February 2008 HTNA Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Hoffman Triangle Neighborhood Association Meeting

Place: Pleasant Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Representatives from Rally Foundation, New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation

A general commitment to the neighborhood was voiced. Rally foundation has been instrumental in on the ground work (i.e. knocking on doors, survey work), and the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation has helped garner resources for the neighborhood (i.e. helping reopen the pool). Yet there is a need to broadcast the fact that the pool is open. Current priorities are park cleanup and grocery store access.

If there are specific problems talk to your representatives Cheryl Gray, Stacy Head. They are here to help.

NORA: spoke to lawyers about situation on vacant lots. According to NOLA, they need a list of addresses of blighted properties. Bring list to next meeting, and it will be a working meeting, compiling a list of properties for NORA.

Hoffman Elementary: New Orleans College Prep has been assigned to be in the building. Schools in general will be divided into 2 categories K-8 and 9-12.

There will be a 2-leadership training designed to build neighborhood capacity. Ros Peycheud thinks its too soon; more time is needed before we send people

A decision needs to be made about the election of new officers for the Neighborhood Association. Bylaws were sent around by mail, but should there needs to be new elections to replace people who are no longer living in the area.

Concerns about the “wholesale robbery” of properties was brought up, leading to much discussion and frustration about land issues, increased property taxes, not enough money to fix up properties etc.

Ros said that she would call Betty Jefferson and invite her to come to the next meeting to talk about some of these issues.

Other general insurance coverage issues were discussed, particularly getting insurance for homes that are still undergoing renovations. The Housing Alliance met last month and will lobby to do something about insurance costs. One potential solution is to have more insurance companies to increase competition and drive down the costs.

There was a question as to which insurance companies people use. Recommendations include: Egan, Standard Mortgage, and Liberty.

More lot issues: If you cut the grass at vacant properties next to you will you have first priority to buy? Apparently, if you live next door to a property owned by the city or NORA, you get first priority to buy. Recommendations were to take a picture to show what the property looked like before your care, and then after.

Drainage issues: Very poor drainage in the neighborhood, leading to lots of flooding and standing water which has been worse since the storm. Recommendation: Take a picture of poor drainage and send to local representatives.

Tony talked a bit about the part time neighborhood association position, and asked if there was any interest in job.

Contractor issues: Importance of using licensed contractors. Rally mentioned that they have put together a list of available licensed workers.

Another concern is the racist name of Taylor park. Wants to be renamed.

Concern about homes for the Elderly/ elderly activity programming.

Grocery Store Access: Winn Dixie should be open up to the community not just through S. Claiborne…back access needed. Dumpsters should not be facing the neighborhood.

A vote was taken and it was unanimous STORE needed, and should be a top priority.

Community Center: Also NEEDED. Suggested location was Washington and Derbigny. A C.C. will be good for programming for senior citizens, and will help with the crime situation in community. Youth mentoring and other programs are needed to reduce crime.

Neighborhood needs to work as a group to bring back neighbors. High rent is a problem

President Brigida Reid mentioned that they are in the early stages of starting a booster club. When someone wants to have event in park, they will need permission from the booster club. Groups are responsible for their own clean-up; if not cleaned Booster club can keep their deposit. Booster club can be fundraiser for the association through food sales. Group would expressed support for the establishment of booster club.

Bring Back “Night against crime”, were successful pre-K. Would like to see more of those. Police meetings are every Tuesday. Ralph will volunteer to go to meetings and report back.

RALLY: List from NORA of blighted addresses in Hoffman will bring for next week.

Ros to call Betty Jefferson will come and talk about assessments and how they are made.

Brigida Reid: Contact Stacy Head about coming to next meeting to see pictures; Get application for Booster club; Find out time of Tuesday police meetings to give to Ralph Miner and Leonard.

8. What type of things to talk about at meeting

Will also try to put together a landlord training program: how to choose tenant, collect deposit…will plan a 2.5 training course how to be a good landlord. Set up for spring.

Date for next meeting: Second Tuesday of each month, March 11, 2008

9. Meeting closed with a prayer and a poem, 7 p.m.