Visit your websites:  jeffersonpark.info   and  grantroadcoalition.com    April 30, 2019
For previous editions of Jefferson Park newsletters CLICK HERE.
Our Neighborhood
April Quarterly Meeting - Did you miss it?
A plant swap should have a plant reception.  And indeed it did. Incredible veggie trays and dips.  Many thanks to Laurel Heather and Dorothy for the delicious and healthy food!


T-shirts were for sale and a wide variety of succulents of many shapes and sizes for free--some we could not name.  Sooo many plants left over. Wish more folks had come to enjoy and take them away! 


Meeting high points for those who could not come:
  • New Member-at-Large appointed to the board - Yvonne Lorch.
  • 800-900 block Hampton will return to alley pick up of garbage, the alley has been made accessible for Environmental Services vehicles.
  • Traffic Circle at Fremont and Edison has been repaired.
  • Banner community park near finish-see photos below.
  • Approved: Letter to TDOT requesting certain pot of money be spent on gateway (entrance) signs at Park Ave/Grant Road for Jefferson Park and Mtn/First neighborhoods.
  • Approved: $500 to legal fund for Mountain View neighborhood.
  • Approved: $563 for cost of renaming the Campbell access road.  There will be opportunity for neighbors to suggest names.
  • All lights along Grant Road now have residential shields and going forward all lighting along Grant adjacent to residential areas will have shielded lighting.
  • Roll offs will be reserved a year ahead for four cycles.
  • Dry weeds providing a fire hazard.
  • Gateway signs donations to date $265.
Area Rep Assistants Needed
Jefferson Park needs assistants to our Area Reps.  Six areas - see below.  Every quarter they distribute the door hangers. If you can offer to help, see the map below.  E-mail your area rep or contact Colleen at: cnichols17@cox.net or 520-792-2820, to find out where you are needed.
Neighborhood Meetings Summer Schedule
Jefferson Park Neighbors Meetings - Wednesdays
May  -  No general Meeting
June 26 - 6:00 PM, Ward III office, 1510 E Grant Road
July 24  - 6:00 PM, Ward III office, 1510 E Grant Road
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
August -  No general Meeting - Last chance to escape the heat!

Grant Road Coalition Meetings - Tuesdays
May  -  No meeting
June 25 - 5:30 Ward III office, 1510 E Grant Road
July 23 - 5:30 Ward III office, 1510 E Grant Road
August meeting - TBA

TPD & Residents
Safety Meetings:  Central  Neighborhoods - Tuesdays
May 28, J une 25,  July 23, August 27
6:30, Ward III office, 1510 E Grant Road

Police representatives from mid-town and west side meet with neighbors to talk about safety concerns in the neighborhoods.  Join residents of Jefferson Park and nearby neighborhoods to learn about trends.
That little "no-name"access road by Campbell...
Your JPN Board is considering naming the north-south frontage street that runs to the west of Campbell Ave, and is separated from Campbell by a landscaped median.  The frontage street is currently named "Campbell Ave", which causes confusion for the neighborhood and the City when we are trying to describe it. There is a procedure for naming a street and it is processed through the County.The cost is $563 to do so, and has been approved by the JPNA board. 
 
The board is considering the street name  "Minnette's Way" in honor of Minnette Burges, who passed away in early 2018. Minnette was a neighbor and an attorney who was instrumental in saving our neighborhood and indeed most neighborhoods in the City from predatory development in the form of mini-dorms. Minnette worked tirelessly for several years to get the Group Dwelling Code Amendment passed by the City in 2012. This Code Amendment has stopped the proliferation of 7- and 8-bedroom, two-story buildings that house that many students. The impact of her efforts on the quality of life in our neighborhood and others cannot be overstated; we are exceedingly grateful for her work.
 
