ASNA Meeting Minutes, 3-12-07
ASNA Meeting Minutes, 3-12-07
Meeting location: Noel Suarez’s home, 1706 West Carmen
Present:
Noel Suarez
Sue Becker
Kathy Leszczynski
John Gavin
Russ Leander
Gary Forell
Kevin Thompson
Greg Ratliff
Chris Bayard
Kate Robinson
Mandy (new member from Ravenswood-Winnemac townhome assn.)
Laurie Daley
The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. by Kevin Thompson. Nominations for ASNA offices were read by Kevin; all nominees were voted in. Chris Bayard, new president; John Gavin, new vice-president; Gary Forell, new treasurer; and Laurie Daley, new secretary.
Calendar : The upcoming year’s ANSA calendar of events was decided upon by members present at the meeting; Chris recorded all events and their proposed dates.
Dog Responsibility : It was suggested that dog owners in the Andersonville South neighborhood area take more responsibility for picking up after their pets, as well as keeping their pets leased. There were accounts of dog attacks, as well as dog excrement left on the sidewalks, parkways, and other public areas within our neighborhood. Also, some people in the general public are using the fenced in condo-owned – park at the corner of Ravenswood and Carmen as a doggie park and are not picking up after their pets. A blurb to remind responsible pet ownership will be posted in the upcoming ASNA newsletter in addition to referencing a City of Chicago dog responsibility bulletin.
Empty Lots on Carmen Avenue : The fenced in – sinkhole lots were discussed as a concern for public safety due to the inadequate fencing provided by its owner. As former attempts to get the owner to provide a more substantial fence have failed, it was suggested that Alderman Schulter’s office become involved by way of a letter directly to the owner indicating the need for a more adequate enclosure to the undeveloped property. Stephen Christy indicated that one of the two lots is being built on as of March 20, 2007.
Expanding ASNA Boundaries : It was suggested that ASNA expand its borders to at least Ainslie Street to the south, and Wolcott Avenue to the west, to accommodate more neighbors, especially those in the townhome development at Winnemac and Ravenswood, of which Mandy (present at this meeting) would be willing to recruit members. It was also suggested that ASNA expand a bit more, perhaps to Damen Avenue, to include some more businesses.
Corner at Ravenswood/Foster : The southeast corner of Ravenswood/Foster is an eyesore. Several attempts have been made to beautify the corner with plant life, as it is the gateway to the Andersonville South neighborhood; however, these attempts have failed. The corner remains a muddy, cracked concrete mess. It was suggested that the corner be paved so that it presents a neat appearance to those entering our lovely Ravenswood garden area. Stephen Christy indicated that he is working with the owner of the gas station regarding the parkway.
Petitions : A petition was circulated by Kathy during the meeting for speed bumps in the North-South alley between Winona and Carmen Avenues. Apparently, this alley is used for a quick shortcut and cars are traveling at inappropriately fast speeds. Another petition was circulated for a stop sign at Carmen and Ravenswood. It was suggested that a third petition be initiated for a stop sign at the Damen/Winnemac crossing to Winnemac Park. People walking dogs and pushing strollers are endangering their lives attempting to negotiate the crosswalks at this intersection because auto traffic mostly ignores the crosswalks. It was suggested that someone speak to the mom’s group at Winnemac Park to enlist their help, as well as talk to the residents and business owners of Damen Avenue, in an attempt to enlist their support.
Alley Graffiti : Gang related graffiti has recently been found in the Carmen Avenue alley, and Laurie mentioned that the Winnemac Avenue alley had been graffitied back in late January. Chicago Graffiti Blasters cleaned up the Winnemac alley graffiti, and it was suggested by several members present at the meeting that it is imperative for graffiti to be cleaned up as soon as possible, whether by the City or private homeowners. To this end, neighbors will notify other neighbors who might not initially notice the graffiti for various reasons such as not parking in their garage, so that it might be cleaned up immediately.
Good Neighbor : It was suggested and agreed upon by those present at the meeting that Vereen Nordstrom be awarded the good neighbor award this year for her years of dedicated service to the neighborhood. Ideas for rewarding her included a tree being planted in her name and a plaque recognizing her service.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 9, 2007, location to be determined.
–Laurie Daley