July Meeting Minutes
Huning Highland Historic District Association Meeting
6:30pm | Preservation Station
Here is a summary of the HHHDA meeting on July 5.
Minutes from the June meeting were reviewed and approved.
New Board Member:
Bonnie made a motion for Howard Dobin to fill the open vacancy on the board. Howard has been attending meetings regularly and has the habit of taking his own meeting notes. Bonnie would like him to act as interim secretary until the Board elects officers at the September meeting. The request was approved.
Officer Report:
Officer L. Davis, Crime Prevention Specialist from APD notified Bonnie that he was unable to attend.
119 High St:
This is the property that was victimized by fire in the recent arson, allegedly by Sly Jones. Bonnie noted that Homewise, the owner of the now-vacant property, has agreed to provide details on the proposed building at our September meeting. The proposal is expected to detail the modest income condominiums that they intend to build on the site. Some neighbors expressed concern over the proposed construction, including how many units are planned to be offered on the site.
Park – Arbor status:
Ben reported that he was able to get information from a representative in the mayor’s office after his calls to the designated contact person went unanswered and unreturned. The city plans to begin rebuilding on July 10th. Ben, Brenda and Bonnie are going to attempt to prune and train the wisteria onto the rebuilt arbor.
Annual Election/Block Party:
The combination meeting/party is scheduled for 5-8pm on Saturday August 5 th . The meeting component is scheduled to commence at 5:15pm during which there will be an election of board members for the term ending August 2025.
Bonnie solicited volunteers to distribute the printed flyers that Kurt is generously donating as well as grillers for the barbeque:
Flyer distribution:
Arno: Howard and Caroline
Edith: Victoria
Walter: Ruth
High & Elm: Bonnie
Central Shops: Dennis (volunteered by Victoria)
Northside: Moises and Karla
Barbeque:
Providing Grill: Fiona
Grillers: Ben and Dave
Huning Highland Holiday Hijinks:
Co-chairs Bruce and Fiona gave a status report on the proposed fundraiser at the Albuquerque Press Club. They are looking to have the event on Saturday December 2 nd from 5 to 7 pm. The Club has generously quoted event prices, with a 50% reduction in fees, at $2 per person. Based upon loose estimates [an attendance of 60 people, a case each of red and white wine (estimated at $250 per case), sparkling water and a 20% tip for the bartender], a flexible budget in the neighborhood of $1000 was proposed and approved by the board.
The budget does not include catering at this time. The committee chairs are hoping to have catering donated by a local restaurant. If any budgetary changes are anticipated, the committee will make a presentation to the board to reassess the event’s budget.
The owner of The Grove, who has access to event caterers, has been approached by the committee. There were discussions on how to approach the new leadership at Artichoke Café. Board members who are frequent diners, and who are familiar with some of the long-time staff have volunteered to initiate approaches.
Ben shared that there have been four to five promising donations already. Some in attendance reminded the co-chairs of their pledges of goods and services to the event. Bruce is hoping to have a professional jazz pianist for the event. There was a request for talented graphics designer to create elements to best display and describe the items up for bid.
The purpose of the event is to raise funds for projects to benefit our community and promote our local business establishments.
Central Avenue Underpass:
Aaron Nieto, Operations Administrator for the City of Albuquerque, provided an update on the proposed at-grade pedestrian walkway. Currently a mid-July announcement date is expected. This information comes from Terry Brunner, the “go- to-guy” from the city. Aaron expects to forward more information to the association in the next two weeks.
Special Recognition:
Ann Carson’s decades of support to our neighborhood was recognized by the association. This month marks Ann’s 90 th birthday. Ann was showered with many anecdotes regarding her contributions to our community: The “Dickens of a Dinner” event (historically on the 1 st Saturday of December), spearheading of the Mother’s Day Home Tours and her long-time involvement as unofficial Welcome Wagon to those new to the neighborhood. Many attendees recalled the memory of her late husband Jim, who was also a valued asset to the community.
The meeting was adjourned. Next meeting will be the Annual Election/Block Party on Saturday
August 5 th .
