October 13, 2020 East Lakeview Neighbors Meeting

Posted On October 14, 2020

The meeting was called to order by President Mike Zink at 6:00 p.m. Meeting was held over Zoom Conference Call.

Directors Roll Call

Board Present:

  • Mike Zink, President
  • Patrick Nagle, Vice President
  • Aileen Tien, Treasurer
  • Brian Murphy, Secretary
  • Terie Kata
  • Heather Way Kitzes
  • Tom Rothschild
  • Marty Wallace
  • Gene O’Neill
  • Patrick Carlson

6th District State Senators Sara Feigenholtz Office Update – Henry Maltezos

  • Don’t forget to fill out Census
  • Vote by mail help
    • BIG Grants still available, get your applications in
      • https://accionilin.formstack.com/forms/big
    • Unemployment benefits is currently the most common issue.
      • People can’t get through to IDES with issues
      • People have had their identities stolen and applied for unemployment
    • Contact henry@senatorsara.com 773-296-4141

12th District Representative Yoni Pizer – Rep. Pizer & Cameron Rich

  • Contact (773) 348-8974 www.repyonipizer.com
  • Please contact office if you need additional help with IDES benefits or fraud.
  • Census Deadline is coming, please fill out before September 30th deadline.
  • Make a plan for voting. Get your mail in ballot as early as possible and returned to make sure your vote is counted. Visit chicagoelections.gov/dropbox
  • Ballot drop boxes are available at every early voting site Fraudulent drop boxes have popped up in California, be vigilant.
  • Don’t forget to get your flu shot, incredibly important this year with COVID as a focus.
  • Saturday 9-12 prescription medicine safe disposal

Q&A at meeting

Q: Can anyone vote at any early voting site? Yes

Bridget Gainer

  • Commissioner Bridget Gainer’s office contact: district10@cookcountyil.gov and (312) 603-4210
  • Small business grants still available through the county
  • Safety around highways and Lake Shore Drive Plate readers
  • Introducing the county budget next week, the budget will be balanced
  • Robust conversation about funding for Law enforcement and courts. This is about 25% of total budget

5th Congressional District Update – Ellie Song

  • Offices are open for phone and Email
  • Please reach out to office with Immigration issues.
  • Office is available to help with seniors issues including Life line phone service
  • Office can help facilitate IRS issues

46th Ward Update –Alderman James Cappleman

  • Business interruption grants now available, $220 million in new funding
  • Seminary shared street, CDOT placing signs is underway
  • 2020 City of Chicago budget shortfall stands at $800 million. City needs input on budget.
  • Accessory dwelling units ordinance coming to help with affordable housing by allowing things such as coach houses and dwellings above garages.

## Q&A at meeting

How can we give feedback on the city budget? : Follow link

What is the Seminary shared street? : A way to slow traffic and make street more pedestrian friendly.

Where will elevated train be getting cleaned under? : Seminary and Waveland

Can under elevated train lights be turned back on for safety? : Office will continue to pester CTA about this issue, they are being slow to respond.

44th Ward Update –Alderman Tom Tunney & neighborhood liaison Calvin Cottrell

  • Contact Info – calvin.cottrell@cityofchicago.org or at (773) 525-6034
  • Look for information on ward website and get on the ward email list
  • Early voting is at Interamerican School on Waveland
  • Street closures for expanded outdoor seating has been a success
  • 19th district will be taking public feedback to form a strategic plan for next year Oct 24th noon to 4pm. Share your opinions to help make us all safer.
  • Budget conversations

Q: what can we do about abandoned bikes on bike racks in the neighborhood? : Bikes are recycled with not for profits. Owners of bikes are attempted to contact with a not on bike before removal.

Cubs Update – Heather Way Kitzes

  • Very quiet winter
  • No events at Gallagher way this winter
  • Book drive coming up, books to go to local schools. Details will follow.

Special Thank You to Heather and Brandon for cleanup in Kelly Park

Treasurer Report: Aileen Tien

  • 32,000 currently in bank account.
  • Expenditures include PO Box and Website work

(Q&A at meeting)

Oktoberfest Update: Patrick Nagle

  • Oktoberfest 2021 is 369 days away

Crime Update – Mike Zink

  • Armed Robbery during daylight hours.
  • Virtual CAPS meeting is coming up, please attend.

Howard Brown Youth Center: Noah Luken

  • 1023 W Irving Park Road
  • Masonry building
  • Patch work quilt façade
  • June 2021 projected completion
  • Moving and expanding existing operation from nearby Broadway Avenue location

Q&A at meeting

Have you had youths hanging out after hours? : No, safety coordinator is on site till close and is last one to leave property.

What if a client causes a problem in the neighborhood and runs into the youth center? : Howard Brown will follow the law.

Do youths have somewhere to go after the shelter closes? : Youth shelters, but there is limited supply of available beds.

Why isn’t housing more of a service provided by Howard Brown? : Housing has not been a part of Howard Browns offerings in the past, and there are no plans to offer it.

New/Old Business

  • Kim Walz, throwing a Halloween party Saturday for the kids at the house of the good shepherd battered woman’s shelter. Can use volunteers and needs donations of hats, gloves and other winter items. Also needs supplies for virtual learning. Kimberlyjwalz@gmail.com
This Saturday from 12-1:30, DM me if you would like to help! We can always use more candy. For hats/scarves/gloves there are 8 moms (as of today) and 16 kids. 4 girls under age 1; 4 kids ages 2-3 (1 boy, 3 girls); 3 kids ages 4-5 (2 boys and 2 girls); 3 kids ages 6-8 ( 1 boy,2 girls); 2 teens ages 15-17 (1 boy 1 girl). You can drop off any items for the party to me before the event at 3550 N. Lake Shore Drive or if you have something the day of the event you can bring to the shelter at Clifton/Grace.
  • Get in the Kitchen Cooking School. Pairs something fun with cooking. Has a culinary gadget store.
  • Next meeting will be held over Zoom on November 10th at 6:00pm. Please continue to note the new start time.