HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY MEETING March 18, 2023

Present:  Fatimah Muhammad, Brian Krueger, Donna Lindsay, Kim Osborne, Jeff Wheeler, Jenny Birge, Rebecca Kaner, Tom Naggel, Rashean Aldridge, Regina Dennis, Janice Dozier, Annie Rice, Denean Vaughn, Angelica Were, Bobby Bonner, Samantha Smugala, Pam Ross, Mark Pappas, Shirley Jackson, Patrick Deaton, Brandon Bosley, Veronica Ross-Mikan, Khylil Chestnut, Karla Brown, Larry Cohn, Ebony Washington, Doug Eller, Cornell & Cheryl McIntosh, Juwanna Brown, Tim Chilton, Gail Guelker

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Fatimah Muhammad at 11:10 am.

WELCOME

Fatimah welcomed everyone and suggested that everyone share information about HPNA with neighbors and encourage them to become involved in meetings.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SPECIAL GUESTS

Rashean Aldridge (cell 314-704-5007) was asked to share questions about his platform.  He stated that the 14th Ward is a diverse neighborhood.  His emphasis is on: 1. Crime/more police; 2.  Community benefit agreements;  3.  Investment/development;  4.  Mixed-use housing;  5.  Homeowners;  6.  Making government more efficient;  7.  Investment in young people.  Rashean responded to several questions related to the suit filed against Ebony Washington, his commitment to work with the Hyde Park plan, how he can unify the 14th Ward, how the cultural resource department can be more attentive to Hyde Park, and how he can involve small business owners in resources.  He talked about the need for good communication through newsletters, email, etc.

Alderman Brandon Bosley stated his commitment to Hyde Park and his desire to organize with the people.  Three important Board Bills are 165, 120, 125.  He also mentioned the $5000 small business grants that are NOW available.  He promised to check on sidewalk requests, not completed.  He also stated if there is anyone who wants residential sidewalks contact him at 314-556-1936.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABLE (NOFA)

Nahuel Fefer, Executive Director of Community Development Administration  explained about the Neighborhood Transformation grants, which is funding for non-profit organizations, which encourages proposal submissions.  There is $20,250,000 in available funds.  $6.75 million for Housing Production; $4 million for Proactive Development; $5 million for Home Repair; and $4.5 million for Neighborhood Beautification & Capacity Building. 

There will be a webinar on March 22, 2023 for further clarification.  Proposals are due by May 15, 2023.

BOARD BILL 120—BRANDON BOSLEY

Board Bill 120 appropriates a portion of the funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act.  According to the bill money is being allocated to: Board of Public Services; Community Development Administration; Department of Public Safety; Technology Service Agency; Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry; Department of Streets.  $200,000 is allocated for Hyde Park park improvements.

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST FOR HYDE PARK—KARLA BROWN

Karla covers six neighborhoods and Hyde Park is one of the six.  There are six nuisance properties in Hyde Park.  Karla suggested a meeting with Paul McKee to see his intentions for the properties in Hyde Park.  Karla Brown’s email is brownka@stlouis-mo.gov and phone number is 314-657-1355.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS

Alderwoman Annie Rice presented information on Proposition C, to be voted on April 4, 2023.  A yes vote on C means our city will have a public, transparent process to review the city’s charter, our constitution and plan for city government, now and every 10 years going forward.  The commission that will oversee this is set up for one year.

Pam Ross is up for reelection to the St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees.  She also reported that childcare is back on the Forest Park campus.  It is a much needed program for students in nursing school and allied health programs.  Emergency services are also available for students at the campus.  She asked people to vote for her on April 4.

Samantha Smugala, Pocket Parks asked people to participate in a one hour clean up on March 26, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.  Everyone is invited to meet at 21st and Salisbury.

Ebony Washington, candidate for Alderwoman of Ward 14 spoke about using a wholistic approach for gun safety.  Her goal is to engage with the community.  Her phone number is 314-276-9926 and email is Washingtoneb24@gmail.com.

Fatimah stated that the Farmer’s Market was opening on May 24th.  There will be no cleanup today because of the March 26th cleanup day and the weather.  Neighborhood signs are available for a few people to put them out on the meeting day.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Guelker, SSND