Sedgwick Farms Neighborhood Association

Today my husband, daughter, and I attended our first meeting of the Sedgwick Farms Neighborhood Association (SFNA) - which took place at the Sedgwick Farms Tennis Club. We figured it would be a good way to meet some neighbors, and learn about the key issues facing the neighorhood.

It was a good experience. We met a number of nice people (about 20 people attended the meeting, including three sets of new neighbors and Syracuse city councilor Jake Barrett), and learned quite a few things. Here are the main topics that were discussed:

• The association is replacing the light at the entrance to the neighborhood (next to the sign for the neighborhood at Sedgwick Drive and James Street). It has been broken for some time.

• This year's Halloween event will take place Sunday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. Neighborhood children, grandchildren, and friends can pick up a trick or treat map at 115 Wendall "Scare-ace" (Terrace hehe), and there are snacks and activity stops along the route. The event differs from past years that involved a party at the Sedgwick Farms Tennis Club. From what I gathered there are fewer young children in the neighborhood (or at least in the Sedgwick preservation district); thus, it made sense to skip the party this year.

• The most heavily discussed topic was the association's membership. I believe they said that there are 200-something houses in the Sedgwick preservation district and about 90-some of them are paid members of the association (though only 60-some have paid so far this year). While this amount of revenue (annual dues are $50) is sufficient for the association's expenses, some meeting attendees seem to think there is more the association can do to increase its membership/paid membership. One gentleman said by his estimate there are over 1,000 houses in the greater Sedgwick neighborhood, and that it would be good to target all of these people including those outside the preservation district. He said the Eastwood Neighborhood Association is a great model as they have attracted over 800 members and have quite a few events.Currently, neighborhood residents who live outside of the Sedgwick preservation district must be "sponsored" to become official members of the association (though generally speaking they can participate in the association's events). Association board members said there was talk several years ago of not requiring those outside the preservation district to obtain sponsorship, but this proposal was met with little interest. In addition, considering the association has not been able to recruit the majority of preservation district residents as paid members, it doesn't necessarily make sense to target people outside the district. My family and I technically live outside the district, but were told we would surely be sponsored to become official members of the association (though membership is free your first year in the neighborhood). As part of the discussion, the topic of designating "block leaders" was suggested. This could be a way to get the overall neighborhood more engaged with the association. In addition, meeting attendees were encouraged to update the association when they are aware of new neighbors. 

• Every so often, a member of the association volunteers to host a cocktail mixer for all association members. Hosts simply provide their home, paper plates, and napkins. The association provides the glasses, and guests bring a bottle of something as well as an appetizer or dessert.

We are looking forward to attending future SFNA meetings and events!