South Park Neighborhood Association

SPNA Meeting Minutes 2-4-2008

Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. by treasurer Shirley Hockett. Introductions were made and the dues basket passed. Minutes of the January 7 meeting were read and approved.

Pat DeVito from Metropolitan Housing discussed the Blanche Johnson Courtyard apartments being built on 36th St., showed drawings and answered questions. The 68 1-bedroom units for low-income seniors (single or couples) have an approximate completion date of mid to late June. To apply seniors must be age 62 or older, able to live independently and have maximum annual income of $18,350 for single or $20,950 for couples. Rent will be based on 30% of income and utilities are included. Applications will not be accepted until 90 days before the complex is complete, probably sometime in March. To be included on the interest list call 792-1415 and leave contact information. Pat DeVito offered to return at the March meeting with more information.

Shirley Hockett presented a grant proposal submitted to SPNA from Quincie Douglas Library. They would like SPNA to purchase 25 copies of a book for their Kids Book Club for $160. Gabriel Partlow from the library passed around a copy of the book and explained the program. Members voted in favor of buying the books for the children.

Sara O'Neil reported on the Bridges Development. She had attended the Architectural Review Committee meeting in January. She shared a book of design details including drawings and answered questions.

Officer Lapedus from TPD gave the police report. He apologized for being late due to pressing police business. There were no statistics available this month due to the officer responsible being on vacation. He said there were no violent crimes this month in South Park. The call load has been enormous from other areas and has been pulling them out of this sector. TPD is still working on controlling drug activity in Mirasol Park. Residents were appreciative and thanked him for increased patrols, improving situations and less transcients in the neighborhood. They were urged to keep speaking up, calling and reporting - the information is critical. Residents reported smoke and/or fire in the area of I-10 and 39th, and possible shots fired near the VFW on Park Ave.

Attention was called to a list of announcements on the agenda. Gabriel Partlow reminded everyone that Quincie Douglas Library will host African American Heritage Day on Feb. 16, 1-3:00 p.m. featuring a sweet potato pie cookoff.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.