ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

The organization was founded in 1941 as Piedmont Pines Club, Inc. In 2004, the association revised its By-laws, adopted a new name (Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association), created a new logo, and re-incorporated.

An incorporated association representing 1350 properties has much more effect on the city planning process than any individual can possibly bring to bear.  Its size also makes investment in legal expenses more feasible than if individuals acted alone. 

MISSION

Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association, Inc. is a non-profit association of home and property owners organized for their welfare and the improvement of Piedmont Pines. 

FOCUS
The Board operates with the following focus:

• Implement Strategic Plan
• Establish flow of information to and from government agencies on issues that affect our neighborhood
• Maintain a strong and clear voice with city officials on critical issues
• Research and produce facts, experts, perspective and funds to present the most compelling case possible to decisionmakers. 
• Maintain the beauty of Piedmont Pines; keep streets well-maintained and tidy.
• Protect the environment within our boundaries

VISION STATEMENT (to be realized by 2009)

Piedmont Pines will be a scenically beautiful, diverse community
dedicated to quality schools, neighborhood safety
and living in harmony with our natural environment.

GOALS: 2004 – 2007 (to be achieved by 2007)
For objectives, progress on a goal, click below on its link.

• Achieve 100% emergency preparedness
• Achieve underground wiring
• Develop and implement a traffic and parking management plan with the city
• Maintain and improve the natural and built environment: Castle Canyon, views, design review.
• Support the public schools
  

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2004

• Completed Association's first-ever strategic plan
• Established committees to implement strategic plan objectives
• Began emergency response training (CORE)
• Conducted photo survey of parking and traffic hotspots as basis for improvement plan
• Renamed and dedicated Marj Saunders Park at intersection of Ascot and Chelton
• Revised By-laws and expanded boundaries to include contiguous streets not represented by a sister neighborhood association; re-incorporated association under new name

2003

• Successfully concluded negotiations with property developers and the City to preserve nearly 10 acres of pristine land in Castle Canyon.
• In conjunction with the Montclair Safety and Improvement Council, made major progress on battling the epidemic of mail theft in our neighborhoods.
• Began work on an update to our By-laws, which were created in 1941 and amended only once, in 1951. This will include a review of our boundaries, with an eye on including nearby neighborhoods currently not represented by an association.
• Continued pressure on utility companies to bring our request for Undergrounding to conclusion.
• Participated in public debate to oppose loosening of parking restrictions and permitting requirements for Secondary Units.

2002

• Defeated Caltrans proposal to install sound walls along Highway 13.
• Website remodeled and Open Forum launched for members to share opinions, ideas and recommendations.
• Continued negotiations for Utility Undergrounding with utilities, City.

2001

• Continued negotiations with utilities, City for Utility Undergrounding .
• Continuednegotiations to preserve Castle Canyon, and to use Measure K funds to purchase as parkland.

2000

• Council voted to create utility undergrounding district. By year's end, PG&E declares bankruptcy, putting all undergrounding projects on hold. CPUC stalled its decision while bankruptcy issues shake out.
• Filed application to use Measure K (open space) funds to purchase Castle Canyon as open space.
• Launched our first website.

1999

• Developer filed 17-home proposal for Castle Canyon; Piedmont Pines organizes battle to oppose EIR.
• Piedmont Pines hits top of list for neighborhoods waiting for undergrounding of utility lines. Information campaign organized. Block Captain network organized. Show of interest vote taken. Utilities dispute extent of streets qualifying for subsidy.
• Computerized database of 1200 homes and established e-mail network.
• Sponsor-level dues at $50 instituted to cover short-term non-recurring costs of undergrounding and canyon preservation.

Historical Perspective

Piedmont Pines Club was formed in 1941 when the Tract was developing. It operated with two primary goals: To get neighbors acquainted and to provide a public medium for members to express themselves on community problems. There were business meetings, social events and action committees. Action committees stayed busy with building restrictions, streets, transportation, construction of new schools. There was even a Plans Approval Committee that reviewed every new house, concentrating on two questions: Is the builder doing a good job for the buyer? Is the house in keeping with its surroundings? Such authority is no longer legal, but it served to make Piedmont Pines the special place it is today. Following is a snapshot of accomplishments over 60 years:

Schools:1949
The Club lobbied to end bussing our children into Glenview, and successfully negotiated the purchase of the old Boy Scout Camp,"Camp Diamond," now the site of both Joaquin Miller Elementary and Montera Middle schools. The property cost $52,000, $25,000 of which was raised from neighbors through subscriptions.
Sewers:1962
The club pushed for and won a long-delayed replacement of septic tanks with sewers.

Shell Oil Pipeline:1965
The Club successfully lobbied against this intrusive installation along Skyline Blvd.

Chelton slide restoration:1968
A huge slide on Chelton near Chelsea blocked the road for 2 years. Piedmont Pines Club stepped in to add pressure on city agencies to get the slide removed and the road reopened.

Widening Skyline Blvd:1974
The Club defeated a plan to widen Skyline Blvd. into a four lane highway.

Beaconsfield Canyon:1987
The club convinced the City to buy the property that surrounds the Painted Rocks thus defeating a 16-home development. The land remains as open space.

Fire Suppression:
Long before the advent of Green Bins for yard debris, the Club organized chipping services throughout its neighborhoods. This service reduced fire fuel and helped keep yards neat and tidy. Today, to supplement Green Bin disposal, the Club sponsors a debris dumpster at the Painted Rocks in conjunction with Earth Day in April of each year.

Land along Skyline Boulevard:
The Club has protected City-owned lots along Skyline Boulevard from sale and development. The Club has lobbied for replacement of parkland that was taken over during construction of the Chabot Space and Science Center.

Sulphur Springs & Painted Rocks:
The Club has prevented development and deterioration of Sulphur Springs at Ascot and Chelton and has advocated in favor of our neighborhood "newspaper," the Painted Rocks. Each year, in conjunction with Earth Day, the Club sets aside a weeding and clean-up day for that area in order to keep the welcome mat into Piedmont Pines pristine. In 2004, the park was dedicated and renamed, Marj Saunders Park.