The Gap Community Organization 2006 January 3 Monthly Meeting Minutes

The Gap Community Organization

January 3, 2006
Monthly Meeting Minutes


Meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by President Leonard Mc Gee.

Community Introductions took place.

Reading of the minutes of the December 2005 Gap meeting was deferred.
A motion was made to Defer the reading of the minutes for December 6,, 2005 meeting by Tim Rinkoski and seconded by Dr. Peter McCaluey. The motion Passed.

Treasurer Pam Jones reported that as of January 3, 2006 The Gapco has the following funds: $854.17 checking account, $3,364.20 in savings account and $366.00 in the “Katrina Fund”. Ms. Jones noted that group needs to have discussion on how to distribute the “Katrina Fund” money. Motion was made by Tim Rinkoski to approve the treasurer’s report and was seconded by Tracey Taylor. Motion passed.

George Mal, the Indiana area representative, shared the concerns of his neighbors regarding the litter disposed of on their property by patrons of Wood’s Food and Liquor. President Magee will coordinate a meeting with the owner of Woods that will take place this first week in January. Residents on Prairie reported several more garage break-ins. No other area reports.

President’s Report included a summation of a recent meeting he had with Alderman Haithcock and Landmarks commission. PostNet on 35th Street closed as of December 31, 2005 because of lack of business. Gappie Shopping Center parking lot now has fencing. Dunbar Park improvements will be discussed during Community Speak Out.

The developers of the former Globe Glass sight will be asked to attend the February GAP meeting. Housing committee report, given by Peter McCauley, included the review and status of housing developments, permits and violations for 2005 as well as the meeting reports and committee recommendations for action. Mr. McCauley asked that a special thank you “recognition” be given to all housing committee members for their dedication and time spent during a very busy 2005. Leonard Magee motioned that we adopt the housing report. Tracey Taylor seconded the motion. The floor recognized some unreadyness, and acknowledged several residents who wished to join Mr. Albert Snow protesting the housing committee actions. Motion to adopt the housing report was passed.

No update on historical markers. All residents and city officials are invited to a meeting regarding the planning of improvements to Dunbar Park. The meeting will be at Pershing West school on January 17th at 7:00 p.m. This will be an open meeting.

Residents asked that in addition to the Police initiative on 35th Street, that a committee be formed to meet with and work with area facility managers on the clean up of 35th Street. Michelle Wall will coordinate this and all that are interested were encouraged to give their names to Michelle after the meeting. Residents were asked to call 311 with complaints about any problems they are having with merchants and loiterers on 35th Street. President Magee asked that residents, after making calls to 311, send a follow-up email, with complaint number, to mailto:thegapco@hotmail.com, so that we have a record of all complaints.

A meeting will be held concerning Wood’s Food and Liquor. The attendees will be the Leonard E. Mc Gee, President; George Mal, Area Representative; and some neighbors.

The community organization should contact (write letters) the following to get better focus on 35th street from Sox Park to Dr. Martin Luther King Dr: De Salle, Chicago White Sox , Chicago Police Department, Gappie Development, business leaders on 35th Street.

Community Speak Out on the Sun-Times articles were deferred until next month so that all interested parties could read the three part series prior to discussion. Steve Lewis would email the links for the articles.

The Salvation Army Center project cancellation was talk about without answer. Danny Bishop spoke regarding the issue of the Salvation Army Center. Forty-two residents asked that we invite Alderman Tillman to attend the February 7th GAPCO meeting to discuss community development. The recommendation from the body was to invite the alderman. Questions for the alderman concerning the Salvation Army Center should be forwarded to mailto:thegapco@hotmail.com and these will be forwarded onto the alderman’s office.

CAPS meeting will take place on January 18th in room 1200 of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Motion was made by Tim Rinkoski to pay all bills, and seconded by Dr. Peter McCaluey was made and passed.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.