Toonerville Trolley Neighborhood Association

27 January 2010 - Meeting Minutes

TTNA meeting minutes – January 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m.

In attendance:  Bill Walsh, Alice Walsh, Eric Brown, Gale Tucker, Joan Stewart, Jan Hemberger, Don Driskell, Aaron Jent, Phil DiBlasi, Rebecca Kessler, Travis Provencher

1.       Finance update was given by Aaron Jent Treasurer with ending balance of $2409.91. Eleven 2010 memberships account for $330, so average donations are significantly higher than the membership fee amounts.  Typically have around 35 in total memberships, so more to go.

2.       Bill Walsh was present and gave a synopsis of a plan to address abandoned or neglected property within Old Louisville. Mr. Walsh made suggestions to address this issue, through rehab and rental, or redevelopment. (As a contractor with significant experience in this area) I for one, look forward to hearing more, and possibly working with the city on this subject in the coming months.

3.   210 [219] E. Ormsby, aka the "Queen Anne" is vacant and on the market.  This property, owned and managed by David Jackel, has been a cornerstone of illegal activity on this particular block for ages so this is significant news.  Per Bill Walsh, the property had a number of interested buyers including one in New Albany that may or may not go through as of yesterday.  More on this as details become known.

4.       A plan to establish a hive of bees was proposed by Eric Brown. This hive would be established on the cemetery property TTNA owns on Floyd St.  This proposal was approved, and bees should be working by mid April.

5.   In addition to the proposed bee keep at Fort George, at least 2 other bee keeps are located within Old Louisville.  Look for an article in February's OL Journal, which may lead to city-wide attention -- the positive kind.

6.  The next Brightside Community-Wide Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, March 27.  This would be a good time to do a follow-up cleaning of Fort George and as a prep time for Eric's bees -- and, for a change, it does not conflict with the Central Park cleanup on April 10. 

7.  Per Joan Stewart, Dan Borsch has considered offering his property across from Burger Boy for use as a community garden. Not appropriate for bees but with plenty of sun and already the subject of good press (remember last summer's sunflower garden?), this proposed project may definitely have legs.

8.  The wall project is fully funded and nearly complete.  Warmer weather may take care of that last bit of building. 

9.     Louisville Dog Run Association is raising funds for the Dog Park. No specific Information was available at this meeting. We look forward to a complete update in coming months.

10.  The two-way street effort was discussed, with concern about the current 75% policy. This seems like an impossible percentage, of respondents to pass this reform. A proposed letter to various officials was discussed. I’m sure there will be more conversation about this subject in future meetings.

11.   A mayoral forum is being planned for April, to be held in the neighborhood. Suggestions were made for a location at 4^th and Oak, and with possible speakers. More forthcoming.

12.   It’s Back! Graffiti, that is. Graffiti is on the rise…keep an eye out. (Per current ordinances) only remove with property owner’s permission.

13.  The Book “Feast for the Eyes” should be available by St. James 2010. There will also be a secondary piece, as a fundraiser “Feast for the Eyes, Dining in the Mansions Of Old Louisville”. Both will benefit the Visitor's Center (218 W OAK). Fees will be paid to have dinner in participating homes. Details will be forthcoming.