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Church Hill Association meets tonight at St. John’s Church Hall
01/28/2014 5:35 PM by John M
A reminder from Marion Macdonald:
CHA meeting tonight, 1/28/14, 7:00 St John’s Church Hall
Hear a brief update on two Riverfront Development projects
Last week we learned that two large projects proposed for the foreground of Libby Hill Park are moving forward very quickly.
- a very large office complex with heights reaching 144′ on an over 900′ long site previously know as Tarmac, Echo Harbor, USP, and now Richmond on the James
- the 16 story condo proposal on Pear St at Cary or The James at River Bend
This is the most decisive threat to the view in its history.
The next two months will be critical to the future of The View and we will need everyone’s involvementWe have learned that here have been significant ongoing discussions, that remind us that the city needs a much more transparent planning and zoning process that supports more public involvement and input.
It’s difficult to comprehend why Mrs. McDonald was so utterly rude to one young man in attendance whilst she was proselytizing from the pulpit last evening.
And I guess the CHA no longer considers the work of the police force relevant enough to say thank you to those officers and city officials who attend their meetings. I believe the traditional thank you and round of applause for the police force in our area has been missed three times in as many meetings (October, November & January).
Was there any discussion about the $5000.00 allocated to this Non CHA organization? Has there been any disclosure as to what their stated purpose is and who is a member? I know of two people that offered this “organization” their help and considerable expertise on to be rudely asked what their edcuation was! They were NOT WELCOME to join.
Noticeably absent at the “Coffee with A Cop” at Buzzy’s were any of the CHA “leaders”.
While the CHA does some good, Hospitality is not a value of the CHA.
Exactly what is the purpose of the CHA? Do they have a stated mission that they live up to?
Based on all CHA activities, the CHA’s apparent mission is: “All surrounding areas shall be a greenbelt for a solely single-family St. John’s district.”
Regarding CHA, are there any public demographics/statistics available? Such as age groups and how many people attend the meetings?
I see 225 CHA members based on their 2014 budget. Church Hill has a population of 2,667. If only 1/4th (~50 people) attend and vote, is that a good representation of Church Hill?
I’m a member, only joined because of the Buzzy’s fiasco – but haven’t attended yet. I think this association really needs a way to vote online.
We happened to be at Union Market the other night as a meeting of the Union Hill Civic Association was starting to congregate. They seemed like a nice bunch & made us feel very welcome, even though we’re technically a few blocks outside of their boundary. If nothing else perhaps a group like that can offer another alternative to the CHA & the associated “baggage”. Just my 2 cents.
Justin, You make an excellant point about is the CHA a good representation of Church Hill? NO.
Please push this as a member. It is important because in the past so few think they have the right to speak for a very large, diverse demographic area. So far this “select” group have done just that and this needs to be stopped!
Bill 3 – you should check out Church Hill Central. It’s a civic group that covers all of Church Hill except the St. John’s district. Nice, intelligent members and lots of diversity. The meetings are very well run. Best of all: NO drama, NO baggage and NO subplots!! Meetings are held once a quarter. The next meeting is at 7 pm on 4/7 at the Robinson Theater.
As with anything, times change, needs change, and people change. If the CHA meetings are not representative or speak for the community as a whole, maybe CHA has run its course and should be disbanded in favor of something new. It seems as through CHA is no longer relevant and may be more of a hindrance to serving those in the community. Someone mentioned voting on-line–a very interesting thought. Maybe the whole community becomes an on-line forum where issues are raised, voted on, and discussed. Ad Hoc committees can be formed for those who are interested in the issue and to take further action. It seems as though the time is right and it would probably reach more people and facilitate discussions in a more convenient and inclusive manner. Everything that occurs is completely transparent for anyone who wants to take a peek.
Anonymity would not be permitted, there could be a identity verification feature in order to foster a civil, neighborly environment. Personally, due to time constraints, I could see myself participating far more than the current set up. I’m sure others would feel the same way. There are many on-line communities that share great info and get a lot of stuff done through similar processes. Church Hill could do the same.
The development on the “Echo Harbor” site, is “by right” as it meets the zoning requirements. As long as they comply with the flood regulations and traffic engineering, it can be built “as-is” without any change in zoning or a special use permit.
