Annual Meeting

Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Adjourned time: 8:00

Location: ZOOM

Who’s at the table?

Ransom

John

Katy

Paige

Adam

Ashley

Allen

45 member attendees

1. John: Thank everyone for coming. It’s been a difficult year with the pandemic and things really slowed down over that time. 

   1. Things are picking up. Development is happening. 

   2. Excited for the enthusiasm and reassured by the attendance  of 45 people attending this meeting

1. Departments

2. Planning and Development

   1. Last meeting was for the new development on 4400 N Western

   2. Good use of the space, hoping to get approval from the alderman

1. Western and Leland development

   1. Visioning session is in the works with both aldermen

1. Lawrence and Western-Fifth Third Bank

   1. Project on the table for this space. 

      1. May be a well known grocery store (Most likely a  Whole Foods or Amazon Fresh)

      2. Alderman may not have approval control for the space due to no zoning change

2. Big plans for Western review Addison to Devon

3. Meeting next February

   1. Discussion will take place regarding changing zoning, allowing for more units

4. There is a lot going on in 2021. Positioned to answer the call and provide input. 

5. Planning and Development is our biggest committee—Paige

   1. If anyone is interested please fill out the form 

6. Outreach Committee

   1. Biggest successes this year

      1. Farmer’s Market was a huge success.

         1. Volunteers answered the call

         2. Protocols were handled effectively for health safety 

         3. Based on vaccine rollout, protocols may be needed again

         4. Farmer’s Market in Lincoln Square is in running to for best Farmer’s Market in Chicago (Please vote)

         5. Our work made us even more appealing to vendors

   2. More volunteers and marketing muscle needed for Outreach Committee

      1. Fill out form if you would like to contribute

1. Beautification Committee

   1. Reach out to us if you have an idea for beautification

   2. Cleanups are a great idea, open to new ideas

   3. Recap of year:

      1. Fall Cleanup was a success

      2. Spring Cleanup in the works?

         1. Probably the area below the El which has had a lot of complaints

      3. Plans to continue flower planting at corners of neighborhood

         1. Sculptural bench is in the works

      4. Big Project—Save your Ash

         1. Trees in danger of being killed by emerald ash

         2. Ash trees in city will likely die in next three years if not treated

         3. Emerald ash borers cause trees to die of lack of nutrients

      5. There is a treatment!

         1. Costs approximately $100 per tree

         2. $1000 to remove tree if it dies

      6. Chicago dept of forestry stopped treatment in 2018

         1. Budget cuts stopped the program

         2. Civics group west of the river fundraised and were able to save the trees 

         3. More informational meeting January 26th at 7:00pm

1. Brent from Tattler Post stated that Columbus Ohio has been dealing with Ash problems and it’s a tough issue. They are Happy to help in any way they can.

1. Board Elections

   1. Alan is leaving us unfortunately

      1. Some members are still in their terms

   2. New Board member up for Vote—Joanne Oyer

   3. Everyone who objects wave or indicate in chat a “No Vote” for Joanne or for any current board members up for reelection

      1. Zero no votes recorded

      2. Joanne is officially a board member

2. Chicago released announcement that they plan to have all Chicagoans vaccinated by May

3. John-Next Board meeting is in February

   1. We are all getting there and getting more active

   2. Thanks everybody!!