BELMONT/DE VILLIERS
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MEETING JAN. 5, 2010
Meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Delores Curry.
Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. One correction on Maritime report:
There have been changes such as
DeVilliers Plaza facing the water.
Those in attendance were: Dolores Curry, Tony McCray, Rosemary Kirkland, Carl Reeves (PPD), Oliver M. Darden, Diane Mack, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Cheryl V. McCray, Alexa Canady-Davis and Richard Puckett.
Rev. Carl Reeves stated there were no major incidents reported to the police department during the Christmas and New Year holidays. He asked for feedback on any occurrences that might have occurred. He noted that the Officer Ard investigation is ongoing and that the findings of the FDLE and Highway Patrol have turned in their reports to the state attorney’s office. He said the PD will release all evidence to the public once the investigation is complete.
Vivian Lamont said the Belmont Youth Band will be starting up again now that the holidays are over. She mentioned several successful performances, including one for seniors held at the
Epps Christian Center.
Cox festival update: Applications for performers and vendors will be sent out this week. Rosemary Kirkland will head the table selling T-shirts advertising the Belmont Devilliers Neighborhood Association. Cheryl McCray, who sells the shirts in her store at present, will tally the number and sizes of the T-shirts on hand. The price on these shirts will be marked down to $5 each. The festival will run from 10 to 4 on Feb. 20 at Belmont and DeVilliers.
Various upcoming events were announced, including a Harlem Renaissance musical at UWF at 4 pm Jan. 24; Show Boat Jan 22-24 with several events surrounding this, including a panel discussion featuring Dolores Curry and Tony McCray; the Tuesday night jam sessions that have now moved indoors; a performance by folksingers Sparky and Rhonda Rucker Feb 13, which is a fundraiser for the youth band, and the MLK parade downtown.
Tony McCray announced that he will help organize a management training program sponsored WIM & Associates and geared toward DOT contracts.
Florida A&M University and the NW Florida Development Outreach are participating in this program geared toward disadvantaged contractors. Courses will cost $30.
City Councilwoman Diane Mack reported on the success of the Pelican Drop on New Year’s Eve. According to Thaddeus Cohen, the adult crowd at the event numbered an estimated 49,000. She also noted that the fate of Gallery Night is up in the air because of the demise of the NW Florida Arts Council.
Neil Richards reported that the BBQ Cook-Off did not take place and that the Goombay festival may also be in jeopardy. Although Goombay is still scheduled for April, the board may decide to reduce the festival from two to one day or even cancel it. He also noted that the Rev. Powell with Truth for Youth wanted to borrow a float at the
Belmont Arts Center to carry members of the PHS state champions during the MLK parade. He suggested the association place a banner on the float congratulating the team. This recommendation was moved, seconded and passed. Dolores Curry asked about the banners the association might have in storage, and Eddie Todd said he would check into this. Mr. Todd also predicted an exciting year for the association with new members and new neighbors moving into the neighborhood.
Dolores Curry asked for feedback on the recent special trash pickup and mentioned the good coverage this received on WRNE. She said there would be a citywide pickup in March.
Alexa Canady-Davis reported that the library design has been approved and referred to a recent article about this in the Pensacola News Journal.
The meeting was then adjourned at 6:20 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
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MINUTES OF THE BELMONT / DE VILLIERS
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MEETING FEB. 3, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:35 p.m. by President Delores Curry.
Attending were: Dolores Curry, Cheryl McCray, Rosemary Kirkland, Carl Reeves, Oliver Darden, Diane Mack, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Richard Puckett, Adisa Masomakali, Reginald Dogan, Rose George, Rose McPherson, Ann Hill, and Dottie Dubuisson.
Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved. Guest resident Adisa Masomakali introduced himself.
The Rev. Carl Reeves noted that the police are out in full force, and hopefully we see their presence.
Vivian Lamont reported that (1) the “Harlem Renaissance” show at UWF was standing room only. Ms. Lamont played the role of Lena Horne, and Cheryl McCray was also part of the production. (2) The jam sessions at the
Belmont Arts Center continue at 7 pm on Tuesdays and all are invited. (3) The Belmont Youth Band will be featured at the Feb. 20 Cox Cable Black History celebration, along with Pendleton Jazz Duo, Knee Deep, and the Pensacola Dancing Grannies. Ms. Lamont will be tap-dancing with the Pensacola School of Ballet at the festival. (4) The Youth Band will also perform at the Black History celebration in
Milton on March 6 and at UWF’s Festival on the Green on March 27. For details, call Vivian Lamont, 458-6744. View Youth Band videos at
www.youtube.com/belmontyouthband and become a Fan on Facebook by using your account to log in and searching for “Belmont Youth Band Pensacola.”
Ms. Curry reported that the panel discussion for the “Show Boat” presentation was a capacity crowd, and Ms. Lamont said Pensacola Opera gave the Youth Band 18 children’s and 3 adult tickets for the rehearsal.
Members were reminded about the Sparky and Rhonda Rucker show “Fulfilling Lincoln’s Dream” at 7 pm Feb. 13 at the
Belmont Arts Center. Tickets are $5.The
Arts Center will also present a Special Valentine’s Edition of Hot Glass Cold Brew from 5 to 9 pm on Feb. 12. Details: 429-1222 or at
www.belmontartscenter.com.
Neil Richards noted that (1) Gallery Night is now under the sole jurisdiction of the Downtown Improvement Board and that we should encourage the DIB to continue to offer the free Trolley, which makes a stop at Belmont-DeVilliers. He is concerned that cost-cutting might mean eliminating this service and that the
Arts Center and other venues in Belmont-DeVilliers would be negatively impacted by this. (2) He also suggested that we plan ahead in requesting city support for such things as a parade route running from Belmont-DeVilliers to the
Maritime Park.
There was general discussion on the BBQ Cook-Off originally scheduled for Belmont-DeVilliers and diverted to Magee Field because of the costs in our neighborhood of blocking off the streets, paying for police security, and so forth. Some members are worried that other events such as Goombay and the Black History festival might move to the Haynes park area under the interstate freeway to save on expenses. Mr. Richards mentioned that a proposed October Gospel festival would include an event at Belmont-DeVilliers. He was told that a city staffer suggested they hold it under the interstate instead. Mr. Richards is worried that if we lose our festivals, some of our cultural heritage and character will also be lost.
Councilwoman Mack addressed some of these points. Regarding Gallery Night, she said the event has to be self-sufficient and participants must pay the fees involved. She said wonderful plans are in the works for developing the linear park at Haynes and that city staff might be a bit premature in promoting it. Regarding the parade routes, she said that decision is up to the parade organizers. To the last point, Mr. Richards and Ms. Curry clarified that they were thinking more about alternate parades for the future, rather than those that are already established.
Eddie Todd repeated that this will be a good year for the neighborhood. He is working on a comprehensive economic report that addresses the goals for the neighborhood, festival requirements, marketing strategies, etc. He asked that an association meeting be set aside to present this report, and the April meeting was selected. Mr. Todd also mentioned the well-attended opening of the
DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Museum at 500 W.
Belmont St.
He praised the work of Michael Allen and Eugene Franklin of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce in bringing this about. Ms. Curry added that the lunches that are now being served there are also great.
Rose George noted some difficulty in getting flyers and other materials from Cox Cable to promote the Black History festival. Obtaining address labels of neighborhood residents from Chris Jones’ office to use for mail-outs to promote events was suggested.
Ms. Curry said she picked up our banner and Eddie Todd is designing other banners to hang along the streets. She said that because of the Arts Council’s demise, there was not the usual contribution of remaining profits from last year’s Black History celebration.
Councilwoman Mack said that the North Hill Neighborhood Association paid for half of their street banners through a PCIP grant from the city. She explained how the proposed nonprofit, all-volunteer arts council would operate. She said she recently viewed the new marketing materials of the Pensacola Convention and Visitors Bureau and felt they did not represent the diversity of the city. She hopes that will change next year. She encouraged members to attend two important meetings of the Escambia County Housing Consortium on Feb. 23 and March 9 that will present its 5-year affordable housing plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
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BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES MARCH 3, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:35 p.m. by President Delores Curry.
Attending were: Dolores Curry, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Rosemary Kirkland, Carl Reeves, Oliver Darden, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Adisa Masomakali, Reginald Dogan, Allen Gibson, Alexa Canady Davis, Desiree Cicale, Kim Jennings, Dottie Dubuisson and Ann Hill.
Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved with a corrected spelling for Lena Horne. Guest Kim Jennings introduced herself as a representative for
Talbot Chapel Church and Truth For Youth.
The Rev. Carl Reeves noted an increased presence by police in the Zarragossa, Romana and A-B-C-D areas. Ms. Curry said problems remain at Jackson & A, and Rosemary Kirkland added Jackson & Coyle. Rev. Reeves commented on Rick Outzen’s blog calling for a cleanup of Jackson & A. He said when police patrol an area, criminals often slide down to the side streets.
Vivian Lamont reported (1) Ticket sales to the Sparky and Rhonda Rucker show were disappointing, but the show was great. (2) The Belmont Youth Band performed with style at the Black History celebration. (3) Ms. Lamont will be in the Pensacola Senior Follies March 26 at 7 pm and March 27-28 at 2 pm at the WSRE Performance Studio, 12
th and College Blvd. Tickets are $12 and are available at
Bayview Senior Center and
Felix Miga Senior Center. More information: 850-453-3016 or 850-725-3451. Proceeds will aid seniors.
