The AGM, despite last minute arrangements,  was a very informative and delightful evening.   A special thank you to the YWCA’s  Denise Doyle and Donna Corwyn and Maureen Scally from Councillor Farr’s office for coming to the rescue of the Durand Neighbourhood Association.  The Auditorium in the YWCA  in my opinion is one of the best venues that we have ever used and I can assure you we will be back.

President Sarah Matthews highlighted the activities  of the past year paying particular attention to our 40th Anniversary celebrations, our Durand Park Clean ups  and the launch of our new website and  connecting to social media with Facebook and Twitter.

Sarah reviewed events scheduled for the upcoming year, including skating parties, snow hopefully, the return of the Grand Durand Garden Tour June 15, 2013, public meetings for Durand Park Revitalization and St Marks, and Participatory Budgeting planning meetings with Councillor Farr.  She asked interested Duranders to contact Councillor Farr’s office for details.

And lastly, she stated that the DNA continues to monitor development, property standards, Hess Village and the Casino.  The DNA does not support a downtown location.

Our crime manager Sgt Frank Miscione thanked the DNA for  its  ongoing positive relationship with his office and the HPS  in helping to  keep the community safe.  He explained  that his position is to act as a resource to allocate units and resources to the Durand Neighborhood as required.  He heads up  COAST, a crisis intervention program,  he works along with Councillor Farr on the Hess Village Liaison Committee and  also sits on the City Hamilton Housing  Security & Safety Task Force.

Traffic complaints  are  a priority.   This past August/September  over 950 provincial infractions were laid, mostly cell phones and seat belt non-usage. Theft from Autos continues to be a major issue.  There was  a large increase  from August to September. To deal with this, 10 plain-clothes officers working nights have been assigned in Durand, Kirkendall, Strathcona and Central. He reminded us that with Christmas coming soon, Break and Enters will  become an issue.

He ended by asking us to continue to report crime. If it is a crime in progress, no matter how minor, call 911.

Ward 2 Councillor Farr  informed  Duranders that the DNA and he meet monthly to work on neighbourhood issues and initiatives to make the Durand a better place for all and he is very supportive of our efforts.
He outlined how Durand’s portion of Discretionary Funds from Area Rating  would be allocated.  These include the Pedestrian Activated Light at Herkimer and Caroline, flashing yellow lights in the Central School zone,  and funds dedicated  for the Durand Park ‘s brick and iron fence as part of park revitalization.

He encouraged Duranders to get involved with the Study Group and upcoming Environmental Assessment of Queen Street that he and Councillor McHattie are heading up.   He advised that the Pedestrian Mobility Plan is to be released shortly and should help with traffic calming on Queen Street.

The Security and Safety Task Force  have been successful in getting   security cameras on each of the floors to help with ongoing issues at the City Hamilton Housing units in the Durand.

A new development on Park South (3 townhouses) is pending and  the Hunter Street bike lanes are coming.

Jason encouraged the DNA to support him and the YWCA and  join him in a tour and learn about their needs and ways in which both Council and the DNA can support this wonderful downtown facility. In closing he asked Duranders to get their concerns to him with regard to the Casino.  Q&A followed with Councillor Farr and Duranders.

And to make sure the work continues:

The Durand Neighbourhood proudly presents your 2012-2013 Board of Directors.
Dennis Baker
Janice Brown
Alfred Cheng
Dave Cherwerksi
Jonathon Dalton
Kelly Foyle
Anders Knudsen
Sarah Matthews
Frances Murray
Claudia Sheldrick
Peter Topolovic

Following the adjournment of the Business Meeting of the AGM, President Matthews turned the program over to Kelly Foyle.

Feature Presentation by Ryan McGreal on Two-Way Street Conversion, followed by panel discussion with Nicholas Kevlahan, Kelly Foyle and Jonathon Dalton.

You can view here:
http://raisethehammer.org/static/presentations/walkable_streets.html
Thank you to all for attending and for making the past 40 years such a success.