SU CASA IS OUR CASA!
For those of you who missed it, we held our March meeting at Su Casa with a very informative presentation by Philip Etiwe, Director of Planning and Inspections for El Paso that included a lot of direct interaction with our members.
As in all new relationships, there were some delights and some disappointments. Most comments were positive, mentioning the food and service particularly. The increase in capacity over our previous meeting place was certainly welcome.
Board Member Kristin Perez has taken the lead on setting up our meetings at Su Casa and is continuing to be our liaison with them. Some attendees had difficulty hearing. For April’s meeting, we will place our banner in front of the fireplace to block sound from the public area and our Past President Pastor Stephen Heimer of Zion Lutheran Church will furnish a PA system that should help. In addition, Kristin has spoken to the Su Casa management about some reconfiguration of the bussing area at the south end of the room. One person felt that the charge for her meal was unreasonable. When Kristin spoke to the manager, he agreed that it seemed so and that he would review the tickets. All in all, I think that this is a good move and that any difficulties can be resolved. The management seems pleased that we are there and are willing to work with us. Looking ahead, although Su Casa does not have evening hours currently, they have indicated a willingness to be open for a special event. Christmas Party anyone? My thanks again to Greg Malooly, Howard Goldberg and Kristin Perez for making this change happen so smoothly.
ANYONE FOR A NIP?
Calm down, now. Before you get too excited, this will not involve a trip to your nearest public house nor subject you to a sometimes endearing, sometimes unwelcome physical activity. No, although none of the above, it is an equally emotional event, the spending of your tax dollars by the City of El Paso. If it removes any of the sting, we have a chance to have some say in the projects and improve our neighborhood.
Well, what is it you say? It is the Neighborhood Improvement Program! I must now quote from the City’s website for my modest vocabulary does not include the buzzwords and jargon to properly convey the message on my own.
“The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) provides the opportunity for Recognized Neighborhood Associations and Civic Associations to request small-scale permanent physical improvement projects to enhance the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The intent is to facilitate an organized process for residents to have direct input on physical improvements in their neighborhood.”
Now I will paraphrase. The Community Progress Bond (which some of you may have voted for) included $5 million for projects in the NIP. Each of the eight Representative Districts will receive $625,000 for NIP requests. There are eligibility requirements, some of the most significant of which are that the project be on city property, have an expected lifespan of at least 10 years and be no further than ¼ mile from the association’s boundary. Favored projects include parks and park improvements, streetlights, sidewalks, ADA curb cuts and murals.
For those of you who may have participated before there have been changes, some intended to simplify the process including a “catalog” to choose from.
This is a “competitive event.” Since Five Points Development Association is a part of two districts, our projects east of Piedras Street will compete with projects throughout District 2 and those west of Piedras Street will compete with projects throughout District 8. Projects from the catalog, well documented and described on the application and supported by many resident signatures will have the best chance of success. Details can be found on the City’s website elpasotexas.gov under Community and Human Development.
Since this is for neighborhood associations, once you have gotten information from the City’s website, contact Five Points Development Association so that we can vet projects and submit the one the Board feels is the most likely to succeed. Although each Association can submit two applications, only one per Association will be chosen. No time to waste! THE DEADLINE IS MAY 31ST.
APRIL PROGRAM
On April 17th at noon, we will present a return engagement of John Balliew, PE, President and CEO of El Paso Water. Mr. Balliew’s presentations at past meetings have always been informative. April’s meeting will be a chance for us to hear more about the increase in water and storm water rates and receive an update on the Corps of Engineers work on flood control in the central area. As it was with our March program, it will be an opportunity for you to address individual concerns at a level that would be nearly impossible in any other forum.
FUTURE PROGRAM NOTES
In May, we will have The El Paso Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser and Executive Director, the redoubtable Dinah Kilgore who will regale us with tales of property values, protests and legislation, all to prepare us for her billets-doux coming to your mail box soon. While Ms. Kilgore’s programs may not be the most “digestible” noon-time fare, the information she brings is vital and helpful to all of us as business and property owners and we appreciate her efforts. We also appreciate her serving on our Board of Directors and helping with programs.
We are look at future programs from Ms. Ellen Smythe Chief Transit & Field Operations Officer for the City of El Paso. Ms. Smyth is responsible for Sun Metro (buses and street cars), Environmental Services (trash, etc.), Streets & Maintenance, and has recently assumed responsibilities for city real estate. Also, once the city budget is complete we will ask to hear from Robert Cortinas, the City’s CFO and perhaps a response from our District Representatives. At our April meeting, we will pass out a form for you to tell us your suggestions for future programs. It is FPDA’s intention to provide quality programs with information that is helpful to you, are interesting, and provide opportunities for one-on-one meetings with leaders in our community. Help us serve you.
REMINDER
Don’t forget. Wednesday, April 17th, noon (11:30 for those that want an early start), Su Casa, 2030 East Yandell. John Balliew, President and CEO of El Paso Water will be the speaker. Bring a friend and possible future member. We had a great turnout in March. Remember, as our membership and attendance grow so do our abilities to attract quality programs and influence the decisions of government that determine our neighborhood’s future.
See you Wednesday!