Neil Richards reported that (1) Rather than trolley service on Gallery Night on March 19, there will be “tips only” cab service to the various venues. The Downtown Improvement Board is considering multi-level fees for participation, with restaurants/bars paying more than galleries. The fees offset the cost of advertising, promotion and security. (2) At the wrap-up meeting with Cox regarding the Black History celebration, there was a suggestion to hold a 5K fund-raiser just before the festival that would end at Belmont-DeVilliers.
Eddie Todd suggested that (1) May would be a better time for the meeting dedicated to the comprehensive economic report he and others are developing. This was approved. (2) The neighborhood has gotten some good publicity through recent articles. (3) Despite the recent resignation of Lacey Collier from the board of the Community Maritime Park Association, the group continues to move forward. Ms. Curry mentioned that Mr. Todd has been nominated to fill his post as board chairman. All are invited to attend the next CMPA meeting at 1 pm March 12 in the second-floor conference room of
Pensacola City Hall, 222 W. Main St.
Ms. Curry noted that the association’s mandatory 1099 report has been filed with IRS.
Dottie Dubuisson led a discussion regarding 501(c)(3)s and 501(c)(4)s. She suggested the association wait until the IRS sets up a new electronic filing for 501(c)(3) applications. The electronic applications will cost $200, offering a significant savings. She recommended the website
www.irs.stayexempt.org as a good reference.. She suggested the association submit a new application for a 501(c)(3) eliminating the social welfare goals that resulted in rejection.
Ms. Curry mentioned that with the demise of the Arts Council, Cox Cable had no way to cash checks from the Black History festival. They asked if the neighborhood association could provide this escrow service in the future. Alexa Canady Davis moved that the group perform this service for Cox, seconded by Rosemary Kirkland and approved.
Ms. Curry noted (1) The next big curbside trash pickup day will be March 27 and cover Gonzalez to Garden and A to I-10. (2) “A”
St. has new striping and parking in the grassy area is no longer permitted. (3) T-shirt sales at the Black History festival totaled $29. It was approved that the remaining shirts be donated to Kim Jennings, who represents Talbot Chapel, the
Empowerment Center and Truth For Youth. (4) The Housing Plan survey is now online at
http://cityofpensacola.com/live/news.asp?rid=16119 and members are encouraged to fill it out and return it to the housing office on Chase St. (5) Ms. Curry passed around an invitation to a formal fund-raiser at Osceola golf club on March 19-20, with tickets $15/$20 at the door. Benefits Out Front magazine. Call her for details: 850-438-7614. (6) She also passed around the North Hill Neighborhood Association newsletter.
Treasurer Ms. Canady Davis reported our bank balance as: $2,444.89. Ms. Curry asked for a complete financial statement for governmental reporting purposes.
Ms. Kirkland reported the Goombay Festival is set for one day, Saturday, April 24.
Desiree Cicale reported on the
Wand Academy’s progress in helping at-risk kids, including a summer program. The group has gotten a grant to add teachers, is applying for accreditation, has obtained a building on Cervantes and is working on merging with several other groups. She has also made some progress on efforts to buy and tear down a deteriorating house on Wright St.
Reginald Dogan said that nationally syndicated radio personality Michael Baisden is bringing his "One Million Mentors Campaign to Save Kids" here March 9 as part of a 72-city bus tour.
The
Pensacola tour stop that Tuesday will include a 2-6 pm live broadcast of Baisden's radio program from the
Improv Center on Pace Blvd. and a town hall meeting at 7 pm at the
Village Youth Center on North W St. Details:
http://www.pnj.com/article/20100304/NEWS01/3040339/1039
Members discussed the city’s recent PCIP 50/50 match awards to 10 neighborhood associations and the need to be prepared for the next round of applications in December. The main interests are a marquis for the neighborhood and adding trees along A Street. Only the east side of A St. would be covered by the Community Redevelopment Agency funds.
Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn noted that development of Hollis Williams linear park will take some time, but that she hopes some short-term projects will include monuments/statues. She believes that developing the park will help revitalize that neighborhood.
Councilwoman Cannada-Wynn also discussed her efforts to establish an education committee on the council that would address at-risk high school students in particular. She noted that about half of the roughly 675 students in 9
th grade are lost by their senior year for reasons other than military reassignment and transitions. She mentioned the work of Pensacola Promise and the county’s effort to help elementary students. She noted that the Black History program scheduled at Escambia High at 4:30 March 7 at
First Baptist Church,
Warrington will feature a video in which students discuss what they expect at school. She also mentioned a public forum on “How to Protect Our Children From Gangs” from 6-8 pm March 30 at Greenhut Aud., Sacred Heart Hosp.
Allen Gibson and others discussed the need to adopt an architectural building code overlay to address problems in houses built by Habitat for Humanity and others that do not come up to community standards.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES APRIL 7, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Jewel Cannada-Wynn, Rosemary Kirkland, Larry King, Rose George, Carl Reeves, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Alexa Canady Davis, Kim Jennings, Rev. Winston Prescott, Tony McCray, Danny Lewis, Johnny Dixon, Cristal Montgomery, Kim Kimbrough and Ann Hill.
Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.
Guest Christal Montgomery, who works with Tony McCray, the Rev. Winston Prescott of
Talbot Chapel AME Zion Church and Danny Lewis of Movement for Change introduced themselves.
Rose George reported the after-school tutoring program she works with would like to reach more students, especially for the enrichment program set for June. Rev. Prescott mentioned that his church also has a tutoring program and suggested these efforts be synergized.
Treasurer Alexa Canady Davis reported a $2,504.89 balance in the association’s account.
Ms. Curry moved, Ms. Canady Davis seconded and it was passed that $100 be donated to the Belmont Youth Band’s fund-raising campaign for instruments and cash.
The Rev. Carl Reeves mentioned a shooting at Jackson and A Sts. that occurred before the meeting. He said the police are using various strategies to reduce crime in that area, including undercover officers. He noted that businesses in that area have not aided police efforts much, that courts sometimes hamper police efforts by not prosecuting fully, that cuts in budget also undermine efforts and that citizen vigilance is essential to combat the problem.
Ms. Curry, who attended the recent forum on gang activity at Sacred Heart, said that there is no neighborhood or school in
Pensacola that is without gangs, that out-of-towners are recruiting our young people and that gangs often use graffiti to show their presence. Tony McCray asked if this is a new uptick or if gangs have been here right along and just intensifying. Ms. Curry said the activities have increased since Hurricane Katrina with the movement of gang members and guns to our area. Danny Lewis said we are battling for our children’s future and described his experience with gangs during his 20 years in
Los Angeles. Neil Richards was appointed to research a Neighborhood Watch program. Not much progress has been made on getting a surveillance camera installed at Belmont and DeVilliers. Ms. George suggested a greater effort be made to invite residents to our meetings and encouraged everyone to bring guests next month.
Vivian Lamont said the band had donations of a church organ and two pianos that it cannot use and are available to others. Ms. Lamont also said the Senior Follies show was well attended. The Youth Band was featured on WEAR Channel 3. The band will entertain during the Homeless Awareness Day set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17 at Epps Christian Center, 2300 N. Pace. A free meal will be served, plus a clothing giveaway and a talk by News Journal reporter Troy Moon. Non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted through Friday, April 30. Details: 438-3858.
Mr. McCray said his contractor training classes are continuing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at PJC. He led the group’s congratulations to member Eddie Todd, the new chair of the Community Maritime Park Associates. He noted the developer challenges facing CMPA and mentioned a minority bonding company competing to secure the park bond. He reported the Human Relations Committee is courting a national group to assist them in their efforts.
Mr. McCray said the new Five Sisters Blues Café is expected to open in time for the Goombay Festival on April 24. Blues Café info:
www.belmontdevilliers.com/ and on Facebook.
Mr. Richards reported the 7 p.m. Tuesday night jam sessions have moved outside again. These sessions not only entertain but also raise money for the Youth Band and offer a forum to discuss community issues. Members of the
Maritime Park team will be at the April 13 jam session to discuss park development. A video on the new mural on the north wall of the
Belmont Arts Center by surfboard designer Ashton Howard is at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGElMAYXPjY.
Mr. Richards is looking for additional sponsors for the first-ever entry of Escambia High science students in the electric car race at Five Flags in two weeks.
Johnny Dixon, who coordinates carnival-type ride events throughout
Pensacola, noted that 20 rides will be installed at the Talbot Chapel vicinity April 29 – May 2. Rev. Prescott said concession space is available and invited the group to participate.
LaRua St. will be closed off from DeVilliers to
Reus during the event.
Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn gave an update on the tree planting project along A St. and DeVilliers, noting the Downtown Improvement Board supports this request. She encouraged the association to explore setting up a Neighborhood Watch program.
Kim Kimbrough, director of the Downtown Improvement Board, asked the association to consider adding the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Districts. He explained how this designation would attract developers because of the 20 percent federal tax credits that are available for historic rehabilitation of commercial and residential rental properties within a designated historic district. He said the DIB believes Belmont-DeVilliers adds to the unique character of the downtown area and he supports the historic designation, as do Thaddeus Cohen, director of Community Development for the city of
Pensacola, and Sherry Morris, Planning Services administrator for the city.
