Hope Street Merchants Association meeting minutes
June 9, 2015
Jan – Stock
Dixie – J. Marcel
Kim – RhodyCraft
Line – Kreatelier
Pernilla – Kreatelier
Asher – Frog & Toad
Virginia – Hope Returns
Crystal – Hope Returns
Dylan – Festival
Ashley – Creatoyvity
Elise – Luli
GUEST: Leo Perrotta – city parking administrator
PARKING METERS
Although the news seemed to indicate parking meters were coming to Hope Street, they are not at this time. It was one of the considered regions and there are more coming but not to Hope Street for the foreseeable future. The HSMA decided to put together a letter to the City to express our thoughts about metered parking and say that we would like to be involved in the process once a final decision for Hope Street has been made.
Jonathan Harris, urban planner who knows the neighborhood may be approached about helping with the letter.
The DPW’s thoughts on metering are as follows: Metering occurs because it’s a resource for the city but also because it helps with turnover of cars. When we reach 80 – 85% of space occupancy, then they would put meters in, but we haven’t met that threshold yet. Putting in meters in side streets would be very challenging. This would require resident permits.
The reason meters work, according to Mr. Perrotta, is because it invests customers in their own timings. Customers prefer the reliability & convenience of knowing they can park, which is why there are meters at all.
The customer wants to find a spot and to pay conveniently, by card, coin or eventually phone. Many feel that the kiosk method has serious drawbacks. In downcity you can pay with cell phones.
SPRING FEST WRAP UP
Everyone agreed that the Spring Block Party was great and the best ever with an estimated attendance of 8000 people. A separate committee meeting took place on Tuesday June16th 9am at Kreatelier to wrap up the event and talk about the mission of future street events. Complete update will be provided at next meeting.
New bike racks and trash can repairs thanks to Hope Street/Grant Miriam Hospital
Brand new red bike racks have been installed on Hope Street by the Steel Yard. The damaged lids of the trash cans have been repaired too and look much better. This has been made possible by the Miriam Hospital grant. Thank you!
The Steel yard has put in banner fixtures at Festival Ballet (pro bono…thank you Steel yard).
The HSMA is still waiting to hear back from the city about the fixtures that were damaged during the snow removal. The Steel yard has fixed everything and a new trash can has been put across of Chez Pascal. These costs are supposed to be refunded by the city.
INDIE WEEK
Dixie gave an overview about Indie Week which will take place form July 1 -7
This is an international movement and will happen for the first time in RI with the focus on Providence. It is a collaboration between the RI Foundation, BuyLocalRI and Providence Media is the media sponsor. The goal is to boost sales during a normally slower week of the year.
HOPE STREET FALL FESTIVAL
Will take place on Sunday September 20th and is a collaboration with Miriam Hospital, the main event sponsor. Committee meetings start Tuesday, July 7th at Kreatelier at 9am. Anyone interested, please email line@kreatelier.com
Dixie and Line will work on updated vendor and sponsor package, possible online.
BRING LIGHT TO HOPE
Jonathan Harris is working on a final solar powered street light design and is putting together a proposal which will be sent to potential sponsors and will be used for a new fundraising campaign. The proposal will be finished by mid-July.
MISCELLANEOUS
Hope Street Pizza has bought the Podrat building. There are no plans to move their business. The building spaces will be rented out to other businesses. Please spread the word that that space is available!
Asher brought up an idea to install public art on the corner of Hope and Citizens Bank. The Steel Yard could install a platform and different sculptures could rotate on that spot. More info will follow. The idea was well received.
The Groden Center has installed new plants on Hope Street. Please water these plants regularly!
Next meeting will take place on Tuesday July 14th, 6:15pm at Kreatelier
Jan Faust Dane
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