January Meeting Minutes

1. CALL TO ORDER
--7:29

2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
–Recorded and read by Joan Emerson

3. TREASURER’S REPORT
--deferred

4. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
a) Aldermanic Debates—Request by another organization to help organize a debate between candidates for 2nd ward and 3rd ward. Declined the invitation, but agreed that the GAP would be a sponsor only if League of Women Voters handles the debates. League of Women Voters has signed up to conduct the debates. Efforting a debate by the end of January. Looking for a debate location for the 2nd ward. Hartzell church tentatively scheduled to host the 3rd ward debate.
b) Leona’s Restaurant—Still waiting on a closing date. Owners have gone through the permitting stage and money is in escrow. No timetable yet on an opening. Will use existing building with modifications (new façade and landscaping.) We will ask owners to return to GAP in February to give an update.
c) 2nd ward meeting with Alderman Haithcock scheduled for January 4th at the Maramon Grand Banquet Facility, 2230 S. Michigan Ave @ 6:30pm.

5. HOUSING REPORT
a) 3400 S. Giles (and vacant lot next door)—rehab project. Owner, Michelle Bowen will live in residence. Plans call for an addition in the rear of the property and a new garage. Garage will span both properties with a portion being seen from Giles. Plans approved by body with necessary corrections on blue prints (properly noting fence). It is hoped that project will begin in the spring.

6. COMMUNITY SPEAKOUT
a) Property tax appeal notifications—Some have gotten review letters, others have not. Be on the lookout for your notification.
b) Community Petition—will get petitions circulating again.
c) Joan requests membership role. Tracy will provide.
d) Membership committee report due at the next meeting
e) Garbage can at 35th and Giles removed. Call 311 to report
f) Pilgrim Baptist pushing to reopen Indiana and 33rd streets.
g) Summer clean up slated for April
h) Summer Sizzle (Peter, Vernetta, Louisa, and Chandler) working on planning
i) There has been surveyors working in the neighborhood. Crews say to check with Department of Planning for information.

7. MOTION TO PAY BILLS
8. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:17 PM. (Next meeting Tuesday, February 6th)

Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Lewis
Secretary, GAP Community Organization