighborhood represented at the Blooming Neighborhood Celebration - tables will be provided free of charge to neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to share with the community the wonderful aspects of your neighborhood. A map of your neighborhood will be provided to you.

Contact Vickie at provinev@bloomington.in.gov or 349-3505 to sign up!

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is intended to give residents an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of Bloomington's neighborhoods. These grants provide funds for neighborhood physical improvement projects that require $2,000 or more. Check out some of the neighborhood projects funded by this grant on our website.

• Neighborhood Signs
• Restoration of brick and Works Progress Administration (WPA) sidewalks
• Landscaping, benches and trash receptacles on public right of way
• Historical markers
  

Program Overview: Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 6 p.m., John Hooker Room on the second floor of City Hall

Letter of intent: Friday, September 23, 2011 by 4 p.m.

Application Due: Friday, November 4, 2011 by 4 p.m.

For more information about these programs, contact Vickie Provine at provinev@bloomington.in.gov or 349.3505.

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP SERIES
I wanted to let you know that we will be holding the following free training on Thursday, June 9, 2011, in City Council Chambers. It is a wonderful opportunity for emerging and neighborhood leaders to meet with other neighborhoods to share best practices and learn how they make it work! Please pass this on to your neighborhood folks and friends. Here is the link to the website and the brochure. Neighborhood Leadership Series.
For more information or to have a brochure mailed to you, contact Vickie Provine at provinev@bloomington.in.gov or 349-3505.
Neighborhood Leadership Brochure

"THE TIME TESTED WAY TO RECYCLE YOUR COMMUNITY" - THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2011, 7 TO 9 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER OF CITY HALL

We all need to feel a part of our community and to feel the link between the generations who created our town. This session of the 2011 Leadership Series will feature the neighbors who have lead their communities toward Conservation or Historic District status, and illustrate how historic preservation has created stability, value and relationships among residents. Participants are encouraged to bring items that have been found in their home or yard for “show and tell.” For most of us, historic preservation is as much a personal journey as it is a series of regulations. Come share the stories of your own restoration and discoveries, learn how to research your home and how to ensure your neighborhood’s continued success.

HAND will offer a drawing for a free Home Energy Audit to one of the participants in each session!

Small and Simple–go to the website for more information and an application!
Provides neighborhoods with the opportunity to initiate projects that require $1,000 or less - applications always available.
Past Projects Small and Simple Grants - pictures of neighborhood projects funded by this program.
Next Application Due Date:

Monday, June 13, 2011

THE HAND UPDATE

An updated listing of information for Bloomington residents!

• Bloomington's Mayor Mark Kruzan announces NeighborLink - one-stop shopping for all neighborhood issues!

Hello!

In my recent State of the City speech, I outlined an initiative I thought you might find of interest and that I hope will help improve the quality of life for residents in all our community's neighborhoods.

One concern I've heard from neighborhood residents is that they sometimes aren't sure who to contact when there's an issue city government needs to address. For instance, if a sign is vandalized, should a call be placed to the police, Public Works Department, or to the Housing & Neighborhood Development Department?

I'm pleased to announce that the City of Bloomington has established one-stop shopping for all neighborhood issues. We've established a new tool to allow for fast and easy reporting of any and all challenges a neighborhood may face. It's called NeighborLink. NeighborLink is literally a link between neighborhoods and all City departments. This tool will allow for neighbors to communicate with the City in one central way and place. It also will allow City departments to efficiently organize, track and solve issues reported by residents.

Here's how it works: whenever you see an issue that needs to be reported, you can call NeighborLink Coordinator Vickie Provine at 349.3581. Vickie will ensure that your concern is channeled to the right place and followup to make sure it's addressed. You also can visit www.bloomington.in.gov/neighborlink to describe the situation, leave contact information, or even to upload a photo. Finally, you also can visit NeighborLink using the City of Bloomington's mobile site on your cellphone at www.bloomington.in.gov/m.

Please always feel free to let us know what you think of NeighborLink and how we can improve upon it. Thanks for helping to make Bloomington the most livable community possible!

Mayor Mark Kruzan