The Gap Community Organization October 2006 Minutes

Meeting Minutes-- October 3, 2006
1. CALL TO ORDERa) 7:29

2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
a) Abbreviated Reading of September Minutes
b) Also available on thegapco.blogspot.com1.

TREASURE’S REPORT
a) deferred
2. AREA REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORT
a) No report given

3. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
a) On September 6th, The President attended a district area council meeting. Attendees decided to have a joint meeting with beats 211 and 2112. That meeting was held Monday, September 26th at Chicago Police Headquarters. One outcome was an increased police presence on 35th street. The push was based mainly on women’s input. There is also an increased in random seat belt checks as a result of the meeting. Expect other future operations to keep crime and drug sales down.

b) There was a shooting in the KFC parking lot. Five shots were fired. Police responded in less than 5 minutes. No good description of the gunman. The gunman targeted subject in the car and then drove away. Police are reviewing surveillance tapes from KFC. There was also a shooting at Jimmy’s 2 weeks ago. These are the first reported shootings in the GAP community in over 10 years.

c) Unity Rally was held on September 14th. It’s an effort to put a 7% freeze on increasing property taxes. Last increase was 161%. Tax freeze held that increase to 7%. The Cook County assessor is in the process of reassessing our neighborhood. New assessments will be mailed out in the next month. The assessor’s office is sending a representative to the GAP in November to help residents fill out appeal forms. You have 30 days to fill out appeal. Residents in Michigan Place will need a lawyer to help with the appeals. All other residents can fill out appeal forms themselves. Last time we turned in 200 appeals. They are late. This time we need to make sure they get in on time.

d) Budget Hearing was held September 26th. The Dunbar Park council needs to log in on the blog to say whether the members want to meet with Tim Michell. He is asking to meet with us concerning Dunbar park. No time has been set for a meeting.

4. OTHER BUSINESS
a) Cheryl Watkins, Principal of John J. Pershing West School (3200 S. Calumet)reports school had a great first year. There was great parent involvement, GAP involvement, and volunteers. Students there are Ballroom Dance city champs! 5th graders get to keep trophy until next competition. School is the poster school for anti-bullying, diverse population. Ms. Watkins handed out a flyer detailing test scores (currently 75.8 is the average). Ms. Watkins invites community to tour the school. Please send email if you are interested. The school building is open on Saturdays from 8:30am until 10:30am for various programs. School is working with IIT to teach Chinese to 7th and 8th graders. There is band practice and parent meetings on the 4th Saturday of the month. School is also partnered with Urban Gateway for after school programming. JROTC is also there for students.b) Lynn Rinkowski reminds community about Bronzeville house tour coming coming up Sunday, October 8th. Departs from Shore Bank at 11am.

5 homes on tour in addition to Metropolitan Church. Tickets $30. Proceeds go toward scholarships.c) President congradulated Tim and Lynn Rinkowski for winning the award for historic preservation. Award is handed out by Chicago Landmarks.

5. HOUSING COMMITTEE REPORT
a) 3142 S. Giles—new construction located on 2 lots on the west side of Giles. A new 3 story home is planned. Brick and limestone, split face brick on sides and back. Standard double hung windows, iron fence and concrete stairs with iron railing. APPROVED.b) 3133 S. Calumet—garage planned to be built on King Drive side. 3 car garage to be built lot line to line. Red brick will match residence. Aluminum and frosted glass door. Copper conductor and downspout. APPROVED.

c) 3309 S. Calumet—rehab of exterior of home. Front of home faces King Drive. APPROVED.6. BLUE LIGHT PETITION—copies are available. Document describes what community requests from both aldermen in lieu of blue light. Alderman Haithcock, who was in attendance at the meeting, promised no blue light will be erected in 3rd ward. Alderman Haithcock also committed to following items on the petition: Grate Covers for trees along sidewalks on 31st and 35th street and flower planters on light posts. Alderman promised pedestrian lighting for the 2nd ward as well as promised to work with Alderman Tillman to encourage pedestrian lighting for section of 3rd ward also in the GAP. These requests will be a part of the 2007 menu.

7. KING DRIVE BLUE LIGHT—installed by Chicago Public School system for security. Video feed is linked to Chicago Police Department.

8. PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE—agenda item deferred until next meeting.

9. PAY BILLS—motion made and approved.

10. LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS ACKNOWLEDGED
a) Kim Crawford—Postnet 122 E. 35TH ST., closed in December, recently reopened.

b) Joan Glenn—215 E. 35th street. www.bissnesswize.comc) Cicero Chimbanda—Financial planning 3115 S. Michigand) Jennifer Payne—Interior Design firm, 3123 S. Gilese) Scott Hamlin—President, near South Soccer League. 2nd season, looking for children to participate next season. Look for advertisements in the new year.f) Kevin Hampton— web development and www.swagger.com (online entertainment and lifestyle magazine.)

11. CHICAGO MARATHON—October 22nd. Alderman Haithcock continues her tent at the corner of 26th and Michigan for runners and spectators. There will be food, coffee, pop. They will stay until the very last runner passes through. Everyone please attend.

12. AJOURN—8:30PM