GAP Meeting Minutes September 4, 2007

Call to order: 7:28 PM
Community Introductions
Secretary Report: minutes posted on the blog
Treasure Report: Treasurer resigned effective 9/4/07. Looking for a new treasurer
Area Rep Reports:
1) Calumet/King Drive : none
2) Giles: none
3) Prairie: none
4) Indiana: none
5) Michigan: none
President’s Report:
1) Meeting with Alderman Fioretti, Alderman Shiller, and Sam Toya of Leona’s restaurant—President reviewed report on the alley. Leona’s is progressing to open.
2) High School Proposal Follow up: Requested a special meeting with Arne Duncan for September 11th. It was suggested that the alderman should also be invited to attend the meeting.
Announcements:
1) Pershing West TAC Community Forum:
a. The meeting is planned for September 25, 2007 at the McCormick Tribune Campus Center. Everyone in the neighborhood is encouraged to attend and to tell neighbors about it.
2) 2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fioretti’s “300 Strong Community Sweep” if you interested in participating please contact Kenya S. Hawkins at 312-263-9273
Past Events
1) 250 people attended the viewing of “Dreamgirls” in the park.
2) Summer Sizzle on August 4th. There will be a recap at the next meeting. Both Alderman Fioretti and Dowell were there
Community Development
1) Project at 3100 S. Indiana: Information on the project was sent to the housing committee on 7/16/07. No zoning change was needed, no approval from the Alderman. It is a 5 story condo building with ground floor commercial space. Pricing is not available. 36 Condos. Parking: 1 for 1, a combo of indoor and outdoor spaces.
2) Zoning Change at 3219 Calumet: change won’t impact landmark status, more issues are pressing including new commercial use of property. Kevin Stancil: The use of a residential property for a business is not right. It might encourage more to do the same. It indicates they are a bad neighbor. Signage for the business won’t be approved by landmarks if requested. The neighborhood should decide if a commercial or a residential space is needed. VOTE taken to reject a zoning change request. A letter will be sent to aldermen and a representative will be at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Owners of 3219 Calumet will be contacted to make them aware that the zoning change request is being rejected by the general body.
3) Property Tax Bill was passed in Springfield. There will be increases in taxes, but how much is not known yet.
Motion to pay bills
Motion to adjourn: 8:30 PM