Mr. Kimbrough said he is well aware that many Belmont-DeVilliers residents are opposed to the district being under the direction of the Architectural Review Board because of its design review process. He said that the historic designation can proceed without ARB involvement, but he warned that proposed changes to the city code would put all current and future historic districts under the wing of the ARB. That proposed change will be discussed at the 3 p.m. April 13 meeting of the city Planning Board in Mason conference room, mezzanine level, City Hall. He encouraged members to attend that meeting and voice their concerns.
Mr. Kimbrough further explained that the cost of establishing a national historic district runs from $25,000 to $40,000. The state would pay for half the cost, with the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Improvement Board and West Florida Historic Preservation Inc. raising the remainder. DIB and WFHP would oversee the application process.
Tony McCray proposed that the association be opposed to the proposed changes in the city code giving the Architectural Review Board jurisdiction over current and future historic districts. This was seconded by Rosemary Kirkland and unanimously passed.
Tony McCray also made a motion to approve the application for National Historic District status, as long as it excludes ARB involvement. This was seconded by Ann Hill and unanimously approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES MAY 5, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:35 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Alexa Canady Davis, Desiree Cicale, Dottie Dubuisson, Ann Hill, Bess Abernathy, Reginald Dogan, Letha Losey, George Hawthorne, Jesse Turner, Diane Mack, Charles Bare, Ashton Hayward and Kim Kimbrough. Minutes from the last meeting were read and approved.
Mayoral candidates Charles Bare, Ashton Hayward and Diane Mack were invited to give a brief campaign speech. Councilwoman Diane Mack stated she was attending the meeting as a council representative and declined the invitation.
Mr. Bare stressed the need for citizen involvement and said neighborhood associations are a great way to reach a mayor. He would like to see the economic development oversight moved from the Chamber of Commerce to a separate entity. He also favors “zero based” budgeting for the City Council, meaning all expenditures and not just increases would need to be approved annually.
Mr. Hayward noted he is a third-generation Pensacolian, and attended
St. Paul Catholic School, Pensacola Catholic High and FSU. He has worked in the corporate world for a number of years and believes
Pensacola needs to improve the environment for young talent.
Rev. Carl Reeves thanked the association for allowing the police to be part of its meetings. He stressed the importance of working with the department in event pre-planning so that safety, traffic and pedestrian concerns can be addressed. Bess Abernathy said she has noticed a definite increase in people walking the neighborhood, and Rev. Reeves stated that’s been the goal of the police department in making the streets safe for residents. Mr. Richards asked about the current plans for installing cameras in Belmont-DeVilliers, and Rev. Reeves said he would check on the status and call Ms. Curry with the answer.
Vivian Lamont said the Feed the Hungry event featuring the Belmont Youth Band drew a big crowd. Nine instruments were donated and $550 was raised during the recent fundraising campaign. Ms. Curry passed around a card of thanks from the band for its donation of $100. The band now has close to 60 young people ages 7 through high school level taking free lessons and new members coming in.
Neil Richards said the Tuesday night jam sessions, held 7:30 to 10 pm at the
Belmont Arts Center, also raise funds for the Youth Band. The art center is working on youth activities to expose children to art activities. The center also wants to offer outdoor movies this summer, and Mr. Richards would like the association’s help in making this happen. The art center has the needed equipment for this.
Desiree Cicale said the Wand Fight Team Pensacola academic gym located at 1417 W. Cervantes St. between H and I streets opened in April and so far, eight students have been sponsored. There is more sponsorship funding available for students ages 15 to 21, and she hopes many of these students will be Belmont-DeVilliers residents. At a recent competition in
Louisiana, the 12 students from
Pensacola brought home 22 medals. She said that at the academy, students are taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by some of the world’s leading martial arts instructors. World-renowned Brazilian mixed martial artist Wanderlei Silva will teach another class in July. For more information, call the gym at 850-619-1119.
Eddie Todd, chairman of the Community Maritime Park Associates, invited members to attend the meetings of the Design Development Committee. The next meeting will be Monday, May 10, at 2 pm in the Whibbs Room, first floor of City Hall. Info: 436-5655.
Ms. Abernathy gave a report on the soft opening of Five Sisters Café. The sign is up and the new venue is “slammed” at lunchtime, according to several members who have dined there. The Grand Opening will be on May 21, which is also Gallery Night.
Ms. Curry said a letter from the Westside Sunshine Neighborhood Association and the Belmont-DeVilliers Neighborhood Association asking for tree beautification on both sides of A Street as well as a continuation of the trees along DeVilliers Street was sent to the mayor, City Council and the park board last week.
George Hawthorne gave an update on the bid process for the roughly $7 million in construction projects for the
Maritime Park. A contractors meeting is set for Saturday, the day after bid announcements are released. Deadline for bids is June 8.
No treasurer’s report.
Councilwoman Mack has been sending out updates regarding the oil spill and
Pensacola’s preparations. She noted the latest report that one of the three leaks had been closed.
Kim Kimbrough, director of the Downtown Improvement Board, explained the new matrix of vehicular and pedestrian signs for city districts and attractions being developed. Belmont-DeVilliers is one of the six districts established, and the Main Library, the
Belmont Arts Center and the
Cultural Heritage Museum are among the 46 attractions that will have pole-type signs in front of them. He said the matrix plan will make it easier for tourists and residents to find public parking and attractions within the city. He brought samples of signs to show the members. Sixty-four vehicular signs will be erected. Bids will be accepted through the end of July, with installation in January of next year.
Mr. Kimbrough also noted that Richard Brosnaham will be making a double application for the National Historic District designation for both downtown and Belmont-DeVilliers. He said the issue in which the association asked for exclusion from Architectural Review Board oversight did not present a problem.
Jesse Turner of the Computer sales shop on DeVilliers was welcomed as a new guest.
Dottie Dubuisson brought up the two basketball hoops set up on She asked if there might be any nearby space where we could encourage the goals to be relocated for safety. Ms. Curry indicated that there was no ordinance against the continued use of the traffic lanes on DeVilliers as a basketball court. DeVilliers Street does not have parking lanes, and so their presence in the street is a safety concern as traffic into the area grows.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES JUNE 2, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry.
Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Neil Richards, Eddie Todd, Vivian Lamont, Alexa Canady Davis, Desiree Cicale, Dottie Dubuisson, Ann Hill, Diane Mack, Charles Bare, Ashton Hayward, Reginald Dogan, Cecil Johnson, Oliver M. Darden, Rose George, Kim Jennings, Tony McCray, Rose McPherson and the Rev. John H. Powell. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The Rev. Carl Reeves passed out a map detailing where the 13 authorized police cameras will be installed, pending city manager approval. One will be at Belmont-DeVilliers and several others are concentrated along Jackson St. between A and E Sts. The Police Dept. is using a $203,059 grant to install the cameras. He said these cameras have a wide range that includes a 360-degree radius, the ability to zoom in close enough to read a brand of cigarettes and zoom out to monitor seven or eight blocks at a time in any direction. The cameras also have the capacity to record on command or at preset times. They will be continually monitored at police HQ and mobile police officers will be able to view the cameras on laptops. He emphasized that surveillance will be used to monitor criminal activity only and that the video can be used in criminal prosecution. The public will have access to any video capturing the commission of a crime under the freedom of information act, but not during an ongoing investigation. He also noted a log is kept of any officer who views the monitors. The Police Dept. will be setting up Q&A sessions with neighborhood associations. He is excited about this new tool and is confident safeguards will be in place.
Rev. Reeves also noted that Police Chief John Mathis’ retirement party will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 11 at the
Bayview Community Center. Interim chief will be Chip Simmons. Later in the meeting Neil Richards moved, Rosemary Kirkland seconded and it was approved that we present Chief Mathis with a gift of appreciation.
Vivian Lamont reported that the Belmont Youth Band has several gigs this month, including a Truth for Youth programs, including the June 19 Juneteenth Heritage Festival at the
Fricker Center, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Details: 850-436-5195). A BYB student (and Ms. Lamont) will also be performing at Miss Domoreyou Pageant Saturday, June 26 and begins at 6 p.m. at the
DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Museum, 500 W. Belmont St. “The Babygirl” Cortney Hicks, on air personality from 93 BLX will be hosting the pageant, and Roy Jones Jr. will be a judge. Tix on sale online this week at
www.domoreyou.com For info: 850-206-2554.
Ms. Lamont also noted plans are in the works to present an “American Idol”-type competition this summer for youth that will hopefully be aired on WRNE. The Belmont Youth Band will also be holding a monthly garage sale at the
Belmont Arts Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Saturday. Donations for the garage sale and volunteer workers are needed. You can drop donations off at the
Belmont Arts Center through Dottie Dubuisson, who has an office there now or call Ms. Lamont for details: 458-6744.
Neil Richards noted there will be an open mic at 7:30 on Friday, June 11 and invited musicians, poets and others to participate. The 7 p.m. weekly Tuesday night jam-session fundraiser for the
Belmont Youth Center also continues this summer. Ceramics, glassblowing and other art classes are also being offered at the
Belmont Arts Center.
