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
- Welcome and Introductions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Events
- Vinewood Concert Series beginning
- Concerts at Clark Park beginning
- 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
- Election
- Not a quorum to vote on resolution
- 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.