The meeting was held at the Sherwood Forest Presbyterian Church and ran from approximately 6–7:45 PM. About 30 people were in attendance, with Association President, Russell Jones, presiding.

Russell began the meeting by stating that we would focus on two issues, crime and safety. He had invited three Columbia police officers with responsibilities to our neighborhood to the meeting because of a rash of recent break-ins.

Captain Hendrix (329-9146 – cell) said that 6 break-ins had been attributed to one man who is breaking and entering during the afternoons – usually going through a (back) window and out a door. He is quick, working alone, and tends to take small valuables. The police know a good bit about him and are hope to apprehend him soon. They stressed that neighborhood involvement is key to catching people like this. They encouraged calling 911 if you ever see anyone or anything suspicious. They would rather have calls that turn out to be nothing than risk missing something important. You can also call the non-emergency number (252-2911) at other times with information or concerns.

Captain Hendrix introduced Officer Folding who has direct responsibility for our neighborhood. He cell phone number is 354- 2759. Post this number next to your phone or enter it into your cell phones so that it will be handy when you need it. See the related article on our website about two break-ins that happened two days after this meeting to see how access to Officer Folding’s number helped arrest the perpetrators almost immediately.

We also had a presentation from a crime prevention officer who talked about the Neighborhood Watch program. We have scheduled the month of April, particularly the weekend of April 21 and 22 to have the crime prevention unit do a security survey of our neighborhood. This involves individual home owners signing up to have an officer look at your home and grounds for safety features. They will spend about 5 minutes looking for specific features and then will make recommendations as to how to improve security of your property. You do not have to follow their recommendations, but we need 80% of the neighborhood to have the surveys performed to get approved as a “Crime Watch” neighborhood so that we can put of new Crime Watch signs. Please call 545-3555 directly to schedule a security survey or to ask questions. You can also contact Russell Jones to sign up (email above). If you call to schedule your own appointment, please let Russell know.

After the presentations by the police officers, Russell announced that Sherwood Forest Neighborhood Association (SFNA) dues have been reduced from $30 a year to $10 a year, on a rolling basis. Dues will be due a year from the date last paid.

In an effort to encourage neighborhood awareness and identity, the Executive Committee approved printing of small bumper stickers with the neighborhood logo. Russell had these to hand out at the meeting. They are free and will be distributed to all who want them. They will be used as a part of a campaign to increase membership in the neighborhood association, as well. April will see a focus on a membership drive.

Residents of the neighborhood should see benefits of the SFNA in increased safety and security. In addition to the above-noted initiatives, Russell has been working with both the City and SCDOT to find ways to calm traffic in the neighborhood. Currently under consideration are speed humps on Kalmia, and perhaps Yale and Duncan and/or Wilmot. Please let Russell know your opinions on speed humps and where you might like to see them. Russell’s email is southcarolinarealtor@gmail.com. Our new Safety Committee chair is John Hudson.

Russell also talked about new in-fill development in the neighborhood. A representative of the Planned Unit Development on the corner of Azalea and Beltline emphasized that this mini-development was being designed to be an asset to our neighborhood, with vegetative buffers between the development and Beltline. The units are planned to sell in the $150,000 to $200,000 price range and will have two parking spaces per unit (4 buildings, with a total of 8 condos).

The final announcement of the meeting was a reminder that there will be a celebration this Saturday, March 31st at 1:30 of the completion of the CANDO grant from the City to install the gardens along the out side of the Belser Arboretum along Wilmot and Bloomwood. This will take place on the Bloomwood side of the arboretum. Both arboretum gates will be open from 1-4 for general visitation. All are welcome and encouraged to come see this beautiful urban forest in our midst and to see the changes that have occurred there since Dr. Pat DeCoursey of the USC biology department has taken on its management. Volunteer greeters will be at both gates and inside the arboretum to help guide visitors and provide information. Informational brochures will be available as well.

Valerie Marcil, arboretum liaison, also announced that a beautiful new wrought iron gate has been installed at the Bloomwood entrance to the arboretum, thanks to an anonymous donation through USC. She noted that additional funds of $4,000 to $5,000 would be needed for a similar gate on the Wilmot side. [Since this announcement we have learned of another donation that has provided the entire amount for this second gate – see related article on the website.]

Speaking of the CANDO grants, Russell noted that the City is thinking of dropping this funding source for neighborhoods from their budget. He asked that if you know the Mayor or Council members to please contact them to ask that they continue the grants. Our neighborhood may be the recipient of a National Neighborhood Association Award as a result of our CANDO grant. Keep your fingers crossed!


Look around our website, www.sherwoodforestneighbors.org, for more information and contacts!