Great idea Toni. Thanks for creating the blog.
--charlie shumaker
<mailto:ceshumaker@comcast.net>

This is great, and hopefully beneficial to everyone! Dalal Sareini

Great job! What a way to stay in contact with our friends and neighbors! Good to see that a few vacant homes in our neighborhood will soon have new owners who will live in them! I have been watching the clean up/fix up on them over the past few months! We must make sure that we welcome them to our neighborhood!
--Sharon Dulmage
<mailto:sldulmage@yahoo.com>

I successfully accessed the blog. Hope it works for others, and again, thanks for developing.
--Ned
<mailto:nednik124@yahoo.com>

Could you please post an address where we can send our dues....Great job, Thanks for all your time putting this together..Patti Kuptz
--Pattik 22335 Long Blvd
<mailto:pattik22556@comcast.net>

Dues can go to either your Block Captain Rick Rababeh (with your order for luminarias) or directly to Jeff Klassa on Law. Both addresses are on the back of the newsletter.
--toni
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

Our Christmas decorations were vandalized outside our home last night. Most of the damages can be repaired, but one of our little reindeer are missing. Since one of the decorations was found in our neighbors front yard, there is a chance that the missing reindeer is in another yard in the neighborhood. Is there a chance that you could send an e-mail to the neighborhood association warning of the vandals and asking if anyone had a reindeer on their property this morning? We live on Alexandrine, just in case people want to know where the vandals struck. Also, if you send off a message, please include my e-mail in case anyone does find the reindeer.

Thanks for your help!
The Palumbos


--posted by toni
<mailto:dpalumbo13@msn.com>

The Dearborn Police Department presents a Crime Prevention Meeting: "Keys to Personal Safety -- Don't Be a Victim" on Friday, January 11, 2008 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Esper Branch Library located at 12929 Warren (Warren and Hartwell).
Topics to be discussed include Crime Prevention steps, Protecting your Valuables, Responding to an Attack, Reporting the Incident, and much more.
If you have questions please contact Cpl. Jerry Blevins at 943-2238 or Cpl. Dan Bartok 943-3092.
--toni
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

A new STOP sign has gone up on northbound and southbound Military at Alexandrine. Please do STOP and please be careful if turning because most people haven't noticed it yet.
At some point, a crosswalk will also be placed at that location so that there will be no foot traffic on the west side of Military, through the CSO construction. Please do cross to the east side of Military at Alexandrine. You can return to the west side with the traffic light at Morley.
Hopefully the new stop sign and the construction may break people of the habit of speeding down Military.
--Toni
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

There is a new CSO UPDATE page on our web site. It currently has notes from a meeting which took place with some residents,the Mayor and several other city officials.
There will soon be a posting there regarding parking permits for our neighborhood.
--caretto62
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

Three Riverbend residents currently have Photographs that were selected for display at the Padzieski Art Gallery as part of the 13th Annual Juried Photography Exhibition.
Barb Angus has an eerie color photograph, "Into the Light", which was taken at an abandoned abbey in England.
John Angus has "Rust", one of many still life photos in his collection, and "Native American" which is a colorful piece which shows a Native American in motion.
Toni Caretto has two black & white photos in the show. Both "From a Different Angle" and "Untitled" were shot, developed and printed by Toni in 1981 and only recently framed. Both are narrative pieces shot in the interior of buildings.
The show runs through March 1, 2008, Tuesday thru Friday 12-6 and Saturdays 12-5:30. Go to www.DCACarts.org for more info.
--caretto62, of course
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

Thanks for those who attended the meeting with the city and for the report on the CSO project. I was among many in our neighborhood who were shocked by the clear cutting of the trees. Two suggestions: 1)If any future meetings are scheduled with the city or project representatives that notice be given to the neighborhood. I, for one, would love to attend. 2) An open neighborhood meeting be scheduled soon to have the experts on the re-planting provide an overview of the plans. Given the earlier confusion regarding the cutting of the trees, I think it would be a good idea for residents to really understand the plan to re-green the site. (Early enough to have some input on the plan.) Although the wildlife area at Ford Field is nice, the plantings by the river doesn't have any trees. Is this the plan for the CSO site? I would hope the plan includes trees, not just bushes, grasses and flowers. The CSO project removed a "forest" and it would be my expectation that is what the residents are expecting to be replaced. (FYI, I saw a fox running around at Ford Field right where we were sledding the other night. No danger, of course, but I'm sure it was displaced by the clear cutting and it looking for a new home. We've never seen a fox out around people like that since we've lived here. Hopefully, plans for the reconstructed CSO site will consider all the animals displaced, not just the frogs.)
--Sharon Morton

