Weinland Park Community Civic AssociationSummary of Meeting of April 22, 2015

Brandyn McElroy, president, called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. in the Schoenbaum Family Center.

Recognition. Mr. McElroy recognized Michael Wilkos for his contributions to the neighborhood, particularly in terms of beautification. Jen Mankin and Mr. McElroy presented a plant to Mr. Wilkos. Mr. Wilkos expressed his appreciation for living in Weinland Park.

Neighborhood Pride. Mr. McElroy reminded folks that Weinland Park has been selected for the citys Neighborhood Pride program. Weinland Park will be in a partnership with Milo-Groan neighborhood for Neighborhood Pride. As preparation for Neighborhood Pride, Mr. McElroy announced that both neighborhoods will conduct a neighborhood-wide clean up on July 11. He also noted that WPCCA members are invited to attend the Milo-Grogan Civic Associations meeting on Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at the Milo-Grogan Recreation Center, located at East Second Avenue and St. Clair Avenue. Residents of Milo-Grogan will be invited to a WPCCA meeting in the future.

Announcements: Amy Byler announced a City Council Candidates Forum on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Veritas Community Church, 345 E. Second Ave. Woody Drake announced the third annual Chicken Coop Tour will be April 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. The chicken coop at Fourth Street Farms will be included on the tour. Marci Ryan reported Godman Guild is seeking train emerging civic leaders. The launch party for the emerging leaders program will be April 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seventh Son Brewing, 1101 N. Fourth St. Mr. McElroy invited residents to attend the Weinland Park Neighborhood Food Planning Process meeting on May 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Godman Guild Association. Dinner is included as part of the kick-off. The meeting is part of the Local Food Action Plan being developed by Local Matters for the City of Columbus and Franklin County. Terry Althouse invited folks to attend Godman Guilds spring cook-out at Camp Mary Orton, 7925 N. High St., on May 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. People should register for this free event by May 8 by calling (614) 294-5486, extension 120. Ms. Althouse reported the Weinland Park Community Garden at Godman Guild has several plots still available for residents. She said volunteers are needed to work on April 24 to complete construction of raised beds in the garden. Ms. Althouse announced elementary school-age children are welcome to register for day camp at Camp Mary Orton this summer. Young people, ages 16 to 24, can obtain paid internships through Godman Guild for the summer. Omar Elhagmusa encouraged residents to call the city at (614) 645-3111 to report missing and damaged refuse containers. Good Start, a kindergarten readiness program, will serve children who will enter kindergarten this fall. The free program starts June 15 at Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church, 2350 Indianola Avenue. For information, call (614) 313-0825.

Roots & Roofs. Michael Wilkos reported the fifth annual Roots & Roofs event will be Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. People will gather at Godman Guild. Volunteers are welcome. Godman Guilds Blue Bow Tie Bistro will cater lunch for volunteers. Among the activities, volunteers will plant flowers and spread mulch in the yards of senior citizens.

New development. Joyce Hughes reported on the five-story building proposed for East Seventh Avenue and North High Street. She said the developer proposes to go before the University Area Commission next month and then go to City Council. If the community is not assured that the developer will try to put the coin-operated laundry into the new development, then community members are likely to oppose the project, she said.

Housing Committee. Matt Martin said the WPCCA Housing Committee will consider two proposed developments during its next meeting on Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m. at Godman Guild. The developments are the building proposed for Seventh and High and a project proposed for a property on North Grant Avenue between East 11th and Chittenden avenues.

Safety Committee. Ahmed Ebady reported the WPCCA Safety Committee has discussed a number of addresses where the number of visitors in and out of the properties may be a sign of drug activity. He noted that the committee met with two representatives of building management for the Veliko Ventures apartments at Hamlet Street and East Eighth Avenue. The apartments were the scenes of a shooting in February and another shooting earlier in April. He encouraged residents to attend the Safety Committee meetings.

Wild animals. One resident raised a concern with raccoons, opossums, feral cats, and rats living in a garage at North Fourth Street and East Seventh Avenue. Children pass the garage on the way to school. She complained that a woman is regularly feeding the animals. Mr. Ebady asked that she send him the address. He will pass the information to animal control staff.

Youth Committee. Mr. McElroy introduced Jennifer Cheeks and Kauwe Caldwell as the co-chairs of the WPCCA Youth Committee. The first Youth Committee meeting will be Sunday, May 3, at noon at Ms. Cheeks and Mr. Caldwells house, 1278 N. Sixth Street.

Yard sale. Kimberly Golden announced the organization of a neighborhood yard sale later this year. She asked for persons to suggest possible dates for the yard sale. She hopes more folks will work with her to organize the yard sale. One suggestion was to have a yard sale at the beginning of a season or the end of a season. Another suggestion was to hold the yard sale at the annual neighborhood festival.

Mr. McElroy adjourned the business portion of the meeting at 7:26 p.m. To close the meeting, two guests demonstrated dancing styles and invited those in attendance to learn and participate in line dances.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Weinland Park Community Civic Association will be Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schoenbaum Family Center, 175 E. Seventh Avenue.

2