Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council May 21st meeting Minutes.

Council Attendees: Cheryl Maier, Sherwin Harris, Oscar Garcia

Absent: Fred Franklin, Doris Mason

Community Attendees: 14

Opening Remarks: The meeting began promptly with introductions from the attendees. The agenda was reviewed and followed accordingly. The Council proceeded with the following updates and discussions:

Neighborhood Updates

Lt. E. Lucas – Beats 4, 5, 6 (Central Richmond)

Officer Lucas discusses the enforcement of ordinances with minimal pushback due to    

    30-day posting requirements.

• Officers are working from 10 AM to 6 PM on the McDonald Ave, addressing issues and partnering with SOS for mental health and crime prevention.

• Monthly operations are planned to maintain the slowdown seen in the past few weeks.

Updates on Homeless Encampments

•  Updates on individuals staying near the Nevin Center explains that signs were posted, and individuals were given 48 hours to move, with some accepting services and others relocating.

• Attendee's thanked the officers for their diligence in reducing encampments and litter.

Smoke Shop Regulation and Enforcement

• Update on the city's moratorium on smoke shops, only two of the 83 shops are in compliance.

• The city's efforts to regulate smoke shops, aiming to reduce the number from 83 to 45.

• Concerns are raised about businesses like the smoke shops station selling certain tobacco products without proper licensing.

•  Emphasis on the need for businesses to comply with licensing and fee requirements.

• Enforcement and inspection of smoke shops are ongoing, with updates to be shared once available.

Nevin Center Summer Programs – Travis

• Travis, provides an update on the Nevin Center, including renovations and summer program plans.

• The center is renovating a room, installing LED lights, and expanding its summer camp program to accommodate more children.

• Various outside providers will offer activities like chess, creative arts, and public speaking training.

• The center will also continue to offer fitness programs and community meetings.

Settlement with Chevron and Pogo Park Reconstruction – Oscar

• Oscar provided a quick update on the settlement with Chevron, noting it is a slow progress.

Pogo Park – Abigail

·         Abigail from Pogo Park discusses the need for city funding to complete the park, emphasizing the importance of safe spaces for children.

·         A petition is circulating to show community support for the park's completion.

·         The park will feature various activities and events, similar to the successful Bay Park.

Rescue Mission Updates and Community Events – Sherwin

• Sherwin from the Bay Area Rescue Mission discusses their services for the homeless and people suffering from food insecurity.

• The mission is working with architects and contractors for their 200 Macdonald Renovation Project.

• Upcoming events include a block party and a back-to-school event on Saturday August 2nd, with Chevron as a major contributor.

• The mission is seeking stable, affordable housing for their graduates.

Green Panda Cannabis Cultivation Proposal

• Speaker introduced Green Panda, a cannabis cultivation company planning to operate on Hensley Street.

• The facility will be secure, with exterior fencing and limited points of entry.

• The company will comply with all city and state regulations and will not have public sales.

• Plans include donations to community projects and potential job opportunities for the community.

Open Forum:

Community Listening Session and Arts Corridor Initiative

• Speaker invites the community to a listening session to discuss the impact of arts on their community.

• The session aims to gather input on desired art spaces and activities along McDonald and Third Street.

• Flyers and contact information are available for those interested in participating.

• The initiative is part of the Richmond Renaissance's efforts to create a vibrant arts corridor.

Action Items

• Spread the word about the Pogo Park petition to show community support for the project.

• Oscar to provide contact information for the Green Panda cannabis cultivation facility once operational, so the community can reach out with any concerns.

• Promote attending the Richmond Renaissance community listening sessions to share input on arts and community spaces.

Meeting Adjournment:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35pm. The next meeting is

scheduled for 6/18/25 at 5:30 pm, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

Submitted by:

Sherwin Harris

Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council Secretary