The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and adopted.

Treasurers Report:
Sara reported: $1,706.97 in the bank. We have 61 paid up members, with an additional 40 who are slightly behind on dues.

Special Presentation:

Steven Versen of Staunton's Department of Planning and Inspections briefed the Board on the status of the Community Development Block Grant being applied for by the City. The final date for submission of the application is March 23, 2005. City Council will need to pass a resolution supporting the application, so due to time constraints, the Planning Department may ask for a special Council Session on March 17. They may not be ready in time for the regular March 10 Council meeting.

The City will probably need to commit 5-600,000 dollars to the project over three years for the application to be taken seriously. Members of City Staff and the community met with officials of the DHCP on February 14, and Steven felt that the project concept was received favorably.

The project will be a mix of housing rehab and infrastructure improvements. The project area is currently West Beverley Street from Jefferson Street to the old T-shirt shop, plus Anderson Street and Heidenreich Street. The proposed infrastructure improvements include:

• Storm drain improvements. New drop inlets from the old T-shirt shop through Anderson to the Habitat homes. Inlets around Stafford and West Beverley as well as on Jefferson north of West Beverley.
• Water line improvements. The one inch line on Heidenreich Street will be upgraded to a four inch line and a fire hydrant will be installed.
• Alley Improvements. From Heidenreich to Teboe. On the West end of Anderson Street near the new gardens. The old carraige road between Beverley and Frederick Streets. A public parking lot East of Teboe.
• Sidewalk Improvements. On the South Side of Beverley from Jefferson to Stafford, as well as the North side of Beverley from Jefferson to Frederick.

After questioning Mr. Versen about various details of the project. the Board thanked him for taking the time to meet. The meeting continued.

Committee Reports:

Real Estate:
It was reported that the house at 110 Fayette Street had sold. Patrick Clark's house on Fayette has also closed. 222 Fayette Street is on the market, and Ed Miska is selling 108 Fayette Street in order to purchase 10 Fayette Street.

Newtown Business Guild:
Craig reported that the NBG had completed surveys concerning what businesses would be suitable for the storefront properties on West Beverley Street. They are also looking at what renovations will be needed to open these storefronts.

Community Relations:
Sara reported that the City has finally allocated several thousand dollars (subject to change during the budget process.) to develop a brochure and traveling display highlighting requirements for HPC approval in the historic districts. Also, the City plans to send out brochures every year to residents of the historic districts.

Sara also reported on the last "Brown Bag Lunch" with members of the Department of Planning and Inspection. The next "Brown Bag" will be on March 4th, and feature Carter Green of the Historic Preservation Commission.

Old Business:

A decision on the New NNA yard signs was tabled. We are waiting on some sample layouts to consider.

New Business:

Tess moved and Sara seconded:

The NNA president is authorized to send a letter in support of the Block Grant propsal for West Beverley to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The motion passed unanimously The Winter Social was next discussed. Everything is on track, according to Shirley Masters. The flyers have been distributed and the plans are finalized.

Sara moved:

NNA should invite Lacey King and Rita Wilson to meet with the Board about our concerns in the neighbothood.

There was no second.

Joe moved, Elizabeth seconded:

NNA should invite all members of Council, beginning with Lacey King and Rita Wilson to meet with the Board about our concerns in the neighborhood.

The motion passed unanimously

The President commended several members of NNA for meeting with Dave Metz, as well as those who are arranging the social.

The meeting concluded with discussion about encouraging membership renewal. Tesi's snacks and liquid refreshment helped stimulate conversation!

It was decided that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 17th at 6:30PM, as long as it doesn't conflict with a special Council meeting. It will be held at Dave and Anne Jeffrey's house, 103 Madison Place The meeting in April will be at Elizabeth's house.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.