Do Businesses Belong in Bala Cynwyd Civic Association?

The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd had a more contentious meeting than usual Tuesday night, as supporters and opponents of a proposal to relax membership requirements went at it.

The proposed change to the civic association's bylaws would make eligible some owners of Bala Cynwyd businesses and residents in the "vicinity" of the neighborhood, rather than only Bala Cynwyd residents.

Some supporters suggested the move could mitigate the club's reputation for being tough on the business community. Some opponents considered the move shortsighted and said residents could regret ceding part of their neighborhood's voice in government to business owners.

Club president John Grugan tried to keep the discussion civil, saying, "Let's let the other civics be the ones that tear at each other. Let's instead resolve to believe in each others’ sincerity. Generally speaking, we always come out in the right place."

Before the meeting ended, the proposal was diverted to a subcommittee for further examination.

The Board of Directors also nominated its 20 members for the year ahead, including three newcomers—Joseph Farah, Mike Utkus and Shifra Vega—who qualify for membership under the existing bylaws, club officials said.

Elections are set for the annual meeting in November.

Do you agree or disagree that the Neighborhood Club should amend its membership policy? Why? Tell us in the comments section below.

Board of Directors nominations

Officers: Terms expiring December 2013

Amara M. Briggs, President 

Jerry Skillings, Vice President

Meredith Toole, Secretary

Casey O'Bannon, Treasurer

Robert Zimmerman, Solicitor

John C. Grugan, Past President

Directors: Terms expiring December 2013

Laurie Actman  

*Joseph Farah

Maxine Goldberg

David I. Haas

Frances McComb  

*Mike Utkus

*Shifra Vega

Directors: Terms expiring December 2014

Eric Foster

Anne M. Greenhalgh

Roger Moog

Alison Munoz

Dan Russoniello

Sara Pevaroff Schuh

Merle Zucker