On July 9, Leana Good-Simpson and John Navarra reported on the meeting they and representatives from other neighborhood groups such as Reiche and Waynflete schools attended last month with Portland Public Library Director Stephen Podgajny. The group began an assessment of the West End's literacy resources and will continue meeting in order to explore ways of sharing these resources more effectively.

After hearing the report, the consensus of opinion was that, worthy as this work may be, it is not a substitute for the year of systemic planning with community input to which the public library committed in exchange for an additional $30,000 in funding granted by the City Council. A motion was passed calling for a letter to be sent from WENA to Director Podgajny and the PPL trustees reminding them of their commitment and requesting information on how the city-wide planning will be organized and carried out. Concern was expressed that nearly two months have already passed since the Council's vote on May 16.

Jo Coyne reported that agreement has been reached by the various stakeholders to post the parking spaces in the small lot off Reiche Community Center for two-hours so that parking is available to swimmers, library patrons and other visitors. In the past, the small lot has generally been filled on school days by Reiche School staff. The change is experimental and will be monitored during the coming school year.

John Navarra agreed to coordinate planning for the community health day and picnic that WENA plans to sponsor in September. Those interested in helping with this project may contact John by email or by calling him at Portland West: 775-0105. A road race on local streets was suggested as a possible Healthy Day activity.

Mark Segar, Head of Waynflete School, and Anne Hagstrom, Director of Finance and Operations, spoke briefly about Waynflete and the school's ongoing efforts to reach out to its West End neighbors. Parking is a perpetual source of tension as Waynflete's on-campus lots hold only a small portion of the cars driven by staff and students. In exchange for the building permit granted to Waynflete for the 240-seat theater currently under construction, the City has required that a parking plan be developed. Waynflete encourages neighborhood residents interested in helping to address these and other concerns to email Anne Hagstrom or to phone her at 774-5721, ext. 227.

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Photos courtesy of Greater Portland Landmarks