One of the things that makes this site different from most of the other local neighborhood/community blogs is it’s relationship to the neighborhood association. I serve as President of the neighborhood association as well as manager/moderator of this blog. At this point, I am certainly willing to step down from one or both positions if replacements are agreed upon.

The topic of minutes is tricky. On one hand, the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) does want to be transparent and open, on the other hand, its important that neighbors feel free to speak at meetings and that standards are kept. I will try to offer these OHNA meeting minutes on this site whenever I can, however I also think it is important that they be approved by the Association before publication. This may prove difficult if quorum is not reached and the Secretary position remains unfilled. At tonight’s OHNA meeting, the January meeting minutes (taken by acting Secretary Silver Persinger) were approved for publication.

OHNA meeting January 22, 2008

Brook Hardin and John Taylor from the City’s Department of Community Development
describeD work the Department had done create a new zoning classification to match the
desired uses for West Cary Street from Cherry to Belvidere. Maintaining the scale along
the street front. 24 foot minimum heights with a max of 35 ft. with no more than 3
stories. But 48 foot height (no more than 4 stories) could be sought with conditions. This
was reported to be the first time the city has address the number of stories allowed in a
zoning designation. The new zoning calls for shared parking provision 6 pm – 8 am.

Hardin said the next step was to take the proposed zoning to the Planning Commission
and they were hoping to get the Association’s approval

Scott asked the group’s desire. Todd made motion and endorsed the plan. The motion
passed.

Scott asked about the parking street scape. Taylor said a parking study had been
conducted. Currently there are no parking restrictions, in some areas 80% of spaces are
used all day. He said they were working with Traffic Engineering to help businesses; they
had met with business owners and were working with the Transportation Department
towards “viable solutions.” Hardin said he hoped to run the parking changes in tandem
with the zoning change, they aren’t related.

Scott asked about the Idlewood Circle. Hardin said they had buy-in on the concept
internally but lacked the funding. Hardin said he wouldn’t let it slip through the cracks.

Karen Atkinson, current Market co-ordinator of Byrd House Market, spoke to us. She said
William Byrd had agreed to help with funding this year. Vendor will be allowed from 3:30
– 6 PM. Shifting programs will be part of the market, classes in landscaping and urban
gardening will be offered. There will be scholarship and volunteer opportunities. May 6 is
the official opening. Scott asked if the Community Board was in place. Ms. Atkinson said
they were seeking nonprofit status. Todd asked about the budget. $56,000, which 1/3 is
for wages, the rest is for programs — including a senior program and garden supplies.
Vendors pay $10, get free electricity, there will be a vendor class before the season starts.
Greg W. asked about long term development. Ms. Atkinson responded they were going to
revitalize the building with an urban art project and clean up the area. Napi said the
market was operating under the same contract using the land for 1 year, with the
possibility of evacuating anytime.

Greg S. from Springhill discussed his neighborhood’s opposition to a change in the special
use permit to allow for a sprawling low-rise apartment complex in their neighborhood.
He encouraged us to call Councilman Marty Jewell.

Scott thanked Liz for the recent newsletter.

Allen D. who’s been in the neighborhood for 6 months wondered what would make more
people get involved in the neighborhood association. Todd said the group was
incorporated in 2001 and is not technically a 501c3 and that we’ve done all we can to
attract people. The only requirement is to be 18 and live in the neighborhood. Scott said
it was exhausting for the officers, and warned that the group was in danger of becoming
like Church Hill’s board of seven. Kelly said it is a good idea to flyer before a meeting and
that a turnout of 30 was good.

Todd, OHNA treasurer since 2001, reported about $18,000 in an account that was a
donation from a developer. And $320.70 in another account. Todd also said that 200
trees had been planted in the last 5 years. He said it normally costs $600-800 to put a
tree in but the Arbor Day Foundation was offer 3-4 feet tall trees for $10-15 per tree. We
can put tree in ourselves if it is the approved type but has to be done in February or
March. New trees would have to be watered regularly.

Scott discussed the election of new officers, it has been post-poned since November.
Todd said he’d be Treasurer again if nominated, Kenneth nominated Todd. Todd
nominated Greg for president, Greg declined. Todd nominated Silver for president, Silver
declined but agreed to be Secretary. Todd suggested we could postpone until interested
people appeared. Scott said he would entertain the motion, it was seconded by Kelly.

Katie from Synergeo said a group of 9 people was visiting March 15-20 and wondered if
there was any volunteer work they could do. Todd suggested they paint the trim at the
Jacob House. Scott said he had two dog stations that needed to be installed.

Greg said he had been working on an Oregon Hill history project of photos from the
neighborhood in 1965 and photos of the same locations in 2007. A link is online at
www.oregonhill.net, entry Jan. 10, 2008. Napi said the co-op had gotten some new
members because of the ad on the website.

Meeting ended 8:48 PM

Minutes by Silver Persinger, acting Secretary