When they attempted to put in the lower height apartments and condos, that required a special use permit and input from the citizenry was permitted. That option is now gone.
(Point gun at foot….pull trigger….)
Maybe it’s time for all the residents of Church Hill to tell CHA that they need to go?
Unfortunately whats lost in this debate is the view from Libby Park. Political infighting is just what the developers want because it takes away from the real issue. Church Hill still has a voice and Echo, Pear Street and the Stadium are not done deals.
Viewblocker, read # 1 , 2, 10, 11, and 12’s post!
CHURCH HILL has a voice, ….not just the few arrogant,
self entitled, people that think they speak for ALL of Church Hill.
Has anyone noticed the subtle re wording on the CHA website explaining the purpose , history and other areas of interest?
VERY TELLING!!!
I forgot the MOST telling item.
A TIMELINE!
Anyone throwing up their hands and saying, “Oh well its by right, so long to the view.” Does not represent Church Hill at all. The same people saying “by-right” are the same people that will be crying when we are looking at an obtuse monstrosity. Just like no one said anything when they desecrated the Jewish Cemetery on 21st street by building an apartment building on top of it. Oh well it was by right the ends justifies the means. While we’re bickering amongst each other about minutia the entire character of our neighborhood will be eroded.
We had a great meeting on Tuesday night. I want to thank everyone who braved the blizzard to attend and give us a full house for our first meeting of the year. The energy of the group was great, and I particularly enjoyed the enthusiasm as we launched our Community Outreach Communities.
Apologies to the blogger who was offended by my not having a round of applause for Lieutenant Dan and for Ms. McEachin. I will remember to do so next time. By the way, ms. McEachin’s daughter and mine were best friends when they attended school together. I enjoyed getting to chat with her and with Lt. Dan prior to the meeting.
i wanted to remind all loyal CHPN readers that you are invited to attend the CHA meetings. (No need to take the word of nefarious, anonymous, malcontent bloggers and other sociopaths when you can have the real experience for yourself!)
Please join us at our next meeting, and please get involved with our Community Outreach Committees (more on this to come!)
Mr.Cooper,
Your choice of the word, “nefarious” is a suitable choice for the CHA attendee of whom I complaine. Some ( but not all ) of the companion words from my Thesaurus which refers to her behaviour are:
wicked, evil, vicious, bad, base, vile, fowl, discraceful, unpardonable, shameful, reprehensible. And Mr. Cooper, Just because a member objects to being treated rudely and voices their displeasure about being treated so, does NOT make them a Sociopath.
There are some very insightful, rational posts on this blog. There are some VERY legitimate criticisms with well thought out discussions following. Instead of defending the indefendsible why not listen and learn?
Some of us malcontents HAVE HAD THE REAL EXPERIENCE and found it to be extremely nefarious.
It has been pointed out to me that some are finding my use of the word “sociopath” to describe some of my neighbors (constituents?) objectionable. That actually should have been “esteemed fellow Church Hill neighbors” and not “sociopaths”. I am typing this on an ipad, and sometimes autocorrect works in strange ways….. Apologies.
As president of CHA I think there is a responsibly to not cast espertions on nieghbors or members for any reason. It puts both you and the group you represent in a bad light. CHA has a lot of work ahead of it to repair recent and long standing ill feelings.
#6 Justin. That membership number are individuals. So it does not represent a large quantity of homes.
The discourse above is exactly why I will not join the CHA and why I feel it does not represent me. I would expect a more adult response from the elected president. As Diana said, this organization has a long way to go…..good luck.
People (aka ‘your neighbors’) have repeatedly voiced their concerns regarding CHA on this thread and numerous others on CHPN and those concerns have a common theme. I am a current member of CHA. I’ve attended meetings and tried be involved, so I speak from experience when I voice my opinion/concern in regard to CHA.
IMO, the CHA meetings are very poorly run and, if you aren’t available at 7 pm until ??? on a Tuesday, you don’t get to have an opinion or a vote.
If you cannot afford to pay to be a member of CHA, you also don’t get a vote or an opinion.
CHA has no interest in what happens in my area of Church Hill (I live in Chimborazo). No discussion at all about the Urban Farmhouse – it wasn’t on CHA’s radar at all. Chimborazo park – no interest. The concerns around the Blue Wheeler with drugs, trash, noise, etc. – no interest.