A street name should be a neighborhood-wide decision. Hence, if any JPN resident or homeowner would like to suggest another name for the frontage road, let us consider it. Please send us your suggestions by May 10th. You can post to the listserve, or send directly to Joan Hall  at joanchall@yahoo.com.  You may also call her at 990-8054.
A legal battle which will impact neighborhoods.
You can support it.
Contested development in Mountain View Neighborhood
Mountain View Neighborhood believed this Flexible Lot Development plan was not in line with its Area Plan. They asked for a Board of Adjustment review of the decision to allow the project.
They were turned down 0-7, with the Board indicating that the Area plans are "advisory" only, and thus the neighborhood was overruled.

Mountain View is now planning an appeal to the Superior Court.  Their case is important because it will test how neighborhood plans are honored. Mountain View needs donations to their legal fund. The JPNA board voted to donate $500.  If you would like to contribute, you can send your donations to:
Mtn. View Legal Fund
Post Net, 2954 N. Campbell #143,  Tucson, AZ  85719
University Area Plan & Neighborhood Plans
Tell Mayor and Council they are not "advisory".
On May 21, residents of the University Area will have an opportunity to show Mayor and Council that we care about Area Plans and Neighborhood Plans.  This is an issue of importance to all of us, as we are covered by the University Area Plan.  The UAP is a City of Tucson planning document that promotes residential quality of life and development that is in keeping with the character of existing neighborhoods.  It is glaringly obvious that these concepts no longer guide development in the University Area.  The Planning and Development Department has claimed that the UAP is "outdated."  PDSD even issued a finding that Area and Neighborhood Plans are "advisory in nature only."  (They are not.  The Unified Development Code states repeatedly that development must be in conformance with these Plans.)

I would like all those who can to join me at the study session, wearing your neighborhood association t-shirts.  Let's pack the Council Chamber!

WHAT:  Mayor and Council Study Session with Tucson Residents for Responsive Government presentation on Area and Neighborhood Plans
WHERE:  Council Chambers, City Hall, 255 W. Alameda. Use east entrance.   Allow time for security screening.
WHEN:  Tuesday, May 21, around 1 PM.  Actual start time will not be set until the day before.
(D. Lett, Feldman Neighborhood Assn)
Cafecito with Barrio Neighborhood Coalition
Discussion Topic - Gentrification
The Barrio Neighborhood Coalition is dealing with the gentrification of their neighborhoods.  Gentrification is defined as   - 
the process of repairing and rebuilding homes and businesses in a deteriorating area (such as an urban neighborhood) accompanied by an influx of middle-class or affluent people, which often results in the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents

Barrio Neighborhood Coalition is sponsoring a Cafecito at the home of Rosemary Bolza, 1432 E. Lester St., on Tuesday May 7, 6-8 pm.  All are invited.
Jefferson Park Entrance Signs
Long way to go!
Neighborhood volunteers have been working with the City of Tucson to obtain permission, city permits etc. to create Entrance Signs for Jefferson Park.  

We can now begin to solicit donations for the effort. 

Our project depends on the generosity of our neighbors and our community at large. Please consider a donation, and if you know a business who might be willing to donate, please consider asking them to participate.  CLICK HERE for the donation form. Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc. is a non-profit and will be sending receipts for tax purposes. 

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!
Business
Long Realty
Neighbors
1 Lester neighbor
2 Waverly neighbors
1 Linden neighbor
Get your Jefferson Park T-shirt!
These well-made and wearable T-shirts are a fundraiser for JP!
Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
Proceeds benefit neighborhood projects

Get yours from one of the Jefferson Park area reps listed below:
Lisa:  622-1682, email: jljonesk@aol.com
Joanne:   798-3602, email: cricket16@cox.net 
Laurel-Heather:  343-0073, email: trdswmn@cox.net
Roll-offs, just in time  May 10 - 14
May is graduation, students are going home, folks are cleaning their yards etc.  Perfect time to supply a big garbage can!
Coming to a block near you:
                            917 E Seneca
  1850 N. Tyndall
 1740 E Edison
1822 E Lester
Thank you Tucson Environmental Services
Banner Community Park - Lester and Warren
Neighborhoods, International School and Blenman Elementary art represented
Ramada is reminiscent of the early Quonset huts.
Children's representations of the Polo fields are etched into the ceiling.  Sunlight and shadows are lovely
Take a quick walk to Lester and Warren to see the evolving community parklet.

