May 18, 2021

Minutes of the Hubbard Farms Neighborhood Association meeting on May 18, 2021

Members Present: Anthony Benavides, Amy Amador, Donovan McCarty, Adriana Zuniga,Hannah Miller, Martha Potere

Members Absent: Peter Landon, Robert Rodriguez, Deb Sumner, Matthew Fogarty, Monte Martinez

Residents Present: Alicia Ramirez, Audrey McPartlin, Amelia Duran (Hubbard Richard resident; grew up in HF / parents live in HF)

Others Present: Caitlin Stadler, Office of Stephanie Chang; Emery Matthews, Murray Developer; John Cox, Murray Developer; Commander Sloan, 4th Precinct; Officer Ruiz, 4th Precinct NPO

  1. Welcome and Introductions
  2. Commander Sloan and Officer Ruiz shared results from discussions with DPW:
  • DPD identified 25 problem areas for trucks in the neighborhood; DPW approved14 new signs incl: WGB and Bagley, WGB and Toledo, Toledo and Palms, Scotten and Wolf, W Vernor and Palms, W Vernor and Hubbard, W Vernor and Vinewood, W Vernor and 24th and 25th, Freeway service drive and Lambie and service drive and 24th and 25th; and W Vernor and W Grand Blvd.
  • Truck route study conducted which had 3 community meetings where Clark St was raised as a concern; results not yet available. There will likely be public comment.
  • Currently truck traffic is allowed on Scotten, Clark, W Vernor and Junction.
  • Traffic enforcement through motor officers and traffic enforcement has been increased in the Hubbard Farms area.
  • Concern was raised re: semis make a U-turn on Clark because the freeway access and service drive are closed and some semis are turning down Porter St. Attention will be provided to Clark St.
  1. Emery Matthews gave an update on the Murray Apartments
  • Expects a Certificate of Occupancy in June or early July.
  • As part of reopening, there will be a contest to invite Western High School students to put art in the backyard of the Murray; designs will be shared with residents and residents in the community will select the art; students will receive funds to create their sculpture; Invest Detroit is supporting. Also would like to connect the Murray to the history of the community; hear memories of the Murray; connect with people who lived there; have members of the community lead an open house; have ambassadors from the neighborhood.
  • Address concerns regarding affordability of leasing
  • $900/mo rent pegged to 60% Area Median Income (lower than the 80% AMI required by the City);
  • Two types of units – 7 townhomes – 2 units on the end are 3 bedrooms; 5 townhomes are downstairs unit and upstairs unit – now there are 12 units
  • Downstairs units are 1 BR and full basement – $1800/month
  • 2nd floor units – 1 BR $1500 and some will be $900
  • 3 BR unit have 2 1/2 baths to accommodate roomates – $2800 / month (e.g., 2 @ $900; 1 @ $1,000)
  • Concerns raised regarding affordability of units and effects of the high priced rentals on the neighborhood leading to displacement / the ability of young people and long-time residents to stay in their community.
  1. Affordable Housing
  • Donovan shared that there is now land contract assistance available in addition to eviction assistance. He can share info about either of these.
  • Table rent control and pathway to home ownership for an annual meeting.
  1. Events
  • Vinewood Concert Series beginning
  • Concerts at Clark Park beginning
  1. Greenlight
  • Not a quorum to discuss / consider action
  • Suggest Hannah and Peter B draft language for the board to consider re: a position on Greenlight
  1. Election
  • Not a quorum to vote on resolution
  1. Resident Issues
  • Caitlin Sadler from Sen Chang’s office announced on May 26th, Sen Chang will be hosting a virtual town hall on Trains, trucks, and traffic from 6-7:30pm MDOT will be there as well.
  • Anthony announced Motor City Makeover – Saturday, June 5th, 10am-2pm – clean up focused on stage area where concerts are being held.

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