Eastside Revitalization Committee Minutes - 03/25/1993M I N U T E S
EASTSIDE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
March 25, 1993
PRESENT
Mr.
James Williams
Rev.
J.C. White, Sr.
Mr.
James Welborn
Mr.
Henry Pothast
Ms.
Rosalind Box Maley
*
Members
Mr.
Henry D. White
Ms.
Brenda Jarrett
Mr.
John E. Parker
Ms.
Kathie R. Davis
Mr.
R.E. "Potter" Bowles
Michael Lam
*
Mayor
Angus Thompson
*
Councilor
Mr.
Paul Stillson
*
City Staff
Mr.
W. C. Young
Mr.
John Webber
*
visitors
Mr.
James Mason
Mr.
Charles Brown
Ms.
Diane Kollete
Ms.
Lisa Yowal
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 by Councilor Angus Thompson.
INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS
Each member of the committee was
recognized.
COMMENTS BY MAYOR MICHAEL LAM
introduced and visitors were
Mayor Lam addressed the Committee remarking that the IMPEC Center and
the proposed downtown revitalization could serve as models for
projects in the Eastside Community. They both involved a realistic
appraisal of the problem, an attainable goal, a step -by -approach to
solving it, and the co-operation of private and public interests.
DISCUSSION OF THE PURPOSE OF TEE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
Councilor Thompson stated that the effort to revitalize the Eastside
Community should be a focused effort concentrating on small area of
perhaps 10-15 blocks. He stressed the need to develop a plan, and to
survey what other cities had done. He cited the Houston Fifth Ward
and the Forth Worth as examples for study. Any plan needed to address
the many aspects of revitalization including items such as employment
and infrastructure. Member James Welborn commented that resources
like the Small Business Center could be used in this effort.
A general discussion followed. It was remarked that the plan should
result in making the Eastside Community a "community that was worth
investment". Three items were mentioned as possible goals: demolition
of unsightly buildings, planting trees to beautify the area, and
obtain positive publicity for the Eastside Community. It was
recommended that the committee should call on the underused talents
within the community. Measures to reduce crime were also mentioned.
DISCUSSION OF THE COMMITTEE'S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE.
Councilor Thompson appointed temporary officers to serve two or three
month terms. Officers were selected as follows:
Mr. Henry D. White - Chairman
Ms. Rosalind Box Maley - Vice Chairman
Ms. Brenda Jarrett - Secretary
OTHER COMMENTS
The Committee was addressed by Mr. James Mason who presented a plan
for the redevelopment of the Flood Street neighborhood. His plan
included the possibility of bringing a new grocery store to the area
and establishing a free legal aide store front. He stated that Flood
street could be renamed Martin Luther King Blvd.
Mr. Charles Brown, Community Development Officer, for the Bank of
America spoke to members about the Bank's desire to participate in the
potential revitalization efforts. He introduced his local
representatives Ms. Diane Kollete and Ms. Lisa Yowal
SETTING DATE AND PLACE OF THE NEXT MEETING.
Councilor Thompson suggested that future Committee.ineetings be held on
the last Thursday of each month. In his closing remarks, he advised
that the Committee should not look to what was, but what could be.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. *
Date
/ 1
Counci or Angus Th mpson Date