Minutes: March 2013 meeting

[Christel Manning]

The group met on Monday, March 11, 2013, from 6-7:30 pm at 333 Front Street. Present: Lee, Patti, Carlos, Anne, Bill, Joyce, Don, Nathalie, David, Pat, Brett, Lisa, Christel.

Items discussed:

1. Planning for Riverfest on May 5:  Event is planned for first Sunday of May, which this year is May 5^th. Lisa Fitch has applied and got a provisional liquor license for Boat House Cafe.  Carlos has a commitment from Thomas Hooker Brewery in Hartford to come and do a tasting, plus he found a local band, Goodnight Blue Moon, who will provide entertainment. Christel contacted QRWA, and they  have committed to coming back and bringing canoes and kayaks as they did last year. . Carlos plans to follow up with two additional breweries recommended by Grand Vin. Carlos and Don will work on a flyer/poster.
2. Strong School: Lee reported that 3 arts organizations have given him a commitment letter, and 5 more are in the works. If we can commit to occupying 70% of the building, then the city will give us a year to raise the funds to do repairs to bring the building to code which includes adding handicap ramps and isolating the stairs from the hallway. There is another arts group who will come and see the building in late March.
3. Soup Night: Some people on Quinnipiac Ave have expressed an interest to host; Lee will ask them. If not, Joyce and Bill volunteered to be backup hosts.
4. Dining Out Night: Tuesday, March 6, 6 – 8 pm at La Molienda on Grand Ave.
5. New ideas: Christel suggested organizing a fieldtrip to the Brooklyn waterfront which has gotten a lot of good press for its redevelopment. The goal would be to get some ideas and inspiration for things we might replicate here. Would be nice to identify some people there who were involved in that development, so we can learn about their experience. This suggestion led to a discussion of the city’s efforts  to redevelop River street, which runs along the waterfront from Ferry street to James street and is full of empty industrial buildings. Ann has a dream to create an urban riding program and one of the sites there be a possible location. David said he knows people at Rotary club; if Ann writes a proposal she could apply for funding.
6. Chatham Square postcard project: this is on hold until after Riverfest is over.