May Meeting Minutes

Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting

6:30pm | Preservation Station

Here is a summary of the May 3 meeting.

CENTRAL UNDERPASS

Jen gave an update on the recent press conference held at the Underpass with many news organizations in attendance.  The neighbors at the meeting applauded her work on obtaining signatures from 150 residents in support of the request to have the current underpass replaced with an at-grade crossing at the railroad tracks.  One neighbor commented that Jen’s work had led to more progress on this troublesome issue than she had seen in her 20 years in the neighborhood.  A representative from the City, Aaron Nieto, said he would bring plans for the at-grade crossing to our June meeting

STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING ISSUES WITH HOMELESS PEOPLE

A representative from the City dealing with homeless issues, Elizabeth Holguin, spoke about the complexity of finding solutions for homeless people causing disturbances.  She cited a personal example where an act of kindness in offering food and conversation helped to ease a difficult situation.  She said if a weapon is observed, the police should be contacted.  If belongings block a public sidewalk, contacting 311 will alert the appropriate City agency for removal.  

RECENT FIRES

There was a lengthy discussion regarding fires that have been set in our neighborhood.  A representative from the Fire Department working on arson investigations fielded dozens of questions.  He spoke about various levels of monetary damage caused by a fire (per incident), and noted that motive was another consideration when addressing fires set by unauthorized people on both private and public property.  The recent destruction of 119 High SE, including damage to the neighboring properties, put this recent fire in the felony category.  The suspect’s prior fires have not been this significant and although he was arrested a week ago, he was released because the district attorney’s office did not file a motion to detain him.  We were assured that this time the DA’s office planned to vigorously defend a motion to detain the suspected arsonist to prevent further harm to the neighborhood.  One neighbor pointed to the recently vacated Creamland Dairy building, speculating that it was vulnerable to a fire.  He promised to bring more information about this building to our next meeting.

The next meeting will be June 7.