Thanks to all who came to the meeting on Sunday. It was a great turnout with lots of good discussion. Remember, the only way we have a voice with the city is if we are organized into an association so it makes a great impression on our City Councilwoman, Ann Puzzello who was at the meeting when so many neighbors come.
Minutes:
1) Update on the Home a 1328 Hillcrest:
City Council Member, Ann Puzzello updated the neighborhood on the home at 1328 Hillcrest. The owner had intended to demolish the existing home and build a student apartment complex, however, because the fire department was going to require major modifications to the alley, the developer has since shelved his project for the time being. The status of the property is still up in the air. Ryan Dvorak mentioned that the Hillcrest property and another parcel in the neighborhood were rezoned as multi-family in the 2004 comprehensive rezoning ordinance. Residents might be able to challenge this rezoning in court because they didn’t receive the normal notice for rezoning. Also, he suggested neighbors be aware of notices they might receive regarding any potential rezoning requests elsewhere in the neighborhood.
2) Conservation District
Mary Ellen O’Connell introduced Amy Minnich from the Historic Preservation Commission to discuss the possible creation of a conservation district for our neighborhood. She explained that creating a district would create an additional step for someone who wanted to demolish a home in our neighborhood. Should the owner of the 1328 Hillcrest home want to move forward with a demolition and rebuild, the process could be slowed if we became a conservation district because an additional approval would be required. Amy explained that creating a conservation district is a lengthy process and would be initiated by the neighborhood sending a request to the Historic Preservation Commission. Our neighborhood would have to decide the level of conservation that we wanted to impose (i.e. what construction/changes that can be allowed, etc.) She explained that the homes in our neighborhood have already been surveyed so the process would be simplified for us.
Those present discussed the pros and cons of creating a conservation district. Amy Minnich is going to forward information to us about the process of setting up a district, as well as an explanation of the various criteria that could be imposed on such a district. Residents discussed providing feedback on the creation of a district via the neighborhood blog. We also discussed having another meeting in the next two months to revisit this issue.
3) Trees in Parkovash Park
Barb discussed that we have lost several trees at Parkovash Park and she requested a volunteer to work with the City Arborist to see if we can get replacements. Andrea Rogers volunteered to take on this project. Several trees in the neighborhood have recently been marked to be removed and it was suggested that we see if the city would pay to have the trees moved to the park. Barb also suggested that people work with the city/utility company if their trees have been marked for removal because it might be possible to save the tree. Ryan Dvorak, State Representative for the neighborhood, also suggested that people contact him about trees that are marked for removal and he can contact the utility companies to see if the trees can be saved.
Jo Broden suggested the possibility of adding a basketball hoop back into Parkovash Park. Residents discussed the pros and cons of adding a hoop and Jo Broden asked that the neighborhood board consider adding this to a future meeting agenda.
4) Community Garden
Residents had a brief discussion on the feasibility of creating a community garden. ______ suggested a portion of her property that is in full sun for the garden. The sunny lot on Angela next to the dentist office was also suggested, however, it was pointed out that this land is owned by Memorial Hospital so the other lot may be more ideal
5) Crime
Residents discussed recent occurrences of car and garage break-ins in the area. It was suggested that we utilize the city’s current crime watch program and see if the city will consider our neighborhood one area, rather than two, to allow a better flow of information. We discussed that when someone involved in the program receives a call about crime in the area, they should contact the neighborhood association to see that this information is shared with other neighbors via the email distribution list. We also discussed the lack of a police presence in our neighborhood and it was suggested that all instances of crime should be reported to the police as they may increase their patrols in the neighborhood.
6) Leslie Viktora who lives at 305 Wakewa asked for some help from anyone in the neighborhood to get her overgrown yard back in shape. Since the death of her parents, the Shapiro’s, she has had a hard time keeping up the house and yard. Leslie said anyone who helps is welcome to some of the plants that will need to be cleaned out. Leslie will contact us with a good date and we can send out an email.
7) Upcoming Parties/Activities
-Fourth of July / 10 am Bike Parade at Nokomis Park / 1 pm games
-Yard Sale – 3rd Saturday in August. Give Buffy Pennino a buck if you will be participating in the yard sale to help with advertising costs
-Neighborhood Party – It was suggested that we have a party, possibly the day after the garage sale. We can apply for a $200 grant from the city to help with the cost of the party.
-Halloween Party
-Plant exchange in the spring? Also in the fall when some plants go dormant.
-Next meeting: in September, or possibly earlier to discuss the Conservation District.
