William Wells Brown Neighborhood Assocation Meeting 1.21.10

The following are notes taken by Heath Stiltner, a member of CETA:

After a short introduction by Billie, the president of the neighborhood council, we were welcomed by each member and introduced.

The first item on the agenda was a police report by officer Brian Penix. He explained to our group the function of clear units and what he himself did in that position for the East End. In short, the officer relayed to us some of the common problems they were having as far as crime in the area. The breakdown of which can be seen in the unabridged version of the meeting minutes. Also, if information is needed on the area or a concern is needing to be voiced, you may contact officer Penix at, bpenix@lfcg.com.

The chairman of the board announced that they had gone on a virtual tour of the city with the current mayor. The mayor has expressed, to the chairman, an interest in working with citizens and officers to find new and effective plan for solving some of the unique problems present in the East End. The chairman has seen a significant increase in effective police effort in problem areas. The mayor has been a big part of the Hope 6 organization, no further information on the program received. The chairman went on to list several events and organizations which can be seen below:
-Low income housing being offered in the area to boost the attraction of new residents.
-There is a fund in effect which will allow parts of the area to be restored, called the East End Renaissance fund and it is receiving government backing. Their goal is a $5,000 fund which will then be matched by an outside organization.
-There are events in the area sponsoring the planning of small private gardens to make residents more self-sustainable.
-Sewer testing in the area is being carried out this week.
-Several local fire stations have closed.
-The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, or IMMAG, has received a grant and will be starting work soon, donations to the fund are still welcome.
-Catholic Action has received a House on Silver Maple.
-Pepsi Refresh Project is an effort to encourage people to take action in their community and is taking applications and votes in potential winners for nonprofit projects.
-Paint Your Heart Out will be held on Elm Tree to Race in efforts to improve the area before the reopening of the Lyric Theatre.
-On Febraury 13, at 10 a.m. in the Kentucky Theatre, there will be a public meeting to discuss the upcoming Lyric Theatre.
(More information on most of these on flyers and also online)

Rachel, the Executive Director of the local Habitat for Humanity has started a movement to help low income housing make improvements to their existing homes at a low price. More information available on Flyers.

The secretary of the board also works at the William Wells Brown Community Center and explained what they had weekly and daily as well as a Black History month program which will begin on February 18.

On Thursday February 19, 7:00 p.m. At the Beaumont Center there will be a presentation discussing the importance and disappearance of the Black jockey throughout history.