First Ward Neighborhood Association

May 2, 2006 Minutes

A regular meeting of the First Ward Neighborhood Association was held on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at the First Ward Community Recreation Center. The President, Vice President and Secretary were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m.

Community Reports

Center City Partners Neighborhood Liaison Report: Jayson Johnston

Center City Partners is holding the Inaugural Vision Awards at Marriot City Center. This event will be an annual meeting and a celebration of where we are in the Center City.  Information is on the website at charlottecentercity.org.

Trinity Episcopal: Rev. Smokey Oates

Trinity is holding a Hip Hop Emass on Sunday, May 7, 2006 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. The event will be held to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and will feature the rapper Kurtis Blow.

Police Report

Officer V.K. Simpson (vsimpson@cmpd.org) was absent. Police report will be emailed to Emily Westbrook. Jayson Johnston was able to report that the robberies in Fourth Ward have significantly decreased as two perpetrators have been arrested.

President’s Report

The recreation center capacity is still 49 people. Cement steps leading to the sidewalk have been poured; hopefully the capacity will soon be raised again to 350 people. It is still apparent that our elected officials and governing bodies are not communicating on the issue.

City Councilman James Mitchell held a district meeting on Tuesday, April 27. Other neighborhood associations were present and reported on current issues. Councilmember Mitchell reported overall crime in the City is decreasing. A Public Hearing over the FY2007 City Budget will be held May 22, 2006.

General Discussion

Citizens are still concerned/confused with the parking program.

The Gold Rush has removed a stop at Alexander and Davidson Streets. Emily Westbrook will follow-up with Larry Kopf at CATS.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Westbrook, 04.04.06