Melrose Park Neighbors Association

ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF OPEN SPACE
· Technical assistance to prepare us for the post-petroleum age
· Acquiring open space for a community garden
· Demonstration project of a nature walk through the wooded area west of Melrose recreation area on Asbury
· Removal and control of invasive plant species
· Community gardens on Township property by Mill Run along Coventry and New Second Street

ART and CULTURE

• · Have cultural and art attractions, with funded sculpture competitions with Tyler, Arcadia and Temple
  · Provide additional playground equipment for the park on Asbury
  · Sponsor a contest for art students to imagine and draw what Melrose Park could be in the post petroleum age
  · Develop a plan to relocate the Barnes Foundation Museum to the Widener Estate on AshbourneCreate or commission signs such as "Welcome to Melrose Park," to be posted at principal gateway areas to our neighborhood. These include: Old York Road and Valley Road, Cheltenham Avenue and Coventry, Cheltenham and Mountain, Montgomery Avenue, near Myers Elementary School.
• Develop beautiful public art works for the neighborhood, such as sculptures and tile works. An example: the beautiful tiled pillars at Elkins Park Library.
• Arrange for a large mural to be painted on the large brick wall at the Myers Elementary School playground. Idea: a scene of children playing, flowers, and other upbeat themes.
• A foreign film festival in Melrose Park may be possible. This would be at Gratz College, or at the Merlin Theater in Jenkintown. It would be an extension of the Neighborhood Film Festival. EP neighbor Laura Fattal has been working on this.
  

BEAUTIFICATION

• Elevate the level and ambitions of the Town for plantings in public spaces in our neighborhood, including maintenance of new floral beauty zones
• Build a picnic area between Coventry and Mill Run along a wooded walkway.
  · Immediately add new greenery in front of the Save A Lot and liquor store
  · New benches
  · Plant hundreds of trees
  · Clean rubbish from the curbs and around islands on Cheltenham Avenue
  · Beautify Traffic islands on Cheltenham Avenue - These are ugly and maintained by no governmental body. Bala Cynwyd and Philadelphia have established a plan for taking responsibility for the appearance of City Avenue - why not Cheltenham Avenue? Note that Mike Swavola has been working to secure funding through an RFP available for this kind of work.
• Refurbish or replace existing signs announcing entry to Melrose Park
  · Shielding the glaring exterior high pressure sodium lights on Coventry House
  · Plant decorative all-season entranceways for manor entrance points to our neighborhood
  · New Second at Coventry, Coventry at Granite, Triangle space at Oak Lane Road and Valley and Cheltenham
  · Replace concrete surfaces with planted soil of the center traffic islands on Cheltenham Avenue from Washington
  · Lane to Front Street islands in Abington on Old York Road near the hospital.
  · Do same to center traffic islands on Old York Road from Cheltenham Avenue to Ashbourne Road.
  Even though "Shoppers World" in Philadelphia at 5th near Cheltenham is not part of Melrose Park, our residents use its stores. Yet this is a run-down, trashy area with potholes and no amenities. Perhaps we could work with Philly official or business groups to upgrade its appearance and maintenance.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Purchase buildings along Cheltenham near Lord Cheltenham Tavern
• Establish a neighborhood coffeehouse with live music/performances; a Melrose Park Hall for meetings and dances
• Pay for liability insurance and security to use Myers Elementary for community groups evenings and weekends.
• Post Economic Development Task Force minutes on Cheltenham web site.
• Mike Svabola notes: "For example, if we had a stronger citizen advocate on the Economic Development Task Force, the concerns of Cheltenham Avenue could move farther forward in terms of relative importance to the group overall. The President is Jim Butt, a Melrose Park resident. His greatest concern is to maintain process and progress."
• Develop neighborhood input on types of businesses we'd like to see in the neighborhood
• Establishing a business directory of Melrose Park businesses on our web page
• Develop Melrose Park train station into a lively place - perhaps a deli or coffee shop.
• Click HERE to read a report on a 1998 meeting of the Township's Economic Development Task Force meeting

CLEAN-UPS

• Have regular Town clean-ups of trash-littered areas
• Organize neighborhood clean-ups, possibly combined with plantings.
• Coordinate with teenage volunteers in an organization called STRIVE to participate, especially if plantings are also involved.
• Encourage neighbors not to leave their trash cans on porches, which are unsightly.

