Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

NORTHEAST PLANNING COUNCIL #4 (Fermont/Verona/McKinley) MEETING MINUTES October 16, 2024 First Congregational Church, 145 NE Capital Ave DRAFT Members: Craig Long, Kim Yarger, Dave Morgan, Boonikka Herring, Mary Conklin, Mary Lusk, JP Wilson, Dave Salerno Guests: Bryan Gandy, John Kenefick, Andre' Houglin-Jackson Boonikka recused herself from chairing the meeting. JP was chair. BCPD: Craig handed out Sept crime report. Arson charge on Hunter St property. Dave Morgan and Boonikka relayed to him info on issues with abandoned vehicles and parked cars blocking the sidewalk. Code: Bryan handed out Sept, and Oct compliance and inspection issues. Questioned whether free paint was still available. JP said Tiger Room demolition was beginning on the inside of the building. Being repurposed as a commercial kitchen. Boonikka regrets Will Kowalski and Sherry Sulser retiring from the Shopper because of their involvement in the community. Transportation: Mary Conklin said the last bus is at 3:15. JP wondered why there are no more bus shelters being built. He would like white lines painted at stop signs. There was a general discussion about the traffic bottleneck that occurs at Fremont Elementary at dismissal time. Wondered if the property north of the school could be used for parking. Kim suggested that making Central St one way would help out. Boonikka gave info on the Michigan Blaze basketball team. They play at the Y Center on Sunday 3-7. Sept minutes approved. Tanya Waschak did not write down her Email address. The one I gave for her was Mary Conklin's. Comments: JP is excited about his new 3D printer. Mary Conklin finds the meetings interesting and informative. Kim said Chuck was absent due to dental work. Boonikka is running for at- large commissioner. Mary Lusk said First Presbyterian Church served spaghetti dinner to fall athletes, Zumba continues, prayer group is taking requests. Andre's focus on running for Ward 3 commissioner includes fixing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, reopening a homeless shelter, and increasing access to healthy food. John gave a three-point critique of city government; Rather than saving for capital improvements and earning interest, borrow and pay interest [Fire station improvements]. Rubber stamp cost increase, especially nonessential services [Binder Park Golf Course]. Restrictive limits on public speaking [Commission meetings]. John is running for Ward 2 commissioner. Adjourn: 8:05 PM Next meeting: Nov 20, 7pm First Congregational Church