Near West Side

 
Near West Side Neighborhood Association |May 13, 2008 6:30pm | Banneker Center
Meeting Notes by Diane, Secretary
I.                    Work on Wall of the Banneker Center – Bev Johnson, Manager of the Banneker Center, reported that the retaining wall outside the Banneker Center that faces 7th Street is in need of structural repair and will be worked on this summer. In addition, some trees will have to be removed because they are causing some of the problems. The work will require 7th Street to close. Bev will communicate with the neighborhood as much as possible and go door to door in the immediate area that will be affected by the work and street closure.  Bev seeks the cooperation of NWSNA in keeping the neighborhoods updated.
 
II.                  Call for members of the Banneker Center Advisory Board – Ben reported that they are looking for people to serve on the Banneker Center Advisory Board. The Board supports the Center Coordinator and participates in volunteer work for the center. The Board meets on the last Monday of every month from 4pm to 5pm. For those interested, contact Bev Johnson at (812) 349-3773 or e-mail her at johnsonbe@bloomington.in.gov.
 
III.                Staying Put: Commitment to Community – Patrick from Prospect Hill reported that Scott Sanders will speak at the Monroe County History Center on May 15th about why a commitment to community and local knowledge matter. For more information see http://www.monroehistory.org/third_thursday_0508.htm.
 
IV.                City Council approved Prospect Hill Conservation District – Patrick reported that City Council voted in 8 to 1 to designate Prospect Hill a Conservation District. Prospect Hill is currently finalizing the design guidelines. Once complete, the Historic Preservation Commission will oversee and regulate new buildings according to the guideline. Prospect Hill would like to work with NWSNA on becoming a Conservation District. Patrick said that City Council is well informed on the meaning and purpose of a conservation district. Brenda noted that NWSN has already been surveyed for historic buildings.
 
V.                  Project School – Daniel Baron recently made a presentation to the MCSC Board to create a charter school called Project School. Prospect Hill is concerned that the creation of such a school will undermine the progress that Fairview School has made by drawing on the same student population. It has been reported that the Nazarene Church in Prospect Hill is being sought to purchase for the home of Project School. There will be a public meeting about Project School in early June. For some general information about charter schools. For general information about charter schools see : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_school
 
VI.                Update on the Dotmocracy meeting – See: http://www.nearwestside.org/files/Butler%20Park%20Dotmocracy%20Results.pdf
 
Possible Agenda Topics for Next Meeting:
·         Neighborhood Association Membership Drive
·         Plans for Butler Park
·         Conservation District
·         Neighborhood Sign Replacement
·         Traffic Calming