Tony McCray announced that the 2010 Gulf Coast Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (REAP)
Summit will be held Sept. 10-11 at the Pensacola Hilton. Sessions will start Friday morning. He said the philosophy of this summit is to “reap what you sow – sow collaboration and reap rewards.” He recently visited faith-based offices in D.C. to get a firsthand look on what the president is doing regarding economic development. For details on the conference, contact Mr. McCray at
tmcuic@aol.com or 850- 341-1060.
Eddie Todd reported that the Maritime project now has $52.5 million in its bank account. Many work opportunities will be available, and not just in construction. He encouraged members to attend and give public input at the design, operational, minority and other committee meetings of the Community Maritime Park Association.
Dottie Dubuisson discussed the white paper on
Neighborhood Building that she had emailed the membership and how successful these efforts have been elsewhere. She was a participant in the negotiations for the recent sale of the former Smith Bakery property by Neil Richards (president of American Building Components) to the Rev. John Powell, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Truth for Youth organization. She noted that they have been working with designers, perspective tenants and others as part of the process. Some of the financing is expected to come from private funders primarily outside the local community, including some that are interested in preserving much of the historical fiber of the building and expanding heritage use, and a $30,000 challenge grant. She noted that the center will offer activities for the entire community, and is not just for youths. The hope is to make the center self-sustaining through leasing half of its 42,200 square feet for retail and commercial use. She noted they are at the beginning of a massive undertaking.
Kim Jennings of Truth for Youth passed out a sample fund-raising letter from the Rev. Powell, which states in part that Truth for Youth has been an advocate for area young for nearly 17 years, with the goal of creating and providing educational, recreational and social programs for at-risk inner-city youth and their families. With the purchase of the 401 N. Reus St. property, the goal now is to centralize services. Donations can be made payable to Truth for Youth Building Fund, POB 17871,
Pensacola 32522-7871. Website is at
www.truthforyouth.org and phone is 850-393- 0332. Annual report filings are online at
www.sunbiz.org.
Ms. Jennings also enumerated recent activities sponsored by Truth for Youth, including an outdoor feature movie presentation, which they hope to continue on a regular basis. The group also took 150 senior citizens to
Bellingrath Gardens and sponsored the
Pensacola High School float in the MLK parade. Summer events for youth include a party under the 110 bridge and a reading program. Many of the volunteers come from the Navy Base, where the Rev. Powell works and that some funding is raised by providing food at the
Pensacola Heritage Museum.
Cecil Johnson reported that his Five Sisters Café is off to a great start and noted some of the blues groups that will be playing there on Fridays and Saturdays.
Councilwoman Mack said the council and city staff is looking into writing security ordinances to safeguard the police cameras. She thanked Ms. Dubuisson for the email she sent on the Choice Neighborhoods initiative and said it meshes well with what McCormack, Baron Salazar is seeking in its demonstration grant proposal. The July 1 deadline for application is problematic for the city, however. She noted that the multi-use language recommended by the association was incorporated by the Housing Consortium into its housing plan. The next hearing is on June 24.
Councilwoman Mack said the council is waiting on staff recommendations regarding the tree proposals along A St. and DeVilliers. She noted that Movement for Change will hold a fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. June 18 at New World Landing. Tickets are $50. She also said Gulf Power’s pole program has been on month-to-month basis since its contract expired and that the company is balking at the council’s insistence they comply with letting the public know about proposed locations of new poles.
Alexa Canady Davis gave a report on the activities of the Delta Sorority, including a senior citizens luncheon that was held and the upcoming White Linen Party set for 7 p.m. to midnight July 16 at the
Sanders Beach community center. Tickets are $25. Rose George discussed Delta’s youth summer enrichment program, which will combine academics and recreation provided through the Wand Fight Team Pensacola academic gym
Ms. Curry expressed condolences to Tony and Cheryl McCray on the passing of their aunt, Dolores McCray.
It was proposed, seconded and approved that there will be no meeting of the association in July.
The mayoral candidates were invited to speak. Charles Bare and Ashton Hayward discussed their recent ride-along with the police and fire departments and how they now have a better idea of how the city looks during the off hours. Mr. Bare spent a 12-hour shift with the police and a 24-shift with the fire dept. He also noted the city must diversify and rely less on tourism and the military as economic engines. He proposes an economic development council to oversee this. Mr. Hayward, who spent a Tuesday evening with the police and fire depts., emphasized that private business development such as Five Sisters Café is what we need, along with mobilizing and taking ownership of our neighborhoods. He believes that a few people of influence are needed to spearhead these efforts.
The Rev. Powell arrived and was given a warm welcome by the members. He noted that he is glad to be a member of the Neighborhood Association. He said he grew up in
Pensacola and is a big believer in people and is a true humanitarian. He said it’s not about the money, it’s about people. He says that if we set standards for our youth, they will come up to our standards. He offered the nonprofit’s stage and bus for use by other groups. With the community’s help, he envisions an outstanding community learning resources center for the new space that will “empower the mind through art and culture.”
The treasurer reported $2,504 in the account, and Ms. Curry asked her to write a check to cover the outstanding food and decorations arranged by Rose George for the meeting. Ms. Curry also thanked Larry King for setting up the tables and chairs that evening.
Favorable articles on Belmont-DeVilliers that recently appeared in the Pensacola New Journal, Bella magazine and Splash were discussed.
Eddie Todd gave a talk on the purpose of the Neighborhood Association, which he called the heart of the community, “where we share, network and where we stay unified.” He said this is the real organization, where we live, work, own property and businesses and network City Hall.” The association was started 20 years ago, and some of the original members are still part of the group. Although some members can’t always attend, they are still involved and ask questions. Each person who does attend represents another 20 people they communicate with. We have made great strides and are setting the trend in turning a distressed area around.
Mr. Todd noted we’ve gotten more formal over the years and are now a 501(c)4 organization. We pass information to resources and support businesses that open. We’re more diverse now and people who visit the neighborhood are totally amazed. At first, it was a question of getting rid of crime, then it became a question of providing housing and clearing up a four-block area and now we are back to housing . “We are the heart of everything you read --we are the shining light, where others saw only darkness.” He said he comes to our meetings to get re-energized. In August, he will expand more on goals of the association.
Talbot Chapel A.M.E. Church will celebrate its 144
th anniversary June 11-13 with a Choir Fest, banquet and guest speaker.
A flyer with details was sent separately. Contact: 850-433-7515
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. and everyone enjoyed the lovely repast hosted by Rose George.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NO MEETING IN JULY
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES AUG. 4, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, George Hawthorne, Dottie Dubuisson, Neil Richards, Vivian Lamont, Alexa Canady Davis, Tony McCray, Sonja Evans, Eddie Todd, Rose McPherson. Guests: Linda Price, James Myatt, Pastor David Pellet, Rev. Eugene Franklin. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Dottie Dubuisson took the minutes for Ann Hill, who was absent due to a previous engagement.
The Rev. Carl Reeves reported that one police camera will go on the
Todd Building, the first of the 13 installations. Review at City Hall, with visit to be scheduled.
Vivian Lamont reported that the 1st prize winner of the Belmont Youth Band Idol contest donated prize for raffle to raise more money. More than 65 attended last two Tuesday night jam sessions. Program will continue on Tuesdays.
Tony McCray announced that the Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (REAP)
Summit will be held Nov. 11-13 at the Pensacola Hilton. He asked the Neighborhood Association to be a sponsor at the $100 “Friend” level. Nov. 11
th will be a faith-based night. Ms. Curry was asked to serve on the committee.
George Hawthorne said the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce endorses and fully supports the REAP summit. He recommended lunch on Friday / breakfast on Saturday and a Friday mixer reception. Mr. McCray noted that
Memphis,
New Orleans,
Connecticut and other delegations from all over the
U.S. will attend. Mr. Hawthorne said the GCAACC is forming a strategic partnership agreement with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a Diversity Summit that could be merged with REAP. He offered to sit on the REAP steering committee.
A note was read from retired Police Chief John Mathis, thanking the association for its gift of appreciation and support through the years.
Dottie Dubuisson gave an update on the
Belmont Building (Truth for Youth), noting that reflective attachments for the street pylons and old banners were found during the building cleanout. She encouraged everyone to review what personal or organizational support might be offered to Neil Richards as he clears 17 years of community stored items from his spaces. She said the floats will be gone by Aug. 15. Until the parking lot is restriped and signage added, visitors are asked to create a second line of parking parallel to the fence row of parking. The conference room remains available for use by non-profit neighborhood meetings. Open mics continue to be held on Tuesday nights (supporting the Belmont Youth Band) and Friday nights (hosted by Acoustafolk) and sponsored by Truth for Youth.
Eddie Todd reported that the Maritime project contracts have been let. Subcontractors have put in their applications as well. Applications for long-term service contracts, etc., are now being accepted.
Linda Price and Jim Myatt are the real estate managers for Belmont Square (the
Eddie Todd Building).
