Gentilly Terrace and Gardens
Improvement Association

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Gentilly Terrace & Gardens Improvement Association
General Membership Meeting:  October 11^th, 2006

Meeting convened at 6:40 p.m.

Approximately 30 people present.

Norm Whitley introduced officers and asked that residents take a moment to complete the surveys currently being distributed by UNO and the GCIA.  Information sought by the surveys is important to the recovery process.

Norm Whitley then introduced the Treasurer’s Report on behalf of J. Wayne Gillette.  The Association currently has $508 in assets.  Norm asked that members speak to their neighbors and ask them to join the association.  We are stronger as a group and will need everyone’s help as the recovery process progresses.

April Lauterbach related information about Gentilly Terrace Elementary, per information from Siona LaFrance, RSD spokesperson.  The building will only be re-opened as a school.  It is currently under contract for repairs and has been gutted.  The area will be in even greater need of schools as people continue to return.  The building has historical and architectural significance and should be preserved.

April Lauterbach also announced that the Board has voted to rejoin the Preservation Resource Center (PRC).  The PRC will be an important partner in efforts to prepare Gentilly Terrace for the future.  The GT&GIA will strive to take the lead role in recovery of Gentilly Terrace Elementary.

April Lauterbach further explained that the PRC was an important partner in original efforts to secure the national historical designation.  As we seek to expand that designation across the rest of the area, and to also gain local historical designation, the importance of partnering again with the PRC will be significant.  There are currently some title restrictions that are designed to protect the character of the neighborhood and further strengthening the historic designation will provide additional protection.

Norm Whitley announced that GT&GIA will be creating a new system of block captains.  In the beginning, these people will focus on disseminating information to their neighbors.  Later, they will also be recruited to gather information about issues important to their areas.  Scott Darrah, president of GCIA, responded that he is happy to hear about the block captains.  The GCIA’s effort to create a block captain system did not work out, partly because they tried to build it from the top-down and partially because it was lost in the shuffle as bigger issues arose.  But, he strongly supports efforts to create local block captains.  Scott Darrah also explained that the deadline for the surveys has been pushed back several times, but the hope is that they can all be completed by the end of November. 

Norm Whitley voiced the Board’s awareness that blighted and non-compliant properties in the area will pose a significant challenge to recovery.  He will attempt to have a Corps of Engineers attend the next meeting, to discuss the matter.  The new contract for trash pick up includes a requirement that the companies pick up all trash left at the curb.  Norm Whitley also voiced concerns about how long it will take to have curbside recycling restored.

Norm Whitley noted that residents currently without internet access at home can find free connections at the UNO library.

Norm Whitley will try to the meaning of the spray-painted x’s that are now appearing in the neighborhood.

Norm Whitley discussed the possibility of creating a special security district.  Such a district could be paid for with either a monthly donation from interested residents, or via funds collected by a special taxing district.  The special taxing district would present the most reliable source of money.  But, it would require state legislative approval.  The Board is now exploring the possibilities.

John Lyon explained that Parkway Partners is offering free trees to residents.  They can be reached at (504)620-2224.  He will also pursue information about how the Association can help to restore plantings in the neutral grounds.

J.P. Morrell provided additional information about the new garbage contract.  The new system, to begin in January, will offer three different sizes of trash cans.  Residents will be asked to pick up their trash cans as the city prepares for the new contract.  Residents present noted that two of the sizes are probably too big to be easily transported, the elderly and the handicapped may have problems picking them up, and there are not currently any provisions for allowing volunteers to help distribute the cans.  He will speak with city officials and see if additional arrangements can be made to deal with anticipated complications.

Norm Whitley asked that any residents with questions contact him at his office, (504)280-7120.  He also polled residents to find out how many had successfully completed the LRA applications.  He is considering trying to create a working group, consisting of people who have completed the applications, who might assist those who are having troubles.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.