If there is interest among neighbors, we will schedule a general meeting in April and have Kurt Giberson and Bruce Yinger expound on the replanting plan. The plan does call for trees as well as shrubs and grasses and is designed by a noteworthy lanscape specialty firm in Ann Arbor. I continue to work with the city to have more details of the plan posted to the city's website. When last I looked, the city's CSO website contained a 25 page document which detailed the trees that were removed and gave the drawings for the ground elevation that will be restored. Missing, however, was the list and plan for the replacement plantings. I know such a list and plan exist in that I have seen them. I would hope that by sharing information on the web, and in other written communications, we can address concerns and perhaps not have a meeting which, I fear, might degenerate into a gripe session. We can do nothing about what has happened and we are working, and the city is cooperating, in addressing concerns that have been identified.
--Ned Nikodem
<mailto:nednik124@yahoo.com>

We have gotten a notice from the Dearborn Police about new signs which have been or will be installed in Riverbend as a result of the CSO. The actual document will be posted on the web site CSO page this weekend.

In summary, in addition to PERMIT PARKING ONLY, the following signs will be in place:
1. NO CSO CONTRACTOR/WORKER PARKING
(in the entire Riverbend neighborhood)
2. STOP
(Already up on Military at Alexandrine)
3. STOP AHEAD
(near Alexandrine and Military)
4. NO TRUCKS
(near Alexandrine and Military)
5. SIDEWALK CLOSED -- PEDESTRIANS MUST CROSS
(near Alexandrine and Military)

Regarding the PERMIT PARKING: Every house will be issued 2 permits. If a resident needs extra permits, they can be issued. It would be the responsibility of the home owner to distribute to guests, or to park the permitted vehicles in the street and let company use the driveway.

Once the signs are in place and the permits are distributed, the Patrol Division will be responsible for enforcement. All officers will be informed that there is a zero tolerance parking policy for commercial vehicles, with exceptions being made for short term professional services (ex. Lawn cutting service, service repair contractors, etc.)

Howevefr,in an attempt to minimize the impact on the residents, prior to issuing a violation to a personal vehicle officers shall make every attempt to determine if the vehicle is registered and properly parked within the defined permitted area. If a resident should receive a ticket we will work with the Legal Department for a resolve.

Stay tuned for notification about permit distribution which is being coordinated by the Riverbend Board & Block Captains.


--Toni Caretto
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

Neighborhood Watch Alert!!!


The City of Dearborn informs us that people are stealing manhole covers to sell for scrap metal. These open manholes pose a threat to children and motorists. Anybody seeing somebody working around a manhole should contact the Dearborn Police Department immediately at (313) 943-2241.


--moderator

Parking Permit Distribution will take place this weekend along with a printed copy of the notice from the Dearborn Police which contains the name and number of the officer to contact when you are planning to have a large number of vehicles coming to your house.
As usual, the info is also posted on the CSO page of www.Riverbend48124.com

--moderator (aka Toni)

I strongly disagree with the somewhat unilateral decision to impose Permit Parking for the entire Riverbend area. If you have a specific problem on your street then go ahead and address it. We have not had a serious "non-resident parking" problem on Law Street and the Permit Parking is a nuisance for those of us who have several children and grand-children that regularly visit and normally park on the street. It is also be a real nuisance to call the police each time you have a large family gathering.

Let's give the CSO signage a chance to work before implementing these stringent restrictions. ---Charlie and Carol Shumaker
--Charlie and Carol Shumaker
<mailto:ceshumaker@comcast.net>

Charlie and Carol,

The decision to go with permit parking was made by the police department. Here is the explanation given when I raised the same concerns you have:

"The permit parking system is a tool that would prohibit, restrict or limit how a vehicle is parked or utilized on a public street along with
empowering officers to write violations on a legal basis.
With no restrictions an officer could not ticket or require a construction worker to move their personal vehicle unless they were parked in an illegal fashion, i.e. too close to a stop sign, blocking a driveway, too close to a fire hydrant, etc. The street is a public roadway to which all are entitled to use, unless prohibited in some legal fashion.
Our intent was to put the restrictions in up front and set the ground rules for the workers prior to it evolving and impacting the residents
as greater amounts workers are added to the project."

I suspect the rationale for involving the entire Riverbend area was that if permit parking were put into effect only on Alexandrine, the workers would simply move over to the next available street(s).
This policy is going to be a hassle for everyone, to be sure. Maybe if it at some point in the future it's determined to be 'overkill' it could be 'de-implemented'.
Only 28 more months...

Karen

--Karen Milligan
<mailto:karen@linguistlist.org>

Karen,

Thank you for clarification on the policy/reason. I raised the issue with Ned and he substantially said the same thing. 28 months will actually go by quite quickly.

I appreciate your response. -Charlie
--Charlie Shumaker
<mailto:ceshumaker@comcast.net>

Love that new extra deep inground swimming pool that's going in on the corner of Alexandrine and Reginald.
--toni

A CSO Permit Parking Update was written by Sgt. Topolski on February 7, 2008. Block Captains distributed paper copies to all homes. If you did not receive your copy, please contact your block captain. The Update is also posted on the CSO Update page of the Riverbend web-site at www.Riverbend48124.com.

