Pam Brown, Secretary
The regular monthly meeting was called to order on May 18, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in Montford Community Center on Pearson Drive with Acting President David Patterson presiding. Other board members present: Pam Brown, secretary, Wanda Newman, treasurer, and At-Large Members Tim Schaller, Laura Lowe, Joe Masters Emison, Joe Newman, and Travis Lowe. Also present were Loraine Martin, Meg MacLeod, Tim Arem, and several other neighbors.
MNA Elections
A motion was made and seconded to accept the nominees for officers and at-large board members. The motion passed, and the following persons were elected: President—David Patterson, Vice-President—Susan Eggerton, Secretary—Pam Brown, Treasurer—Wanda Newman, and eight At-Large Board Members—Tim Schaller, Laura Lowe, Sharon Fahrer, Joe Newman, Joe Masters Emison, Michael McDonough, Karen Kellow, and Elizabeth Hunter.
The Health Adventure and Momentum
Tim Schaller reported that the association wrote a letter to Paige Dickens, President and CEO of The Health Adventure, and that the leadership of THA has declined our request on behalf of the neighborhood for a May meeting to provide an update on the project and reestablish regular communication between THA and the MNA. Ms. Dickens indicated that after July 1, a possible meeting with neighbors can be considered.
The group discussed the importance of staying in touch with THA and Montford’s desire to help the Momentum project go forward. Also discussed was the desire to find out the status of THA’s compliance with city permits, their expiration dates, and the rights of the neighborhood, if any. Elizabeth Hunter agreed to draft a newsletter article explaining the current issues to the neighborhood. Prepared in collaboration with MNA President David Patterson and other neighbors, the article appears on the front page of this newsletter.
Pedestrians and the Montford Avenue—Haywood Street Intersection
Joe Masters Emison reviewed a plan and quote from the City of Asheville for setting up proper pedestrian signals and markings at the Montford/Haywood intersection. Several neighbors pointed out that there is no way to determine when it is safe to cross at the intersection. The city has reported that the cost to install signal lights would be approximately $8,000. The group discussed the possibility of a MNA contribution toward the project, which could improve this important gateway into our community.
The group authorized Joe to continue to find out more detailed information about the costs and whether neighboring businesses would agree to contribute a portion of the costs along with the MNA. Joe agreed to continue and will report again at the next meeting.
I-26 Connector
Lael Grey reported that the NCDOT’s revisions to Alternates 3, 4, and 4B are complete and that she will present detailed information at the June 15 MNA meeting. The I-26 Working Group will meet to suggest a response before the official release of the NCDOT’s plans this summer. The group agreed that the MNA’s position needs to be discussed and decided upon at the June 15 meeting. See Lael’s article on the front page of this newsletter.
Seventh Annual Montford Music and Arts Festival
Ron Phillips reminded the group that volunteers were still needed.
LEAF Outreach at Montford Community Center and Klondyke Homes
Loraine Martin, director of LEAF Outreach, made a presentation about the LEAF programs at the Montford Center and in Klondyke. Montford resident Meg MacLeod reiterated the importance of these programs for neighborhood children and suggested that the MNA make a contribution to continue and expand the opportunities. The group requested that Loraine prepare costs and a description of possible programs. She agreed and will submit a report to the association.
Street Chalk Art
Tim Arem of T-Bone Productions made a presentation about a possible Street Chalk Art event in June 2011 in Montford. Those present responded that they liked the potential of the idea but suggested that Tim meet Sharon Fahrer to discuss the possibility of holding the event in conjunction with the next Eighth Annual Music and Arts Festival in 2011. Tim agreed to the suggestion.
The meeting was adjourned.
