Mahncke Park Neighborhood

Mahncke Park Neighborhood

The Mahncke Park Neighborhood Association

The Mahncke Park Neighborhood Association [MPNA] was founded in October 1979. In 1983 it's neighborhood plan was the first to be adopted by the City of San Antonio.

The MPNA is a voluntary incorporated neighborhood association. No membership is required but all renters, homeowners and businesses are encouraged to join and participate. Its members meet monthly (every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm) at the Lions Club Adult Center.

The general purpose of the Neighborhood Association is the protection, preservation and development of Mahncke Park and its surrounding neighborhood in all of its historical, physical, cultural and social aspects. Further, the association wants to provide a forum for the residents of Mahncke Park to express themselves in areas of mutual and city-wide concern with an emphasis on active participation of all members.

The association is supported by its board of directors which are participating members of the association and are elected annually by the general membership - usually held in November.


THE 2005 MAHNCKE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD:

Julie Shank (First Chair)
Joyce Felter (Second Chair)
Barbara Cheaney (Secretary)
Larry Rickels (Treasurer)
Paul Vaughn (Web Guy)
Linda Holsonback
Marcia Dahlman

Thanks to the 2004 MPNA Board

Bill Bordelon (First Chair) billbordelon@sbcglobal.net
Rene M. Ramirez (Secretary); whoisproust@aol.com
Larry Rickels (Treasurer); lrickels@jqsatx.com
Stephanie Ferraro Diaz; sfd2000@earthlink.net
Julie Shank; julieshank@sbcglobal.net
Estelle Kelly; etiggerek@yahoo.com

Board Members of incomplete 2004 terms:
Laurie Brainerd
Darnell Mason

2004 Mahncke Park Board Accomplishments:

The MPNA Board worked on many projects this year to make for a highly-productive term.

Block parties, an idea from former 2nd Chair Darnell Mason, brought many parts of the neighborhood together. All board members joined in passing out flyers and participated in organizing or hosting these fun events.

The neighborhood sweep helped tidy up all parts of the neighborhood. The application for the sweep, a continuation from the previous term, had been an effort of Stephanie Diaz Ferraro and former-board member Laurie Brainerd. All board members helped in this event.

Board member Julie Shank spearheaded an effort to have the house tour this year. Additionally, it was Ms. Shank's idea to have local non-profit organizations be the recipients of profits from the event. Many board members and neighbors helped, and because of their effort, 3 worthy organizations (Lamar Elementary, the Botanical Gardens, and Ft. Sam Houston's Fisher House) were each able to receive $500.

1st Chair Bill Bordelon, along with Stephanie Diaz Ferraro and members of the neighborhood, undertook an effort to work with the owner of the former Cheever building in determining how the use of the property can best fall within the tenets of neighbors' wishes and the neighborhhood master plan. Because of that, according to current development plans as of this writing, the property will be a rich compliment to Mahncke Park in terms of use and architectural style. Additionally, Mr. Bordelon, along with other board members, addressed the ongoing issues of crime in Mahncke Park, especially Baja Mahncke.

Secretary Rene M. Ramirez revised and updated this neighborhood Web site. Additionally, Mr. Ramirez participated in talks, along with other neighbors, to encourage Merced Housing's move into problem-plagued Eleanor Delta apartments.

Treasurer Larry Rickels undertook the task of completing the application for Neighborhood Conservation District. Other neighbors helped in the effort. Recently the neighborhood has been approved for NCD designation. Additionally, Mr. Rickels participated in a non-board committee addressing concerns of the development of Eleanor Street.

Newest member, Estelle Kelley, eagerly stepped in to fill a vacant position. Ms. Kelley helped with the development and implementation of the house tour.

Other efforts of the 2004 board included the National Night Out event, Eleanor Street development issues, Merced's food drive, and the annual Christmas Party.