Under the leadership of the current HMPNA board president, Cassie Mehlman Rhys, many positive changes have been proposed or are underway for our neighborhood. HMPNA dues are being used to create and promote our neighborhood as a premier place to live and raise a family. So how are your dues being used to improve the quality of life in HMP?
Social Gatherings
Along with the New Neighbor Reception, Cajun Brunch, Fall Festival, and Christmas Party, the board promotes other gatherings such as small block gatherings as opportunities for neighbors to socialize.
The small house party is a new initiative that HMPNA has begun to give residents a smaller venue to where neighbors can socialize and get to know their neighbors. HMPNA has already hosted 2 small house parties where the Abel Family Quartet played at the first. The HMPNA board is currently looking for a host for the next house party. Invitations to small house parties are typically given to residents of that block only. Our goal is to keep the gathering small and intimate to encourage our neighbors to get to know one another. If you are interested in hosting a small house party on your block, please contact a member of the board. We will assist you with supplies, food, and logistics if necessary.
Green Space and Recreation, Pocket Parks
Possible locations for the proposed pocket park include a larger lot that can be used a neighborhood gatherings spaces. These spaces can serve as an ideal location for many of the neighborhood social gatherings. Ideas for the “active” park include a small play area for children and a shelter. Decorative and drought-resistant foliage would be used to beautify the park and minimize maintenance. Outside of HMPNA-sanctioned events, park hours would be from dawn to dusk.
Beautification
In addition to a pocket park, the board is actively exploring ways to increase the character of the HMP neighborhood. One proposed measure to create neighborhood distinction is to have decorative urns strategically placed within our boundaries. One proposed location is the roundabout at 32nd and Pennsylvania Streets.
Commemoration
The board is researching placing a historic marker that commemorates the date that HMP was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The marker would be placed at the crosswalk at 33rd and Pennsylvania Streets. It will be a bronze Historic National Register Marker as HMP is not eligible for a state marker.
Safety
The board is looking into directional signage or markings for the traffic on the roundabout at 32nd and Pennsylvania Streets. The intent is to assist drivers not familiar with the traffic flow of the roundabout to safely and appropriately navigate the roundabout. While some suggestions would require assistance from the city, other suggestions included rumble strips, painting the curb, and/or directional signage that is either erected or painted on the street.