Morris Heights Improvement Association

On Wednesday, February 11, neighbors gathered for the Morris Heights Improvement Association community meeting to share updates, discuss neighborhood priorities, and talk about ideas for future projects in Morris Heights.

Treasury Update

MHIA currently has $345 in its budget.

Grant Opportunity and Neighborhood Ideas

Anthony shared that MHIA is hoping to apply for another $5,000 community development grant.

Neighbors discussed ideas for how grant funds could be used if awarded. Suggestions included:

• waterwise gardening
• a Morris Heights symbol or neighborhood identity feature
• a summer BBQ
• interpretation services
• a neighborhood trash pickup group
• fiestas, a neighborhood carnival, or a Sunday market
• a Morris Heights fair
• bringing in a facilitator to lead a needs assessment or skills-sharing process

Some ideas, such as markets or larger public events, may require permits, tables, and signage.

Past Grant Project Examples

The group also discussed looking at past funded projects through the Strength in Our Neighborhoods website for inspiration. Examples mentioned included:

• large-trash pickup events
• beautification projects
• consultation services
• flyers and mailers
• spring and fall compost projects
• community gardens
• Little Free Libraries

Meeting Schedule

MHIA currently uses two types of meetings to support neighborhood involvement.

1. Community Meetings

Community meetings take place every other month in:

• February
• April
• June
• August
• October

These meetings are focused mainly on neighborhood updates and shared information.

The group also discussed inviting a speaker to future community meetings. Suggested topics and speakers included:

• Code Enforcement Representative
• a PAR officer
• a conflict manager or facilitator who could help neighbors work through issues together

2. Workshop Meetings

Workshop meetings take place in the off months:

• March
• May
• July
• September
• November

These meetings are designed to help neighbors collaborate and figure out how to move ideas into action. Workshop groups include the Community Safety team, Community Events Team, and our Creative Team.

Neighborhood Updates

Traffic Calming and Speeding

Jamie shared that MHIA has applied for traffic calming along Peoria outside of Park Lane. That project is currently on hold because the city’s current funded project ran over schedule.

Jamie also shared that the neighborhood was approved for speed vans on 30th, and those vans are expected to appear at some point in the future.

Traffic calming is one way to help reduce speeding and improve safety in the neighborhood.

Power Outages

Power outages continue to be a concern raised by neighbors.

Neighborhood Boundaries

Morris Heights is generally identified as stretching from Peoria to Sable and from Smith to 23rd.