Garrett Hill Coalition Formalized at Meeting on October 17

[johnfisher]

I am pleased to report that the Garrett Hill Coalition (GHC) held a meeting on October 17, 2007 at 7PM. Flyers and emails were delivered to all homes in the Garrett Hill Area and about 100 persons came out for an informative presentation created by John Fisher. The background of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan(2003), the Wayne Master Plan(2007) and the Garrett Hill Overlay District information was provided to residents.

Our new Garrett Hill Coalition is crying out for inclusion in the planning process. Township managers, planners and commissioners should have recognized that processes that faithfully and continually involve the public are good processes that yield high quality results because they are based on cooperation and good faith. I will seek Sunshine for all meetings so public contribution is encouraged.

The GHC Mission is:

• We want to change the process so the people of Garrett Hill can decide the future of Garrett Hill
• We want to ensure that our community does not undergo adverse zoning changes that may lead to mass re-development by special interests.
• We want to seize the opportunity to preserve and enhance Garrett Hill

Garret Hill Coalition membership is open to all residents of the Garrett Hill area. We are insisting in a non-partisan, democratic process that is open to all and respectful of all opinions.

The GHC asks that:

1. Garrett Hill Steering Committee be appointed to the Planning process.
2. All meetings with regard to the Garrett Hill Overlay District Plan will be open to the public (Sunshine Act)
3. All future Garrett Hill Overlay District business will take place after the issues raised are resolved
4. We receive timely response to our requests.

Those in attendance were presented a slate of candidates for the GHC executive board as well as nominees for the new Steering Committee that will lead the planning process for the Garrett Hill area. The slate was open and attendees were welcome to nominate or self-nominate for the same. The slate was then voted on and the following persons were appointed to the GHC executive board

Patti Schaeder Barker, Chair
Maricel Hahn, Dee Delaney, Vice Chairs
Betty Lou Norcini, Secretary
Phillip Ahr, Treasurer

The following Working Committees are open for volunteers:
Block Captains, Commercial , Fundraising/Finance , Historical, Legal , Media, Research, and Social.

The GHC opened the floor for Steering Committee nominations, we were seeking 5 members and two alternates.

Those interested in becoming a Steering Committee Candidates are expected to possess the following qualities:

• Resident or long-term stakeholder.
• Must have willingness to enact the majority opinions of the GHC membership.
• Must be willing to serve the bi-partisan interests of our community.
• Able to commit time and energy to this important cause (about 4 hours/month).
• Must be able to balance business wants and rights of residents.

The following nominations were received:

Bob Adams
Rick Barker
Louise Brown
Jim Cunilio
Luciano Difelice
Nancy Leinwand
Betty Lou Norcini
Jerry O'Connor
Janet Patrick
Jaimee Richmond
Leroy Turner

We heard from each of the nominees. We offered two options, to vote immediately or vote at a later meeting. A strong majority (>90%) chose to vote at the meeting.

Nominees for the Steering Committee were elected - this information will follow shortly once the votes have been confirmed.



The GOC executive board