Minutes | May 4, 2022
Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting
6:30pm | Preservation Station
119 HIGH SE – HOMEWISE REPORT
Carl Davis from Homewise passed around copies of the plans for renovating this neglected property into eight condos (six in the main building and two in the back unit) priced for middle and low-middle income families. The only question from neighbors was about the plan for parking, since there was no parking shown on the plans. Carl said that they were planning to arrange for low or no-cost parking on a vacant lot near the property. Neighbors applauded the overall renovation of this property, which has sat vacant for over a decade.
INTRODUCTION OF COUNCILOR BENTON
OFFICER REPORT
The officer reported on recent property crime in the neighborhood. One neighbor asked what the City could do to prevent dangerous illegal vehicle turns at Arno and Central. The officer responded that traffic violations are a lower priority than other calls and that with current police staffing, diverting officers to this intersection on a regular basis was unlikely. Councilor Benton noted that the construction of low curbs to prevent illegal turns at this intersection was a solution that would have to go through Traffic Engineering. He encouraged neighbors to report traffic violations to 311, get a ticket number, and report that number to his office so that he can follow up if no action is taken.
DISPENSARY – WHOLE HOG SITE
David Tanner reported that the EDo Board had invited the owners of the property to their Board meeting the next day to consider their request for a variance for an eight-foot security fence minus the razor wire. Neighbors seem to be less concerned about the dispensary than a grow facility that was rumored to be in planning for the parking lot just north of the building.
NEIGHBORHOOD WALKABILITY
Jen Esquivel requested of Councilor Benton that the striping for parking lanes and crosswalks be refreshed and that City crews see to the proper trimming of street trees that currently block road signs. She emphasized that such improvements, long overdue, would enhance the appearance of this historic neighborhood. Councilor Benton explained that road restriping was done on a schedule and that he could provide that schedule if he received a list of the streets and their boundaries for the neighborhood. In addition, he asked neighbors to partner with the City and use the 311 call line to report situations that pose safety risks, such as a tree that has limbs blocking a road sign.
David Tanner asked the Board to submit a letter of support for the proposed elimination of the dogleg on Tijeras at the intersection with Broadway and MLK. This is a dangerous intersection and returning the intersection to a more historic grid would add to walkability and provide a link to the upcoming hike/bike trail along the railroad tracks leading from Downtown to the Railyard. The Board voted to submit such a letter.
Councilor Benton reported that after many delays, he was hopeful that the City would be installing traffic lights on Walter at Lead and Coal this summer.