But really, CHA, let’s talk about important stuff: speeding in East Franklin. Why worry about drugs, trash, a park that’s not Libby Hill, etc., when there might be SPEEDING ON EAST FRANKLIN!!!
I propose that CHA should be the ‘St. John’s Association’ and I offer that as a suggestion. It’s really more of a club than a community organization – you can pay the dues and they will take your money, but it doesn’t mean you really ‘belong’. CHA does not have any interest in Church Hill proper, outside of the St. John’s area, and should not speak for Church Hill.
Do my concerns make me a nefarious, malcontent sociopath Mr. Cooper??
I have to agree. The post by Mr. Cooper reiterates the sort of smug arrogance that is tied to the CHA, however accurate it may actually be. Maybe this is why your membership/relevance is down and why many in the community want another voice?
I completely lost any faith in the CHA following the great Chimborazo Playground debacle when we lost half the space to Pentanque courts. Another example when the wishes of a very few, who happen to be the CHA leadership, overrode the needs and desires of the rest of the neighborhood. We tried to work with them, but it was no use. They got what they wanted, exactly the way they wanted, with no compromise.
@Mr. Cooper – are you speaking officially and on behalf of the CHA?
I have been a member of the Church Hill Association off and on for many years. I have participated in numerous neighborhood activities either organized by or directly sponsored by the CHA.
In late 2013 I learned of certain actions taken by two board members that I felt were against the CHA by-laws and just common sense and decency. I told the board member in question that they needed to make full disclosure to the CHA membership about what they had done without their knowledge or consent. This resulted in no disclosure on their part. SO…
I wrote a letter to the editor if the CHA newsletter explaining my concerns. At first the editor said she would print my letter. However, I received an e-mail from another board member that started out with, “this is to inform you that your letter to the editor will not be published” and of course, it was not. At this time there were only three board members still listed and two of them were determined to shut me up. In fact one of them approached a friend of mine and asked them if they would “get me to back off and shut up”.
In the Buzzy debate, an attack ad was produced and run on television. This ad prominetly displayed the CHA logo as well as praising the CHA not supporting the Amendment to the SUP.
This ad was paid for, ( in part ) produced and had the voice over of Amy Beem. The CHA welcomes this person with open arms while calling anyone who objects to such behavior, ” Sociopaths ” Now Ms. Beem has threatened to sue anyone who reveals her identity. She feels comfortable in the CHA community. After all, nobody there seems to mind what she did…OH WAIT!!
They helped her!
I know I won’t be whining at Cooper Vineyards any longer. Done, finished and over.
Who is this #27 person? Anyone know her?
Bobby Joe, she is the owner of the 2 geese that you see in the neighborhood here and there.
I am the person who posted a “timeline” about Buzzy’s SUP. Many complained that I did not attach documents in support of the timeline. I didn’t see the need to at my expense. Anything I relied on is in the public record.
I asked the board member to tell the CHA membership what he had done. He refused.
I wrote a letter to the editor about what I had uncovered. It was blocked from being printed by another board member.
I wrote a letter to the CHA board outlining my concerns with supporting exhibits. The CHA board found no wrong doing on the part of the board. They tried to keep my letter quiet until they were forced to address it by another CHA member and because it was attached as Exhibit 2 to the Buzzy’s Complaint.
I did not know about the pending resignation of the seven board members when I told the board member that he needed to inform the CHA membership about what he had done. I did not know the full extent of assistance given him by the other board member. I do not claim to speak for those board members that resigned. They had no choice. every effort was made to reason with the two board members and get them to understand what a precarious position their actions were putting the CHA in. They WOULD NOT STOP!
I attended CHA meetings where the board members that resigned were treated most unfairly and rudely while the two that, “stayed to do their duty” were applauded. It made me so angry, my teeth hurt.
I have written what I have written and said what I have said using my real name. I believe that if You have nothing to hide, you hide nothing.
I knew when I started my efforts to have full, honest, open disclosure that I would be vilified. I also knew that those that know me and matter to me would understand why I was doing what I was doing….because they know me!
I am NOT an anomous, malcontent sociopath.