MEMBERS PRESENT

Cheryl Sweeney Northgate Park NA

Keith Phillips Old North Durham NA

Johnea Kelly Duke Park NA

Pat Carstensen Cross County NA

Barry Ragin Duke Park NA

Ernie Mills Durham Rescue Mission

Marguerite Ward Rockwood NA

Fred Mowry Colony Park NA

Lynwood D. Best City of Durham

Diedre Shipman Old West Durham NA

Cathy Abernathy Hope Valley NA

Administration & Announcements

President Johnea Kelly opened the meeting and members were asked to introduce themselves to the group.

Programs

Amanda Arnold and Hannah Rogers represented the newly formed Bike & Pedestrian Commission. This 15-member commission which incorporated in September of 2001 is charged with integrating biking and walking with other modes of transportation. They have formed three subcommittees, those being:

1. Needs analysis

2. Neighborhood involvement

3. Promotions and outreach

One of their tasks is to create standards for the Design Review Board. There are also considering staging a conference in the fall with information on bike and walk programs.

They passed out a survey to all present that represented individual neighborhoods for input on the conditions currently present in those neighborhoods. To date, they have found that safety is the biggest issue. Please contact them if your neighborhood as not yet had an opportunity to provide input.

The second program was presented by Ernie Mills of the Durham Rescue Mission on it’s efforts to purchase and rehab the old Durham Inn on I-85 for a women’s and children’s facility. Mr. Mills pointed out that mothers with children are the largest growing segment in need of help. They are often fleeing abusive situations or drug environments and need shelter and job skills enhancement. The Mission’s program is to help clients regain control of their lives and become productive citizens.

The Mission has until August 19^th to raise the initial $400 thousand need for the purchase of the property. Anyone interested in donating funds or services, please contact Mr. Mills at the Durham Rescue Mission.

New Business

A partnership with the County Extension Service was discussed for financial support relating to this year’s Neighborhood Summit. Committee members are need for both mailings and refreshments. The Summit is tentatively being schedule for the second Saturday in September. The focus of this year’s Summit will be the affects of absentee landlords on surrounding neighborhoods.

Cheryl Sweeney reported on the April 29th joint meeting of City Council, County Commissioners and the NC DOT.

Pat Carstensen requested input for the Comprehensive 2025 Transportation Plan being drafted.

Cheryl Sweeney asked all neighborhoods to help create a punchlist of uncompleted in their area that the NC DOT still needs to address.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45P.M.