Historic South Park, Inc. General Meeting. Tuesday, November 26, 2024. 7pm. 500 Hickory Street.
Call to Order: 7:02pm
COMMUNITY REPORTS
City of Dayton Police: Officer Zach Faltys
During November, our area experienced 2 aggravated assaults in this area (no information on known or unknown victims/perp) , 4 breaking and entering (garages) and 1 residential burglary, an uptick in shoplifting in Family Dollar and Walgreens, and 3 thefts from motor vehicles by what police suspect is repeat offenders. Ofc. Faltys recommends we keep cars locked, empty of belongings, park under a street light or near a camera if a nearby home camera is around so police can get video footage.
The suspect of the burglary on James Street is still in the area. We have a photo, please contact Karin Manovich at [email protected] for a photo of the suspect who has been seen in South Park on 3 occasions – he managed to elude us before the police arrived. If you see something, please call the non-emergency number 937-333-COPS.
The hit-and-run pedestrian fatality on the 500 block of Wyoming is still under investigation. Another hit-and-run occurred on Hickory Street at 5:45 pm Nov 25th.
Community Engagement: Martha Rodriguez – no report.
GUEST PRESENTER FROM GEM CITY MARKET CO-OP: Amaha Sellassie
Though the co-op boasts over 5000 members, the market needs shoppers. Gem City is organizing a shopping competition amongst the historic districts by offering a coupon in December and January. They will update us on how to take part as their plans come to fruition.
GUEST PRESENTER EMERSON ACADEMY: Not in attendance
President Mark shared that phase 1 construction of the north parking lot/parent waiting area is underway at Buckeye. Phase 2 will remove the retaining wall north of Emerson’s parking lot on Hickory at Bonner. The wall will be replaced by a grassy slope. Mark requested that any quarried limestone that needs to be removed remain in the neighborhood in case South Parks can use it.
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES: The minutes from the October 2024 meeting were approved without changes.
CONFIRMATION OF NEW OFFICERS
Since the new officers ran unopposed, the membership was asked to confirm which they did unanimously. New officers for 2025-26: Kristina Scott (Membership), Nick Vanderpool (1st Vice President) and Tanza Everding (Recording Secretary)
Thank you to outgoing officers: Amanda Korb (Membership) and Sarah Morris (Recording Secretary)
HSPI PRESIDENT’S REPORT
At the City of Dayton quarterly neighborhood presidents’ forum, the City shared statistics on traffic safety. Traffic accidents in Dayton from 2019 to 2023 consisted of 97 fatalities, 684 crashes with injuries. The City intends to focus traffic safety initiatives on the most problematic areas – one of which is Wayne Avenue. Mark encouraged all neighbors to drive through our Wayne Avenue business district at 25 MPH to slow traffic and increase safety for South Park and Twin Towers neighbors.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The October treasury report was submitted. At January’s meeting we will review and vote on the 2025 budget.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks: The Christmas tree, garland and lights have been installed in the Gazebo on Park Drive; 3 Christmas trees lit (2 on Park Drive, 1 in South Park Green).
Housing: 521 and 623 Wyoming have been reported to the City/DPD as nuisance properties and continue to be monitored. With the demolition of 250 Park Drive complete, the City/County will submit the bill for the demolition to the property owner. If not paid, control of the property will revert to the Montgomery County Land Bank who will encourage its development for historic repro homes. A significant number of South Park properties are in arrears on taxes; nearly 20 South Park properties were listed on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s tax lien sales according to the Dayton Daily News. Property concerns can be shared to [email protected].
Social: Holiday Party: Saturday, December 14th from 6-8pm at Kristina and Tom’s house at 112 Park Drive. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Beverages provided by HSPI. Soup and Chili Cookoff: Joyce McAlpine and Trish Burke-Williams organizing. Saturday, February 1st 5-8pm at Hope Lutheran Church. There will be prizes! Please feel free to bring additional sides.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The nonprofit South Park Cat Care Collective (SPCCC) has spayed and neutered over 200 cats in their first year. They need your continued support. The SPCCC invites all neighbors to their upcoming fundraising events. BINGO at Yellow Cab Tavern, Tuesday, December 3rd starting at 6:30pm. Pawliday Party at Branch and Bone featuring pet portraits, Saturday, December 7th from Noon to 4:30pm. Or simply donate via their website.
Meeting adjourned at 7:41pm.