CAPITOL HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION REGULAR MEETING
January 13, 2009
The Capitol Heights Civic Association held its regular meeting on January 13, 2009 at the Capitol Heights United Methodist Church. The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p. m. by Cynthia McCollister, President.
Guest speaker this evening was Mayoral Candidate, J. E. King. After a short discussion regarding his run for mayor, Mr. King opened the floor to questions.
Cynthia began the business portion of the meeting by welcoming new neighbors in attendance: Benita Hollis of 1902 Madison Avenue and Russell Estes of 2114 Madison Avenue. Terri Wohlscheid from Highland Park was also attending tonight’s meeting.
The minutes of the last meeting were not available.
The treasurer’s report was presented and is attached to these minutes.
Watch Dog
Cynthia reported the ARB agenda has not been provided yet but she is aware of two properties in Capitol Heights that are to be presented. One belongs to Cindy Keeping and is located on St. Charles. Cynthia was unable to recall the address of the other property.
Additional discussion was held regarding the property on the corner of Madison Avenue and S. Madison Terrace. It was reported to Cynthia this property is about to receive a demolition notice from the city. This particular block of Madison Avenue is not included in the local historic designation.
Communication / Chair: Cynthia McCollister
Cynthia reminded everyone the deadline for submission of articles to be in the next issue of the newsletter is January 19th.
Parks and Green space / Chair Randall Culp
Michael Simmons provided a status as to his Eagle Scout Vickers Park/Dog Park project. He has communicated with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and as instructed has provided information to them regarding the plan for the dog park. He is waiting for feedback regarding the information submitted.
Christmas Tour Saturday, December 13th
Christmas Tour financials were reported:
Earnings from Tour tickets $1,936.75
Earnings for Lasting Imp. Carriages $126.00
Earnings from Merchandise sales $50.00
Earnings from Silent Auction $60.00
Earnings from Dues $15.00
TOTAL GROSS FOR THE NIGHT $2,187.75
Secretary Nominations
There were no nominations for Secretary.
Expanding Local Historic Designations
Kathie Blackmon, Cindy Keeping, and Cynthia McCollister attended this evening’s Historic Preservation Commission meeting. On their agenda was “Presentation and Discussion on Historic Designation Process.” This was an informative presentation. In a 2002 study done by Auburn University homes with historic designations were determined to appreciate more than those in other areas of the city. Montgomery’s Garden District was part of the study and was compared to the remainder of the city. Property values in the Garden District had appreciated 42.35% as compared to 8/3% for the other areas. HPC also indicated our biggest threat to obtaining local historic designation will be absentee landlords. They do not usually sign the agreements.
Our next step will be to organize a workshop specifically for Capitol Heights residents with Christy Anderson of the Planning Division. Christy will present much of the same information discussed at today’s HPC along with information to Capitol Heights as relates to expanding a local historic district.
Concerns presented by CHCA members regarding expansion of historic designations for Capitol Heights are:
• Gaining historic designations is an issue that truly divided the association and the neighborhood.
• We need to gain much more buy in and participation from neighborhood before we continue – but how? Members present were asked to recommend methods for increasing participation from the neighborhood.
• We need to question those that worked to obtain historic designation in the past and we need input and need to know what stopped the effort to obtain national historic designation for Capitol Heights.
In the meantime, Cynthia will use our email list, our February issue of the newsletter, and a workshop flyer for distribution at the CHUMC Home Restoration Expo. We may also distribute the flyer via hand delivery to homes in Capitol Heights.
New Business
Terry Robinson reported he attended a special meeting on the Ann Street expansion/rerouting project. The plan is to widen Ann Street beginning at Highland Avenue and going north. This impacts properties on both sides of Ann Street. Of primary concerns are the properties on the west side of Ann St. These are potential candidates for national historic preservation. Ann Street is to tie into Federal Drive and this impacts Lee High School property and corner property where the apartments are located. These are issues yet to be resolved.
A motion to adjourn was adopted. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:35 PM.
Cynthia McCollister, President