Agenda and minutes

A opportunity to talk with your ward councillors, street environment officer, safer neighbourhood police team, neighbourhood management officer and representatives from York Rotters, Edible York and Low Moor Allotments Association.

Residents had the opportunity to talk with Cllr Andy D’Agorne; Cllr Dave Taylor; Principal Neighbourhood Manager, Mora Scaife, Neighbourhood Management Support Officer, Michal Czekajlo, Jackie Armitage, Street Environment Officer; Safer Neighbourhood Team representative, Low Moor Allotments representative and York Castle Museum Trust representatives.

12 residents have attended the meeting.

Some of the issues raised were around: black bags in back alleyways, dog fouling, graffiti along Cemetery Road, unclear or lack of  pavement signage on the river walkway, public vegetable beds in Fawcet Street, green waste collection, increase of burglaries on the allotments and cyclists cutting across the allotments. Residents also had the opportunity to find out more about the proposed riverside improvements at the Castle Museum.

Some scheme suggestions were received.

Led by John the Cemetery warden.

2.1    John Waterstone – Cemetery Warden led the walk around cemetery grounds. Residents were shown the catacombs underneath the Chapel and guided around Victorian and modern sections of the cemetery.

Residents were able to ask questions regarding the history, monuments and wildlife of the cemetery.

2.2    Number of guided walks and events is offered by the cemetery. For more information please visit www.yorkcemetery.org.uk or ring the cemetery office on 01904 610578.

Refreshments next door at Auden House, St Ann’s Court, Cemetery Road.

Cllr D’Agorne has left the meeting before the visit to Auden House.

3.1    Bob Sydes – Heritage Renaissance Officer presented wide overview of York Central Historic Core Conservation Area Appraisal public consultation draft.

·        This document is about celebrating York's special qualities. It is about a city making history, a world class city of the 21st century. The report has taken six months to complete, and is the first detailed examination of the special qualities of York's historic centre.

·        The appraisal will help to fulfil a statutory duty to draw up and publish proposals to preserve and improve conservation areas. It does this by defining the unique characteristics which make the historic core of York so special and identifying the threats and opportunities to its conservation and enhancement.

·        The appraisal is divided into two parts. Part one deals with understanding the city, including a detailed assessment of 24 individual character areas within the larger conservation area and an analysis of key views and building heights. Part two deals with recommendations setting out proposals for further work and action.

·        Public consultations on the appraisal are taking place currently at Ward Committee Meetings and public exhibitions. Residents are able to comment via City of York Council website, or by sending comments to: Conservation, FREEPOST, (YO239), York, YO1 7ZZ.

Following comments and questions were raised.

Q       What are the plans in regards to car parks in the city centre?

A       Consequences of closure of city centre car parks would be huge, it would affect many residents. Castle Piccadilly car park area is developing currently and we will see what improvements will come out from that.

Cllr Taylor has commented on the historical importance of Fishergate Postern and potential benefits from redevelopment of the area.

Q       Have you got funds to accomplish the plans from that document?

A       We have a vision for the City Centre future, big sums of money will be required to accomplish that and we haven’t got them, however there is some money to take things forward.

Bob Sydes had also brought up following aspect: bringing historic buildings to 21^st century standards, creating architectural assets, idea of pedestrian route along River Foss underneath the bridge, continuous walkway/floating pontoons along the River Ouse.

3.5    Mo Healey – Auden House Manager presented the information about the establishment.

·        There are 41,  two bedroom apartments in the building;

·        Residents are the individuals who need carer or supporter in order to live independently;

·        Applications for the apartment at Auden House are processed by City of York Council;

·        Rent charge for one person is £238.17 a week and for two people £253.67 a week. Heating, laundry service and meals are included in that price;

·        Residents are able to install their own washing machine, fridge or cooker in the apartment;

·        Cafe and internet areas are open to general public during the day;

·        Free Wi-Fi is operational in the cafe area;

·        Lunches are offered to general public with the priority given to the residents of Auden House,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.