--toni

Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday March 22nd at 11:00 am. Flyers will be distributed this weekend.
--toni

just wanting to know if others are upset with the garabge collection NOT being on time or missing all together?
Mike Sareini
22718 law
--mike sareini
<mailto:mikesareini@gmail.com>

I have been asked to find out neighbors attitudes regarding establishing a true farmers' market in west Dearborn. The market would operate each week on one of the days of the weekend. Farmers from a certain radius would bring their produce to a market that would be somewhere between the Southfield and Telegraph and sell it from booths to whomever wanted to purchase it. It would be similar to markets that exist in other Wayne communities. Please let me know your thoughts regarding this possibility either by posting to this blog or sending me an e-mail at nednik124@yahoo.com. I need your input prior to March 27th so I can forward it to the Chamber of Commerce person who contacted me.

Ned Nikodem
--Ned Nikodem
<mailto:nednik124@yahoo.com>

The following is a notice of a meeting to discuss the future of Dearborn's pools and potential spray parks. If you are interested in these recreational facilities, I urge you to attend.

The Dearborn Recreation Commission will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (Studio A) concerning the city’s outdoor pools and swimming programs.

The hearing is intended to provide a forum for Dearborn residents to express their opinions regarding the city’s outdoor aquatic facilities and programs.

Anyone unable to attend the public hearing is invited to submit written comments to: Chairman, Dearborn Recreation Commission, 15801 Michigan Avenue , Dearborn , 48126. All written comments must be received by 5 p.m., March 24, 2008.

The City of Dearborn will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aides and services at the public hearing to individuals with disabilities, provided that such requests are received at least two days prior to the public hearing.

Note that the Recreation Department’s administrative offices are closed on Friday, March 21.

For more information on the hearing, please call the Recreation Department at 943-2350.




--Ned Nikodem
<mailto:nednik124@yahoo.com>

The following is a notice of a meeting to discuss the future of Dearborn's pools and the potential of spray parks. If you are interested in the city's recreational facilities, I urge you to attend.

The Dearborn Recreation Commission will conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (Studio A) concerning the city’s outdoor pools and swimming programs.

The hearing is intended to provide a forum for Dearborn residents to express their opinions regarding the city’s outdoor aquatic facilities and programs.

Anyone unable to attend the public hearing is invited to submit written comments to: Chairman, Dearborn Recreation Commission, 15801 Michigan Avenue , Dearborn , 48126. All written comments must be received by 5 p.m., March 24, 2008.

The City of Dearborn will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aides and services at the public hearing to individuals with disabilities, provided that such requests are received at least two days prior to the public hearing.

Note that the Recreation Department’s administrative offices are closed on Friday, March 21.

For more information on the hearing, please call the Recreation Department at 943-2350.




--Ned Nikodem
<mailto:nednik124@yahoolcom>

Toni--

I just found this blog. Nice work. I am glad you loved my new swimming pool but I had to have it filled in because no one was using it (could be that it was 20 degrees outside at the time).

Thanks to the person who initiated the parking permits. I get concerned with Daniel crossing the street between parked cars. Let's not forget the horror of when Dr. Umlauf's son got hit by a car on Halloween in our neighborhood. Keeping our children/grandchildren safe is top priority.

--Pam Baja
<mailto:bpbaja@comcast.net>

A neighbor suggested a web page of recommended contractors. Please submit names and phone numbers and a brief description here and I'll compile them. For example:

Artistic Kitchens in Farmington Hills (248)626-4844 for kitchen and bath remodeling.

I'll also get the phone numbers for:
Haddix Electric, Allen Park (Electrical)
RWG, Dearborn Hts
Dave Fecker, (Interior Painting)
Chris Lawson, (Window & Gutter cleaner)
William Stanley, (Marvin Windows)
Schilbe Tree Care, (Tree trimming & treatment)

Great idea Barb.

P.S. A neighbor is looking for someone to cut the lawn and do light yard/garden work. Contact me for more info.
--Toni
<mailto:caretto62@aol.com>

Thanks for the information on the contractors, Toni. I have another comment, this time it is about the Mosquito Control Program. I received the notice about it in my door today.Is it sponsored by the Riverbend Association? The title gives the impression it is. I hope it is not. The spraying causes respiratory problems for me; I have to keep my windows closed when they are doing it in the neighborhood plus it is not good for the river and the animals. Last year my cat was outside during one the of the nights they were spraying and he got very sick. So just think how it impacts the wild animals and birds.

My understanding is that the Mosquito control program is not "sponsored" by RBNA. We do not have anything to do with the solicitations and have no financial relationship with the company. If you want more info, perhaps ask Ned (association Pres and long-time resident).
--Toni

The summer 2008 newsletter is now on the web page and will be distributed to homes sometime next week.

Remember, the RBNA picnic is Saturday August 9th.