CHCA hopes to raise money to close a projected budget gap.

 

The Chestnut Hill Community Association (CHCA) is looking for ways to close a projected budget shortfall for the budget year that runs April 1, 2011 – Marh 31, 2012.

The three main sources of revenue for the nonprofit organization consist of memberships, grants, and events.

Membership is down from previous years, and with annual membership fees at $50, the CHCA would need an additional 160 ($8,000) members to maintain their budget.

To help attract new members, board members were encouraged to solitic new members outside of Chestnut Hill. “We all benefit from Chestnut Hill, let’s join the CHCA,” proclaimed Board Member Jonna Naylor, highlighting the allure of Chestnut Hill. Naylor emphasized that one does not need to live in Chestnut Hill to become a member.

In addition to membership concerns, board member Richard Snowden pointed out the need to improve the infrastructure of Chestnut Hill. Snowden proposed that the CHCA further examine the physical needs of the community, from street lamp maintenance to pedestrian crosswalk materials – all things that require that elusive dollar.

“We want these nice things, we have to pay for it,” said Snowden.

Other board members proposed that a committee be formed with a representative from the CHCA, the Business Improvement District (BID), the Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation, and the Chestnut Hill Business Association (CHBA). This group would be responsible for researching areas that may need improvement and meeting with a local councilperson to discuss their findings.

 

In Search of a Community Manager

Committee members drafted a job description for the proposed community manager position. The position would act as an executive director of the CHCA and serve as a liaison between the nonprofit and the community it serves.

“We want someone who is good at delegating (responsibilities),” stated Board Member Mike Chomentowski. “This person will be a constant as board members come and go.”

The group unanimously approved the job description and a formal search will commence for a proper candidate.

 

The Chestnut Hill Local

Also up for review was the budget for the Local, a weekly newspaper and online publication that is partially funded by the CHCA. Associate Publisher Larry Hochberger was on hand to discuss the budget he drafted for the board.

Revenue for the paper has risen in the past year, which Hochberger attributes to new software and a concentration on their online efforts. Increased revenue is not the only thing Hochberger had to be proud of.

“I’m happy to report that we were recognized for several Pennsylvania Keystone Awards,” Hochberger added.

 

SEPTA needs the space

Representatives from SEPTA were on hand to discuss construction that has started on the Chestnut Hill East Yard. SEPTA is upgrading the tracks so it can store 47 new train cars that it has ordered. Ten vehicle parking spaces have been blocked off during the construction phase that is scheduled to end in late summer.

 

Chili Cook-off

The Chestnut Hill Rotary will host a Chili Cook-off this Sunday from 2-6 p.m. It will be held at the Lutheran Theological Seminary. The cost is $10, children under 5 eat for free. Tickets will be available at the door.