Meeting of The Harlem &Hamilton Heights Livable Streets coalition.

10/26/2009 at La Pregunta Arts Cafe, 7PM

In attendance were Benjamin Kitisch, Elana Hoffman, Steven Kopstein and Jacob Mason.

The meeting began with a discussion of possible events and a recap of a meeting that Steven and Ben had with members of the Hamilton Height’s group ACTION in September.  At that meeting, one of ACTION’s leaders said she would be willing to do an email to her group about joining HHH Livable Streets - but that she needed a brief statement about our objectives.

Ben mentioned ideas for getting more people involved (we currently have only 6 people) and all agreed that growing the group was our most important short-term objective.

Some ideas for events that might increase awareness included:

Posting notices in coffee shops and schools (school newsletter).

Holding regular monthly meetings

Having tables at community events

Radio appearance

Community newsletter mentions

Ben said he wasn’t computer and social media saavy, so Steven agreed to manage and promote our internet presence.

Alana said she could work on getting some school involvement since she is in education.  She would contact the parent coordinators.

Jacob agreed to get us statistics to help promote our cause as he has access to studies as a transportation engineer.

Steven and Jacob agreed to initiate the compilation of a comprehensive list of allies who we could send our mission statement and request for new members to.  We agreed to use a google office spreadsheet to accomplish this.

Some groups that were mentioned included - Harlem Democrats, Senior Centers (there is one on 145th below St. Nicholas)  WEACT, ACTION, Harlem Children’s Zone - Jacob has a contact - Clergy (Ben) and the Hamilton Heights Homeowners Association.

We discussed what the geographic coverage area of the group should be - and perhaps this would require a name change - but it was agreed that the area would be from 135th - 155th Streets and From the Hudson River to Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

We agreed that we would work on getting 100 members by January 1, 2010.

We agreed to get a mailing or email out to friendly groups by the next meeting, which was scheduled for November 23rd, 2009 at 7PM at Cafe One on Amsterdam and 141st Streets.

We agreed to use the current mission statement from the Livable Streets website (see below) and to focus on pedestrian safety issues first and bike issues later.

This group will work in partnership with all Harlem and Hamilton Heights residents to build a safer streetscape for our neighborhoods. Uptown is home to some seriously dangerous driving and notoriously unclean air. Asthma rates for our children are higher than most areas of the city, and yet bicycling remains for thrill-seekers only. We will work to improve street design to reduce speeding, improve safety at street crossing, build out the bicycle network with striped and protected bike lanes, and enhance bus service through dedicated bus lanes. We will also work in concert with other community and city groups to plant and care for many new trees and other plantings to green our neighborhoods!

The meeting ended around 9:30 PM.

Steven Kopstein