A s many of you may already be aware, the City is in the process of "gray topping" the alleys in Hyde Park. I coined the term "gray topping" to differentiate it from paving. The substrate the city is using is ground up and recycled asphalt. It is not pavement, and it is not sealed with tar. Water soaks through it, so it is less inclined to hold puddles than caliche. It is not black, and within a few months, it is no longer even gray, but the color of whatever solid it is sitting on. Neighbors who want to see a sample can walk the alley that runs along the East of Ave. G, between 43rd & 42nd. That was "gray topped" a few months ago. In sum, it is a gravelish dirt that will not turn into mud. The city is promoting gray-topping, because it needs less maintenance and reduces wear on trucks due to pot holes.
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Several neighbors have contacted HPNA leadership to either support or complain of this effort.
This item shall now be placed before the membership. HPNA will alert the city as to its vote on this issue. While they can ignore us, we are currently enjoying good relations with Public Works, and I anticipate they will honor our request.
Prior to the vote on Monday the 5th, Passover, I ask that all those attending be aware of the following:
1. The neighbors between Aves. F & G, sharing the alley between 42nd and 43rd Street, have resolved their disagreement regarding the surface to that alley. This agreement, wise and responsible, precedes anything that is to be voted on at the April meeting. Please do not ask HPNA leadership not to honor it.
2. If voting members take this before the Association, it will be an
all-or-nothing situation.
HPNA leadership will write one letter to the city, but you, the members,
must decide whether it conveys acceptance or refusal of the city's offer.
It unlikely to the point of certainty that the city will allow us the play
checkers up and down Hyde Park, gray topping some alleys and leaving
other dirt. I for one, will not make such an absurd request to an
already embattled and underfunded Public Works department.
I am hopeful that the neighborhood will see fit to fashion a thoughtful
and sensible response to this opportunity when we discuss it at the
next meeting.
Monday night I got a quick walk in between spring thunderstorms. The
beauty of this place astonishes me with the turn of every season. It
is evident that the people of Hyde Park cherish this place and are
committed to shaping its every feel and texture. I look forward to
seeing you all at the April meeting.
| -- | Glen Coleman HPNA Co-President glen@kdi.com 407-9357 |
