First Ward Neighborhood Association

October 3, 2006

A regular meeting of the First Ward Neighborhood Association was held on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at the First Ward Community Recreation Center. The President, Secretary and Treasurer were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.

President’s report

Bob Szymkiewicz presented Officer Simpson the bicycle the First Ward Community Fund purchased to be used for neighborhood patrol.

First Ward Community Fund Parks and Recreation basketball starts soon. The cost per player is $5 dollars through the Fund. The Tiffany Johnson Basketball camp is also provided for free to girls in the neighborhood. For more information please visit www.Firstward.org.

Police Report: Officer V. Simpson (vsimpson@cmpd.org)

September 2 to October 2, 2006 there were 52 reported incidents in the First Ward neighborhood. Larceny/other larceny (7) was the highest reported incident. Second highest was non-aggravated assault, reported in the bar district. Other incidents included incidents of larceny from auto (5), auto theft (4).

The new website, www.firstwardneighbors.org, maintains current updates on crime reports.

Guest Speaker: George Dunlap, CMS School Board, District 3

Mr. Dunlap spoke to the group about his involvement with CMPD’s Police Athletic League, as well as the CMS Board of Education. Mr. Dunlap retired from the Police force after 17 years of service and currently works as the Academic Director for CMPD’s Police Athletic League. Mr. Dunlap is currently serving in his twelfth year on the CMS Board of Education.  He holds regular District meetings to discuss current issues. Meeting notices are typically sent out through a press release.

Mr. Dunlap dispelled the rumor that the old First Ward Elementary was going to be torn down and replaced by basketball courts. The School Board has found use for the old facility and has no plans for demolition. A playground is still in planning stages and there are currently no funds to build the basketball courts.

Mr. Dunlap also fielded questions from the residents. He can be contacted at gdunlap@cmpd.org.

Center City Partners Neighborhood Liaison Report: Darlene Heater

Darlene Heater introduced herself as our new neighborhood liaison. She will regularly be attending our meetings. She can be reached at dheater@charlottecentercity.org.

Trinity Episcopal: Rev. Smokey Oates

Please refer to the website www.firstwardneighbors.org for upcoming events at Trinity Episcopal School.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:09pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily Westbrook, 10.03.06

Approved:

Corrected: