The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and adopted.

Treasurers Report:

Sara reported that we have $1790.97 in the bank. Checks have been written for stamps, as well as for the gift certificates for MBC students who designed our logos.

Committee Reports:

Community Relations:
Sara reported that the Block Grant application for Heidenreich, Anderson and Teboe Streets had been submitted to the state DHCD. We should have a response sometime in June.

It was also reported that the brochures concerning historic preservation guidelines were being prepared. A graphic designer is "spiffing it up" to color code the historic districts. The City will print enough brochures to send every property owner in the districts the brochures anually for two years. They did not commit enough money to fund the portable display of historic guidelines. Discussion ensued concerning a possible joint NNA/HSF/City funding of the display.

The next "Brown Bag Lunch" will feature Robin Miller discussing the renovation of the old YMCA, now called the Old Y Lofts.

Real Estate:
There was discussion about the various properties bought and sold in Newtown. as well as renovation plans for the brownstone townhouses at Beverley and Lewis. Also, it was noted that the City had determined that a proposal to open a used car lot at 300 Church Street was not in compliance with the property's zoning.

Newtown Business Guild:
Because of NNA's meeting date change last month, there has not been a NBG meeting since we last met.
Old Business:

There was discussion about the NNA yard signs. Elizabeth moved and Tesi seconded:

A commitee composed of Elizabeth Dyjak, Shirley Masters and Joe Sandlin will design and purchase 12 yard signs to be used at NNA events, at a cost not to exceed $350.

The motion passed unanimously

New Business:

Ed and Anne reported that there were already five responses by members wishing to be on the NNA Garden Walk. It was decided that the walk would be 3-6 PM on June 11th. If it is rained out, the walk will be the same time on the following day. Anne also asked that we attempt to duplicate the great newspaper coverage that we received for the Christmas Tree Walk. Joe volunteered to contact Ruth Jones of the News Leader. Joe will also explore the possibility of having a trolley running in the neighborhood during the walk.

Ed reported that he had received an email forwarded by Sara from NNA member Joel Hobson. This message concerned proposed repairs to the walkway between Institute and Fillmore Streets. Joel was asking that we send an "atta boy" letter to Public Works to ensure the project's completion.

Dave moved and Joe seconded:
NNA will send a letter to the Director of Public Works commending his department's plan for repairing the walkway between Institute and Fillmore Streets.
The motion passed unanimously:

Discussion turned to a proposal by Sara to have Carter Green of the Historic Preservation Commision reprise his "brown bag lunch" presentation. Carter would explain the process of obtaining a certificate of appropriateness for home projects in the historic districts.

Tess moved and Dave seconded:
NNA will ask Carter Green to speak at a program concerning historic preservation guidelines and the approval process. NNA will invite the Historic Staunton Foundation and Newtown Business Guild to co-sponsor the event.
The motion passed by majority.

It was decided that a Sunday evening would be preferred for the event. Possible locations were pondered.

The President commended Joe for printing the Cleanup flyers, Shirley for helping to deliver them and all who helped clean up the neighborhood.

It was decided that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 26th at 6:30PM. It will be held at Tesi Lamb's's house, 203 Fayette Street.

Secretary's Note: It was later decided to hold the meeting on May 19th, our regular meeting date, same time and place.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15PM.

Our thanks to Dave and Anne for opening both their home and wine stash, as well as to Pamela the cat for providing entertainment during and after the meeting.