The Rev. Eugene Franklin is assistant pastor of First Baptist Church of Warrington and president of the Florida Black Chamber of Commerce, a resource for local chambers. He has served on the
Pensacola chamber and represents the Southern region for the National Black Chamber. He believes that art, food, music, such as that offered by the Gumbo Gallery, Five Sisters and
Cultural Heritage Museum and other venues, will create change in the neighborhood. He discussed upcoming events at the
Cultural Heritage Museum, including DeVilliers Nights on Fridays, an Estenvanico award ceremony honoring Mr. Benboe on Aug. 20 and the mayoral election return party on Aug 24 for Councilwoman Diane Mack. Details:
www.devilliersmuseum.com
Rose McPherson noted that PJC is now Pensacola State College.
Ms. Dubuisson reported that Truth for Youth is distributing school supplies under the Interstate on Sundays in August as part of their Summer Celebration. Ms. Lamont reported that great meals were served last Sunday to entire families; golf and tennis offered to kids encouraging them to “earn” the reward of supplies. Funding normally received from a city grant to Human Relations not available this year. Rev. Powell enrolled friends and supporters to raise the thousands of dollars needed to fund supplies for 700-800 kids. Ms. Dubuisson urged everyone to encourage support for this effort. Ms. Curry suggested that the association should donate $100. This was seconded and passed and check was written by the treasurer and presented to Ms. Dubuisson for delivery to Rev. Powell.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES SEP. 1, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:30 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Dottie Dubuisson, Neil Richards, Vivian Lamont, Alexa Canady Davis, Tony McCray, Eddie Todd, Rose George, Oliver Darden, Reggie Dugan, Ann Hill, Councilwomen Diane Mack and Jewel Cannada-Wynn. Guests: James Myatt, Danny Lewis and Geraldine Vaurigaud. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved with one correction.
The Rev. Carl Reeves noted that Danny Lewis serves on the citizens police advisory committee and can also be contacted regarding police matters. He reported that four of the police cameras are up and working. The pole to house the camera at A & Jackson is up and the camera is being readied for installation. Also in the works is a camera to be mounted on top of the
Todd Building.
Vivian Lamont said the Belmont Youth Band classes will start back the Saturday after Labor Day. Tuesday night jams are still going strong. She reported on some of the recent performances of youth members, including the opportunity to play with two Grammy-winning musicians at the Optimist Club. One invitation to play for a private party yielded a $240 donation to the band. The 1
st place prize winner of the WRNE music competition donated the
Orlando prize trip for a Youth Band raffle.
Tony McCray gave the latest details on the Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity (REAP)
Summit slated for Nov. 11-13 at the Pensacola Hilton. It was moved, seconded and approved that the Neighborhood Association be a sponsor at the $100 support level. The Friday night reception will be held in the Belmont DeVilliers area.
Literature that Mr. McCray distributed states that the REAP summit is a call to action to leaders in business, government and community and faith-based organizations. Its mission is to build and strengthen this network to generate economic opportunities for low-wealth individuals, families and communities impacted by regional disasters (such as hurricanes and oil spills) and socio-economic structural inequalities.
REAP
Summit speakers will include Dr. Catherine Wright, director, Georgia Tech’s Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development and a member of the White House Urban Affairs task force; Joe Brooks, VP for civic engagement, Policy Link; and David Hinson, national director, Minority Business Development Agency. As MBDA director, Mr. Hinson oversees five regional offices and a network of 48 minority business centers that provide services to promote the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses.
The summit will be jointly presented by the Community Transformation Leadership Network, the Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission and the IBIS Foundation. Other sponsors include the IBIS Partners, LLC; Gulf Coast Equity Coalition; the National Center of Faith-Based Initiatives; Unity in the Family Ministry; the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce; the
Alabama Minority Business Enterprise Center; Family Advocacy and Neighborhood Services of New Orleans, La.; and the Kingdom International Economic Development Corporation of New Haven, Conn. Registration for the summit is $80, which includes meals. Mr. McCray can be reached at 850-341-1060.
The Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission, which was established in 1974 by
Escambia County commissioners and the Pensacola City Council to promote fair treatment and equal opportunity for all Escambia citizens, was recently selected by Maritime Park Development Partners to lead program management and community outreach for
Maritime Park’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) program. Some goals of the EBO program are collaboration between majority and minority firms, workforce development and community outreach.
Mr. McCray was quoted by Jamie Page in his Sept. 2 Pensacola News Journal column announcing the selection of the HRC to oversee the Maritime Park diversity program: “The early success of minority inclusion in this program demonstrates to us that the developer is committed to delivering on the promises made in the Covenant with the Community,” said Tony McCray, EBO program manager. “We are excited to join this team and look forward to expanding the program to further the community’s common goals.”
The column went on to state that local minority firms have been awarded over $1.4 million in
Maritime Park contracts so far — 42.6 percent of the qualifying work and 17.7 percent of the total. The total contracted amount for the project to date is $8.3 million.
Neil Richards noted the
Belmont Art Center will participate in Gallery Night on Sept. 17, present a Hot Glass Cold Beer the following Friday and hold the glass Pumpkin Patch show again this October. He said the center is getting more signage and publicity than ever before. He also mentioned a proposal to convert ECUA’s former treatment facilities into an aquarium. He said the estimates on the conversion to an aquarium are on par with demolishing the building and therefore would present no additional cost to
ECUA.
Eddie Todd asked for members to send him information on any calendar events that might happen next year for inclusion in a neighborhood calendar listing. He said the
Maritime Park project is progressing full speed ahead. Mr. Todd can be reached at 850-434-0325.
Dottie Dubuisson gave a summary of upcoming Truth for Youth and
Belmont Building activities. Sept. 4 – One Love Luau sponsored by the surfboard studio; Sept. 12 – Pottery Open House; Sept 14 – Studio kickoff – pottery, glass-blowing, etc.
Sept. 17 - Gallery Night featuring Can Construction project for Manna Food Bank. Sept. 18 - Garage sale planned.
Ms. Dubuisson also described several projects that are in the works, including Breakfast at the Belmont for both youths and elderly; a Net Café featuring public access to Wi-Fi for youths, with a tech on site, and light fare that includes coffee; possible addition of a stained glass group. She noted that the
Art Center now has a smaller footprint in the building and may be relocated after December. She notified Cox Cable, sponsors of the annual Black History celebration, that there may be some adjustment required due to architectural revamping at that time. She said the 7 Mardi Gras floats are now gone. The
Belmont Building has also offered to be the collection point for Tots for Toys this December. She noted that the Acoustafolk sessions will continue on Friday nights.
Councilwoman Diane Mack noted that plans for demolition of the Fire Station are at the bidding stage. She complimented the hospitality of the Rev. Eugene Franklin and Sonja Evans at her post-election party at the
Cultural Heritage Museum.
Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn reminded the group to check on the next round of city PCIP grants. Ms. Curry responded on the continued effort to obtain funding for neighborhood entrance signs. Ms. Dubuisson noted that the procedure for obtaining banners was quite time-consuming.
She discussed the free Children’s Milk Rally to be held from 8:30 to 11 am Labor Day at
Pensacola High School auditorium. The rally is the first of a 15-stop chain of nonpartisan Milk Party rallies that the Children's Movement of Florida will conduct across the state with the goal of educating political, business and civic leaders about the need to improve the way
Florida's children are cared for. Details:
childrensmovementflorida.org.
She mentioned the need for volunteers for a UWF-backed effort to begin documenting and cleaning up the old
AME Zion Cemetery on North A Street at Brainerd. Volunteers are also needed for a playground project at
Spencer Bibbs Elementary School on
Davis.
Ms. Curry said someone is following up on the tree proposal for A Street.
Mr. Lewis noted that he is running for county commissioner, District 4, and said he is working with other counties to bring an existing jobs program to the next level. Early voting begins Oct. 18, and City Councilwoman Cannada-Wynn will also be on the ballot for a fourth term in the District 6 seat.
Mr. Lewis is active in Movement for Change, which will host the William H. Marshall back-to-school parade and picnic in
Pensacola on Sept. 18. The event began in 2008 to give children a positive start to the school year and is named after the longtime educator and civil rights activist in
Pensacola who died in 2005. The 1.5-mile parade will begin at 5 p.m. at Haynes and Gonzalez streets and travel along Davis Highway to Magee Field. Free hot dogs and school supplies will be available. Details: 850-432-4411.
Rosemary Kirkland mentioned the letters the city is sending out regarding an increase in new storm water sewer fees. Ms. Curry said she has been hearing a lot of complaints about the new fees. Councilwoman Mack explained that the increased fees may be due to an updated estimate of the impervious area of a property as well as an increase of $12 a year in the base unit fee.
Ms. Curry said she has been getting complaints from neighbors living near Southern Oaks Nursing Home who say that unaccompanied wheelchair residents are creating a nuisance by going down the streets asking for food, money and cigarettes. Councilwoman Cannada-Wynn suggested the nursing home policy should be addressed. Mr. Todd was asked to look into this.
Treasurer Alexa Canady Davis reported $2,150 and some change in the association’s account after writing a check for the REAP summit.
It was reported that Sonja Griffin Evans of the Gumbo Gallery is planning a Christmas in DeVilliers celebration on the first Saturday in December (Dec. 4), with a street lighting at dusk. Ms. Curry suggested the DIB be contacted regarding that agency’s plans for tree lighting. Gulf Power is also being approached regarding an electric tree proposal. Anyone interested in assisting with this event should contact Ms. Evans: (850) 437-0025.