After July 2019 there will be no parking along the south side of Lester. The art work was contributed by the children at the International School of Tucson and Blenman Elementary.

Park at Warren and Lester
Bench dedicated to Jefferson Park


Banner Hospital patients who wander...
There have been reports of patients leaving the Banner property and short-cutting through the neighborhood.  These folks are in various states of health.  Patients who are on foot are sometimes at risk, and are not good for Banner nor for the neighborhood
Call Banner Security 520-694-6533 
if you witness any wandering patients or find any tossed bandages, etc.
If the situation warrants, call 911 
BUT ALSO call Banner Security so it can be recorded.   
We appreciate Banner's willingness to be pro-active, and neighbors must be diligent about reporting occurrences. 
Jefferson Park Pot Holes.....
HOW TO REPORT TRANSPORTATION CONCERNS - Is there a pothole you'd like to see fixed? Is a street sign missing? Is a tree limb hanging over into a roadway or obstructing a sidewalk? You can report these issues to the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to   TDOTConcerns@tucsonaz.gov.  
Tucson Department of Transportation:   http://1.usa.gov/18IdPf8
Resiliency Information
City-wide heat-related grid failure is possible in extreme summer temps.  For information booklet  CLICK HERE.  Pay particular attention to   pages 17 and 24 for a list of the things each home should store in case of such an emergency.
Could you get a break on your property taxes?
Does your home qualify for the property tax break??  Jefferson Park web-site provides links and explanations.  If you wonder about your property  CLICK HERE for links to important information.
Greening and Cleaning
The best pine tree is a matter of a pinion!
About weeds in yards and alleys
Weeds over 6" are a code violation.  Private homes are responsible for weeds to the center of the alley as well as to the curb out front. The weeds will be drying out and presenting a serious fire hazard as well as spreading seeds to neighbor's yards.  So be a good neighbor and get rid of those weeds!

A yard with weeds can be reported to Code Enforcement who will notify the homeowner.  No fines will be charged so long as the owner cleans up the weeds in a given amount of time.  If you see a yard with excessive weeds report to -
Tucson Code Enforcement
On-line at
or call
or use the app:  SeeClickfix

If the resident is elderly or disabled, the Jefferson Park Green Committee could help.  If you know someone needs help, e-mail  the Green Committee at joanchall@yahoo.com or call Joan Hall  at  990-8054. 
Got Bugs?
Invaded by millions of little tiny bugs on walls and fences?
Several JP homes have found this migration. False Chinch Bugs are initially attracted by weeds, especially the Yellow Rocket Mustard Weed. They lay their eggs on the weeds and nymphs and adults feed on the weeds. Due to the wet winter, the weeds and the Chinch Bugs have flourished this year in unprecedented numbers.  Now, with the advent of hot, dry weather, the weeds have died and are no longer a good host plant.  The nymph and adult chinch bugs are migrating seeking green weeds to eat.   Their migration only lasts a week or so and then they die. You can try vacuuming them up if they get in your house..   false chinch bugs do not bite, do not feed nor damage anything indoors, and will ultimately die out if trapped inside.  
The most effective method of controlling the False Chinch Bugs is WEED CONTROL IN EARLY SPRING!
If they get in your home, vacuum them up. 
 
(Thank you Garden District News)
Keep watch for a troublesome new invader
A new invasive weed, globe chamomile, has been spreading through the Phoenix area and has just been spotted in Tucson. We need all neighbors to be on the look out to keep it from spreading into our neighborhood and throughout Tucson. 
 
Why should you care? Globe chamomile crowds out native and garden plants and grows in dense mats that are highly flammable when dry. 
 
How to spot it? It has dark green "carrot like" leaves and unique rounded yellow flowers. The leaves have an unpleasant odor. 
 

Park Cleanup - Every third Saturday
Help Needed -  3rd Saturday of the month - 8am

No RSVP needed, just show up about 8am.   BYOB-bring your own bag...or we supply. 

