ECCO MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES - July 20, 2006
Bill Goodson, Vice President, presided over the meeting.
The City of Columbia Zoning Board has approved a request to open pre-school Montessori program at 3008 River Drive. The business has not yet applied for a license or met the requirement for a fenced yard. ECCO does not approve allowing this business to open on River Drive and continues to work in opposition.
City Council Member, Sam Davis, was present and spoke to members. He announced his intention to start a movement to stop pay day lending operations. In response to questions, he reported streetscaping on North Main Street is a continuing process. The last property is being condemned. When possible the project will be put out for bid. Mr. Davis was also asked to determine the status of the renovation of Earlewood Park's Community Center. The city had previously finalized and approved plans for the renovation. At a previous meeting Deputy City Manager Allison Baker reported a shortage of funds for the project, which has been put on indefinite hold.
Rev. Fling was thanked for his continued support for the neighborhood association.
The ECCO membership drive starts in July. Current members are encouraged to renew their membership for the new year and to invite their neighbors to join the organization. Membership dues are $5.00 for an individual and $10.00 for a household. Dues can be mailed to Michael Reams, 1009 Beaufort St., Columbia, SC 29201 or brought to a neighborhood meeting at Reformation Lutheran Church. Only paid members are allowed voting privileges at ECCO meetings. As the new year begins, members are encouraged to consider volunteering with the organization. Many committees and projects are in need of new leadership and continued support.
New officers for ECCO are being sought for the September elections. Anyone who is interested in running for office or nominating another for office should contact Dan Elswick.
Dan Elswick reported there were no Earlewood properties on the agenda for this meeting of the DDRC (Design/Development Review Commission).
Brenda Creson gave the zoning committee report. The committee went before the Zoning Board to oppose the opening of another pay day lending business near the neighborhood. They presented information on the dangers of predatory lending and the great number of these establishments in our area. North Carolina and Georgia have made pay day lending operations illegal. The zoning request was denied.
Ms. Creson encouraged members to begin writing letters to their city council members and other government representatives to stop pay day lending establishments in the city. A statewide ban, while needed, may be difficult to obtain. The headquarters for Advance PayDay is located in Spartanburg, SC with over 2,300 offices nationwide.
Members were reminded that National Night Out is 6:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2006. Entertainment and BBQ will be provided by ECCO at the Earlewood Park Community Center. Members and neighbors are encouraged to bring a dessert to share and take advantage of the opportunity for fellowship with each other and city officials. Volunteers are needed to help set up and clean up after the event.
Michael Reames gave the treasury report. The treasury stands at $9,730.49. $500.00 will be spent for National Night Out. $230.00 was spent for printing an initial 100 copies of the new welcome brochures.
Respectfully submitted by Melanie Lewismoss in the absence of Secretary Hope Furtado.