South Park Neighborhood Association

SPNA Meeting Minutes 11-5-07

Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center

Co-chair Maggie Gerring called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. Introductions were made and the dues basket was passed. Minutes of the meeting held October 1, 2007 were read and approved.

Officer Welding from TPD gave the police report. Several residences in the neighborhood where drug activity was occurring have been shut down. Warrants have been served and arrests made. New officers are graduating which will increase manpower in the coming months. Residents complained about drug activity in Mirasol Park and at the bus stops on Park Ave.

Jay Van Echo and Janice Cuaron discussed the project to widen 22nd St. between Tucson Blvd. and I-10 and answered residents' questions. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is currently deciding on the style and position of the overpass that will cross Union Pacific railroad and the improved intersection at Kino Parkway. A new CAC will be formed soon to address the widening of 22nd St. between Kino and I-10. Residents were invited to participate in the CAC and offer comments on the projects.

It was decided that the December SPNA meeting will be postponed from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13th to coincide with the Kino Weed & Seed meeting which will be a holiday potluck dinner. Postcard reminders will be sent and everyone was encouraged to attend.

After a brief discussion of how to spend beautification funds in the budget, the residents decided to spend $1000 on new trees for the park.

Members discussed incentives to draw new members to the meetings. One member suggested more substantial refreshments like pizza. Another suggestion that members could earn $25 by bringing a new member who attended 4 meetings in a year generated many questions and concerns, so the issue was tabled to allow time for further consideration.

Four proposals have been submitted for the new use of Allen Hall on Silverlake Rd. An advisory committee is forming to review the proposals. SPNA members are involved on the committee so more information will be forthcoming.

Grading work scheduled to begin on the Bridges project in October has been delayed while they try to obtain the needed drain pipes. A Design Review Committee for the Bridges project is forming, and Sara O'Neil will represent South Park on the committee.

Attention was called to several announcements and events printed on the agenda. In addition, PREP will be holding a community forum on prisoner re-entry called "Coming Home" on Jan. 26, 2008, 9:00-1:00.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.