Ms. Curry passed around an invitation from Pensacola Code Enforcement to participate in a Neighborhood Association get-together 5-6 pm on Sept. 22 in the Hagler-Mason Conference Room, second floor, City Hall. Refreshments will be served. Ms. Curry encouraged any member interested in attending to let her know. Call her at 850-438-7614.
Brief topics of discussion included:
+ Several DIB committee openings at present.
+ An effort to have the plants surrounding the Main Library relocated to other areas in the neighborhood.
+ An Arts and Crafts funding summit Sept. 14 in
Jacksonville
Guest Geraldine Vaurigaud encouraged members to share email lists in getting announcements out. She also noted the effectiveness of bringing posters to the meeting and having members take them to post at places like Everman’s or the library.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES OCT. 6, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:35 p.m. by President Dolores Curry.
Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Rev. Carl Reeves, Dottie Dubuisson, Neil Richards, Vivian Lamont, Rose George, Reggie Dugan, Rose McPherson, Ann Hill, Councilwoman Diane Mack, Cecil Johnson, Sonja Evans, Danny Lewis. Guests included Thaddeus Cohen, director of the Community Redevelopment Agency, and three guests from Southern Oaks: Paul Prybylski, Trisha Hewes and Trish Funk. There was a round of introductions. Minutes of the last meeting were read, amended and approved.
The Rev. Carl Reeves said the police surveillance camera has been installed on the
Eddie Todd Building. He invited members to tour the operation. Joining Dolores Curry on the tour will be Rose George, Rose McPherson, Vivian Lamont, Dottie Dubuisson and Neil Richards.
Vivian Lamont said the free Saturday morning Belmont Youth Band classes have started back. The Youth Band is conducting two fundraisers:
(1) a Belk discount sale from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 6.
Tickets are $5. (2) A prize trip raffle for 3 nights in
Orlando, 2 nights in Daytona, 2 tickets to gambling cruise. Winner will be drawn on the night of Dec. 4. Price $1.00 per ticket (need not be present for the drawing). Call Ms. Lamont for details: 850-458-6744.
Neil Richards asked Ms. Curry to reserve time on the November agenda for a Power Point presentation supporting the proposal to convert ECUA’s former treatment facilities into an aquarium. He noted this project would open up an opportunity to support marine research and that this type of conversion had been successful in other cities.
Mr. Cohen noted that the proposal does not have the support of the Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA favors residential development on the facilities’ 19 acres, which, he said, complements the
Maritime Park. He noted that a CRA plan has been developed for that area, stating that an additional project would just complicate things. He said the backers of the plan need to talk to UWF, which has had difficulty raising funds for its maritime museum, and suggested they visit the
Tampa aquarium. He does not think
Pensacola has a large enough MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) to support such a project. What he does think will work would be a project similar to what McCormack, Baron Salazar builds, a 400-unit housing development of a transformative nature. He believes that the city could leverage all the attention it received during the BP oil spill to accomplish this.
Ms. Curry mentioned the Pensacola News Journal’s recent article on the $7.6 million downtown library renovation and expansion. She noted that the association fought long and hard to keep the library downtown. Bids for demolition of the old city fire station next to the library and construction will be opened on Oct. 13. The current library will remain open until the completion of the new building in June 2011, and then the old building will be renovated. The two buildings will then be connected by a glass, two-story lobby, creating a 44,000-square-foot complex fronting Spring and Gregory streets. Completion is scheduled for December 2011.
Dottie Dubuisson noted that the September Gallery Night attracted 85 new visitors to the building. She praised recent performances by the Belmont Youth Band and soloists. She conveyed thanks from Rev. John Powell regarding the $100 donation toward the work of
Truth for Youth. She also gave a summary of upcoming Truth for Youth and
Belmont Building activities:
Oct 9: Glass Pumpkin sale 10 to 2
Belmont Arts CenterOct 22: Gallery Night
Oct 30: Truth for Youth annual garage sale. Space available at $20. Robert Hill of WRNE radio to promote.
Oct 31: Triple Treat – Truth for Youth – Magee Field
Nov 6: GCGAF Reception and Glass Jam
Nov 14 – 22: Trim street with city/Downtown Improvement Board
Nov 19: Gallery Night
Dec 4: The Belmont Christmas Market; Choir, tree lighting in conjunction with Christmas in DeVilliers
Additionally, the
Belmont Building parking lot will be the pod storage location for Toys for Tots collection by the Marines this Christmas. Acoustafolk shows continue on Friday nights. The Tuesday jam sessions are on hold as a new format and host is evaluated.
Ms. Dubuisson further noted that Truth for Youth will resubmit its application for the Pepsi Refresh Raise the Roof competition.
She also said that “Working a Better Way” grant applications are now being accepted from Escambia and
Santa Rosa nonprofits by Landrum Consulting Services, a division of Landrum Human Resource Companies. The awards cover strategic planning, leadership training and human resources support. An information session will be held 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15. Details:
www.landrumconsulting.com/grant .
Councilwoman Diane Mack promised to stay in touch with members as she exits the world of politics and returns to making her living in advertising. She received much spontaneous commendation from members at the meeting. She invites everyone to subscribe to her new blog at
pensacolaforthepeople.blogspot.com .
Ms. Curry said that she talked with George Hawthorne regarding signage at the
Maritime Park and obtained approval for a sign be posted pointing the way north to Historic Belmont DeVilliers.
Mr. Cohen led a discussion regarding the proposal to plant trees along A Street. He believes this can be accomplished through a combination of PCIP (Pensacola Community Initiatives Partnership) grants, cash from the city’s Tree Fund. He noted that the trees are incorporated into the plan for the
West Side. He said Helen Gibson, neighborhood coordinator for the city of
Pensacola, is working with homeowners associations to bundle some PCIP grants to support this project. He noted that there are lots of demands on the Tree Fund, headed up by Dave Flaherty, and that the fund is never used to pay for an entire project.
He also mentioned the importance of planning through the West Side TIF (Tax Increment Financing).
Ms. Curry noted there are more than 100 homeowners associations vying for the $10,000 in grants, but Mr. Cohen said most of them don’t apply for the grants. Ms. Dubuisson and Ms. Curry noted that the tree proposal was tabled after a motion by City Council Larry Johnson when the issue was discussed during the peak of the BP oil crisis, when it was thought the funds might be needed for spill clean-up. They said the tabled proposal was sent to staff. Mr. Cohen said he was not aware of the tabling and staff referral. Ms. Dubuisson then noted that so far, we have the CRA conceptual idea for the tree planting and what’s need now is the construction document. Mr. Cohen talked about the need for a survey and irrigation to match the appropriate tree with the appropriate space.
Mr. Cohen talked about the lively spaces that are being developed downtown, such as the Pelican Drop and Sunsets in the Park. These are helping drive businesses to that area. Despite the downturn in the economy, he noted there are 12 new establishments downtown. New venues are coming to the former Café 22 and Eats. He said he considers Belmont-DeVilliers as part of downtown.
Mr. Cohen discussed some of the city’s promotions, including ads by Media One, in which he offered to provide a CD copy to the association. He said that ads promoting the area have emphasized the beach, but that is only one aspect of our area and he is working to include downtown in these promotions.
He mentioned the work of the city’s Terri Kuvach and emphasized the need to draw younger and more prosperous people downtown. He said acts like Tyler Perry’s “Medea’s Big Happy Family” (Sept. 28
Civic Center) and Frankie Beverly and Maze (Oct. 31
Civic Center) do this.
He talked about changes in street movement in and out of downtown, including a change by Nov. 1 at Garden and Palafox that will allow left and right turns; making Spring, Baylen two-way streets; making Gregory totally two-way. He said the purpose in these changes is to make it easy to get downtown. In the Seventies, he said, street plans made it easy to get through downtown, not into downtown. This philosophy contradicts what makes downtown accessible.
Mr. Cohen talked about how in his experience he has found that church ladies can cook. He noted that in cities with cruise ports, these cooks would sell out of empty stores when the ships docked. Passengers would not be aware that the stores were open only when they arrived. He called these pop-up storefronts, and although current health regulations would need to be adhered to, he could see something like that happening here. These community kitchens would create foot traffic during events, etc. He could see giving entrepreneurs free rent for 30 to 45 days to test whether their venue could succeed.
Sonja
Griffin Evans discussed Christmas in DeVilliers, with an anticipated kickoff date of Dec. 4 that includes street lighting and a Christmas Market. She hopes the Belmont Youth Band will provide performers at the various businesses. She expects to provide art classes for adults and children. She asks volunteers to contact her at Gumbo Gallery by Nov. 1:
(850) 437-0025.
Paul Prybylski addressed the complaints by members that residents of Southern Oaks are being a nuisance to their neighbors by blocking the walkways, playing loud music, wearing only robes, and in smoking and drinking on the street. Members believe the residents are also endangering themselves as they travel by wheelchair through the streets. Mr. Prybylski noted that his company has invested heavily in improving the building and currently houses 196 residents. He feels that about eight of these residents are the ones causing problems. He has discussed this issue with an ombudsman, who reminded him that the rights of these tenants were not canceled when they entered Southern Oaks. These residents have a right to come and go as they please. Mr. Prybylski said he is working with elder affairs groups to assess whether some of these residents actually need the level of care offered at Southern Oaks. He also said that even if it’s determined that level of care is not required, the resident has the choice to stay there.
