Floor Minutes for November 13th, 2018
Historic Brownsville Community Minutes – Nov 2018
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. Becky led the opening prayer. The following members were present: Mike Kilmer, Eric Martin, Beth Kilmer, Michael Jackson, Jonathan (?), Clara Long, Dennis McReynolds, Linda Aguado, J. R. Welcome, Becky McQuaid, Charles McQuaid, Peggy Fowler, Blair Castro. The Association had not met in September due to weather conditions. Latest minutes are posted on the website.
The Treasurer’s report was not available due to the Robin’s absence – the report will be read at the December meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Merger of the Business Committee with the overall HBC group, as approved at the October meetng, was duly noted. In the absence of Evon we have no further update from the Community Center Program Committee; plans as reported in the October minutes are presumed to be on track.
Senior Living Facility. Plans continue to move forward. The Assembly of God Church was awarded the “vacation” of the public domain from land at the margins of the property.
A meeting of current HBC Board members and guests will be held on Tuesday, Nov 13, 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center. HBC is looking to expand its Board of Directors to reflect maximum impact for the benefit of Brownsville. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please attend the meeting. If interested but unable to attend, or if you have someone you would like to suggest for Board membership, please contact Mike Kilmer at mike@mzoo.org.
NEW BUSINESS
Form-based overlay update. Form-based overlay regulations are already in place for new construction in Brownsville. For example, construction of new business facilities allows parking areas on both sides and in back of the building but not in front.
Escambia Pathway Coalition Committee. Clara Long reported on the Escambia Pathway Coalition Committee. To date, the work of the EPCC has focused on coordination efforts between the County and Escambia County public schools. Triumph grant money has been secured to plan and to execute safe routes to schools. Potentially, an opportunity now exists to approach the EPCC about funding for infrastructure, in particular replacement of septic tanks with sewers, particularly in those areas of Brownsville that are otherwise sites attractive for business investment. HBC members, in particular folks who are interested in business development here, should be lobbying County officials regarding the sewer issue as well as our ongoing interest in developing roads that are conducive to community-building and business development in Brownsville.
Affordable Housing planned for the Englewood section of Brownsville has sparked neighborhood controversy. A Town Hall meeting on the topic is scheduled for November 26th at the Ebonwood Community Center. CRA is studying several possible sites for affordable housing within the County. Clara will email a list of sites under consideration.
Studer Revitalization Grant Committee. The membership agreed that It is “high time” to develop a plan for utilizing the $25,000 grant offered to HBC through the generosity of Quint Studer. Peggy Fowler offered a proposal centered on a “makeover” for two existing businesses combined with “streetside enhancements.” Members agreed that a project should be developed and presented for approval to Mr. Studer as soon as possible. A committee was assembled for this purpose. Present membership: Mike Kilmer, Shiela Green, Peggy Fowler, Evon Horton, Linda Aquado, Blair Castro and Clara Long. Please contact Mike if you would like to join this committee.
J. R. Welcome made the motion to adjourn. Charles seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:30.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Plans are moving forward for the HBC Winter Festival scheduled for Saturday, December 8th, to be held both inside and outside the Community Center. Sheila Green heads the committee.
The Brownsville Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec 15 or Sunday, December 16.
Free Yoga classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 – 10 A.M. at the new West Florida Community Health Center, 2315 W. Jackson Street. Yoga mats are provided. Come on a walk-in basis.
Dharma Blue offers free lunch every Wednesday outside the HBC Community Center (on the side of the building by the playground). Dharma promises to continue serving the lunch for as long as people keep coming.