Eastside Revitalization Committee Minutes - 07/14/1993M I N U T E S
EASTSIDE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
JULY 14, 1993
PRESENT
R. E. "Potter" Bowles
Brenda A. Jarrett
John E. Parker
James A. Welburn
James Williams
Angus Thompson
David A. Clark
Steve Seese
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Ms. Jarrett.
The minutes were read and approved as submitted.
Mr. Clark presented results of the neighborhood meetings (previously
distributed) and gave an explanation on the report format.
Mr. Clark addressed the nine (9) points detailed in the report, and
explained distribution of the report. He commented that the report
has been distributed to City Council members, City department heads,
and others.
He explained that the next challenge is responsive action, and
challenged Committee members to set objectives on how to address the
nine points. He reported examples of progress being made. Examples
are the repair of a damaged fence reported by the Lynwood
neighborhood; mowing of lots over -grown with weeds; and the promotion
of information about a rehab program and first-time home buyer
assistance.
Ms. Jarrett commented that the Committee now needs to do something to
show the neighborhoods that something can be done. She encouraged new
faces to be involved.
Mr. Clark commented that the community needs to become more involved.
Some problems may be addressed by merely providing information of
sources. Other issues addressed at the meetings were policy issues.
Comment was made about forming subcommittees to address issues
individually. Subcommittees would approach City departments or others
responsible for decisions.
Mr. Thompson advised looking at goals and issues and creating a plan
for addressing them.
Mr. Clark suggested using the nine goals to create action steps. He
cautioned that some goals will not be easy to attain.
The question was raised as to having City staff contact departments.
Mr. Clark commented that the Committee is the entity who needs to
handle contact with other departments.
Ms. Jarrett suggested that the Committee get more people involved who
want to make a change. She asked for appointees. Mr. Thompson voiced
his concern with people not appointed by the Council. He suggested
forming an ad hoc committee to study resources.
Comment was made as to the importance of tangible results as proof of
accomplishment. Comments were made about past actions or promises
which never materialized. Police substation was cited as an example.
An example was give of the lack of contractors to perform housing
rehabilitation. The Small Business Development Center was cited as an
asset to facilitate business start-up opportunities.
A comment was made that someone should not build a job for you.
Create your own job or opportunity and explore possibilities. Mr.
Thompson suggested that the Eastside community work with business
people of all races to build the Eastside area and change attitudes.
Comments then centered around housing development. New housing needs
to be a success in order to attract people. Several lots could be put
together to create situations for large residences.
The following have agreed to serve in areas addressed in the nine
points:
Housing -
Angus Thompson
Youth -
Brenda Jarrett
Streets and Alleys -
James Williams
Police -
Potter Bowles
Code Enforcement -
James Welburn
Educational
Opportunities -
James Welburn
Transportation -
John Parker
Reports from these subcommittees will be presented at the next
meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 26, 1993 at 5:30
p.m•
EASTSIDE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE JULY 14, 1993 PAGE 2