Ms. Curry asked if a letter from our organization outlining some of these issues would help Mr. Prybylski address these issues, and he agreed that it would. It was decided to draft such a letter from the membership. He invited the group to hold its next meeting at Southern Oaks, and this invitation was accepted.
The next meeting will be held Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Southern Oaks on West Gregory St.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES OF NOV. 3, 2010
The meeting was held at Southern Oaks Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center, 600 W. Gregory, and opened at 5:40 p.m. by President Dolores Curry. Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Dottie Dubuisson, Neil Richards, Vivian Lamont, Rose McPherson, Ann Hill, Danny Lewis and Tony McCray.
Guests included several administrative staff members from Southern Oaks, including Trisha Hughes, Tracy Jones, Barbara Porter and Paul Prybylski. Other guests were Christopher Davis of the Clever Ogre marketing, 526 W. Chase St., and Matt Behnke and Erik Mattson of SeeLevel Graphics, 301 S. Adams St. There was a round of introductions. Minutes of the last meeting were read, amended and approved.
Dolores Curry gave a positive report on the police camera demonstration that several members attended at the Police Station on Haynes. She noted that the cameras can zero in on license plates when necessary. Thirteen cameras are in operation, including the one installed on the
Todd Building. The Police Department plans to put some of these cameras online.
Vivian Lamont reported on some of the recent engagements of the Belmont Youth Band, including Cordova Mall and an invitation by Dillards to return for the cosmetics event scheduled Nov. 19.
They will be playing at the
Epps Christian Center pre-Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless on Nov. 20 and will participate in the Elf Parade for the city on the Friday after Thanksgiving. On Dec. 13, they will entertain at-risk children in
Milton.
Ms. Lamont sang recently at Five Sisters restaurant and said there will be coverage of this in the Pensacola Voice.
Youth Band $1 prize trip raffle tickets are still available. The drawing for 3 nights in
Orlando, 2 nights in Daytona will be the night of Dec. 4. Winner need not be present. Call Ms. Lamont for details: 850-458-6744.
Neil Richards said glass blowers participating the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival this weekend will join glass blowers from the
Belmont Arts Center at 6 pm Saturday for a Glass Jam, similar to a music jam, in which the artists will build art pieces together. These will then be sold as part of the live and silent auctions. He said there is a long list of caterers and donations of food. Admission is free for art center members and $15 for non-members. Details: 429-1222 or visit
www.belmontartscenter.com.
Mr. Richards also discussed the proposal to convert ECUA’s former sewage treatment facilities on Main Street into an aquarium. He passed around a survey-type petition on this proposal. He noted this project would be uniquely suited for the sewage plant because of all the pumps, tanks and equipment that is already in place. He said it could be the size of the aquariums at
Atlanta,
Chattanooga and
New Orleans.
The 18-acres would permit development of lots of things, he said, including scuba training, fish and other marine life research, such as how crude oil responds to the dispersant that was used on it. According to Bill Young, the biologist for the Northwest Florida Water Management District who is spearheading the proposal, the site has a water capacity of 20 million gallons and the aquarium project would only use roughly five acres, leaving the rest available to lease out. Time is of the essence, however, because current plans call for the demolition of the plant. Mr. Richards has a Power Point presentation developed to promote the aquarium proposal. He will send this file on request. Email him at
abcnrr@yahoo.com.
Tony McCray suggested the aquarium proponents might have more time to gather support for their proposal because of the ongoing investigation by the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and Homeland Security regarding a complaint by the Escambia/Pensacola Human Relations Commission against the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority alleging that not enough minority contractors were used on the Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant relocation project. He suggested the group contact Dr. Calvin Avant, executive director of the HRC.
Dottie Dubuisson noted that in discussing the CRA’s opposition to the aquarium proposal, Thaddeus Cohen seemed to indicate that if the ECUA site was not used for a condominium project, the 400-unit housing development being considered by McCormack, Baron Salazar might not go forward. She noted there are plenty of other land parcels, including some in the Belmont-DeVilliers area, that would be equally attractive for such development.
Mr. McCray said that the dates for the REAP (Regional Equity to Achieve Prosperity) summit have been changed to March 17-19, 2011, at the Pensacola Beach Hilton. He noted that the HRC received a contract to manage minority participation for the Maritime construction. To date, that participation has been a whopping 18%. Previous projects have garnered around one-half of 1%. As a result of this impressive record, the state president of the NAACP, Adora Obi Nweze, met with the Maritime Park Development Partners and REAP leaders on Oct. 25 to discuss using the Maritime Park as a parity demonstration project.
Ms. Dubuisson made a few calendar announcements for the
Belmont center:
Nov. 10 - 11. Ms. Dubuisson said 12-foot ladders are needed for the Christmas trimming project.
Nov. 19. Gallery Night. Theme will be “Community Thanksgiving.” New mural to be unveiled and a food drive for the poor. The center would like to feature local artists in future exhibits.
Nov. 26 – Hanging of the Greens, Elf Parade.
Dec. 4 – Belmont Christmas Market, food and booths with choir singing, entertainment by the Belmont Youth Band members. Vendor opportunities - $10 for a booth. Volunteers needed to help produce stocking stuffers.
Ms. Dubuisson also noted that Truth for Youth’s Garage Sale brought in $700. There were a lot of speakers for the big stage.
Ms. Curry said she received a call from Helen Gibson regarding the Trees for A Street project. Five neighborhood associations will jointly apply for PCIP funds to underwrite this project and she will be back in touch with details and tree planting plans next month. Ms. Gibson expects the trees to be installed by the first of the year.
Ms. Curry said the letter of complaint regarding some residents’ behavior was sent to Paul Prybylski. He thanked members for voicing their concern in this way but said it doesn’t change the fact that residents are free to come and go. He did note that at least 3 of the problem residents have been approved for more independent assisted living arrangements. Another has started the therapy that will qualify that person for assisted living as well.
Rose McPherson, who lives close to the center, said that these problematic clients leave piles of cigarette butts and garbage where they gather, drink alcohol and have alcohol brought in by other people in the community. She said they sometimes come out wearing only their sleeping gowns and show no respect for the neighbors. At one point, she said she called the police. Mr. Prybylski encouraged her to do that if they break the law, and she said she was glad to work with the nursing center to resolve the issues as good neighbors should.
The Southern Oaks chef and various members of the kitchen staff were introduced as they began serving a full-course dinner that was heartily enjoyed by the membership.
Ms. Curry announced the passing of Alexa Canady Davis’s mother and a sympathy card was passed around for members to sign. She also thanked Southern Oaks for their hospitality in hosting the meeting. She noted that the association bank account has $2,077.34 on deposit.
Mr. McCray introduced Christopher Davis and sign makers Matt Behnke and Erik Mattson. Mr. Davis is working with the Downtown Improvement Board on the way-finding signs and asked for members input for the ones in the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood.
Ms. Curry suggested that Eddie Todd, who was out of town at that time, would be a good person to work with. Signs for the four corners of the area were suggested. Ms. Curry suggested the signs indicate the musical nature of the neighborhood, and Ms. Hill noted that the area has been nominated as a national historic district and should reflect that future designation if possible. A proposal to use the vintage street bricks removed from Belmont Street was met with enthusiasm. Mr. Richards said he would be happy to contribute whatever amount of bricks that would be required for these signs.
Rosemary Kirkland noted the library has a bid and construction should begin soon.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 as dinner continued to be served.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BELMONT / DE VILLIERS NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
MINUTES DEC. 1, 2010
The meeting was opened at 5:40 p.m. by President Dolores Curry.
Attending were: Dolores Curry, Rosemary Kirkland, Dottie Dubuisson, Larry King, Vivian Lamont, Rose McPherson, Councilwoman Diane Mack, Sonja Evans, Alexa Canady Davis, Russell Spears, Rev. Carl Reeves, Rose George, Ann Hill, Danny Lewis, Tony McCray and guest neighbor Gladys Philyaw-Atkins. Minutes of the last meeting were read, amended and approved.
Rev. Carl Reeves noted there has been an increase in criminal acts across the nation and cautioned everyone to be vigilant. He noted that it gets dark earlier and that the holidays bring out the criminal element. He suggested carrying a bright flashlight to light up wherever you’re going and to keep a cell phone handy to call 911. He urged people to call the police if they see something out of the norm, such as a strange car parked several days in one spot. Vivian Lamont, Tony McCray, Danny Lewis, Sonja Evans and Gladys Philyaw-Atkins will attend a second demonstration of the surveillance cameras.
Vivian Lamont gave a round-up of recent Belmont Youth Band activities. She noted the group will be asked back to Dillards and Artel Gallery. Although it was too rainy to perform during the Elf Parade, 25 BYB kids turned out to walk in the parade. Upcoming events will be a performance for at-risk kids in
Milton and the tree lighting in Belmont-DeVilliers.
