Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association

HISTORIC KENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION General Membership Meeting May 4, 2016 The regular General Meeting of the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association was called to order by President Brenda Gordon at 7:00 pm on May 4, 2016, at the Metro Wellness Center, 3251 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

The following occurred:

1. President Gordon recognized and welcomed several first-time Historic Kenwood attendees and offered them complimentary t-shirts on behalf of the neighborhood.

2. President Gordon asked if representatives from the Mosley Motel were present. No representative responded.

3. New Business of the Month

Fred Metzler, an owner of The Dog Bar at 2300 Central Ave., made a presentation. His ownership group spent a year searching for the perfect location and Historic Kenwood and the Grand Central District was their selection. The Dog Bar is a full liquor bar and a private dog park. It’s a membership club for the dogs. Requirements: up to date on shots (parvo and rabies required); after a dog is over a year old, they must be spayed or neutered; and dogs must be “non-aggressive” as judged by the Bar’s owners. The fee for membership is $40 per year. Fred offered free one-week passes to members in attendance. Dogs must be on leash on the front patio and inside. Dogs can only be off leash in the sizeable side yard. The Dog Bar does not serve food but the owners of Old Key West Bar and Grill down the street are working on a to-go delivery menu. The Dog Bar is also next to Taco Bus. All patrons should feel free to bring in anyone’s food.

4. Additional Funding for Replacement of Street Sign

President Gordon reported she needs to ask for a bit more money to replace the 5th Ave N. and 31st N. street sign. At the April General Meeting, the membership approved up to $700 for this purpose. President Gordon reported the amount we’ll be closer to $900. Jeremiah Rohr moved to spend up to $900; the motion was seconded; all approved

5. Neighborhood Police Update

1 Officer Mike Christian reported that during the prior month, the neighborhood criminal activity had one auto theft, eight vehicle burglaries of which six were unlocked and 4 residential burglaries. One suspected offender was arrested in The Foundry Church parking lot. Ofc. Christian reported the month’s crime stats were very good numbers for a neighborhood the size of Historic Kenwood.

Ofc. Christian further reported he had attended a proceeding in federal bankruptcy court for The Mosley Motel at which the creditor’s motion to dismiss the bankruptcy was granted clearing the way for a foreclosure sale. The Mosley will have the right to appeal.

6. Guest Speaker: Chuck Meyer, Florida OBX

Chuck Meyer of Florida OBX (Outer Banks) reported on his company’s plans to redevelop the site of a former church property on the corner of 1st Ave. N. and 26th St. N. The existing structure will be razed and replaced by 16 townhome units in 8 buildings to be marketed as villa duplex structures. Each of the 3BR/3BA units will be approximately 1700 sq. ft. with a two car on the first floor. None will be marketed as affordable housing. The expected sales price will be in the $375 - $385,000 range. Two models with front porches will be offered. Their design will have a beach flair yet be complimentary of the surrounding neighborhood architecture. The alley and street side sidewalks will be repaired. Construction will be staged. It will start on 26th St. N. and move west to 27th St. Driveways will use pavers and houses will be made of block.

7. Guest Speaker: Kim Gilchrist, Healthy Living Director, YMCA

Kim Gilchrist, Healthy Living Director at the neighboring 1st Ave. S. YMCA, made a presentation on current programs. Her area of focus is youth development, healthy living and physical fitness. Kim provided an overview of the Y in St. Pete including programs for cancer survivors and diabetes sufferers. For those age 50 and over, they can get Silver Sneaker memberships that are covered by many third party health insurers.

8. Announcements and Reports

a. Artist Enclave of Historic Kenwood

President Gordon reported that the June studio tour has been canceled due to the unavailability of several artists.

2 b. Historic Kenwood Partnership

Board member La Auna Lewis reported that last weekend, April 30, the Partnership had two home and yard improvement events. The exterior of an Historic Kenwood home was re-painted and trash and debris were removed from a North Kenwood yard. On May 14th, the Partnership will undertake a project with Habitat for Humanities, Valspar Corporation and CONA leadership students. Partnership projects will take a summer break and resume in September for Carefest.

c. St. Pete Pride

President Gordon reported that Historic Kenwood will again have a float in this year’s St. Pete Pride parade on Saturday evening, June 25, and a booth at Pride’s Street Fair the following day. Adam Quick, Trevor Sieders and Chris Nobles are overseeing float construction. Additionally, Historic Kenwood will again man a beer truck during the parade. Mark O’Hara will be our HK coordinator for these undertakings.

d. Great Neighbor Award

President Gordon congratulated Jeremiah Rohr for receiving this month’s great neighbor award for his longstanding service to the neighborhood ranging from organizing the annual Booker Creek Park clean-up to overseeing maintenance and repairs to Historic Kenwood’s numerous corner street signs.

e. Porch Party (Maria)

Board member Maria Herrera reported that the next porch party will be Friday, May 13th at the home of Tom and Deb Bogan at 2761 2nd Ave. N.

9. Call for Adjournment: Mark O’hara motioned to adjourn at 7:57 pm; motion seconded; all approved.

Minutes recorded by John Seibert, HKNA Secretary