The meeting took place at the Hudson View Gardens Board Room, 116 Pinehurst Ave., and got under way at about 7:20 p.m. In attendance were the following individuals: Joaquin Alvarez, Michael Augenblick, Caroline Brown, Marcella Calabi, Olivia Cornet, Mark Katz, Elizabeth Lorris Ritter, William J. McBurney, Jr., Simone Yen Song, Harold Wallin, and Mike Zamm. The following member buildings had residents present: 255 Cabrini Condominium, 720-730 Fort Washington Avenue Owners Corp., Castle Village Owners Corporation, Hudson View Gardens. The following guest buildings, Community Associate Members (CAMs) and other neighborhood groups were represented: Beth Am, the People’s Temple, Century 21 Brown Associates, Friends of Fort Tryon Park, Hudson Cliffs Theatre Arts Program, Simone Song, Properties, and 96 Arden Street.

The February meeting summary was reviewed with typos corrected.
There were no roundtable topics proffered.
Short topics included the following:

• HHOC received a thank-you for its contribution to the local Girl Scout troop.

• Dave Seroy is completing the construction of the new enclosed bulletin board on 187th St.

Announcements of then-upcoming events included:

•  "Community Leaders’ Workshop" on 3/22 related to City College Architecture Center’s work with Community Board 12 on the subject Neighborhood Planning and Land Use.

• Planning meeting 3/27 for next summer’s Uptown Arts Stroll

• Fundraiser on 4/1 for Mother Cabrini High School to send a volunteer group to help with Katrina cleanup

• 3/30 concert of the New York Philomusica Chamber Ensemble which is moving its venue to 114th Street and, interestingly, contacted us because it now sees itself as being in reach of our neighborhood.

NOTICE: Yet to come: public meetings on Airspace Design and the FAA’s deployment of air traffic in the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia areas.
All meetings are 6:30-9 p.m. New York locations and dates:
Tuesday 4/25 in Park Slope (Bishop Ford High School, 500 19th Street, Brooklyn 11215)
Wednesday 4/26 in the Bronx (PS 138, 2060 Lafayette Ave)
Thursday 4/27 in Manhattan (Affinia Hotel, 371 Seventh Avenue)
Tuesday 5/2 in Queens (PS 207, 159-15 88th Street, Howard Beach)
 For more information call 1-866-347-5463 or go to www.faa.gov/nynjphl_airspace_redesign/

The topic of HHOC’s internet use was discussed. Aside from the usefulness of some of the ideas brainstormed at this meeting, the topic is still waiting for Marcella to convene a committee, sorry about that folks.

The topic of Community Associate Membership in HHOC was discussed, with attention both to its benefits and what the eligibility requirements and/or dues might be. Some of the points raised included that the relationship has a two-way nature; that roots in the area and service to the area. which do not necessarily coincide, are both important and deserve recognition; that HHOC membership gives an institution not only marketing tools such as a weblink and referrals but also access to the collective "heart" of the HHOC organization (examples include negotiations that HHOC has undertaken on behalf of local merchants); that different kinds of institutions benefit differently from association with HHOC and contribute to the neighborhood differently. Some suggestions: various dues tiers for various kinds of institutions based on type or size; voluntary dues from not-for-profits; etc. It was agreed that this subject deserved further consideration.

The conversation also broadened to encompass a discussion of HHOC’s original vision: many of the improvements HHOC was founded to encourage have actually taken place, but continued improvements are possible and vigilance is required to maintain current gains. New ideas about outreach to expand membership were discussed. Specifically, more networking with other groups was encouraged. Marcella agreed to reach out to the recently formed Javitz improvement group mentioned by Julia at the last meeting.

In that context, the question came up how to help improve a current problem spot where drug dealing is taking place (near Nagle and Arden Streets). The answer always boils down to the same sort of strategy, and is simultaneously a reflection of the role that HHOC plays as a network of individuals: to be individually proactive about providing specific information to the Police Department, and to use the weight of the HHOC organization when it is useful to get the attention of City services and electeds.

Notes on ongoing HHOC business:  the DYCD grant mentioned in previous notes was increased by an additional $3.5K for a total of $18k; and dues renewals are payable now. We are hoping for a prompt response from our members to the dues letters sent out by our treasurer Mike A.

The meeting ended at about 9:30, with informal discussion of the CAM topic continuing.

The next meeting was set for 7:15 p.m. Monday April 24, at the Castle Village Community Room, 110 Cabrini Blvd.