At the Planning Commission meeting tonight there was open discussion in regards to drafting a policy on historic stone curb repair, removal and replacement. There were many concerned residents present with apprehensions that the commission would allow for the Public Works department to replace the stone curbs in our neighborhood, specifically along Arrow Highway, with modern concrete curbs that would be half the cost.

Our fears were realized when the Board voted to not create a policy to preserve the stone curbs due to the increased cost, and one Board member remarked on how selfish it was of us to make this request in preserving our historic neighborhood curbs during this economic downturn. The stimulus money has already been allocated for this project - yet many Board members agreed that the money could be used for better purposes elsewhere.

If you are concerned about this - please visit the link below. Pasted below are the details. Please forward this to all that you think might share your concerns and contact the Upland Public Works Department and your local officials.

http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/public-policy/perfect-storm/protecting-places.html

Thank you -

Pleasant View Neighbors Group

Protecting Places in a Stimulus Environment

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Section 106 allows local citizens to participate in planning meetings as consulting parties when federal funding or actions impact historic places.

Will historic properties be subject to existing environmental reviews under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?

The answer is yes. According to Section 1.6 of the Initial Implementation Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, "the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and related statutes, including requirements for plans and projects to be reviewed and documented in accordance with those processes."

The National Historic Preservation Act protects the rights and values of private property owners, local officials and citizens across the United States, giving them a place at the table when the actions of federal agencies threaten to affect historic properties. Section 106 of the act provides a process that requires those agencies to "take into account" the effects of their decisions and their projects on historic properties, as well as to work with states, tribes and local communities to seek ways to lessen the effects of those projects.

Section 106 requires a process, not an outcome. The goal is not to save every historic site, but to make sure that they are considered and that their value is weighed against other public values. Section 106 helps to prevent governmental agencies from running roughshod over the rights of citizens, private property owners, and local and tribal governments when it comes to the protection of our history.

Section 106 reviews are divided into four basic steps:

• Identify the project, its location and whether any historical or archeological resources are located within the project area. If the project area has not yet been surveyed for resources, the applicant is responsible for identifying resources.
• The federal agency and state historic preservation office review the findings and determine whether the project will have an effect on identified resources.
• If there is an effect, the two agencies determine whether the effect is adverse, and if so, whether the adverse effect can be avoided, minimized or mitigated.
• If the adverse effects cannot be avoided or minimized, the agencies work with the applicant to create a mitigation package to address the adverse impacts.

For more information on Section 106, please visit the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to readProtecting Historic Properties: A Citizen's Guide to Section 106 Review and their new Q&A briefing paper, Coordination of Section 106 for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Programs and Activities.

http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/public-policy/perfect-storm/protecting-places.html

October Updates

Hello All -

Our group will need to begin meeting again if we want to keep momentum. This weekend - Sunday, November 7th at 3 pm there will be a meeting for the group on the Bike Trail at Washington and 8th. This will be the last meeting before the winter holidays commence. At the meeting we need to vote on a meeting schedule for the new year - quarterly has been suggested. We also need to find a local indoor place to meet when the seasons are too hot or too cold. If you would like to volunteer your home please let us know. We also need to go over the group objectives for the year. A beautification project has been mentioned many times - maybe we can concentrate our efforts there. So bring you ideas, opinions, sense of humor, a neighbor, and goodies to share with the group.

Email pleasantviewneighbors@gmail.com if you have questions.

______NEWS___________________

It's been quite a while since we had an update. But there is some news for our group. As many of you know the City of Upland asked our group for an official letter of request for a crosswalk at the Bike Trail and Campus. Rene Guerrero wanted to include this project in the bid for the improvements to Arrow Highway. Below is a copy of the letter.

Rene Guerrero, Principal Engineer

City of Upland, Public Works Department

Engineering Division

1370 N. Benson Avenue

Upland, CA 91786

RE: Needed Crosswalk at Campus Avenue and Bike Trail

Friday, October 15, 2010

On behalf of the Pleasant View Neighbors Group I am making a formal request for a marked crosswalk, preferably with illuminated traffic signals and warning signs of pedestrian and bicycle crossing, at the intersection of Campus Ave and the Bicycle Trail. This letter complements the oral presentation made by our group at the May 24, 2010 City Council Meeting.

Campus Avenue is a heavily traveled street. Daily many children cross Campus Avenue at the Bicycle Trail on their way too and from school. They range in age from kindergarten age to high school age. Most cross without adult assistance. In addition many adults who use the Bicycle Trail for recreational purposes also cross Campus Avenue.

Campus Avenue is the only heavily traveled North South street between Claremont and Rancho Cucamonga which does not have a marked and controlled crossing at the Bicycle trail. Aside from the risk of injury to a pedestrian crossing Campus Avenue the city is potentially at risk for allowing a dangerous situation to arise.

Please visit our website if you need further information about our involvement with this topic.

Respectfully,

Members of the Pleasant View Neighbors Group

pleasantviewneighbors@gmail.com

http://www.pleasantviewneighbors.blogspot.com

Rene also mentioned that there will be many traffic detours due to the construction on Arrow Highway - so be expecting an influx of traffic down our less travelled streets. I asked if this would give cause to have the city provide additional street lighting down our darker streets to increase safety - if you would like to see this happen please contact him by phone and tell him your concerns. _____________________

Other news in the neighborhood is that there is FINALLY a new owner of the burned down property on Washington Blvd. Code enforcement's Sandi Bare reported that the owner in a construction contractor and is filing all the paperwork for demolition. It's been a long 4 years looking at those remains - let's hope this demo goes according to plan. If you see this person or his crew working at the property - please stop to say hello and thank him for his efforts. Invite him to join our group, or suggest contacting us if he needs volunteer help. _________

Other news is that the Upland Heritage Historic Home Christmas Tour is coming up December 19th. There are probably many volunteer opportunities if you are interested. Or simply save the date and go enjoy the tour yourself. ________________________________