Welcome to Historic Waverly

 

 

 

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Historic Waverly Neighborhood Association

 

A long and rich history

 

Design Guidelines

 

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Neighborhood Meetings:

 

The Waverly Neighborhood Association holds its monthly meetings

on the first Monday of each month (second Monday when the first is a holiday), at 6:00 pm

No meetings take place in July and August.

 

The meetings are currently held at the koban , 2111  Lady Street.

 

If you are a stakeholder in Waverly, i.e. live, have a business interest, or worship within this area, you are welcome to attend and participate in all meetings concerning your neighborhood.

 

 

Minutes of past meetings:

 

 

Contact the President:

Mrs. Doris W. Hildebrand

2320 Hampton Street

Columbia, SC 29204

(803) 256-4661

 

 

Officers:

President                                                                              

Doris W. Hildebrand                        

 

Vice President                                                                                             

James Baker                        

 

Treasurer

William (Bill) Rutherford

 

Secretary

Catherine Bruce

 

 

Minutes of the September 13, 2004 meeting

 

Present:

 

Residents: Judy Garrett, Catherine Fleming Bruce, Doris Hildebrand, Susan Freeman, Frank Fitzpatrick, Mr. Houston, Mr. Rutherford, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Fair, Tre Taylor, Jenny Jackson

 

Institutional Representatives: E.W. Cromartie, Columbia City Council; Ms. M.L. Kohn, First Nazareth; Ms. Dianne Sumpter, DESA; Mr. John Spade and Demetria Hook, Community Development, City of Columbia; Officer Kelly, City of Columbia

 

Greetings

City Councilman E.W. Cromartie greeted residents and asked to be contacted with any information or concerns.

 

New officer

Catherine Bruce was introduced as the new Historic Waverly Neighborhood Association secretary. She asked for e-mail addresses from those who use that format.  The Association will begin mailing and e-mailing agendas and minutes to the membership. Ms. Bruce presented the minutes from the August meeting.  There were no corrections to the minutes, and they were approved by the membership.

 

President Hildebrand re-emphasized the importance of residents attending the neighborhood meetings.

 

Parking

Mr. John Spade, Director of General Services Division for the City of Columbia, opened the discussion on parking issues in the neighborhood. He introduced Ms. Demitria Hook, his executive assistant, who has experience in parking enforcement.  He noted that there were no marked parking spaces, and gave examples of previous parking issues that have been addressed, such as added handicapped street parking on Heidt St.  Anyone with a handicapped parking tag can use this space, it does not belong to any one resident.  But handicapped parking can be abused.  More of these handicapped spaces might be considered, especially for those who do not have a driveway.

 

Spade stated that the City has noted the increase in people coming to Historic Waverly and increased competition between residents and non-residents for parking space.  One option is a residential parking permit district.

 

In order to start this process:

Boundaries for the residential parking permit district must be established

50% of property owner/occupants must petition that a survey be done

A traffic engineer will be sent to do the survey

Residents should note that:

The ordinance is enforced weekdays from 9-5, not on evenings and weekends

Residents must purchase a permit, $5.00 per car, as well as a limited number of visitor tags

Enforcement is usually done by resident complaint

 

Ms. Bruce noted that while residential parking districts will address one aspect of the parking problem, residents might need to use additional strategies to preserve a resident-friendly parking environment.  She suggested that a neutral party bring the neighborhood’s institutions together to explore the idea of cooperating to build a ;joint parking garage.  Few of the institutions could do this alone, but maybe they could do it together, or come up with other cooperative ideas for parking.  Mr. Spade expressed interest in helping to bring this dialogue to fruition.

 

Blue Ribbon Taxi Stand

Mr. Spade’s second parking item concerned the Blue Ribbon Taxi Stand, which is currently on Heidt St.  The taxi company has complained about the difficulty of turning left on Gervais St.   Mr. Spade suggests moving the taxi stand to Oak and Gervais, where there is a warehouse, a vacant lot, and a traffic light which would allow drivers to turn right or left.  Mr. Spade asked for feedback from the membership.  Discussion produced opinions for and against.  Although no decision was made on this issue, it was suggested that the entire Historic Waverly Neighborhood area be the subject of examination for most efficient traffic flow and parking.  A more comprehensive traffic plan could ultimately include the taxi stand issue, the feasibility of a traffic light at the corner of Hampton and Oak, and other traffic calming features.  Mr. Spade noted that because some of the neighborhood streets are highways, SC DOT would have to be involved.

 

New Home Construction

Ms. Diane Sumpter, DESA, presented handouts displaying pictures of the two new homes now under construction in the neighborhood.  One is on Heidt St., and the other is on Oak St.  She noted that this is a project similar to City Dreams, which resulted in new home constructions on Heidt.  Attractive homeowner financing packages are available as the City of Columbia is interested in bringing folks back downtown.  DESA’s goal is to sell the two homes as soon as possible.  The project c\contractor asked questions about the type of windows that should go into the homes, as they are trying to fit into City of Columbia historic preservation design criteria. The membership approved DESA’s ideas as submitted.

