So last night's Boyle Heights Area 1 meeting got started a little late. Well enough late that those who had came to it, left before the doors had opened up.
So i want to touch on that issue first.
So, like most, our board members have jobs. And get stuck in traffic from time to time. This causes the meetings to start a little late. This is why on the Agendas you will set the meeting starting time listed at 6:15, not 6:00 sharp. As a general rule, wait about 10-15 minutes before you walk away.
second,
If you see me there, let me know. I'm usually there about 2 hours or more before the meetings that i attend. That is not to say that will always be there at every meeting. But if you see me there, that means that the meeting hasn't been canceled, and we are just waiting for the doors to open. I currently do not have authorization to open the doors for meetings (except the PLUC), which i am working on. I'm letting the board members know that, or rather asking that, if i am there if it's ok for me to open the doors on their behalf just to reassure the neighborhood that: yes there is a meeting, and we are just waiting for the respective members to arrive. To let those attending that it's just a traffic issue, or whatever. And come in and get situated.
onward.
At the Area 1 meeting (which started closer to 6:30) we discussed items that have been long in the talks, and there they stayed. Such as: safety issues around Mariachi Plaza regarding reflectors at the crossing walks. And other safety & traffic issues resulting from the 6th st construction. reflectors at the 10 frwy exit on State St. "Welcome to Boyle Heights" signage similar to what other neighborhoods have. And where to place them. The uprooted sidewalks and setting up a community clean up, as well as the street sweeping (or lack thereof) on 4th st, from Hollenbeck Park to Soto St. Which was mentioned at the Fourth of July celebration.
Now, the Area meetings are there to gather suggestions and concerns directly from the various sections (4) from the residents, to bring to the correct committee and put on the agenda. It's: "What does the community want. Want to see." Community improvements, etc.
[
edit/addition:
it was also mentioned after the meeting a concern regarding illegal billboards/advertisement in BH specifically and in Los Angeles in general. I only vaguely remember this issue. And do not know if this specifically effects Area 1, or BH as a whole. Which committee this would go to would depend on how concerned residents are about this.
google search "illegal billboards los angeles"
Curbed LA January
Curbed LA subject
LA Times Map
]
Next.
One concern that has been coming up is Metro's 1st and Soto Project. I have seen posts and have been asked about this project especially in he past two weeks. Now, i have to say that i have to go over my notes (i say that a lot) because i want to be accurate, but for now i can speak in general. The concerns have been mostly regarding the north eastern corner of the proposed site/s. Off the top of my head i recall that this project was put on hold. At least as far as the NC is concerned.
I was reminded yesterday that we (in the PLUC) may have tabled the discussion on this item due to time restraints. This is what i have to go through my notes to find out about with the intent of bringing this topic back to the pluc. But i have to first go through my notes.
[as i type this i'm reading old articles regarding metro projects:
November of last year. pdf of 1st and soto
Jan 8th Street Blog
march Street Blog
and just 'cause i got quoted back n March by KCET
_What i am going to be doing this weekend is listening to the audio of the meetings (specifically those mentioned in the news sources listed above.
Please also be aware of these terms used: affordable housing, Low-income hosing, adjusted income housing.
When pressured, the presenters at the meetings will yield to what they mean. Or rather the way that they are using them. Often i am finding that it does not mean what most people within the community understand it o mean. They will tell you that it is based on the median (average) income of the CITY of Los Angeles, NOT the median income of Boyle Heights. "market-rate." And not people on welfare.
Lastly,
We don't have an Agenda ready for the upcoming PLUC meeting as of this moment. (brb, gonna check my e-mail)...(no, nothing yet). It should be up around/by 5pm Friday September 4th. This being a holiday weekend, i'm not sure what days i will be online. but i should be online friday, saturday (briefly) and (briefly) sunday, not sure about monday.
Tuesday, if there is indeed a meeting that day, and i am working on the assumption that there will be. I should be at the Benjamin Franklin Library by 3pm. I have a meeting in the morning and i don't know how late that will go, if it will be an all day thing or not. So in reality i may be late. But if not, i will open the doors around 5:50pm. At the very least to let those know that the meeting was canceled.
And then i'll go get a Jim's burger.
_Jason Gallegos (PLUC)
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