Administration Committee report by Nancy Centz Lorraine announced that Tess Reiss has resigned from the RNA Board. Her involvement in the development of the RNA and her dedication to the neighborhood was acknowledged. Tess will continue to manage the RNA e-mail list, RNAmail. The Board will invite 6th District Ald. Mike McGee to the May RNA general meeting. City Wide Housing Coalition report by Jeff Barke A survey of the neighborhood housing stock will be undertaken between April 24 and May 8. Once completed, this information will be entered in a database and the city will follow up with property owners for necessary repairs. Volunteers are needed. Development Group Committee report by Jeff Barke The committee is drafting an RNA Position Paper on the North Ave. Reservoir reconstruction. An e-mail message from Carrie Lewis of Milwaukee Water Works indicates that scale models of the city plan for the Reservoir will be available soon. 5th District Crime Meeting report by Jim Wilson There have been arrests for graffiti near Weil and Meinecke and arrests for car break-ins on the East Side, including Riverwest. There is a “saturation patrol” of officers in the neighborhood seeking to decrease “small” burglaries. Tim Vertz provided an update on street lighting initiatives: Coupons from Home Depot for back yard lighting will be available soon to RNA for distribution to neighbors, and the city has completed a Riverwest lighting survey that resulted in the repair of 36 light fixtures. Also, two areas of the neighborhood were determined to benefit from additional lighting and this is being accomplished. Guardians of Green Space report by Vince Bushell Planting days are planned for Snail’s Crossing Park in April and May. Students from Fratney, Pierce, and UWM have been working on creating tiles for the mosaic that will be installed during May. Home Depot and Minor’s Garden Center have provided supplies and support. The Gordon Park sculpture will be installed in May. Shawn Smart updated those present with information about the opening ceremony for Kilbourn Park, scheduled for Friday, May 21. The daylong event includes tree-planting, activities for children, and music. See page 4 for more details. Holton Street Revitalization Committee report by Jim Wilson The committee continues to work with business owners to define their concerns and build community. The committee will be collecting demographics and other statistics of interest to entrepreneurs considering locations in Riverwest. Don Sargent is applying for federal funds which would be offered as New Market Tax Credits to new business owners who demonstrate commitment to the Riverwest neighborhood. Jeff Barke has compiled a roster of property ownership along Holton Street and will make this available on the RNA link of the Riverwest Currents website. • Safe & Sound Program Carla Washington spoke about the Safe & Sound program, a community based anti-crime initiative that works to provide positive alternatives for youth, facilitate police-community organizing, and encourage tough law enforcement. Riverwest is one of their target areas. For more info call 414/220-4798. • Select Milwaukee This organization provides home ownership consultation and advocacy. Ms. Irma Yepez explained that Select Milwaukee is a not-for-profit organization that provides advice, guidance, information, and resources for successful home purchase. For more info call 414/562-5070 or go to 2209 N. Martin Luther King Dr. • County Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., shared information regarding a “Money Conference” at MATC Saturday, May 8, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshops and seminars on personal finance include credit, home buying, budgeting, investing, etc. Special programs for children are offered. A free credit report is available to all who attend. The fee, $10 for adults and $5 for children, includes lunch. For more info: www.assetbuilders.org, 1-866-304-6896 (toll free) or Johnson’s office at 414/ 278-4233. Youth Issues Committee report by Self Wise Allah Work continues on the roster of youth-related Riverwest activities, events, and resources. Contact the committee via e-mail at riverwestyouth@yahoo.com and phone, 414/698-8101. They welcome input for the youth resource list as well as hearing from Riverwest youth who are interested in participating on the committee. Riverwest residents who want to join RNAmail, an e-mail service of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association, can e-mail rnamail@yahoo.com. RNA meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the YMCA-CDC on Center St.
minutes taken by Lorraine Jacobs