Traffic Calming & Annual Meeting Reminder

Mason Mill Civic Association Neighbors -

As spring turns to summer, we close out our year of meetings and formal activities with an important one:  At Sunday's Annual Meeting (reminder: May 15, 3pm, Intown Community Church), we will elect officers for 2011-2012, and we will have a chance to discuss the County's proposed traffic calming solution to the problem of high speeds on Mason Mill Road.

On the first issue, the leadership of our Association, I am happy to report that Mary Hinkel and Pat Brittain have agreed to run again for Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. I have already reported that Eric Benjamin will be stepping down after years of service as our Vice President. So although nominations (including self-nominations!) are welcomed and encouraged for all three of these positions, even during the Meeting itself, there is - so far - one completely uncontested role that really needs to be filled. By you, perhaps?

Further, when I agreed to be nominated for MMCA President two years ago, to follow - and try to fill the shoes of - our Immediate Past President Harvey Nation, I said I would serve a maximum of two years. I would be happy to step aside for someone who would like to assume these responsibilities, so I sincerely do encourage nominations (including self-nominations!) for this position as well. That said, because we are in the middle of several initiatives (traffic, possible alliances and/or expansion of the Association, and ongoing plans for WDT Park restoration), I also would agree to serve for ONE more year, if nominated and re-elected. If that takes place, however, do expect to hear/read some very Shermanesque statements (if you'll pardon that historical reference) about it being absolutely my final year in the role.

Regarding traffic calming on Mason Mill Road: I have attached a copy of the County's proposed plan, accompanied by a detailed set of FAQs ("frequently asked questions") that we in the MMCA have compiled during our small-group meetings and organized walks along MMR. Many, many thanks to Mary Hinkel for leading the neighborhood's investigation of this process and helping the County and the neighborhood understand each other along the way. (Also, thanks to MMR resident Brad Lawley for Photoshopping an image to help us visualize the proposed center islands.)  [Blog readers: These documents were attached to the original email blast, but here they appear as separate blog posts.]

Please take the time to look over the attachments, and do come to the Annual Meeting with your additional questions and comments. It will *not* be the only opportunity to discuss traffic calming, rest assured, but it will be an important one.

Hard copy of all these attachments, and a preliminary agenda for Sunday's Annual Meeting, will be placed in everyone's mailboxes on Friday and Saturday.  (As always, Victoria Estates residents are most welcome to participate in our discussions and Q&A, as non-voting attendees, of course.)

Thanks again to all the volunteers who contributed time, energy and ideas to the Association's work during the past year, and thanks to everyone for being great neighbors in a great neighborhood!

Patrick Noonan
President, Mason Mill Civic Association