November 2, 2011 Meeting Minutes
Preservation Station, November 2, 2011, 6:35 pm, Amberley Pyles, presiding
Board Member Attendance:
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Term ending August 2012 |
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Term ending August 2013 |
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Anderson, Bonnie |
x |
Bloom, Greg |
x |
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Donaldson, David |
x |
Bromberg, Ryan |
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Gonzalez, Moises |
x |
Candelaria, Annabel |
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Grant, Steve |
x |
Carson, Ann |
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Pyles, Amberley |
x |
Forrester, Phoenix |
x |
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Spittler, Lee |
x |
Grassel, Kathy |
x |
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Thornton, Karla |
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Minutes from October 5 were approved.
Redistricting—Councilor Isaac Benton attended the meeting to report the latest re the possibility that District #3 moving to the West Side. Due to the shifting demographics favoring the West Side, one district will be removed from the East Side. Councilor Benton said that at the time of the 2000 census, the Mid-Heights district was identified for removal, and that this option should be brought back to the table. He said the mayor is sympathetic, but fellow city councilors less so, saying also that the issue could end up in court. He suggested letters to individual councilors. Among the numerous plans, Benton points to Plan N and Plan V as favorable to our district.
Discussion: We need our own representation based on issues unique to historic districts. If we are absorbed into unrelated districts, our influence would be diluted. Huning Highlands is distinguished by old infrastructure, ethnic diversity, status as a historic neighborhood, and other issues requiring council oversight.
Action: Email a letter to each councilor. Steve will check the council agenda. Greg will visit Benton’s office and contact Robin Otten at Family and Community Services to ask her to represent our position.
Fire Station—Councilor Benton remained to introduce Fire Chief James Breen to address the planned relocation of the fire station, long a familiar fixture at Silver and High, the final decision for relocation appearing to escape the attention of concerned and interested residents of Huning Highlands. To the knowledge of residents, the station was to be remodeled and fitted with additions. Au contraire, the land will be sold and the fire station itself demolished or re-purposed. It was decided that the new location, being larger to accommodate infrastructure and fire engines, would better serve the greater good. Chief Breen was equivocal about whether the relocation would better serve Huning Highlands and environs. He did say that the relocation covers a service gap so the overall system will be better served. Our neighborhood will be served by the existing station at Silver and 8th, which purportedly has an 8-minute response time.
Discussion: Greg commented that these older houses burn faster that even with the proximity and response time of the current station it is difficult to get to the fire in time. He spoke for the community in questioning the process by which the decisions were made, but because it’s a “done deal,” best to concentrate our efforts on the disposition of the structure. Chief Breen assured residents that the station will be maintained until occupied.
Parking at 119 Arno SE—Moises went to the zoning meeting to say that the hearing examiner didn’t approve it until there would be a landscaping plan and until neighborhood associations were consulted. Moises reported that there had been no contact with him at that point. An application for conditional use has to meet certain criteria, which, if granted, is limited to two years.
Action: Moises will attend the November zoning meeting. The neighborhood will maintain a position of opposition pending new information.
Counseling Center at 416 Arno SE—Phoenix went to the hearing and spoke against the use of the house as a business during the work week. Her experience with the renters and owners has not been pleasant. The judge ruled against the use of the house for the business, but an appeal is possible and likely.
Highland Park—Amberley emailed Diane about a meeting to present the final design. The next step is finding funding.
Newsletter—Greg announced deadline for article submission as Fri, Nov. 11.
Adjourned: 7:40 pm
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 7
