HEN Meeting Minutes: Nov. 29

The Historic Edgefield Neighbors (HEN) met on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 6pm at East Park Community Center. President Hibah Qubain presided over the meeting, and approximately 25 people attended.
 
Police/Crime Report:
Commander Imhof reported that crime is down 6.2% compared to this date last year. The East Precinct leads the city in the reduction in crime. Vehicle thefts and break-ins could be further reduced by removing the keys from cars and locking them. Also remove valuables and keep bags from shopping out of site. Be aware of your surroundings!
 
Metro Council Report:
Councilman Withers reported that the Citgo at 5th and Main has been granted a permit by the Beer Board for expansion. The decision had been deferred until Hibah and Councilman Withers had an opportunity to meet with the owners. They were reassured that the expansion was for more space for food sales, not beer. The owners say they are trying to reduce the loitering around their building.
 
Councilman Withers announced that he was recommending that the Davidson County Sheriff’s offices be moved to 5th St., a couple blocks south off Shelby, where there is a public works building owned by Metro. In the ensuing discussion, opposition was expressed because the Sheriff’s offices would be in the Envision Cayce Redevelopment District and a tall Sheriff’s office building was felt to be inconsistent with that project for a variety of reasons. In addition, both Envision Cayce board members and HEN members who were present felt there should have been more notification before the recommendation was made in Metro Council. The recommendation was to be deferred. Some modifications in Envision Cayce are scheduled for a vote on Dec. 6.
  
Other Reports:
The HEN Holiday Party is Dec. 4 at the Dimmitt’s home. Donations are needed for party expenses. Anne Manner reported that food and backpacks are being collected at the Holiday Party or cab be dropped off at her home across from East Park. The backpacks filled with food will be given to children at Warner School who may go hungry during the holiday break when school meals are not provided. Backpacks will be filled at East Park Community Center on December 10 at 1:00 pm. HEN is helping with this project, which was initiated by the congregation at Tulip Street Church. Now that the church is closed, the Frances Southerland Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle TN has been established to meet the needs of children in Historic Edgefield.  
 
Discussion with East End Neighborhood Association: 
Rich McCoy of the East End Neighborhood Association brought plans to improve parking, pedestrian safety, and calm traffic on 10th and 11th Streets between Shelby and Woodland. (The plan does not include the intersections on Shelby or Woodland.) The plan includes crosswalks, curb cuts, two-lane traffic, no-parking-to-corner signs, and a bike lane. There were no objections to the plan, and, in spite of some compromises that were made, it was unanimously approved.