Iron Horse Neighborhood Association Monthly meeting 2/18/2021
Those in attendance Hannah (President), Andrew (Board member at large), Matt (Treasurer), Jonathan (Secretary), Al (Board member at large), Kelly (Co-President), Lee, Ruth, Dereka (Board member at large), Andy, Jan, Arlethe (Pima County), Skate Park Alliance (Erik, Chris, Jon), Jake, Eric
Ermano’s Request for Letter of Support Mark Erman, co-owner of Ermano’s, requested a letter of support from the neighborhood for a Common Ground design award for their bar, Portal, which is in the back section of Ermano’s. Dereka edited and proposed a suggested letter. Kelly made a motion to sign and send the letter from IHNA. Al seconded the motion. The motion was approved with 0 no votes and 2 abstentions. The letter is copied at the end of the minutes.
Mark also presented about the pavilion, which is an expansion of Ermano’s onto the street of 4th Avenue. He expects construction will last about 2 more months and is aiming for an April 1st opening date. He mentioned that restaurants located in front of street car stops cannot expand onto the street because emergency vehicles need enough clearance to get down 4th.
Chicanes Neighbors are meeting at 4 pm on Friday, February 19th at the community garden to walk down 9th Street and finalize the plant selection for the chicanes. The planting date is tentatively scheduled for March 7th at 9 AM, depending on traffic permits.
Traffic Circle at 9th Street and 3rd Avenue Al reported on progress for installing a traffic circle at the intersection of 9th Street and 3rd Avenue. He submitted signatures for 15 (out of 25) property owners at the intersection to Jessie Soto at the Tucson Department of Transportation. The signatures will be verified and then the city will create plans for the circle. The circle needs 20’ clearance from the curbs and Al reported that that the intersection is large enough for a large circle. Al would like to see the circle include a welcoming monument to the neighborhood, which could be designed by Todd. Kelly and Lee volunteered to help Al with future work on the traffic circle.
Iron Horse Park Update On Thursday, February 11th, neighbors met with the Tucson Parks and Rec, Wheat Design, and Tucson Police to discuss the revised park plan. Wheat Design utilized the feedback they received during their last open house and through the emailed survey to create a new park design that includes a dog park, a skate spot, a playground, and reduced walls. The next steps will involve figuring out costs and prioritizing features. Tucson Parks expects to start construction around August or September of this year.
Neighbors expressed excitement about the plan. Kelly indicated that she thought the plan would activate the space and make the park safer.
Tucson Skatepark Alliance (TSA) Jon Choi advocated for including a skate spot in the revitalized Iron Horse Park. Jon mentioned that skate features can engage a lively local skating community, activate a space, and consequently reduce crime in an area. They can be beautiful art installations that are low maintenance and include water retention. Jon differentiated a skate spot, which is an above-ground feature with skateable art, from a skatepark, which includes bowls, ledges, and rails. The Skatepark Alliance said they would be interested in working with Tucson Parks on the development of a skate spot in the park. The Skatepark Alliance invited neighbors to their monthly meetings, if people have interest (for more details, see: https://www.tucsonskateparkalliance.org)
Minutes Matt made a motion to approve the minutes from January. Dereka seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report Matt presented the year-long financial transactions of the neighborhood association. The main costs included feeding the neighborhood cats, HFAC dues, liability insurance, IHNA hats and beer cozies to sell at the street fairs, and the website. New revenue was non-existent as the street fairs were cancelled. Matt will look into filing taxes for this past year.
Dog Poop Problems Neighbors mentioned increasing instances dog poop around the Iron Horse, with an emphasis along 10th Street. Matt indicated that he would contact Parks and Rec about a potential cleanup of the park, refilling of dog bag holders, and the installation of additional signage. Erika suggested installing a cylinder where neighbors can put plastic grocery bags that can be used for cleanup.
Glass Drop Off Stations Erika reported that HFAC is considering requesting a glass drop off station near 4th Avenue because glass is no longer being accepted by the city-wide recycling program. Neighbors expressed interest in additional recycling locations, but also expressed concerns about the noise from glass drop-offs and broken glass litter around the station. Erika indicated that she would share our interest and concern with HFAC.
E-Scooters The pilot program for the e-scooters ends in March. Dereka expects that Mayor and Council will vote to either make the program permanent or cancel it at their study session on March 9th. Jonathan said he will send out an email to the listserv about ways that neighbors can provide feedback before that date.
To provide feedback about the e-scooters, you can contact TDOT Concerns at 791-3154 or [email protected]
Community Garden Erika indicated that she wants to get more engagement in the garden by providing more resources to gardeners who are already there and attracting new gardeners. Erika made a motion to approve $75 to sponsor a garden education seminar over zoom. Jake seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Erik asked what the community herb and wheelbarrow plots were. Hannah indicated that those are taken care of by Linden and are some of the more active plots. Erik requested to put a large box in the garden where he could grow large mushrooms. Neighbors agreed that it was appropriate. Jake asked if he could include a new compost box in the garden. Erika reported that compost piles in the past have been unsuccessful due to poor and irregular management. Erika reported that 3 new neighbors have requested plots and they have enough to potentially accommodate 4 more people.
Bylaws Reminders Hannah reminded the association that our bylaws state that all voting must happen during meetings. She emphasized that the listserv exists to share resources and information (not voting).
Downtown Neighbors And Residents’ Council (DNARC) Andy reported that there are conversations with Downtown Tucson Partnerships about the need for new developments in the downtown area to benefit Tucson residents, rather than out-of-town developers. Others at DNARC expressed concern about the installation of 5G Cell Towers without warning or input from property owners. Finally, several people expressed antagonism to the expansion of Reid Park Zoo into Barnum Hill and pond.
Bulletin Board Al repaired the bulletin board by the community garden. If you have any information that you want to share with neighbors on the bulletin board, please let him know.
Elections Hannah, Andrew, Jonathan, Matt, Al, Dereka, and Kelly agreed to run for board elections. Andy made a motion to approve the slate of candidates after no one else volunteered to run. Lee seconded the motion. The slate of candidates was approved by unanimous vote (with zero abstentions).
Letter submitted in support of the Portal Cocktails Bar project: Dear Common Ground Committee:
We offer this letter in support of Mark and Eric Erman and their renovation project "Portal Cocktails", which is located inside the Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar on Fourth Avenue. The historic Iron Horse Neighborhood is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Tucson and its residents enjoy its proximity to the Historic Fourth Avenue District. Prior to opening their business in 2015, the Erman brothers attended a neighborhood association meeting to share information with our residents, and since its opening they have been consistent in maintaining an open line of communication and providing a quality space that many of our residents are able to enjoy on a regular basis. Their establishment has been a clear positive contribution to the commercial district and our adjacent neighborhood. We believe the Portal project, though young in its life, will further add to the appeal and quality of the area as it shows the brothers' commitment to thoughtfully designed gathering spaces. We're glad to have this addition to the mix of establishments within walking distance that our residents may enjoy. We wish the Erman brothers success with their latest project and future endeavors.
