Location: West Town Library
Date: 1/25/2011
Time: 6:30 -8:00 PM
Board Members in attendance: Chris Burnham, Lyn Wolfson, Dan Laskowski, Joe Gustaitis, Judith Gethner, Jennifer Dicresce
Approximate number of audience members: 15
Opening/Welcome by Lyn. Followed by an informal introduction of all in attendance. Lyn did a “call for volunteers” explaining the bylaws and that we need more people on the board and that voting can and will take place at the annual meeting to be held in March.
Joe gave the treasury report and with Jen, explained how dues are used (insurance, liability, etc).
Tony Duffy gave a CAPS update and encouraged people to attend their meetings which take place on the second Thursday of each month at the library. Tony spoke about an increase in muggings, purse snatchings and overall theft. He encouraged everyone to take precautions. He spoke about an increase in graffiti and a city wide alert in regard to two feuding gang activities. Tony encouraged people to call 911 to report anything suspicious, to be the eyes and the ears of the area, to go to www.chicagopolice.org, to contact the CGNA as well as the Alderman. There was a comment made from the audience “That I heard gunshots and nothing happened, no cops came.” Tony explained that when cops arrive, and they do, that they are canvasing the area, and may not be visible.
Next an update on Talcott school was given. The school agreed to the sign the CGNA proposed stating that the play field would only be for 14 and under, there will be a penalty for drugs and gang activity. Getting approval from the CPS was not needed. The sign will be installed ASAP. There was then a lively discussion about the sign and the impact that it will have.
Alderman Moreno then joined the meeting. He spoke about the importance of the CGNA, developments along Chicago Ave. and proposals for Ashland Ave. He explained how he works closely with the CGNA for their input. The Alderman then took audience questions about rezoning of the wards, garbage pick up and recycling, TIFFS, SSA (Special Service Areas), personal funds, and endorsements he’s received. It was noted that the CGNA does not endorse any candidate or political party.
Dan gave a P&D update on 1612 W. Ontario and referenced an upcoming P&D committee meeting. It was noted that the CGNA does not take any side, that they will get information, share information, and it is the residents who ultimately decide.
Joe gave an update on Snowberry park and how issues there are tied into Talcott and vice versa. The CGNA is working with the Commercial Park Advisory Council on maybe putting in a fence or a gate; that some fund raising may have to occur.
Lyn spoke about the Gorilla Tango Theater.
Judith referenced that if there is enough interest at the annual meeting in March, that we will have a special guest, an expert in property tax appeal, to come and explain how to appeal one’s property tax and how to ideally lower it. This will not cost members or the CGNA anything.
Chris spoke about Every Block Chicago (http://chicago.everyblock.com)
Audience members had questions about what people who live in the 26th Ward can do; and concern about a vacant lot in the 1600 block of Ohio .
The annual meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22, at the West Town Library. (If there needs to be a runoff for the mayoral election, the library site will not be available for the March 22 meeting.)
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM
Respectfully submitted by Chris Burnham
