HPNA COMMUNITY MEETING MINUTES -JULY 22, 2020

HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION OF NORTH ST LOUIS

COMMUNITY MEETING MINUTES

JULY 22, 2020 MEETING 

ZOOM CONFERENCE CALL

Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm

Present for the Meeting:  Fatimah Muhammad, Veronica Ross-Mickan, David Holtz, Adrian Stillman, Sara McDale, Donna Lindsay, Latisha Barnes, Regina Dennis, Brittany Hubbard, Sarah Ruberstein, Michael Woods, Brandon Fahey, Leon O’Hara, S. Gail Guelker.

INTRODUCTION AND ICE BREAKER

Fatimah Muhammad, chair introduced the meeting stating this is our first meeting since January, due to COVID-19.  Even though there has not been an official meeting, work has been done.

Fatimah Muhammad asked each person to introduce themselves by giving their name, residence, organization they worked for and something that inspired them today.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS

New Board members were introduced and asked to make a comment.  Board members in addition to Fatimah Muhammad (chair) and Donna Lindsay (treasurer) are Veronica Ross-Mikan and S. Gail Guelker (secretary).

HPNA BY LAWS & MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

Fatimah stated that HPNA By-Laws and membership were updated and amended.  There will be no membership dues and membership is automatic when members attend meetings.  In addition, she mentioned that the website is being updated and will provide more information.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Donna Lindsay (treasurer) needs to sign on the account.  With the lobby at banks being closed this has not happened to date.  Fatimah reported that there is $4500 in the account.  $1000 came from Dream Builders, and $230 from Invest St. Louis.

DEVELOPERS UPDATE

Dream Builders 4 Equity—Michael Woods

  • The goal of Dream Builders is to complete 5 rehabs per year for 5 years=25 rehabs in 5 yrs. And complete 5 home repairs per year for 5 years=25 home repairs in 5 yrs.
  •  Presently own 1522 Mallinkrodt.  They are taking a four-plex and converting it into 2 townhouses.   Rehabs will increase home ownership.
  • 1518 Mallinkrodt.  There is a Memorandum of Understanding to transfer property to Dream Builders.
  • The program is intentional and holistic.  Young people will be hired on the projects, earn $10 per hour and be mentored by minority contractors. 
  • Dream Builders want to raise $800,000 to reinvest in the community, which in turn will help create a grant pool of $400,000 for housing development and $400,000 for business loans.

Keys Realty Group—Tenesia Looney

Tenesia was not present so LaTasha Barnes and Fatimah Muhammad reported that 3519 Blair was transferred to Ms. Looney.  Work was suspended because of COVID-19, but has resumed this past week.

NUISANCE PROPERTY UPDATE—LaTasha Barnes

North Park Place

Properties being worked on are 1111 N. Park Place and 1117-1119 N. Park Place

  • 1117-1119 Park Place is a 4 family flat.  Petitions have been filed and developers invited to view property.
  • Will use Block Approach on 1426, 1435, and 1436 N. Park Place.

Salisbury Street

1522 Salisbury is in active litigation.

2117 Salisbury—a settlement has been reached; start of rehab work.

Additional Information

The city reported on 7/22/2020 that 638 properties were demolished in the City of St. Louis in 2019.  Ward 3 has 77 properties up for demo.  LaTasha said they requested postponement of demolitions until houses were checked.  Two reasons cited were:  tear downs deter developers from looking at the neighborhood and the historic value/importance of homes in Hyde Park.

Fatimah asked that we review the list and get positive and negative reactions from the neighbors regarding the properties up for demolition.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS/CONCERNS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fatimah asked Sarah Rubenstein (Great Rivers) about an update on the Shreves properties.  There had been previous work on this property before Sarah began at Great Rivers.  Process to dateincluded an environmental hearing, letters sent to the city & occupancy permits addressed.  Sarah will look into this matter and develop next steps.

Food Give Away was done with the Alpha House.  HPNA assisted by giving $500 and by helping with distribution.  It was a big success.

David Holtz stated that he is working with Mark Pappas and Dail Chambers to form a community development, not for profit organization.  They are working on their 501(c)3.  Goal would be to develop a cultural museum at the existing library. 

Brandon Fahey with NGA said that work is moving ahead and that mainly they are involved in the engineering and design phase of the project.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Fatimah brought up previous events that have been held.  These included an Antique and Collectable Fair, normally held in May.  Possible date suggested was after Labor Day.  Veronica will pursue this and report back.

The Annual Social has been moved to The Grove, in December 2020.  Still questionable with COVID-19.

S. Gail will investigate how local bands performing virtually could be used to raise money by using passes sold for $25.00.  She will report back.

No discussion was held on the Ice Cream Social or National Night Out.

Meeting closed at 7:20 pm.

Respectfully Submitted

Gail Guelker, SSND

Secretary HPNA