January Meeting Minutes

6:30pm | Preservation Station | Bonnie Anderson presiding

Here is a summary of the HHHDA meeting on January 3rd.

Minutes from the December meeting were reviewed and approved.

Officer Report: 

Officer L. Davis, Crime Prevention Specialist from APD did not attend despite assurances from Daniel Manzano, Deputy Director of Public Affairs & Downtown Liaison, that there would be a representative from APD at the January meeting.

Holiday Hijinks: 

Co-chairs Bruce Redford and Fiona Cooke did a final wrap-up for our highly successful fundraising auction that was held on December 2nd.  Bruce reported a net of about $1085 after expenses and the promised 50/50 split with 505 Locker.  Many expense costs were donated to the association.  The committee is seeking more sponsors to fully cover the expenses for this coming year’s auction event.  Attendees were asked to submit suggestions to the co-chairs.   There were renewed expressions of gratitude to all donors, Randi McGinn, Greg Swyden, the Artichoke Café and the co-chairs.  Ann was recognized again for the decades of work on the Dickens events.

I-25 “S” Curve Study: 

Bob and Ben have been invited to attend a meeting regarding the proposed “S” Curve straightening on Friday January 5th.  Joseph, a retired attorney whose historic property may be impacted if the NM DOT opt to go through Huning Highlands, asked to be included in the meeting.  He also clarified some confusions on the nuances of eminent domain regarding government owned properties.  

Attendees questioned if demolitions that may be proposed by the project would have to go through the normal Landmarks review process.  There were also questions whether there were active speed cameras in operation on the “S” curve.

119 High Street:   

The latest proposal will be presented at the next Landmarks meeting, Jan. 10 at 3:00:

Members of the public may attend via the web at this address: https://cabq.zoom.us/j/2269592859

There was disappointment expressed that current drawings were not shared with the association prior to seeking Landmarks approval.

Brainstorming Spending Ideas: 

Bonnie reviewed our current financial situation.  After our yearly expected expenses, there will be funds available to possibly improve our neighborhood and expand our association's reach.  Many ideas were discussed:  A walking tour with booklet; reestablishing the Welcome Committee, Welcoming Kits; Special street signs or street sign toppers to denote our historic neighborhood; maintaining a “war chest” for legal issues; a parade event (like those in Nob Hill); Sundae in the Park; Establishing a regular food truck event in a local park; Enhancements to our annual block party; Additional maintenance of the parks; Using VisitABQ to advertise our events; etc.

Most of the discussion centered on the association establishing and then building upon a social media presence.  Options include creating our own social media footprint or, for example, using the existing social media resources of the EDo Business Instagram account as a network to establish ourselves.  In either case, someone would be paid to create exposure and generate content.

Bonnie asked that board members consider the options and develop proposals regarding these ideas to be brought forward at the next meeting.

Christmas Carols:  

Attendees thanked the children and staff from Immanuel Lutheran Church who caroled outside homes this past month. 

The meeting was adjourned.  Next meeting will be on Wednesday February 7th.