Committee Reports / June, 2004 • YMCA CDC – Riverwest Minutes taken by Lorraine Jacobs Announcements Ted Anderson, representing Wisconsin Community Services, provided information on the many services and programs available to Milwaukee citizens who encounter the criminal justice system. Materials were distributed to those attending. Committee Reports Holton Street Revitalization Don Sargent (Riverworks Development Corp.) / Jim Wilson (YMCA) reporting The city has announced availability of funds for the Main Street program, and Riverworks will apply for Center Street between Humboldt Boulevard and Holton Street. Although Center Street may not be as strong as some of the other applicants at this time, it’s important to continue with the application process. Don Sargent and Jim Wilson will continue to work with business owners to strengthen collaboration and development activity. Development Committee Sonya Jongsma Knauss reporting A proposed Reservoir Revitalization Position Paper was presented. The document summarizes RNA opinions and suggestions for the proposed revitalization of this area of Kilbourn Park along North Avenue. A few editing suggestions were made and the paper was unanimously approved. It has been sent to the Department of City Development, Water Works, Aldermen, and others. The Andy Bussalacci condo development on Burleigh is progressing and condos may be available for sale as early as fall 2004. A map of the Josey Heights development was distributed by Crystal Graf, assistant to Ald. Mike D’Amato, as an example of the type of development that could be considered for the Johnson Control land in Riverwest. The space in Riverwest is much smaller and still needs remediation. Graf also asked for interested neighbors to serve on a planning committee for the linear parkland along the old railroad right-of-way between Burleigh and Keefe. Guardians of Green Space Vince Bushell reporting The city has received a $125,000 brownfield remediation grant from the DNR, directed to rehabilitation of the land at Garden Park, which will likely begin in the fall. Although current planting will be disturbed in the process, the space will be returned to gardens and will be managed by Milwaukee Urban Gardens (MUG) with neighbor input and programming. Discussion and updates continue on the progress of the Beerline trail along the Milwaukee River. A section of land owned by ReadCo continues to delay completion of the loop. Meetings to discuss final a decision regarding a swap of land with adjacent county land have ended without firm commitments. Federal funding will be lost if work on the trail does not begin within a month. A letter of support from RNA for completion of the trail in a timely manner to avoid losing the federal funds was presented and approved. Information and photos were distributed regarding the David Middlebrook public art sculpture to be installed in Gordon Park this summer. Additional members are being sought for the Guardians of Green Space Committee. Youth Committee Self Wise Allah reporting Final editing is being accomplished on the Riverwest Neighborhood Youth Directory, and the committee is working on plans for the Gordon Park Fourth of July Talent Contest. Administration Nancy Centz reporting Nancy Centz confirmed that the final piece of information was now added to the application for RNA nonprofit status. Lorraine Jacobs sought and received consensus approval to extend the sympathy and condolences of the members of the RNA to the family and friends of Tia Woodley and Temisha Warren. District 5 Police /Neighborhood Update Meeting Jim Wilson/Tim Vertz reporting A Red Cross Life Saving Class will be offered in the neighborhood. The district currently has a higher incidence of thefts (not robberies); otherwise, our statistics are compatible to those of other districts. Neighbors are cautioned to secure equipment and valuables, and to watch out for each other’s property. We were reminded that it is necessary to call the district police station in addition to contacting the Grafitti hotline when reporting an incident. City Wide Housing Coalition Jim Wilson reporting Letters were sent to 65 property owners notifying them of needed repairs. Follow-up will be done with the city. YMCA has a funding program available to assist homeowners with minor repairs, max. $750. See Jim Wilson at 604 E. Center St. for an application. Other Jim Wilson announced that Rafael Garcia was hired recently as assistant in the CDC office on Center Street. Tim Vertz met with representatives of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association. They plan to discuss collaborative neighborhood association projects. It was approved by consensus that the RNA support this collaborative effort and that Tim Vertz represent RNA at future meetings. Next RNA meeting: Tues., July 13, 7 p.m., YMCA CDC, 604 E. Center St. Possible agenda items include Water Works Commissioner Carrie Lewis’s presentation of Reservoir models. Also on the agenda: a Center Street liquor license and extended hours for Judy’s Red Hots on Holton.