Clean up is quick - we usually take less than an hour. Many hands make light work!

If you do pick-up during the week, contact Joanne Osuna at cricket16@cox.net  and your time will count.  We report our hours to Tucson Clean and Beautiful as part of the Adopt-a-Park program .
Photographers? - 2020 calendar
One Snowy Day
Spring is here and the Friends of Jefferson Park would like to begin to collect photos for the 2020 calendar.  

See something lovely in Jefferson Park? Take a pic!

E-mail your pictures to jdchama@msn.com. We will begin collecting the images.  Know that by e-mailing an image you are giving permission to print it.  Please add your contact information.  There will be no identifying names, address etc. in the calendar--just beautiful images of the neighborhood.  
Special Thanks to our Community Supporters!
So many times Jefferson Park benefits from the support of business and community entities.  Here we say thank you.
Support:Historic nomination and entrance signs.
Support: Buffle Grass Clean up, Greenspace and Community Park, change to no parking on north side of Lester
Support: Clean up





Important Contacts
Area Reps need help.  Check out your area and offer to help once every 3 months!
AREA REPRESENTATIVES

Area #1 - Mary Worthen 
Area #2 - Jon Heine
Area #3 - Laurel-Heather Milden
Area #5 - Joanne Osuna
Area #6 -  Lisa Jones
Ward III - Councilperson Paul Durham 
Paul Durham
1510 E Grant
and aide Nick Mahon

Ward III, See Paul's e-news at:
Ward VI, Steve Kozachik newsletter: 
QUICK LINKS AND PHONE NUMBERS:

Report Transportation Concerns
Is there a pothole you'd like to see fixed? Is a street sign missing? Is a tree limb hanging too close over a roadway or sidewalk?
You can report these issues to the  Tucson Department of Transportation  (TDOT), (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to 
tdotsr@tucsonaz.gov

What is a code violation?
And whom do I call?
Download  an information sheet approved by the City Code Enforcement Division

Banner Construction 
and Info Line
Construction Updates on the University Campus  Banner University Medical Center Tucson Campus  website  for the hospital expansion project. 

Emergency 24/7 phone number for the Banner project construction team: (520) 268-9575
UA Neighborhood Hotline 
Student Related issues can be reported to this number. 
Should not be used for 911 calls which should be directed to the TPD
24/7 available
520-282-3649

Banner Security
Witness any encroachment of patients or visitors etc into the neighborhood?  Banner wants to know. Please call so that the incident can be documented
Call:
Security at 520-694-6533
Report a  non-emergency crime:  www.tucsonaz.gov/apps/crime-reporting/
Report an  emergency crime:     911
See the  latest crimes  in Jefferson Park:  nsn.soaz.info/incidents/zjefferson.html
See  code violations  in Jefferson Park:   neighsupport.net/codevio/cezjefferson.html
Report an  issue with Banner:  Emergency 24/7 (520) 268-9575
Report an  issue with the U of A:  24/7 available ( 520) 282-3649
Report an  unruly gathering:  Call 911  CLICK HERE to see Flow Chart 
See historic photos of Jefferson Park:  www.jeffersonpark.info/history.html
Helicopter Noise/ Banner Hospital contact Mark Ostrand through BUMC Security at 694-6533. 
Stay in Touch
Signing up for the E-News
Go to www.jeffersonpark.info and click on the e-news sign-up form. Or send them this form!

Get on the List Serve!
To sign up for the neighborhood list serve,  send a blank email to  jeffersonparktucson+subscribe@googlegroups.com  
or send a request for an invitation to joanchall@yahoo.com 
Come to the JPNA Monthly Meeting
 
Fourth Wednesday of the Month, 6pm Ward III Office, 1510 E Grant Rd. 
Renew your $15 voluntary JPNA membership dues
Renew by mail (print and mail membership form) OR 
 

CO-EDITORS: Joan Daniels, jdchama@msn.com ,   Joanne Osuna,