Update on Mural / Signs / Median Improvements:

Jennifer Almekinder discussed with us what we can get started on regarding the Median improvements. New plantings will have to wait for the fall, and may require another Matching Grant application. However, we can get started now with trash cleanup, dividing existing bulbs, trimming trees and bushes, edging existing beds, and mulching. We discussed work dates, and decided that we will designate Saturday, May 15th, Saturday, May 22nd, and Saturday, May 29th as official work dates for median cleanup and improvements. However, neighbors can work at other times too, at their convenience. The only stipulation is that we need to keep a log of the hours worked. Jennifer has a log that anyone doing work needs to sign. It will be on her front porch - 619 Wills Forest - so folks can drop by anytime and mark down the number of hours worked and sign the log.
Jennifer will be getting a list together of work items required and work dates/times, and we will distribute that via flyers, the website, and e-mail.

Richard Averitt is pursuing an exception to the "sign" issue regarding the Mural with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, and the City. Current regulations stipulate that any words on the Mural make it a "sign" - so putting the name of the neighborhood on the Mural would not be allowed.
However, through Richard's efforts, we are trying to get some leniency on that issue through the City. The mural is underway and the progress is exciting!

Christina Root notified us just today that our encroachment application for the signs has been approved by the encroachment committee, and they are recommending approval by the City Council. The next Council meeting is May 18th, where this will come up. We should have neighborhood representation at that meeting to voice support for approval of this.

Update on Spring Block Party:

Dennis is working on obtaining the permit to close the street. Flyers have been distributed to the Block Captains for distribution. We are going to price how much obtaining a Porta-Potty will be. Shopping lists of items the Association will provide have been made up. There is a Median Work Day schedule the same day as the Block Party, but the Work Day will be in the morning. The Block Party begins at 5:00 through dusk on Saturday, May 22nd. We also plan to sell T-Shirts, and collect Voting Member Dues at the Block Party.

Update on Dog Area in Fred Fletcher Park:

Jennifer showed us the revised proposed area for the dog area, and there was unanimous agreement from those in attendance that this is a much better area for the dog off-leash area, and told Jennifer to go forward with that proposal. The revised area is an unused area of the park, behind the Garris building, with sufficient buffer on all sides. It will be designated by a 30-36" high mesh fence with vines woven into it to help disguise the fencing. There will be a receptacle with bags provided for doggie doo-doo disposal. This will NOT be advertised in any way, and is NOT designed as a "destination" dog area (like Millbrook Exchange Park), but is simply for use by neighbors surrounding the park.

Jennifer also advised us that the playground proposal has been posted on the Parks & Recreation website, and they are looking for feedback from the neighborhood. None has been received to date. The Master Plan Amendment Proposal can be viewed here:
http://www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/Fletcher_Park_Master_Plan.asp and there is a link to provide feedback. Jennifer is going to contact some of the moms in the neighborhood to solicit feedback. The next meeting to discuss the park hs been postponed from May 12th to June 9th.

Annual Voting Member Dues Payment:

The Annual Dues Payment cycle began on May 1st. A letter is posted on the website and will be distributed throughout the neighborhood. Letters will also be available at the Block Party on May 22nd, and payment can be made at that time.

Other Business:

Historic Glenwood-Brooklyn celebrates its Centennial next year in 2005.
Jennifer Attride has graciously agreed to head up a committee to develop ideas for marking this milestone in our history, and celebrations throughout the year. Please e-mail Jennifer with any ideas you have on how to celebrate our 100 years as a neighborhood, and if you'd like to join that committee please let her know.

The next H.A.N.D.S. meeting is May 20th. We are looking for another representative from the neighborhood to work with H.A.N.D.S. Cissy Bodenstine has been mentioned as a recommendation. Rachel Turner can provide additional information.

Two Raleigh Citizen Advisory Council Appearance Award winners from Historic
Glenwood-Brooklyn: Brinkly Restorations and the home of John & Jean Davis at 800 Glenwood Avenue. The Awards ceremony is on May 19th in the City Council Chamber. A reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the ceremony commences at 7:00 p.m. Representation from the neighborhood would be great. The ceremony can be viewed live on TWC channel 10.

Glenwood South Celebration is June 19th. Stay tuned for additional information about this event. It would be great to make our neighborhood presence felt at this event.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The 2nd Annual Historic Glenwood-Brooklyn Neighborhood Association Spring Block Party

Saturday, May 22nd, 5:00 p.m. until dusk North Boylan Avenue, between Devereux and the entrance to Fred Fletcher Park

(Rain date Sunday, May 23rd)

Live Music from Tom DeVito & Good Question!

The Association will provide hot dogs, beer, and all paper goods. All neighbors are asked to bring a covered dish to share.

Come join us for a great time with your neighbors!