South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S Inc. Meeting Next Tuesday, June 12th at 1PM

**PBResident** · 06-07-2012, 02:26 PM

1PM on a weekday? Sounds about right.

https://philly.everyblock.com/neighb...s-inc-1368958/

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 12:40 PM

Just called SPHINC and tried to get a little more info on tomorrow's meeting.

Spoke with a polite woman who said she was filling in for Zelda.

I asked if I could be sent an agenda for tomorrow. She said "Agenda?"

I said "Yes, usually you have a meeting for a reason. I'd like to post that agenda online for any interested residents."

She reiterated she was just filling in for Zelda (and somebody else whose name I did not recognize).

Then she rattled off the following items she would like to talk about tomorrow.

----------

100% Unofficial Agenda For Tomorrow's Mid-Day Work Week SPHINC Meeting.

1. Name change problem

2. How to build up the image of Point Breeze

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When I specifically asked if anything would be voted on tomorrow I was told, "You'll have to come down to see."

I found it funny how many times she tried to get my name out of me. First I said "I'm a neighborhood resident". Second time I gave my first name.

She also asked how I found out about the meeting. I said I saw it online.

Nothing wrong with asking that question, but the tone of her voice wasn't exactly friendly when asking.

Again, she was filling in for Zelda. And I believe her. But still. Jesus Christ.

Last thing...I asked "Any reason that this meeting was scheduled at 1pm during the work week?"

She said, "I asked the same question but didn't get an answer. I guess...the people that started this...that time is good for them."

**ArcticSplash** · 06-11-2012, 12:52 PM

Have you guys already voted on this?

2200-38 WASHINGTON AVE / ZBABot

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 12:57 PM

What is that all about? What would need to be voted on? I don't understand. Thanks

Originally Posted by ArcticSplash

Have you guys already voted on this?

2200-38 WASHINGTON AVE / ZBABot

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 01:16 PM

Also...

What happened to this guy Point Breeze Philadelphia | Philly's next great neighborhood

He seemed to be heavily involved at the beginning of the year and claims he is on a newly formed "Zoning Committee".

If you're reading this...where the hell have you been? Where are our updates? Honestly.

Even if tomorrow's meeting has nothing to do with zoning. Where's the update? Takes 2 seconds.

Last post on his website is from March 26th. It's June 26th.

Don't see any new news on his Point Breeze Facebook page either.

Are the items included in this post still true...

SPHINC Promises Transparent Zoning Process, Meetings That Stay On Topic | Point Breeze Philadelphia

I only heard about tomorrow's meeting from this post on Curbed Philly's website

Uh-Oh. A Point Breeze Community Meeting - Curbed Philly

After being so critical of the SPHINC'S voting, meeting scheduling, etc practices (rightfully so) there has been no mention from Naked Philly either.

I'm wondering what's up with that too. Shouldn't every meeting hold the same importance? Even when certain company's projects aren't up for a vote?

And if I'm missing something then please fill me in.

Have our neighborhood "power players" decided to keep mum on future SPHINC meetings as a show of disapproval for this organization's shady ways?

Is that guy really on a newly formed zoning committee?

I know I'm being a bit critical, but it's very easy for a mind to wander when there are no updates.

**DaTruf** · 06-11-2012, 01:20 PM

Last time I was at a HOMES meeting I gave my name and address, and email to be put on the mailing list. I have NEVER gotten any letters from them ever. Contacting them by email with any updates I was not getting any answers from them. How does someone get on the mailing list for this place? Does anyone here get any mails from them? Digitally or by mail on a regular basis?

A finger in the butt can be digital too.

**gijyun** · 06-11-2012, 01:29 PM

FYI - this meeting is not posted on their Events Calendar:

Events Calendar

**gijyun** · 06-11-2012, 01:40 PM

The CAPTCHA to send a message through the contact form on SPHINC's website is IMPOSSIBLE.

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 01:41 PM

I'm half yelling at everybody reading this but half yelling at myself too.

It's like...we either care about Point Breeze or we don't.

Showing up to meetings where only popular zoning items are being discussed looks bad on all of us.

I don't even think I can make tomorrow's meeting. I'm definitely going to try.

That doesn't mean I don't want to know what will be discussed in my possible absence.

And unfortunately, as of right now, this shady, hidden-agenda-ridden organization is Point Breeze's official mouth piece.

And because of this, you would think there would be more interest in every little thing this organization does/says. No matter the meeting time or agenda.

You would also think we would want to harness the spotlight that was placed on our neighborhood during the whole Sardine/OCF process.

