Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association (MHNA)
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (NRP) BUDGETS CUT: In a letter dated September 20, NRP Director Bob Miller told neighborhoods that they can not contract more than 38 percent of their Phase II plan dollars. This means that instead of having $683,948 to spend on projects, Marcy-Holmes has $260,361.
In light of these budget cuts and the likelihood of future cuts, the board decided to curtail spending on all but two NRP projects until the Executive Committee can discuss following Miller’s suggestion to use un-contracted money for a loan program, look for ways to streamline the organization, and create a budget for 2008. The board agreed to continue to fund the Student Liaison position through May 2008 and to pay for copies of its Master Plan for distribution. The Executive Committee will report back to the board at the November meeting.
UNIVERSITY LOOKING FOR GRADUATE STUDENT HOUSING: Board member Jo Radzwill reported that the University of Minnesota is considering issuing a request for proposals for apartments to lease for graduate and professional student housing. The University would manage the properties. Board president Arvonne Fraser plans to meet with representatives from the University and the neighborhoods of Southeast Como and Prospect Park to gather more information.
BOARD SUPPORTS COMO’S OPPOSITION TO GRAND ROUNDS: The board agreed to support the Como neighborhood’s opposition to the currently proposed route for the Grand Rounds. Marcy-Holmes Executive Director Melissa Bean reported that Como residents are concerned that the proposed route down 18th Avenue Southeast would destroy some the neighborhood’s best housing stock. Instead, Como would like to see the route cut through the industrial land to the east.
NEXT: Board meeting, November 20, 2007
MEETINGS: 3rd Tuesday monthly, 6 p.m. at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Avenue SE
CONTACT: 623-7633, www.marcy-holmes.org
BORDERS: Central Ave. to 15th Ave. SE, 9th St. SE to Main St. SE
last revised: October 21, 2007