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Highland Park Neighborhood Association Minutes
Board Meeting

Thursday, January 9th at 6:30 p.m.

750 Eastern Ave NE (Emerald Flats Auditorium)

  1. Introduction of HPNA Board / Role Call
  1. Adam Tauno Williams/Chair present
  2. Kate Aeschlimann/At-Large present
  3. Alison Black/Secretary not present
  4. Scott Rider/Vice Chair present - took notes for the meeting
  5. Russ Malek/At-Large present
  6. Corinna Van Buinen/Treasurer present
  7. Justin Kooreman/At-Large present
  8. Vacant
  9. Vacant
  1. Guests
  2. Approval of MInutes - Scott motion / Russ 2nd/ All in favor.
  1. 2023-11-21
  1. New Business - Kate motion / Justin 2nd / All in favor.
  1. Resolution#30 : Signature change authorization
  2. Resolution#31 : Reimbursement ($20) for LARA filing fee.
  1. Reports
  1. Status of Parts Department MDNRTF grant (Highland Park bathrooms & pavilion)

Scott- Though GR did not get the grant, the plan is to still get new bathrooms for the park in 2025. By not getting the grant, the plan will scale back and there will be no pavilion/picnic area in the next plan.

Neighbors are pretty upset with the Carrier Creek Trail project to fix the damages culvert/water main. The KCRC, a tree contractor and the City are working to repair the damage. They have put a rather large road in and that has neighbors concerned. They also dredged the creek to remove a build up of sediment. Scott has an email and multiple calls into the City to see about the final plan.

Park clean ups will include all 3 parks this year.

  1. Arts Subcommittee

Sam was not in attendance. We talked about potentially putting money toward some signage in the park for native plants/trees/other things like the location of parking

  1. Parks Subcommittee

See above

  1. Treasurer

No report as Corina does not have access yet.

  1. Discussion
  1. Master Planning Engagement, Phase#3

Discussions were great. 16 participants in attendance. Pizza was provided. Below are some of the make take aways from the conversation:

  1. Main detractors of people purchasing homes is affordability at this point.
  2. Outside of the price to buy ANY home. The inventory in Grand Rapids lacks “new construction” that fits a need for affordability and quality. Without those options homes that are older can have repair cost on top of the cost to even get a house. Downpayment assistance is key and affordability of major repair cost was a talking point.
  3. DUPLEX/ADU/Options - A neighbor mentioned that the 3 homes on Diamond that were proposed to the board look great and seems to be a great use for the neighborhood, but the lack of yard in favor of parking was a let down. Good idea, but it seems that regulations stunted the potential. In favor of ADU, but not just for the sake of “it’s better than nothing”. Developing UP vs. removing green space was favorable and looking for corridors on the edged to find that space. Higher density on Leonard of Fuller could be and option. High density anchor, with duplex/4plex and ADUs to fill in the deficiencies
  4. Inclusivity with more ADA side walks. Some streets lack sidewalks and curbs. An intentional approach to bike lanes and public transportation would be great. The use of a solid pedestrian trail system would be great.
  5. Business- Where? Currently many neighbors use Michigan St and Leonard for shopping. A high density residential building could host commercial space for retail. Neighbors were not worried about home business’ as long as they stey in the “good neighbor” category respecting others and their space. Any increase would be favorable but not at the expense of green space.
  6. Navigation - Reduction in parking on the street and/or a reconfiguration to odd/even on some streets. Potentially remove packing from 1 side specifically talking about Lydia. Curbs on Lydia and other streets lacking would be great to define space. Reducing speed on Lydia and other roads like Eastern. An acknowledgement that our hills play a roll in the speed and the options for transportation. We talked about “permit parking” for certain streets that have a heavy population of cars parked on streets. Enforcement of speeding on Eastern/Diamond/Fuller/College.
  1. Adjourn