COMMUNICATION

• (These are internal goals for MPNA as an organization:)
• Right now, communications on Melrose Park developments are: the MPNA web page, Township web page, hand-distribution of flyers, e-mailed Melrose Park newsletter.
• We need to explore mailings, and whether lists are available, or mailings on which we could piggyback to all neighbors.

DOG WASTE

• In some areas, neighbors are allowing their dogs to defecate on sidewalks, on other neighbors' properties, etc. We need to find a way to approach neighbors who are not bagging or otherwise collecting this waste, and convince them to act more responsibly.

EDUCATION

• On the Cheltenham or MPNA web site, post selected comparison test scores from Cheltenham as compared with other school districts. Note that we have 2 pages of statistics from the PA System of School Assessment (PSSA) as printed in the Inquirer, 1/24/99. These could be sifted and appropriate information selected.

ENVIRONMENT

• Mill Run (a creek that flows through Melrose Park)
  · Install a floatables collection system, followed by a thorough cleanup of trash from Mill Run
  · Continued pressure on the Philadelphia Water Department to eliminate toxins from the water
  · Repair the eroded stream banks
  · Find some way to allow fish to get over the concrete dams under the bridges that cross Mill Run
• Assuring that the pollution is eliminated. We need regular reporting on the testing done, and progress if any. Also, confirm a schedule of the remaining work to be done. Money has been allocated for clean-up on the Philadelphia side (See Andy Rudin's helpful background article on our web page.)
• After the stream is no longer hazardous to humans, organize or get the Township to fund a clean up of debris.
• Have plantings, and a nature walk alongside Mill Creek
• Fight Light pollution - Decrease light pollution in the neighborhood, preventing people from seeing the stars. This can be achieved with shielded bulbs and fixtures. Note that this will not decrease lighting available at street level.
• Tookany Creek - Polluted near Ogontz Park, and no doubt elsewhere as well. Acknowledge the problem; obtain funds to clean it up.
• Andy Rudin will be chair of the stream pollution subcommittee. A vision (Andy Rudin's and others'): To see fish return to Mill Creek.
• Other environmental items.

HISTORY

• Research and publish the history of Melrose Park, and of Cheltenham Township. Coordinate with Township. Publish on web and/or in print. Ask Cheltenham high School teachers to suggest these types of projects to students / convert projects for posting on the Web.
• Research and publish a history of the Melrose Park Improvement Association.
• Sponsor a history project at the schools on these topics.
• Mike Svabola notes: "the Historical Commission, the Centennial Committee -- these are all bodies that bring issues forward and advise on decisions brought before the board." Worth coordinating with them.
• Click here to see selections from a map of the area, plus some historical anecdotes by Gordon Elkins!
  

MPNA WEB PAGE WORK (intenrak goal)

• Establish a corps of people who will volunteer to keep our web page up-to-date and helpful. Volunteers should contact Albert Fried-Cassorla.

MISSION STATEMENT

Note that the following statement was adopted by 27 members attending our meeting on August 4, 1999:

• Melrose Park Neighbors Association is an organization of neighbors dedicated to creating a better life and environment for residents in this area and the vicinity.
• We are dedicated to:
• Encouraging neighborliness and making it easier for neighbors to get to know one another. The Annual Flea market provides one fine example.
• Improving the environment, including water, air and noise.
• Enhancing the beauty of the neighborhood, including floral beautification, and artistic endeavors.
• Enhancing the presence of culture in our lives, in as many media and avenues as possible.
• Encouraging ethnic, religious and cultural diversity in our neighborhood and organization
• Eliminating or reducing traffic problems, such as dangerous intersections, speeding, and more.
• Helping ensure that SEPTA becomes a better and more responsible neighbor
• Recording and spreading word of the history if our neighborhood and region.
• Encouraging the kind of economic development that we believe would be beneficial to our neighborhood.
• Responding to the needs and wishes of neighbors as they arise.
  

MULTI-CULTURAL / MULTI-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

• Try to encourage even more interactions among black, white, and Korean neighbors
• Invite more African Americans and Koreans to our meetings
• Involve the religious organizations in our organization and in Township development and improvement
• Publish an article on the web on how to cook Korean food and how to shop at a Korean grocery

NEIGHBORHOOD TOGETHERNESS

• Provide an opportunity, as we do, for neighbors to get to know one another.
• Hold a snow sculpture contest to be held on snowy day like today up in the field at Melrose Park (park)
• Provide information on how to form a block association or sponsor a block party or town watch.
• Publicize the Flea Market, organized yearly by Lane Neubauer, the Posmontiers and other neighbors.

