The 2004-05 CHNA Board is up and running. We gathered together on June 12th for a goal setting session. The association "Vision Statement" directs us to address issues related to the quality of life in the neighborhood. The 2003-04 initiatives and the results of the recent membership survey provide us with a good roadmap. The neighborhood is a composite of many groups: residential, commercial and educational. We've started the process of addressing both short- and long-term goals in all three of these areas and are "planning for success."

    I was particularly happy to see individuals coming forward with great ideas and volunteering where they feel they can contribute to the association's success. Look for us in the next few months at the Arts Festival, our annual picnic, and UNI Homecoming. We will be involved in the focus group discussions concerning the College Hill Streetscape Study that the city is funding. We are also hoping to be involved in the development of the proposed site-plan for a cell tower behind Tony's.

    We now have the Planning Department's completed density study, and we hope to better understand the demographics of the neighborhood. This information will be used to verify that all rental housing in the "overlay" has been inspected for safety. We are looking at zoning issues and have been assured by the Developmental Services Department that the College Hill Overlay Ordinance will be reviewed this year.

    We have struggled in the past to determine our place in the political process as a non-profit 501C3 organization. With the proposed review and revision of our by-laws, we will be establishing a new committee within the association to function in a non-partisan manner as a political lobby to further our works and concerns.

    We are excited and challenged by the future. We look forward to your input and involvement in this process. Please contact any of the Board members with your ideas.

Mary Brammer, Chariman of the CHNA Board

    Jill Lankford came to the CHNA Board in April to tell of a project her daughter's girl scout troop was planning and to ask for assistance from the CHNA. The troop wanted to clean up the debris along Dry Run Creek from Hudson Road to Main Street. Many people had noticed how bad the banks of the creek looked and were glad to add enthusiasm to the event.

    Jill had one of the girls draw a sign, then reproduced by Signs and Design, that was hung on the College Street bridge a few days before the clean-up. On a Saturday morning, people congregated, equipped with rubber gloves and waterproof boots.

    Tom Reisetter and Lynn Nielsen provided trucks to haul away the waste. In less than two hours, over 500 pounds of debris-mostly paper, plastic and styrofoam-were gathered. KwikStar showed their appreciation by providing coffee and donuts. City Council member Kamyar Enshayan joined in this collaborative effort, as well.

    The board hopes to make this an annual event. The next clean-up project will be Sunday, October 10, when the area immediately around campus will the focus right after UNI's Homecoming. Watch September's newsletter for more information. If you have a project you would like the CHNA to help with, please contact a board member with your suggestions.