November Meeting Minutes

GAP MEETING
11/06/07

1. Call to order: 7:20 PM
2. Introduction of Community Members
3. Reading of October minutes
4. Treasurer Report: deferred
a) only money spent was on flyers

5. Area Rep Reports: None
6. Vice President Report:
a) Chicago Park District meeting: October 25th. President McGee started the meeting with a history of the established use of the facilities per the master plan at Dunbar for the community residents. In past years this agreement has not been honored. Mr. McGee stated that the residents of the GAP community strongly request the park resources and facilities be reinstated. After lengthy discussion, it was suggested the the principal of Dunbar be present because per state law it is the principal who controls the building. Cost is a factor to consider and it was stated that the CPD needs to mitigate the cost associated with the use by the community. Meeting is planned in 2 weeks with the principal of Dunbar, CPD, CPS, and GAP Community Rep to resolve this concern. The group then toured the community from 31st street to Pilgram Baptist Church, discussed possible solution to the problem with the alley, and discussed Leonas. City Department of Planning assured that the deal is moving forward with expected ground breaking in spring of 08. The group also addressed the alley for the Globe Glass development. They also requested again to have 35th street side-walk gates returned. They also asked about the period lights being installed.

7. President Report:
a) CAPS meeting at the Museum of Science and Industry. There are possible changes with the announcement of a new officer on the 3rd watch.
b) New Pedestrian Bridge on 35th Street over Lake Shore Drive. A planning meeting is scheduled for next week.
c) New Arts Center on 35th Street.
1) Bernita Johnson-Gabriel (Exec. Dir. Quad Communities Development Corporation) presented the proposal on the New Arts Center. It would be located on 35th street near Cottage Grove. A non profit consultant was used to develop the arts and recreation center. A survey was conducted of more than 200 people in the 4th ward via paper and telephone to find out what the community wanted. Most wanted recreation, swimming, dance, music, sports and culture. The center is proposed to be 85,000 sq. Financing is being secured. The land the center would be located on is owned by the Chicago Park District. The hope is to break ground by Spring of 2009. For more information, visit www.qcdc.org
d) New School Proposal: President McGee said that even though the 2008 school at Pershing West is not happening, the TAC is still going to proceed with going through the process again in 2008 for a school to open in 2009. If residents are interested in joining the TAC and joining the process, please email the GAP and we’ll get you the information.
e) Farmer’s Market: There is a survey passing around looking for information on whether a farmer’s market should be located somewhere in Bronzeville. Quad Communities Development Corporation is conducting the survey. Surveys were handed out and later emailed to residents.
8. Housing Committee Report
a) The house at 32nd and Calumet is continuing.
b) Construction on a new house at 3300 block of Calumet is beginning.
c) Landmark Square: Question was raised about the status of the project. A new condo building is being constructed. President McGee will call developer to get an update. The hold up to the project advancing faster is the desire to put an alley between Giles and Prairie to 33rd street.
9. New Business
a) Olympic Planning: is the community interesting in hearing about the plan? Group voted to invite an Olympic rep to attend a meeting and share how the plans impact our community. The president will make an effort to have someone out at the December meeting.
b) Planning is underway for a 30 year celebration for the GAP Community Oranization anniversary. Community approved motion to hold the celebration. If residents are interested in being on a planning committee, please email the GAP.
c) Dues are due. Please pay.
d) Summer Sizzle 2008: need early approval to hold the sizzle in 2008 so that we might be able to obtain the Jesse White tumblers for free. Community voted and approved.
10. Community Speak Out
a) Pilgrim Baptist alley issue: Danny raised a question about a possible solution mentioned in Vice President’s report. The alley has been closed for 2 ½ years and residents only have one way out. Right now, Pilgrim is not blocking the alley. The city of Chicago has it blocked off because of the danager of the building falling. A suggestion was made to Mayor Daley and to local alderman about turning the alley out to Prairie Ave just south of Pilgrim. But, that is a process that could take years to engineer and accomplish. President McGee will get an update and report back.
b) Cheryl Watkins reported that a 13 year old student who attends her school was robbed at gunpoint at McDonalds. Student’s mother drove around with police to look for those responsible. One juvenile was arrested.
c) What happened to the special property tax situation with the Globe Glass project (Landmark Square). The president will follow up with Cook County Assessor’s office.
d) Resident, Dale Morris reported the future opening of a new restaurant at 35th and Indiana. It will be called “Mama Lou’s Café” Hopeful to open the restaurant shortly after Thanksgiving.
e) State Rep Candidates: effort having candidates running for the 26th district to attend the January GAP meeting to present a platform. 10 minutes will be given to each candidate and no questions will be asked.
f) New GAP Treasure: Dale Morris starts next month.
g) New business at 35th and Giles: Rock Crazy. Moved from previous location. Business went through proper permitting. Some concern was brought up about the business’ sign that was spray painted on the side of the building that it does not fit into the character of the community. President McGee will relay message to the owner that some residents are not impressed with the sign.
h) Motion passed for the GAP to research and investigate street guidelines. Email the GAP if you are interested in following though with helping the investigation.
11. Pay Bills
12. Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 PM