EDGEWATER TRIANGLE NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MINUTES Febuary 8, 2006

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. There were 11 people in attendance.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 11 meeting were approved with the correction that B2-3 is current zoning on Broadway.

Treasurer’s Report

There were two membership renewals. The current balance is $353.

New Business

Proposal for Gethsemane parking lot on Edgewater and Clark: The owner of Gethsemane purchased the property at the corner of Edgewater and Clark, which is adjacent to his current business. He intends to tear down the four-flat building and convert the space into a parking lot that should hold around 20 vehicles. He stated that Alderman Smith has suggested that Edgewater become a two-way street from the alley to Clark St. so that vehicles can come and go from Clark St. The entrance to the lot will be on Edgewater.

Because of the small number of members at the meeting, and nobody from Edgewater St. was in attendance, attendees agreed to hold a vote on the proposal at the March meeting. The owner has agreed to attend at that time.

Old Business

Broadway Zoning Vote: Chris needed a definitive answer from the block club on Broadway zoning issue. ETNA members have been discussing the issue for months, been shown presentations from parties representing B1-2 and B1-3 zoning.

There was a brief discussion on the pros and cons of each plan. The general consensus was that the east side had enough room for –3 zoning, while the west side had smaller lots, except for the corners. It was noted that individuals own most of the lots and it would be complicated to combine lots. The likelihood of huge developments dotting the landscape on the west side was small. Corner lots, however, tend to be larger and could hold larger developments. The –3 zoning would require more parking and allow for larger retail establishments, such as restaurants or clothing stores. Members voted on two motions:

Motion to recommend west side of Broadway as B1-2 and east side of street as B1-3: Yeas: 3 Nays: 7 Abstain: 1 . Motion did not carry.

Motion to approve zoning for Broadway with east side zone B1-3 and west side B1-2, except for corner lots of major intersections, which would be –3. Yeas: 6 Nay: 3 Abstain 2 Motion carried.

Parking on Ridge Vote: Ald. Smith proposed an ordinance that would allow parking on Ridge Ave., between Glenwood and Clark, on off-hours. The ordinance would be in effect for one year on a trial basis to see how well the plan works.

Motion to approve parking on Ridge ordinance: Yeas: 8 Nay: 1 Abstain: 2 Motion carried.

Senn Park Update and Vote: The Lincoln statue is being moved and landscaping will include prairie grass and real lawn grass. Lighting will highlight the statue. Parking will be along Thorndale. Access to the park will be available from the south side by Ardmore. The “Peace Garden” on Thorndale will remain. A maintenance building will be torn down for more parking. There is a meeting on Feb. 9 providing an overview of this plan. Alderman Smith is working with the Friends of the Park.

Chris wrote a draft letter to Ald. Smith supporting the reconfigured layout of Senn Park, with the proviso that continued maintenance of the park is a prerequisite of continued support. Motion was made to approve Senn Park layout and to send the letter to Ald. Smith as written. Motion was carried unanimously.

Firehouse Usage: Motion was made to have Mike Groback of the NET block club take the lead to look at potential uses for the Firehouse once it is vacated. Although the Alderman wants ECC to take the lead on this issue, it is the considered opinion of ETNA members that the surrounding community should have a say in how the building should be put to use.

CAPS Meeting: There was a huge drug bust by the Bryn Maw L stop about two weeks ago. The dealers were not from Edgewater. It was noted that if anybody sees a drug deal going down by a school, to immediately call the police. Selling drugs by a school is a different crime.

Nomination of ETNA Officers: Chris wants to hold elections for directors in March. Two offices are open. Sue Morales is staying as Treasurer.

Open Discussion

Rev. Shedd mentioned that there is an after school program and concert on Sunday the 12th.

Chris mentioned that a UPS mail box for 15 months is $252. He also needs help with the newsletter that he wants to get out soon. If anybody has anything they want to submit to it, let him know.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mari Colello
Secretary