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the adaptive reuses we were thinking about implementing is a tree nursery. Currently the Parks <br />Department purchases young trees and plants them out by Elbel Golf Course. We talked to the <br />department and got a diversion of a few of those trees to vacant lots in the South East <br />Neighborhood. This helps an economic gain not just for the residents but also an economic gain <br />for the Parks Department as well. <br />Mr. Brockman stated we worked with SOAR (Southeast Organized Area of Residents) for ways <br />to help bring people together and improve some of the meeting spaces. One (1) of the things that <br />we looked at is a potential mural that could go up on the blank wall currently along the tracks. <br />SOAR is actually having a neighborhood event this coming weekend that will hopefully bring <br />out a number of people. There is a notion of bicentennial bison and another project was <br />developed up by a local high school student and they built a little free library where kids can go <br />in and borrow a book. <br />Mr. Nell continued by stating that with Bowman Creek we are looking at the long -term as well. <br />It is important for our sponsors to know what our short, medium, and long -term goals are. That <br />then dictates how we implement these interns on these different projects. With that in mind we <br />are looking at not doing things to the community but rather with the community and having <br />engagement. <br />Council Attorney Cekanski- Farrand recommended sending this presentation to former <br />Councilmember Beverly Beck because she would be elated to see the progress around Bowman <br />Creek. <br />Councilmember Jo M. Broden stated this is very exciting and it is great the Council is getting <br />this update. There are so many positives with this program especially bringing in the local high <br />schools and middle schools. What comes to mind is the concept that has worked in the Northeast <br />Neighborhood with their revitalization organization. She asked if there were any structurally <br />formed organization like that in this neighborhood. <br />Mr. Gilot responded SOAR is a little over a year old which is kind of like that. There is also the <br />organization 466 Works. There are a number of quality people on that board as well. <br />Councilmember Broden responded that is great. She asked how the master plan for the <br />neighborhood from Community Investment is being incorporated or integrated into this project. <br />Mr. Gilot responded that several of the City planners have been involved with this. <br />Councilmember Broden stated that is good. She stated she is asking because on their <br />neighborhood tour we heard some of these same concerns and we need to make sure the <br />neighborhood residents are involved in this progress. <br />Mr. Brockman stated one (1) of the main things that we learned from last summer to this summer <br />is that the students have learned you need that close connection with the residents and <br />organizations like 466 Works and SOAR. You can't do things to a neighborhood you have to do <br />things with a neighborhood. <br />3 <br />