Last month’s minutes were passed

Treasurer’s Report:

Sandra McNeill: Current balance is $2307.42 as of November 14

Committee Reports:

Commercial Property, Craig Peterson: A letter has been formulated and mailed to the mayor outlining problems, focusing on owners, Paul Anderson, Dewey Bowers and Alice Cornelius. The West Newtown Community Block Grant is moving along. On Heyenrich St. one house has been sold and another is being gutted for total renovation

Community Issues: Sara Hollberg: VCSB has been granted a permit to build an office for day services and group homes on Johnson St. Some members questioned this decision due to the drug trafficking in the neighborhood currently. There was discussion about NNA doing a float for the parade next year

Real Estate: Discussion of various Newtown properties on the market.

Old Business:

Christmas Walk, Ed Miska: Judy Mosedale or Nancy Spahr are possibilities for the pre-party. December 2 is the cutoff for signing up for the walk. A global e-mail will be sent to announce the Christmas Walk. Christmas cards will be sent as an announcement for members.

February event (the meeting was later changed to March 4th)--Frank Albrech will be the speaker. The board is interested in having the visuals included with his talk. Dates were discussed. All agreed to avoid the 3 day President’s Day weekend. Barbara Martin will ask Frank when he is available to speak. The talk should be 30 to 45 minutes in length and start at 5:30 - 6 p.m.

New Business:

VA Preservation of Antiquities Conference will be held in Staunton next year with workshops on renovations. This should be of interest to our members.

Suggested Community projects were discussed. The issue of sidewalks that are unsafe was discussed. Joel mentioned unsafe sidewalks on Institute St. and Shirley mentioned the same on Church St. Ed suggested doing a needs assessment and presenting this to the city.

It was also suggested that Stu Armstrong do a presentation about his plans for the Dunsmore Business College building.

A possible tour of artist studios in Newtown was discussed. Nancy Spahr was suggested as someone to approach about this.

News:

Staunton Grocery Restaurant plans to open in December

The Spahrs were given a renovation award by Historic Staunton

Randy Teter received a Craftsmanship award

The next meeting will be at the home of Craig Peterson, 703 W. Beverley St., January 16, 6:30 p.m.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.