Dottie Dubuisson reported that the tree lighting will be at dusk (5 pm) Saturday and that a 32-foot tree is being shipped by rail from
Colorado. There will be a gift-wrapping station in the DeVilliers Community Room in the
Belmont Center throughout the Christmas season. There will also be a box of giftables for kids.
Ms. Dubuisson handed out a flyer from Neil Richards urging an aquarium and marine research center for
Pensacola through conversion of the sewage treatment plant. The flyer states tax payers could save $20 in demolition and that the aquarium would be an anchor for economic development. A view of the proposed aquarium and other details are at:
www.GoAquariumPensacola.org. Mr. Richards can be reached at
abcnrr@yahoo.com.
Councilwoman Diane Mack discussed a Wall Street Journal report on the Philips Livable Cities Award, honoring novel strategies and practical solutions that can make communities more livable, sustainable and prosperous. The top award is 75,000 Euros. Councilwoman Mack suggested that the category “Well-being outdoors” would be a good category for Belmont-DeVilliers. Ms. Dubuisson was put in charge of materials, but members were asked to look for announcements regarding next year’s competition. More info at:
http://www.because.philips.com/.
One of the webcasts on the Philips site features urbanist and author Richard L. Florida, whose books Tony McCray recommended enthusiastically. Three of his books are available at the
Pensacola library. Here’s one:
The flight of the creative class : the new global competition for talent. Florida (Brookings Institute) sparked an international debate over the causes and effects of long-term prosperity, economic development, and innovation. Here he takes his arguments to the next level, explaining how the same conditions that affect regional economic development and talent exchange play out on the world stage. He argues that the US must address problems such as rising inequality and disconnected political leadership to continue to attract foreign students, scientists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. A great one-hour presentation by Professor Florida is on youtube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLstkIZ5t8g&NR=1 . He stresses that creativity is the source of economic growth.
Dolores Curry expressed the association’s thanks to Southern Oaks for hosting our November meeting and providing a delicious dinner.
Several members discussed the need to invite our new councilman Brian Spencer to participate in our meetings. Danny Lewis said he has met with Mr. Spencer several times and that Mr. Spencer is very in tune with the African American community. Mr. Spencer’s platform for District 6 was posted at
progressivepensacola.com/ 2010/09/30/8225/
GOALS FOR DISTRICT 6
Economic Development
✴ Seek Federal, State and Foundation grants to improve our city’s entryways and business corridors, such as Cervantes, Belmont, and DeVilliers
✴ Offer incentives to businesses that want to open and revitalize neighborhoods
✴ Reduce city red tape and licensing procedures
✴ Ensure local businesses earn consideration for city contracts for construction and services
Livable City
✴ Develop tougher standards and incentives on developers to include true affordable living options in new developments
✴ Create incentives for developers to incorporate pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods
✴ Install traffic calming systems in neighborhoods, such as roundabouts and speed bumps
✴ Add lighting and provide shade for sidewalks and streets to beautify them and to make them safer
Citizen Input
✴ Host and organize twelve District 6 neighborhood walking tours per year, which will include at least two city employees, to determine where neighborhood improvements are needed
✴ Convene quarterly Town Hall meetings with the residents of District 6 to hear their ideas and concerns
Public Safety
✴ Support all public safety departments by ensuring they are properly funded and staffed to meet or exceed national certification and safety standards
✴ Fund youth development and education programs run by non-profits, private groups, churches, schools or the city.
Mr. Lewis discussed the free trip to
Egypt for 1,000 kids aged 7 to 14 and 500 adult group leaders offered by the D’Zert Club and the African Genesis Institute. Trip includes free airfare, accommodations and meals. The closest host city is
Atlanta. Details at
http://dzertclub.net/ or call 888-257-5991.
Ms. Curry suggested a $25 Christmas check be given to Mr. Larry King as a thank you for his help in setting up the tables and chairs for the association meetings each month. This was so moved, seconded and approved.
Several members received invitations to attend the Friday, Jan. 7 wrecking ball ceremony for the old firehouse at the main library. The event will begin at 3 pm and all are welcome. Firemen will attend in dress uniform. Hotdogs and other food will be served.
Alexa Canady Davis confirmed that a wing of the new library will be named after Maurice Bartholomew, a firefighter who died in the line of duty, ten years ago in the City of
Pensacola.
Condolences were expressed to Tony and Cheryl McCray on the recent loss of their aunt, Dorothy House McCray, age 94.
Ann Hill noted that ProBoKnows at 400 West Gregory recently reopened briefly for breakfast for a few days and now often keeps red porch lights and a red neon open sign on late at night.
Ms. Canady Davis gave a report of current paid and outstanding dues. Ms. Curry noted that this year’s dues should be paid by the end of the year.
Ms. Curry noted that JT’s computers has moved from DeVilliers to Cervantes by the Tuxedo shop in
Brownsville. Someone noted he needed to expand and was offered 2,000 square feet for $500 a month. He hopes to return to the neighborhood in the future.
Mr. McCray commented on how our meeting conversations have ratcheted up in recent months, noting that we now discuss trips to
Egypt and equal business opportunities, and so forth. He passed out a Maritime Park project graph titled “Minority & Local Participation Project Summary by Contracted Amount” Oct 31, 2010. It showed 17.85% or $1.72 million participation in construction contracts totaling $9.69 million total contracts. More than 95.3% of the total construction contracts went to local contractors. Overall minority participation in construction, design and consultants reached 14.52%, with 88.37% of all contracts remaining local. Mr. McCray says he receives calls daily from others who want to participate or study this project and says even more contract work is available. The city’s pre-disparity participation by minorities was one-half of one percent. Ideally, the participation would be 21.37%.
Mr. McCray also passed a report titled: “Potential Elements of the Community Maritime Park Community Benefits Agreement.” This list was first presented to the
Pensacola/ Escambia Community and Faith-Based Partnership by the Gulf Coast Community Benefits Corporation on Aug. 3, 2006 at the
PJC Downtown Center. The agreement lists these goals:
* Implement a hiring program that utilizes a “good faith effort” to provide local residents with the first opportunity for construction and permanent jobs with minority residents at a minimum of 30% of the total workforce.
* Provide a livable wage consistent with the market standard, but not less than $11.00 per hour.
* Implement a “good faith effort” to provide local minority-owned firms with the first opportunity for construction contracts and commercial tenant opportunities at a minimum of 30% of total for both.
* Assist in advocacy for and the institution of minority business incubation and development programs.
* Provide an incentive for minority prime contractors, sub-contractors and joint ventures in the request for proposal for the “privately-developed site” on the larger park site.
* Provide for a percentage of workforce housing in the
Maritime Park’s Request for Proposal for the “privately developed sit” on the larger park site – if residential is to be included.
* Through the
University of West Florida facility provide educational opportunities during non-traditional classroom hours (nights and weekends).
* Ensure a minimum of 30% minority participation on the decision-making
Community Maritime Park Board of Directors.
* Ensure a DeVilliers Street corridor connector from the
Community Maritime Park to the Belmont/DeVilliers Street Historical Business District.
* Establish an African American performing and visual arts program for a cultural tourism and local entertainment initiative on the site, which utilizes the baseball park and common area as strategic venues.
* Establish an ongoing commitment (institution) to leverage the impact of the
Community Maritime Park with other public and private urban development investment programs that impact contractor training, business incubation, workforce preparation, education, technology, cultural tourism, the performing arts, and attainable/affordable housing.
Those who began this initiative are continuing to work for its success under the Human Relations Commission. He mentioned the recent PNJ article stating that $70 million is being sought for private development at the
Maritime Park. This would bring the park construction investment to $122 million total. Mr. McCray invited association president Ms. Curry to be a member, and she invited others to consider taking this responsibility and will consider serving this effort herself. Rose McPherson said she would help Ms. Curry when needed.
Ms. Lamont was asked to work with a
Maritime Park committee to assess audio and lighting needs for the entertainment venues. They meet every Thursday at 1 pm.
It was moved, seconded and passed to donate $100 to purchase items for the Christmas stockings for the Belmont-DeVilliers celebration.
Russell Spears invited everyone to the Jazzy Christmas celebration at Talbot Chapel. Ms. Evans noted that holiday events are posted on the
DeVilliers Cultural Heritage Museum calendar at
www.devilliersmuseum.com . These include an After The Christmas Parade Gathering hosted by Islamic Temple #182 (Shriners) Dec. 11, St. Cyprian’s Hot Holiday Chocolate Surprise Dec. 11, a Red Box Christmas jewelry workshop, a poinsettia sale and pickup, the Sweet Sounds of Christmas Dec. 18. For more information, call Ms. Evans (Gumbo Gallery) at 850-437-0025 or 850-602-5205.
Ms. Dubuisson reported that Truth for Youth will sponsor a Children’s Lock-in in December. An It Takes Two pottery workshop and A Hot Glass Cold Beer night are set for Dec. 10. A suicide prevention group will be using the
Belmont center for art therapy as part of its monthly meetings.
Ms. Curry mentioned that Sanchez Court public housing development received a million-dollar grant to remodel its apartments. Pathways for Change, a jail-based addiction treatment program to help inmates achieve a life free from crime and incarceration, will remodel 10 apartments in Morris Court. Former inmates in the Pathways program will receive job training and rent-free housing. The group’s website is at
www.pathwaysforchange.org/.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Hill
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