OTHER

• Sponsor a contest for art students to imagine and draw what Melrose Park could be
• Research and publish relevant information about aspects of Melrose Park life, such as comparative statistics on: health, education, income, crime, and other subjects.
• Add statistics to the Township web site

POSTAL RECOGNITION

• Current postal addressing software in use across the U.S. does not recognize Melrose Park (or LaMott) as a valid entity. Let's see if we can change this. The US Post Office says it is not responsible, but this may not be true.

PLANTINGS and LANDSCAPING

• See Beautification, above

PROPERTIES NEEDING REPAIR

• There is a boarded up house at 7315 Chestnut, which is owned by an out of state bank. There is no ordinance that says you cannot board up a home. How about putting it up for sale? Mike Swavola to check up on it.

PUBLIC RELATIONS / POSITIVE ATTITUDE / HOME VALUES

• Home values relate to a positive perception of the neighborhood. Encourage a positive approach in all we do, even if dealing with problems.
• Attract new residents, especially home buyers, to the neighborhood.
• See if the township (Nancy Gibson) issues news releases on positive developments. Learn what are some recent examples, and where newspaper publication or other media pickup occurred.
• Publish statistics on Township life on the Town web site.

SAFETY

« Add a sidewalk, curb and storm drain along Coventry
« Repair or replacement of existing damaged benches
« A van service for elderly and handicapped people
« Fund increased speeding patrols near 5th and Cheltenham to arrest speeders.

SEPTA-RELATED

Melrose Park SEPTA GOALS:

1) Improving the Pedestrian Bridge at Mill Road near Myers Elementary School - Responsibility: Maureen Hicks (Doug Tedeschi)

The two issues here are:

a) Getting the bridge repainted (preferably a dark green) - the bridge is rusting and some paint would help. Additionally, SEPTA is repainting bridges between Center City and Fern Rock currently, perhaps we can be added to this effort since we are just one station out from Fern Rock.

b) Replacing the sides of the bridge with another material that is both safe, paintable,and does not look so bad as graffitti gets removed. Currently, when the fiberglass sides of the bridge get graffitti, the paint-over on top of the graffitti makes the sides get progressively worse looking. SEPTA has told us this siding must be impermeable because of safety risks to trains and to the high voltage wires that run under the bridge. This means even a screen with holes small enough that a wire can go through to the train lines is no go for safety reasons.

2) Installing Fencing along the Track bed

The issue is safety:

a) Fencing along the tracks between the pedestrian bridge and the stone wall
along Mill Rd. would deter children from going onto the tracks. Given the
closeness of the elementary school and the number of children who walk home,
this is a big safety concern. SEPTA removed the old, wooden fence at our
request last year, but we are only halfway there. Now we would like to put
up new fencing.

b) In addition to the fencing, we are working longer term with the
beautification committee to plant the area with plants (holly, firs, roses)
that will also deter people from going onto the tracks.

3) Commuter/Community Concerns - Philip Kates, Doug Tedeschi, Bill Donnelly

The main issues here are commuter concerns:

a) Replacing the missing bench at the station. Requests to replace the bench
have gone in to SEPTA and have been lost in a reorganization.

b) Get a status on the planned shelter to be constructed at the station. We heard plans over a year ago that a new shelter would be constructed at the station. SEPTA had shown the plans to the township, but we have not gotten any updates since then.

c) Train brakes squealing: Some trains seem to squeal very loudly as they come into the station. We have heard that the brake shoes are being switched out and over the last year it has gotten better. We are going to track the trains which seem to squeal most and see if a pattern exists.

4) Longer term: New Station. we will start to push for a new train station to be built in Melrose Park and for the parking lot to be repaved.

Please let the group know if you have made any progress, have insights, or need additional help. Contact numbers are below:

Bill Donnelly: 215.635.1170
Philip and Pamela Kates: 215.635.1191
Doug Tedeschi: 215.782.3361
Maureen Hicks: 215.635.3044
Mike Shechtman: 215.635.0577

OTHER SEPTA-RELATED GOALS

Pedestrian Bridge

• Replace pedestrian bridge sides with a different material to discourage or control graffitti and prevent articles from being pushed through and onto the tracks
• Repaint the bridge
• Remove the old wooden fence on Mill Rd. side - COMPLETED!
• Clean up Mountain Ave. side of bridge - COMPLETED!
• Clean up roadside and land patch on the Mill Rd. side of bridge - COMPLETED!
• Plant the areas at the ends of the bridge, including trees to help reduce noise, improve safety and looks - IN PROGRESS

