Minutes from the July
11, 2011 6:30 pm
Meeting of Martin Drive
Neighborhood Association
URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER
– 1859 N 40TH Street
The mission of the Martin Drive
Neighborhood Association, through its programs and projects, is to embrace and foster
a sense of belonging and common purpose, in order to create a neighborhood that
is beautiful, diverse, secure, and fun for everyone!
Introductions - Raymond Duncan
started the meeting at 6:40 p.m. Neighbors introduced themselves and said where
they lived.
Reports
Community Garden – Pat Mueller
delivered a message of thanks from Steve Falsetti who
could not be at the meeting. He is the
new father of a little girl and he took a tumble in a scooter accident. She thanked all neighbors who helped with the
community garden especially those who maintain and those who mowed the grass
for several years. Help is needed in rolling out the hose and neighbors were
asked to meet Tuesday 6:30 p.m. at the garden.
The community garden beds are planted by 5 different residents, so care
should be taken this year in helping yourself to produce. We want the new gardeners to enjoy their
experience.
Concerts at Washington Park – The series is every Wednesday evening
July through August and the concerts start at 6:30 pm and run until
8:30pm.
Block Boost – 42nd Street from McKinley to Vliet,
and 43rd and 44th
Street from Juneau
to Vliet are eligible for a Block Boost because
each of these streets has two foreclosed properties. . A home at 1345-47 N. 44th Street, is
going to be taken by the City of Milwaukee
for back taxes. At that time there will
be an opportunity from the neighborhood for input into what should happen to
it. Banks have not taken responsibility for properties. Pat stated that E-Notify helps inform
neighbors (who sign up) to let them know when an ownership of a property nearby
changes, or when a property falls in foreclosures. David Weber explained some
creative ways to help maintain properties in the neighborhood and explained the
Block Stabilization project. He stressed that approval to move forward on the
project and communication with the City of Milwaukee is important to make sure the
project is reimbursed. Eligible homeowners can receive reimbursement of 50% of
the project up to $500.
Foreclosure Help -- Pat talked about
an opportunity to help homeowners who are facing foreclosures. Contact Pat at hwproperties@netzero.com .
Bloom and Groom
Project
-- was a success. 5,000 flowers went into the neighborhood, free food was
offered to participants and a vacant home’s lawn was mowed, bushes trimmed and
another resident’s property was Bloomed & Groomed by redoing the landscape
border, plantings flowers, weeding and watering. Washington Park Partners helped by planting
several beds around Washington
Park. Thank you to all neighbors who helped with
the project.
Marketing the
Neighborhood -- Al Siemsen asked if there was a way to
promote the properties beyond the neighborhood website. Pat commented that Raymond’s work, the website and Facebook, page are
helping Martin Drive
become recognized for our good work.
Porch Light Project -- Sharon asked about the wall mounted porch
lights. Pat Mueller said she is looking for matching funds to be able to begin
the project.
Gametime Play Trails – Washington Park
has been selected to receive a destination playground and a Play Trail. Willie from the Urban
Ecology Center
explained several play pods would be put along a trail near the Pool at Washington Park.
Our families will have easy access off of Vliet
& Highland Blvd.
Neighborhood Rummage
Sale
- Sharon talked
about the neighborhood-wide rummage sale August 6 from 9am to 3pm and passed
out a flier.
Caroline Carter of Eden Market – Raw Foods Expert
Sharon introduced Caroline
Carter. Carter explained that she became interested in raw foods as a way to
feel better and she then received training as a raw foods chef. She demonstrated preparation of several food items
Neighbors enjoyed a drink made with mint and ginger. Caroline prepared another
drink made out of the mint, ginger, and frozen preaches. She served whole food
crackers with healthy dips. Caroline concluded the demonstration by saying that
whole raw foods are important for the body and can be tasty without
cooking. Carter described what she
might eat in a typical day and how at this time of year, more liquids are
preferred. Carter said that the raw foods are healthier,
you receive a satisfying fullness from them that goes beyond just eating food
right from the grocery store. They are prepared without cooking. Carter
explained that you should take time for yourself and enjoy
healthy foods and that the Vliet Street Community
Green Farmers’ Market is a great place to go because the raw foods are
Urban Ecology
Center Tour – Willie explained that they are working on a
long term lease and improving the interior spaces with the help of a donation
from General Electric.