 

First Nazareth Parking

Ms. M.L. Kohn came to the meeting representing First Nazareth Baptist Church.  Ms. Kohn noted that First Nazareth wants to be a good neighbor, and that they are aware of the parking concerns on Heidt St. The church hires three deputy sheriffs to help manage Sunday service parking, and members are told not to park in particular places. Kohn believes that when the new construction is completed the parking situation will improve, but she also believes that there will be an increase in the number of people coming to church.  Kohn said that the church wants to use Christian ethics in their dealing with its members and with the neighborhood, and that they are open to residents telling them when there are problems.  They try to ensure that their members know parking etiquette by placing notices in the bulletin.

 

Kohn confirmed that First Nazareth owns property between Lady and Gervais, and an entire block known as “blueberry hill”.  She answered inconclusively on whether a parking garage might be in the future for First Nazareth.

 

Mrs. Washington stated that she does not want parking in front of her house on Lady St.  Another resident complained that First Nazareth Church members block her driveway every Sunday.  Mrs. Hildebrand noted that Rev. Scott promised that there would be no church parking coming out of Lady St. and that the neighborhood association has an understanding with Rev. Scott on this matter.

 

 

 

Minutes of the November 1, 2004 meeting

 

Present:

Residents: Judy Garrett, Anna Washington, Frank Houston, Ms. Hildebrand, Henry Fields, Vivian Russell Baker, James H. Baker III, Voneen Golston, Mrs. Bernea Fair, Tre’ Taylor, Jeannie Jackson

 

Institutional Representatives: Sandra Leatherwood, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, Ms. Jeter, Vice President, Allen Community Development; Sgt. Andre Williams, City of Columbia Police Department

 

Annual Christmas Dinner

President Hildebrand opened discussion with the topic of our annual Christmas Dinner.  She is trying to get the Allen University gymnasium possibly for the second Tuesday in December.  She invited us to make suggestions for the annual dinner.  The Koban has no money to contribute this year.  re-emphasized the importance of residents attending the neighborhood meetings.

 

The group reviewed paperwork from the First Nazareth Foundation, Inc. on getting grant money to fund community development.  It was decided that Ms. Jeter, Allen University Vice President for Community Development, may write a grant to receive funds for our annual Christmas Dinner and possibly a senior trip or other ideas that may benefit our community members.

 

Mrs. Hildebrand added that the Dinner last year went well and we were able to deliver meals to a lot of our elderly community members.  Mr. Houston was asked to again provide the food for the dinner this year.

 

Historic District

Mr. Baker reported on the results from the meeting of the City of Columbia planning commission concerning the establishment of the design overlay for Historic Waverly neighborhood.  The issue was approved and will go before City Council.  Also, Mr. Baker had an issue before the planning commission concerning the resonating for his property in back of his home.  This was also approved to go before City Council.  Other important issues about zoning in our community were also discussed.  It was suggested that we call Debra Livingston, 734-3321 to help us clarify these issues.

 

Ms. Hildebrand said that for the January meeting of the City Council, it is very important that everyone show up in support of our community.

 

New Home Construction

Ms. Hildebrand said that the new homes on Oak and Heidt Streets are coming along beautifully.  She would see if Dianne Sumpter will have an open house for the new homes.  She felt that this would help in getting them sold.

 

At the last meeting, Ms. Diane Sumpter, DESA, presented handouts displaying pictures of the two new homes DESA is constructing in the neighborhood.  One is on Heidt St., and the other is on Oak St.  She noted that this is a project similar to City Dreams, which resulted in new home constructions on Heidt.  Homeowner financing packages are available as the City of Columbia is interested in bringing folks back downtown. 

 

Allen University Projects

Ms. Jeter gave us an update on various projects Allen University is working on.  They have received a HUD grant for $550,000 for rehabilitation in Waverly and/or other communities.  Allen University was promised two lots in our neighborhood but that is still in negotiation.  Also she told us about the free computer classes at the Allen Waverly Community Center on Pine Street. Classes for seniors are Tuesday and Thursday 10-12 noon.  Other classes are Mon-Thursday from Noon-2pm and 6-8pm.  Ms. Jeter informed us of other projects of community interest that Allen University is involved in. She added that our community with its status as the oldest historical black community deserved its own festival and the city and others should be very supportive of that idea.

 

Police Report

Officer Sandra Thomas was introduced to everyone.  Her cell phone number is 315-5428.

 

 

Minutes of the December  2004 meeting

 

 

Present:

Residents: Judy Garrett, A, Frank Houston, Ms. Hildebrand, Mr. Hildebrand, Vivian Russell Baker, James H. Baker III, Catherine Fleming Bruce

 

 

Annual Christmas Dinner

President Hildebrand reminded everyone of the upcoming dinner, and encouraged everyone to participate..

 

There would also be a reception for residents during the month of December, sponsored by the East Central City Consortium.

 

Historic District

Mr. Baker reminded everyone of the establishment of the design overlay for Historic Waverly neighborhood.  The issue was approved and will go before City Council in January.  Other important issues about zoning in our community were also discussed.  It was suggested that the neighborhood re-visit issues of zoning after the current issues before Council are approved..