  Tracks

• Construct a manmade and/or living fence along the tracks on Mill Road between Stratford and Melrose to keep people from walking on the tracks.
• Replace fence on the outbound side of the station (part of station in Philadelphia) to complement new constructed fence on inbound side.
• Clean out the garbage at the RR tracks. - IN PROGRESS (thanks SEPTA - we notice it!)
• Investigate the impact of plans to increase speed of trains from Wayne Junction to Glenside on the Melrose Park Community.
• Work with SEPTA to clean up trash at station and along tracks. - IN PROGRESS

Station and Corner at Mill and Valley

• Remove concrete at Mill and Valley Rds. - COMPLETED!
• Clean up trackside at Mill and Valley Rds. - COMPLETED!
• Plant the corner at Mill and Valley Rds., including trees to help reduce noise, erosion, improve looks - IN PROGRESS, ground is cleared - we need plants!
• Plant the station area and platforms to add color and decoration to the station - IN PROGRESS
• Replace the missing benches at the station.
• Promote the station location and try to locate a commercial tenant for the location.
• Rehab and re-open the station building on the outbound side.
• Work with SEPTA to improve/repave the station parking lot and clear it better during bad weather.
• Promote the use of the train among neighbors.
• Monitor and report vandalism; work with SEPTA to keep the buildings clean
• Investigate ways to reduce station vandalism, auto theft, and station safety to increase ridership.
• Look into reasons why some trains squeal so loudly as they brake at the station.
• Re-build an inbound station (not just a shelter) that fits the character and style of the neighborhood and contains rentable space· Technical study to have R3 to West Trenton stop at Melrose Park with better connecting service to Trenton
  · Landscape of the Melrose Park Train Station -- $5,000 to implement and $1,000 yearly maintenance for the landscaping already approved by both SEPTA and the Township for plantings around the Melrose Park station.
  · Plant the lower corner of the SEPTA lawn just west of the SEPTA bridge over Valley
  · Plant both ends of the SEPTA bridge near Mill, Montgomery, Surrey, Windor intersection
  · Replacing the sides of that same bridge with another material that is both safe and is easy to keep clean from graffitti
  · Replacement of outside benches for seating
  · Construct a fence between Mill and the SEPTA tracks, especially on Mill Road between Stratford and Melrose
  · Develop inbound Melrose Park train station into a lively, multi-function place - perhaps with a deli or coffee shop.
  · Hire consultant to develop a re-use plan for the building on outbound side
  Strong desire expressed for construction of a fence to keep people from walking on the tracks of SEPTA - especially on Mill Road between Stratford and Melrose.
• SEPTA should clean the embankment along Mill Road and plant attractive plants.
• Remove the felled tree rotting on the embankment on Mill.
• Fiberglass train bridge should be replaced by more attractive bridge.
• Clean out the garbage at the RR tracks.
• The gaps in the tracks cause noise and are a train wreck danger.
• Attract a café, restaurant or other shop to the train station
• Replace the southbound side shack with an attractive building
• Rehab the older building on the northbound side.

TOWN WATCH

• Assist and publicize our current Town Watch organizations

TRAFFIC CONCERNS

• The Town has a Parking and Traffic Advisory Commission, with which we should coordinate.
• Stop speeding on: Woodlawn Avenue, Mill Road, and Cheltenham Avenue
• Eliminate the 15-mph speed restriction at Gratz College on Old York Road, where no students ever cross. (Needless restrictions decrease respect for the necessary ones!)
• Change traffic flow to one-way on Moseley from Woodlawn to Mill, to cut down on dangerous speeding.
• Change the direction of traffic on Crest.
• Additional 4-way stop signs were requested at Spring and Mill, union and Mountain, Woodlawn and Windsor.
• Stop the speeding at Coventry in the morning.
• Traffic flow at Valley and Cheltenham should be reversed. – Valley and Crest is a major school bus stop.
• ACCOMPLISHMENT! NEIGHBOR Cindy Taubman was successful in arranging for an additional one-way sign to be installed at High School Road and Montgomery Avenue. The danger was that cars were coming the wrong way on High School towards Montgomery -- they did not see the one sign that was there. She spoke to the Police Department's Highway Safety sub-department to do this.
• ACCOMPLISHMENT! Hedges were cut at a dangerous intersection of Mountain and Union, thanks to MPNA participation and Commissioner Swavola's efforts.