Meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Board president Mike Kilmer. Rev. Horton led the opening prayer.

Present: Eric Martin, J. R. Welcome, Sherry Duffey, Evon Horton, Beth Kilmer, Mike Kilmer

Guest Ashley McDonald, Pensacola resident and candidate for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) Division 3, introduced herself to the HBC and noted her desire to determine what needs within Brownsville have highest priority. She will visit HBC for a longer discussion to that end between now the Primary date of 8/11/2020.

The minutes of the January meeting were read and approved. Lacking a treasurer at the present time, no report on financial status was available.

OLD BUSINESS

Update on Cervantes/Mobile Highway Corridor. Evon Horton had a recent conference call with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Gaynor and with State Senator Doug Broxson. The Senator promised to help find funding to complete the project. Secretary Gaynor guaranteed that he will not drop the plan and suggested that he was comfortable not having the barrier that many feel would hurt local businesses. Other people close to the project suggested that the Road Diet option will accomplish the safety goals of the plan.

To further champion our cause HBC members and Brownsville residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming Transportation Planning Organization on Wednesday, February 12, 9 a.m. at the Pace Community Center, 5976 Chumukla Hwy, Milton, Florida 32571. You are invited to meet at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 West DeSoto Street at 8 a.m. where a van or bus will be available for transportation.

Brownsville. Mike re-emphasized that Lisa Dees of the Downtown Improvement Board has agreed to cooperate with HBC regarding improvements to the Brownsville neighborhood.

Affordable Housing. Reverend Horton reported on the status of Brownsville Manor, the housing facility under construction close to the Assembly of God Church. There will be 87 single or double apartments available for persons age 55 or older. The Building will have two sets of elevators, a common room on all but one floor and a swimming poor in the basement as well as other amenities. A sign-up option will be available on the Church website beginning in June 2020 and is expected to reach and exceed the number of available spaces very quickly. Go to info@brownsvillechurch.

Historic Designation J. R. Wellcome is coordinating research on the possible designation of Brownsville as an official Historic District. J.R. has recently been in touch with historians at the University of West Florida whose students have become interested in the history of zip code 32505. Greg Hardman, Pensacola’s Historic Preservation planner and official City Archeologist, visited the HBC meeting in October to outline the requirements, advantages and possible constraints connected with historical status. Kimberlee Krupa from UWF will make a presentation at the March meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Funds for Brownsville Remaining Restore Funds are close to $1m. These are allocated roughly 1/3 each for Community Center building restoration, completion of street improvement and developing a business incubator site. ECUA has asked the state for $200m for sewerage installations.

Hi Neighbor We are exploring a public relations campaign focused around campaign buttons with the words “Hi, Neighbor” and the intention of raising neighborhood awareness within Brownsville and surrounding Pensacola. If you are aware of any small grants that might be available for the purpose please call or text Beth Kilmer at 201-978-9675.

New Local Business New local business owner Matt Sham visited the meeting. He is part of an arts cooperative that has set up shop on V Street between Jackson and Cervantes. Welcome; we look forward to viewing your artwork and to potential collaboration on HBC projects.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30.

Announcements
Free Yoga Classes at West Florida Community Health Tues and Thurs 9:00-10.00
Brownsville Assembly of God Farmshares: The latest farmshare gave out more food than ever before including19 pounds of meet and bountiful vegetables. At the next “share” on Saturday, Feb 8 blankets will be given out.

Upcoming presentations at HBC meetings:

March 3: Kimberlee Krupa on zip code 32505 Historic Brownsville Study
Michael Rhodes of the Parks Department

April 7: Dr. Cedric Alexander, ECUA Board, District 3