BPNA News and Annoucements

Neighborhood Leadership Series, April 8, 7pm-9pm

"The ABC's of Land Use"-Tom Micuda, director of the Planning Department, will provide an overview of the Planning Department's role in protecting neighborhoods. During this presentation, Mr. Micuda will address the following topics: the City's Growth Policies Plan, the Unified Development Ordinance, zoning code enforcement, neighborhood involvement in the land development process, and neighborhood action plans. Mr. Micuda will also discuss some strategies neighborhoods can use to get issues resolved by different City departments. Class will be held in the City Council Chambers from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 8.

Atwater/Henderson Traffic Light Presentation-April 9th at 4pm

From Jenny Southern:

For those of us wondering, whatever happened to that plan to put in a light? I can now tell you it really is happening and construction should be starting this year. The funding is in place and Engineering is ready. I have arranged with Justin Wycoff to show us the City's most recent plan down at City Hall on April 9th at 4pm in the Mclosky room. I have included a link below that you can take a look at but it really will take a City Engineer to answer your questions and comments. Looks like the separate (non-stopping) lane for turning on to Atwater from Henderson has been removed and some other aspects have been scaled back.

Most recent plan that I can find on-line for the intersection:

http://bloomington.in.gov/media/media/application/pdf/5842.pdf

IU Electronic Waste Collection-April 10, 9am-2pm

IU Electronic Waste Collection Day, a free electronic waste recycling drive hosted by Indiana University Bloomington, will be open to the general public on Saturday, April 10, , from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The collection will take place in the Purple parking lot to the north of Memorial Stadium. The event location is sponsored by IU Athletics. Staff will be on hand to unload e-waste from vehicles. Complete information, including maps, hours and a list of accepted items, is available at ewaste.indiana.edu.

Church on S. Washington

From Jane Walter:

Skip, who did a lot of renovation including the new front and interior shell, is in the process of selling it to a couple from Ellettsville, who will use it as a residence.

BPNA Meeting Tues. March 23, 2010

Our March meeting will be this Tuesday, March 23. As usual, we'll meet at 7:00p.m. at the Free Methodist Church at the corner of Grimes and S. Lincoln.

New items on the agenda this month:

Our annual block party:

We need volunteers to start planning this year's block party. The neighbors who live along the 1000 block of South Dunn St. have been very gracious about sharing their street for the party over the past few years. We'd like to honor several requests that we find a new location for this year and will need suggestions and help in finding a new location. Also, Jon and Jan would like some help in writing the grant for the party as well as with planning and setup.

One possibility is holding the party in one of the shelters at Bryan Park. This would have the advantage of restrooms, play areas for kids, and perhaps volleyball or other activities. We'd have to petition the city for a permit for live music, and there is some concern that people might not be as likely to attend if the party was not as centrally located.

Opinions? Let us know what you think, and if you can help. The grant is due April 19, so we need to get started!

Annual elections:

Start thinking now about whether you want to run for one of BPNA's elected positions. Our annual elections will be held at the June meeting.

Blog Use:

Recently, we've had more requests for posting notices to the blog. Do you have an opinion about the best use of the blog? Should we open up posting authority to a bigger group? Do you mind getting notices about activities and events not directly related to BPNA?

Please let me know if you'd like to add anything to the agenda.

Vote for Bloomington's Community Orchard

From Susan Bright:

Help spread the word about the Communities Take Root promotion, sponsored by Edy's Fruit Bars. Winners will receive a grant to start a community orchard. Thanks, Susan

"Communities across the United States are ripe for renewal, ready to receive a complete fruit orchard provided by the Edy's Fruit Bars brand and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Cast your vote for one of our Communities Take Root participants and help them reap the rewards of their own fresh fruit supply."

Cast your vote at: http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/

As of Saturday 3/20, Bloomington is in 2nd place, with 3421 votes!

Lost Cat (Rusty has been found!!)

Thanks for all the calls and e-mails about Rusty! He was found and is now home safe.
***********************

Dimitri Poppeliers and family, who live at 1201 S. Henderson, have lost thier cat Rusty. If you have any information about Rusty's whereabouts, please contact Dimitri at the following:

812-339-2416 (home)

812-361-0560 (mobile)

dpoppeli@indiana.edu

Rusty's info
Sex: male (neutered)
Weight: about 15 lbs
Color: orange/white
Age: four years
Other: no claws on all four feet, meows a lot
Lost since about 3-4-10

Protect interity of organics

Dear Friends,
I just submitted my comments to the USDA telling them to protect the integrity of organics by not approving the use of genetically modified (GMO) alfalfa. The USDA has alarmingly and mistakenly announced that they do not believe that consumers care whether or not GMOs are a part of our food supply and our agricultural production. Approving GMO alfalfa would significantly harm the integrity of and access to organic food, as well as the livelihoods of organic farmers. We need to show them that we do indeed care!

Please take a moment to submit your comments to the USDA by following this link from Food Democracy Now! Then please pass this on.

http://fdn.actionkit.com/cms/sign/make_a_stand_for_organics/
Every voice counts!
Thanks,
Susie Buzan