Minutes of the Historic East Urbana Neighborhood Association Regular Meeting

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Stohr Family Residence, 405 East High St., Urbana

Attending: G. Carlisle, M. Downey, S. Metheney (late), C. Stohr, Presiding and Recording.

Meeting began at 7:10 p.m.

1. Art in Victory Park.

Stohr reported that Tim Bartlett mentioned that the Urbana Park District is considering hiring a wood carver to sculpt the trunks of trees which will be cut at Victory Park. The members thought that the sculpting would be an interesting addition to the 10th HEUNA picnic. They also thought that some of the motifs to be considered might include: a flying "V", a cardinal, but not a totem.

2. Design Review

The City of Urbana held a public meeting on the Design Review Guidelines for Northwestern Historic East Urbana in March. The design review guidelines were discussed and endorsed with amendments by the Design Review Board in April. The Plan Commission will consider the guidelines at the May 6 meeting. A member from the Design Guidelines Overlay Zoning Area is needed to sit on the Design Review Board.

3. Neighborhood Gardens.

M. Downey said that she, Tyler and Elizabeth Fitch had planted 1/2 of a garden plot. Gardeners must bring their own equipment. Some ball players complained about the garden plots interfering with their ability to play pitch-catch.

4. 10th HEUNA picnic.

The picnic should be scheduled for 1st or 2nd Sunday in June depending on availability of musicians.

5. Downtown Urbana Development.

M. Downey reported that the Common Ground has been more successful than expected. The group intends to expand the store including a delicatessen. She thought that they should be invited to organizational meetings for "The Downtown Project." Perhaps HEUNA should offer associate membership to Urbana businesses. Meetings might be held in Lincoln Square Village, Urbana Crossing, 5 Points, and downtown. The development project should consider developing new businesses around successful businesses such as Amara Yoga, Great Impasta and others in Lincoln Square Village.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.