First Ward Neighbors, Inc

General Meeting Minutes

January 3, 2006

A regular meeting of the First Ward Neighborhood Association was held on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 at the First Ward Community Recreation Center. All officers were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:18 p.m.

Police Report

Officer Vinton Simpson (vsimpson@cmpd.org) reported the neighborhood crime statistics between the dates of November 29 – December 29, 2005. There was a total of 43 incidents with 6 larcenies from autos, 5 hit and run, 5 other larcenies, and 4 incidents of non-aggravated assault. At the conclusion of the report, several new business items were proposed and included, initiating a neighborhood watch program, sending a letter to City Council in support of funding a mounted police patrol division, funding Officer Simpson’s cell phone in order to have a direct number to reach him. The appropriate committee will address these suggestions.

Parks and Recreation Report

Terri Stowers gave a report on the recent activity at First Ward Recreation Center. Katie Robinson, Director of Programming, will give future reports. Basketball is in peak season, the outdoor courts are no longer operational, the center is concerned that children in the neighborhood are not plugged into activities.

General Discussion

Szymkeiwicz brought to discussion the issue of parking passes needed during Arena events. In discussion the question was raised whether or not towing vehicles is necessary, and should the plan be re-evaluated. It was decided to complete the first year of the program before suggesting changes to Charlotte Department of Transportation.

Szymkeiwicz introduced Cheryl Myers, Vice President of Planning for Charlotte Center City Partners. Myers was asked about a pending meeting with Michael Smith and Wayne Weston regarding the status of a future park and basketball courts in First Ward. Myers reported the meeting had yet to take place. Myers also brought to our attention that Daniel Levine’s First Ward Plan included a large park. She will check on the status of these plans.

A complete report of articles of New Business is attached to the original of these minutes.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Westbrook, 01.03.06