Category Archives: General Updates

Quarterly Meeting on April 21

Please join the Merle Hay Neighborhood Association for its quarterly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave. Our guest speakers will include Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, and a staff member from the Neighborhood Finance Corporation to discuss home lending opportunities in our neighborhood.

We will also have board and committee updates. Refreshments will be provided.

Please help spread the word! We look forward to having a great turnout on April 21!

Special Meeting on March 10: NFC Lending Programs

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Special Meeting: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave., to discuss the Neighborhood Finance Corp’s lending programs.

NFC EXPANDS LENDING AREAS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS

Homes in a portion of the Merle Hay neighborhood will now qualify for purchase, refinance and home improvement loans offered by the Neighborhood Finance Corporation. The focus will be on properties with eligible repairs and projects as determined by NFC. Qualifying repairs include, but are not limited to:

Update of aged or unsafe heating, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems
Roof repair or replacement
Foundation repair
Exterior siding repair or replacement and paint
Window and door repair or replacement (if in poor condition repair or for energy efficiency)
New garage, garage repair or replacement (maximum 2 car garage, 24′ X 24′)
Energy efficiency (insulation, windows, mechanical upgrades)
Access/architectural barrier removal and wheelchair or mobility assistive device
Sidewalk and driveway repair or replacement
Functional landscaping (grading and retaining walls for water and erosion control, significant tree removal or trimming)

To determine if your property is eligible for the loans available, please visit the NFC web site at www.neighborhoodfinance.org, click on Lending Area Maps and enter your address in the NFC Locator form. Your property must be located in one of the Lending Areas on the map to be eligible and the $10,000 forgivable funds have not been used on the property in the last 10 years. You may also contact NFC directly at 515-246-0010 for more information.

Special Meeting on March 3: University Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3 at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave., to discuss repair and replacement options for the pedestrian bridge that spans University Avenue just west of Merle Hay Road. The pedestrian bridge primarily serves Windsor Elementary School, and it is also used by students and families at St. Theresa Catholic School. Officials from the City of Des Moines’ Traffic Division will be on hand to share information, field questions, and collect public input. Additional details can be found at http://windsor.dmschools.org/…/02/pedestrian-bridge-updates/

Association dues payable in January

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MHNA membership dues for 2016 are payable in January. Costs for membership are $15 for an individual; $30 for a couple/household; $30 for a business; and $10 for a church or school.

MHNA membership is open to anyone who lives, rents, or owns property, and to businesses within the neighborhood boundaries. Non-residents may join, though they may not vote.

MHNA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Dues and donations are tax-deductible, and can be paid in person at association meetings, or mailed to our post office box, which is P.O. Box 31036 in Des Moines, 50310.

Thank you to everyone who has already paid their dues! If you have not joined before, please consider becoming a member.

MHNA Annual Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21!

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The Merle Hay Neighborhood Association will host its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21, at the Northwest Community Center, 5110 Franklin Ave.

Carolyn Greufe from the Franklin Avenue Library, and Heather Anderson from the Des Moines School Board will be our guest speakers. We will also have neighborhood and public safety updates.

Officer and Board elections will take place at the end of the meeting. In addition to those who have submitted their names to the nominating committee, nominations will be accepted from the floor. Send an email to jason.pulliam@gmail.com for more details.

Refreshments will be provided.

Please spread the word! We look forward to seeing lots of neighbors on Jan. 21!