Pam Brown, Secretary
The regular monthly meeting was called to order on April 20, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the Montford Community Center on Pearson Drive—David Patterson, acting president, presiding. Other board members present: Pam Brown, secretary, and At-Large Members Joe Newman, Karen Kellow, Tim Schaller, Michael McDonough, and Sharon Fahrer. Also present were Community Resource Officer Katie Beane, Community Center Director Kim Kennedy, City Council Member Cecil Bothwell, and several other neighbors.
Revision of HRC Design Review Guidelines for the Montford Historic District
David Patterson updated the group on the recent HRC meeting and the adoption of the revised Guidelines. Illustrations, “Green Tips,” notations on Minor or Major Works, and other editing is in progress before the final version is released. David also noted that a definition will be added for the term “landscaping” that has concerned the MNA. He reported that the HRC was very complimentary of the active and dedicated work of this neighborhood. See Karen Kellow and Susan Eggerton’s story on the front page of this newsletter.
The Health Adventure’s Momentum Museum
The group discussed the recent article from the Asheville Citizen-Times, reprinted in the April issue of the Montford newsletter, revealing a lack of funds to complete the Momentum project and the more optimistic reports from The Health Adventure stating that the funding is in place and noting bank commitments.
Discussion, which centered on how the neighborhood can best move forward in staying active and aware, raised several issues and questions:
The need to investigate actual “ownership” of the property—can it be sold?
What were the terms from the City of Asheville in releasing the property along the Reed’s Creek Greenway that the city turned over to The Health Adventure? Could the city/community regain access to this property?
How long do permits issued by the city remain valid? How long can a “construction fence” remain on a site? The group pointed out that the fence around the site is already falling down.
Which responsibilities lie with the Momentum board and which lie with the city?
Those present reviewed a first draft of a letter requesting a meeting with the city and the Momentum board to present neighborhood concerns and establish reasonable expectations. The group agreed that the letter should be written. Tim Schaller is coordinating and writing the final draft.
Laurie Brill, who lives on Cumberland Avenue across from the construction site, joined in the discussion. See Laurie’s article on page 4 of this newsletter.
Seventh Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival, Saturday, May 22
Sharon Fahrer noted that festival plans are coming together. The festival still needs individual and business sponsors. The group discussed the problem of enforcing the city ordinance prohibiting dogs at festivals. Suggestions included asking a rescue group to host a “Doggie Jail,” where pets may be left while owners take in the festival, as a fundraiser.
Safety and Security
Officer Katie Beane, Montford’s Community Resource Officer, reported that the neighborhood had been quiet with no incidents to report. The group discussed noise violations and learned that there is no noise curfew time. Noise violations are based on what “reasonable people” think is unacceptable.
Officer Katie suggested establishing a reporting protocol for posting incidents on the list serve to ensure accuracy. Pam Brown agreed to work with Katie and post recommendations through Neighborhood Watch announcements. Safety and security tips from Officer Katie are on the front page of this newsletter.
MNA Nominations and Elections
The group discussed nominations and elections.
Community Center Activities
Director Kim Kennedy reported the largest turnout yet for this year’s Easter Egg Hunt with over 100 kids participating. She noted that the center is using the scholarship fund established by the MNA to take between 27 and 34 kids to the aquarium in Gatlinburg. Kim thanked the MNA for its continued support of the center.
Z-Link: Reclaiming City Sidewalks
Council Member Cecil Bothwell made a presentation on the campaign to clean up and reclaim sidewalks in Asheville. The volunteer effort will begin in Montford on Saturday, April 24, at Hummingbird Park on the corner of Starnes and Cumberland. See Cecil’s article on this page.
The meeting was adjourned.