Do any of us really think it's going to be any easier to get something approved next time around?

**ArcticSplash** · 06-11-2012, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by PBResident

What is that all about? What would need to be voted on? I don't understand. Thanks

A convenience store at 22nd and Washington Ave, in SPHINCs NAC area. I was wondering if they ever held a zoning meeting on it since, after all, they go before the ZBA this week.

**gijyun** · 06-11-2012, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by PBResident

I'm half yelling at everybody reading this but half yelling at myself too.

It's like...we either care about Point Breeze or we don't.

Showing up to meetings where only popular zoning items are being discussed looks bad on all of us.

I don't even think I can make tomorrow's meeting. I'm definitely going to try.

That doesn't mean I don't want to know what will be discussed in my possible absence.

And unfortunately, as of right now, this shady, hidden-agenda-ridden organization is Point Breeze's official mouth piece.

And because of this, you would think there would be more interest in every little thing this organization does/says. No matter the meeting time or agenda.

You would also think we would want to harness the spotlight that was placed on our neighborhood during the whole Sardine/OCF process.

Do any of us really think it's going to be any easier to get something approved next time around?

Just FYI PBResident - inactivity on philadelphiaspeaks and on the blogs does not equal inactivity in the nonvirtual world. I have contacted Kenyatta Johnson several times about several issues and he has been very responsive. I don't often post things like that here, because to the uninitiated, this message board has become ground zero of Hate Central in the past and I don't want to be associated with the divisiveness.

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 02:07 PM

I completely understand where you are coming from with that.

It would just be great if obtaining any type of neighborhood info, from our one and only neighborhood organization, not feel like pulling teeth.

Also, I know that I (and many others on here) speak very bluntly and have strong views about Point Breeze, it's long term residents, and SPHINC.

It takes a lot for me to consider someone (or an organization) an enemy. Personally, what I witnessed (and recorded) at those meetings was disgusting.

I would love nothing more than for SPHINC to change it's ways. Call me crazy, but I don't think it's going to happen.

Originally Posted by gijyun

Just FYI PBResident - inactivity on philadelphiaspeaks and on the blogs does not equal inactivity in the nonvirtual world. I have contacted Kenyatta Johnson several times about several issues and he has been very responsive. I don't often post things like that here, because to the uninitiated, this message board has become ground zero of Hate Central in the past and I don't want to be associated with the divisiveness.

**ofeibush** · 06-11-2012, 02:12 PM

I have been to every South Philadelphia Homes meeting, not just the ones where I had agenda items. I went to one a few weeks ago and actively spoke against a garage opening up on the 1900 block of Washington Avenue.

Forgive me but I cannot be responsible for distributing their agenda....I don't get a copy.

I have not seen any new faces on the zoning board.....they have monthly "executive" meetings but I assure you I've never been invited.

**ofeibush** · 06-11-2012, 02:13 PM

Not a convenience store. It was voted on at the May meeting. I voted in support.

**PBResident** · 06-11-2012, 02:20 PM

I know I know. You definitely regularly attend.

Like I said, it's very easy for my mind to wander without regular updates.

I honestly thought there haven't been any meetings since they "closed down shop" to "re-brand" themselves months ago.

It's my own fault for not inquiring and being more persistent. But still, it would be great if I/we did not have to do that.

Originally Posted by ofeibush

I have been to every South Philadelphia Homes meeting, not just the ones where I had agenda items. I went to one a few weeks ago and actively spoke against a garage opening up on the 1900 block of Washington Avenue.

Forgive me but I cannot be responsible for distributing their agenda....I don't get a copy.

I have not seen any new faces on the zoning board.....they have monthly "executive" meetings but I assure you I've never been invited.

**DaTruf** · 06-11-2012, 02:21 PM

This old 2 min video ends with "who's not for it, to better your neighborhood."

**Gladys** · 06-11-2012, 05:15 PM

So when does the titan st thing start building?

**ofeibush** · 06-11-2012, 05:23 PM

Civil Docket Report - Not an Official Document

**the mule** · 06-11-2012, 05:36 PM

I'm still not sure why people are still treating SPHINC as a legitimate entity. The new zoning code offers the opportunity for a truly transparent body to be formed and be designated as an RCO. Failing that, there is the opportunity to recognize Diversified, the new Point Breeze NAC, as a legitimate body to present zoning issues in front of. They are at least a transparent organization with published by-laws that has reached out with a survey recently to gauge community concerns and priorities. They just appointed a new executive director, so I don't know how that will influence them one way or another, but it has to be a step up from SPHINC.