Spring Has Sprung in Shea Terrace

Meeting Minutes for March Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Treasurer Georgianne Mitchell.  President Nancy LaMartin and Vice President Pat Pfeiffer had both been called away suddenly due to urgent personal business.  Georgianne provided the Treasurer's Report.

NIO Officer Robert Diaz advised of crime statistics for the last quarter, which he characterized as minimal, consisiting mainly of property crimes.  He related the situation at 311 Holladay Street, a home which has been condemned, vacant, and owned by the mortgage holder for quite some time.  Both he and Environmental Inspector Katherine Koch, have worked together to ensure that the building remains secured.  Unknown parties have been breaking into the back of the resident and moved an outdoor fireplace up to the second floor.  Ms. Koch smelled smoke and Officer Diaz had to call the fire marshall recently as phone books were smoldering in this device intended for outdoor use.  Officer Diaz advises that residents should call 911 first and him at 235-2500 second if they see any unusual or suspicious activity in properties known to be vacant.

Katherine Koch advised that she is available with any questions or concerns and provided business cards.   Anne Galvin Bremer commended Katherine for her excellent work on birddogging and resolving a very long-term issue on a vacant hoe on Holladay Street in which she worked diligenty to resolve longstanding and serious city code violations.   There were no concerns presented and Katherine left for West Park View's Civic League meeting, scheduled for the same night.

Anne Galvin Bremer provided a report on Reverse 911 and advised residents they they  may input any phone number they wish, even their cell phone number, via the Civic League to PPD to ensure that they get timely updates on emergent issues.  Reverse 911 information is provided in detail below this blog entry.

Georgianne reminded attendees of the Rotary's Paint Your Heart Out Program.  Detailed information regarding Paint Your Heart Out is provided in detail further below in the blog.

Georgianne advised that the Shea Terrace Annual Yard Sale will be rescheduled due to unavoidable circumtances on the part of President Nancy LaMartin.  More information will be forthcoming and shared on the blog.

Two new families joined the Civic League.  One frequent attendee paid back dues for many years, which was greatly appreciated by the League.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Galvin Bremer
Public Safety Coordinator

Person Impersonating Portsmouth Firefighter

Firefighter Impersonator in Portsmouth


Portsmouth Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is currently investigating a report of an individual identifying himself as a firefighter and trying to make entry into residences in Portsmouth while claiming to be performing home safety inspections. The individual, described as being a male of European or Asian descent, was not in uniform and did not present city identification.


To ensure the safety of our citizens, we want everyone to be aware that if Portsmouth firefighters have business in your neighborhood, they will be in uniform and will have appropriate city credentials. Fire investigators may be in civilian attire, but will always have their law enforcement badges and city identification in plain view. Further, home safety surveys are only conducted at the request of a resident and will be scheduled so that the resident knows when to expect firefighters.


If you are approached by an individual claiming to be a firefighter and you are unsure of their identity, call 9-1-1 immediately and do not allow them into your home. The Emergency Communications Center will verify the presence and identity of any legitimate fire department personnel at your residence.


Anyone with knowledge of this individual, please contact the Portsmouth Fire Marshal office at 393-8689.

This is What Shea Terrace is All About

Note from Sheryl Trombitas, a Shea Terrace neighbor:


i just want to say a public thank you to mason and another gentleman

who stopped and helped me on Thursday morning when my red volkswagen

jetta conked out on me at the stoplight. unfortunately, it is still

broken down and waiting for my repairman to tow it away, which is why

it is still sitting on constitution avenue. please, don't have the

police tow it, it will be taken care of. mason stopped and helped me

push the car out of the road and made sure i was okay. he even gave

me a ride to work which was out of his way. thanks again, neighbor!

a lot of people just looked over and kept going. but not him!

\

A Note From Shea Terrace's NIO, Officer Diaz

Vacant homes are an issue all over the Tidewater area due to the current economic situation.  Owners are either unable to sell the home, rent the home, or, in some cases, have lost the home to foreclosure.  Vacant homes which are not being monitored and maintained by the owners are also a law enforcement issue.  Like other area neighborhoods, Shea Terrace currently has vacant homes.  Some of these homes have become targets for vandals and other illegal activities.

City code mandates that vacant homes must be secured and maintained by the owners.  Katherine Koch, environmental quality inspector for the City of Portsmouth, and I work closely together to ensure that vacant homes meet city codes.  In some cases, we have worked together to secure homes properly. 

Please monitor the homes in your section of Shea Terrace for any activity which seems suspicious.  Call 911 FIRST and then call me to advise about any such activities.  Unmaintained vacant homes represent an "attractive nuisance" to juveniles.  They can be a fire hazard and, if left unmonitored, can reduce property values.  Let's continue to work together on this issue by maintaining vigilence on Shea Terrace's vacant houses.

Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting,

Officer Diaz
235-2500
diazr@portsmouthva.gov

Civic League Meeting Next Monday

We'll see you there at the Flagship Restaurant on Constitution next Monday at 7:00 p.m.  Remember, citizen participation is a must for a community to prosper.