 

Ms. Hildebrand reminded residents that it is very important that everyone show up at City Council’s January meeting in support of our community.

 

 

 

Minutes of the January 3, 2005 meeting

 

 

Present:

Residents: Judy Garrett, Milton Roy, James H. Baker, Anna Washington, Vivian Russell Baker, Diane Stephenson-Roy, Jeannie Jackson, James Hildebrand, Doris Hildebrand, Mr. Hildebrand, Henry Fields, Frank Houston, Johnny Lloyd

 

Institutions: Roland Smallwood, Community Development City of Columbia; E.W. Cromartie, City Council; Krista Hampton, Historic Preservation, City of Columbia

 

Annual Christmas Dinner

President Hildebrand reminded everyone of the upcoming dinner, and encouraged everyone to participate..

 

There would also be a reception for residents during the month of December, sponsored by the East Central City Consortium.

 

Fundraiser ideas

 

Historic District

 

Mr. Baker reminded everyone of the establishment of the design overlay for Historic Waverly neighborhood.  The issue was approved and will go before City Council in January.  Other important issues about zoning in our community were also discussed.  It was suggested that the neighborhood re-visit issues of zoning after the current issues before Council are approved..

 

Ms. Hildebrand reminded residents that it is very important that everyone show up at City Council’s January meeting in support of our community.

 

New Property-rental issues

 

 

 

Minutes of the February  2005 meeting

 

Present:

Residents: Judy Garrett,  James H. Baker, Doris Hildebrand, Dr. Rutherford

 

Institutions: Tiffany Sullivan, COPA, Palmetto Health Richland; Roland Smallwood, Community Development City of Columbia; Captain Hendrix, City of Columbia Police Department;  Mr. Christopher Stokes, Community Liaison, City of Columbia Police Department; Officer Melron Kelly, Community Office, City of Columbia Police Department; Sandra Leatherwood, St. Martin de Porres Catholic School, Jennifer Blake, City of Columbia.

 

Prayer

 

Walking Club

Tiffany Sullivan, Director, COPA Programs spoke to the association about the community walking club.  Palmetto Health Richland is working with other sponsors to promote health and wellness. The program is set to begin March 21st.  Residents are asked to organize thmselves in walking teams of 2 to 15 persons.  Each Team will choose a name and a team leader who will organize members and collect data to track individual and community progress.  There is a $5 registration fee per team member.  Each member will receive

  • Pedometer
  • Subscription to the community care newsletter
  • Access to software to track the progress of the walking club
  • Access to other incentives including t-shirts

 

Palmetto Health Richland is also working with Allen University to help their students implement healthy lifestyles.  They are also with John B. Thomas School as part of the 5th grade science curriculum.

 

Press Conference

Roland Smallwood informed the group of a press conference called by the Mayor on February 8 to address new Budget cuts that President Bush submitted to Congress. The budget is calling for cuts that will eliminate the key programs at community interest, including HUD and other neighborhood improvement programs.  Officials will discuss what actions will be taken to protect the funding for community programs. The press conference will be held at Roy Lynch Park, across from Logan School at 2:30pm

 

City Police Reports

Captain Hendrix (ph. 733-8565) introduced himself as captain of a region that includes our neighborhood.  Captain Burke was promoted to major.

 

Mr. Christopher Stokes (ph. 413-8630) is community liaison for the police department. He will frequent neighborhood meetings to hear issues and concerns.  He reports directly to Captain Burke.

 

Melron Kelly (ph. 960-8585) is our community offer.  An increase in foot traffic means that residents should be aware of criminal activity. Please turn on flood lights at night to deter criminal activity.  He will also stay on top of parking issues of Heidt St.

 

Jennifer Blake announced updates on the 311 non-emergency number.  It can also be used as a teen hotline.  Calls from teens will be referred to appropriate agency to link teens with help they need.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrand invited residents to inform them of any quality of life issues in the neighborhood.  They as leaders in our community will be meeting with Mr. Reeves, police inspector, who will address these problems. 

 

Other issues:

Vacant homes

The empty house next to Mrs. Freeman on Oak Street, and the blue house were brought up, with the hope the property owners will soon fix them up so that they can be occupied.

 

Historic District

Ms. Hildebrand attended the first reading at City Council related to establishing the Waverly Design Preservation Protection Area.  The final reading will be held soon.

 

Senior Lunches

Ms. Leatherwood, Principal at St. Martin de Porres School, would be starting bag lunches for community seniors.  They will deliver once a month, starting the last Friday of February.  They will use this program to get their students involved in community service.

 

Finances

Dr. Rutherford recommended soliciting dues and contributions from churches and institutions to raise funds for our treasury.  The fundraising committee will give an update next month. Officers Kelly, Williams and Caldwell made generous donations to the neighborhood Christmas dinner last year.

 

Monthly meeting signs

Dr. Rutherford mentioned the need to get started on signs to announce our monthly meetings