Holton Street/Center Street Revitalization Committee The Riverwest Currents article regarding Holton Street was discussed. Holton Street Revitalization committee members plan to go door-to-door along Holton Street to distribute information about Riverwest Neighborhood Association, city services, listen to resident concerns, and note buildings in need of repair. Revitalization Committee The committee will draft a position paper to present to the full RNA for approval or modification summarizing Riverwest Neighborhood Association recommendations regarding restoration/reclamation of the Reservoir in Kilbourn Park. In addition, the Riverwest Investment Cooperative is holding informational meetings and continuing to recruit new investors. Watch RNA Mail for updates. Ald. Mike D’Amato announced that City of Milwaukee representatives recently sought federal funds for various projects, including environmental clean up of the Johnson Controls/Badger Meter “brownfield” bordered by Weil Street, Bremen Street, Auer Avenue and Concordia Street. It is anticipated that $1 million in federal money will be committed to this clean up, with additional funding provided by Johnson Controls. It is planned that the space will be “cleaned” to a depth of eight feet so it can be approved for single family dwellings. The land, owned by Johnson Controls, would likely be sold to a developer who will be limited to re-selling the property by individual lots. Deed restrictions will limit the size and design of structures. It was agreed that the RNA will write a letter in support of this funding with the additional insistence upon neighbor involvement in the clean up decision making and subsequent development of the land. Guardians of Greenspace Glenda Puhek explained that an application has been submitted for a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board for a book project regarding development of Snail’s Crossing Park. Neighbor work days are scheduled for spring and summer. Shawn Smart updated members on the Kilbourn Park/COA neighborhood meeting, specifically that a celebration is being planned for the park on May 21, 2004. It will include children from neighborhood schools, a tree planting and other activities. Also, plans for a Spring installation of the David Middlebrook sculpture, incorporating neighbor handprints, in Gordon Park, are being finalized. Youth Issues Committee The committee is researching and compiling a list of opportunities for Youth in Riverwest. Input will be actively sought from the community. They may pursue a Greening Milwaukee project for Pierce School playground improvement. Administrative/steering Committee Work continues on finalizing the Federal application for Non-Profit status. Copies of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association Goals for 2004 were distributed. Crime & Safety Report Concerns at the recent meeting were an increase in “tagging” and several recent auto thefts in the neighborhood. A discussion regarding “tagging” included suggestions for helping the police follow up and strategies for removal. Call the Department of Neighborhood Services, 286-2268 or 5th District Community liaison Office Bruce Scott at 935-7258 for further details and reporting. New state legislation for CD resales requires pawnshops to collect and record personal information from a seller at time of sale. City Wide Housing Coalition This coalition of non-profit community based organizations works to identify and take action on properties that have serious building code violations. Jeff Barke will represent Riverwest, as it has not had a liason in recent years.
minutes taken by Lorraine Jacobs