Minutes | February 2020
Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting
february 5, 2020
6:30pm | Preservation Station
MINUTES:
Minutes from January 2020 were read and approved. Attendees introduced themselves briefly.
OFFICER REPORT:
Officers explained there was an uptick in crime in our area in January.
ARNO STREET DEVELOPMENT:
Vince explained that he is waiting for the City to issue an RFP for the areas under MRA (metropolitan redevelopment area) designation. He plans to submit a proposal, previously brought to the HHHDA, for residential units on the Arno property south of the Standard Diner, in combination with the proposal by Rob Dixon for residential units on the lot of the former Pop ‘n’ Taco (also previously brought to the HHHDA).
COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE:
Bonnie explained that a new shade structure was going up this year with donated materials.
COMMITTEE REPORTS – PRESERVING EVIDENCE
Ann reported that her committee has been going through boxes of donated historic records of neighborhood activity. Comments from neighbors speculated on having some of this material available digitally in an archive….perhaps sorted by house address.
Ann also discussed the cost of preparing a neighborhood pamphlet for free distribution at local businesses. Comments from neighbors questioned if this was the best use of resources since it was a static document. No decisions were made.
COMMITTEE REPORTS – SOCIAL OUTREACH
David summarized the work of this committee pointing to an expanded effort to make the next event, the Easter Egg Hunt, bigger and better than ever!
COMMITTEE REPORTS – RESCUING PROPERTIES
Ben explained that the committee has not yet met, but work is continuing on 615 Arno SE. Ben will be appearing in front of a City hearing asking the City to consider providing some policy option for neglected properties, other than simply securing the property and demolition. A neighbor suggested that we need some sort of eminent domain policy that allowed the City to take over a property at some point and offer it for sale. New neighbors Gabriel and Hanna shared their plans for restoring the property they purchased recently, connecting with neighbors who have been on a similar path.
