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HPKCC and HPKCC News—Serving the Community Since September 21, 1949 |
HPKCC home and news, membership page
Hydepark.org is a major project of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference.
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is an independent civic watchdog, neighborhood association and forum, beholden only to its members and seeking the betterment of the neighborhood and its residents' quality of life. Full mission statement. Join or renew. Dues schedule. Renewal notices are mailed quarterly in accord with members' anniversary dates.
Important notice. The offices of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference have move to 1525 E. 53rd Street, Ste. 907, Chicago, IL 60737. Until phone service is established, leave messages at 773 955-4455. More urgent messages should be sent via email to hpkcc@aol.com or rumsey@aol.com. Our website is http://www.hydepark.org.
*****Next: The next meeting of the Board is September 4, Thursday, 7 pm, Hyde Park Bank 4th floor. Annual Meeting is September 14. Watch for (September?) forum co-sp. with the Chamber of Commerce on development throughout the neighborhood with focus on the role of the University.
From the President's desk. From the Board.WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBER, DAVID NEKIMKEN, appointed in August 2008 to fill the term of James Harris, whose service is greatly appreciated.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST COMMITTEE, by way of affiliation: FRIENDS OF BLACKSTONE LIBRARY! Joined August 7, 2008. Friends of Blackstone Library meets 1st Thursdays, 6 pm at the library.
OUR COMMITTEES DO THE BRUNT OF OUR WORK- THEY SEEK NEW HPKCC AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Environmental Sustainability Task Force meets last Fridays- except August 22, 6 pm, Hyde Park Bank #907, 1525 E. 53rd St. Schools Committee meeting is moved to August 2o, 7 pm. United Church, 1448 E.53rd. Disabilities Task Force meets Sunday August 10, 2 pm Hyde Park Bank exact tba.
HPKCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization: dues/ gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law. Officers: George Rumsey President, George Davis and Gary Ossewaarde Vice Presidents, Trish Morse Secretary, Irene Freelain Treasurer.
1525 E. 53rd Street, 907, Chicago, Il 60615. . (For now leave phone messages at 773 955-4455.)
email hpkcc@aol.com. www.hydepark.org. Publication: Conference Reporter, mailed quarterly to members in good standing and to our stakeholders and friends.
To this Page's index. To Profiles: People You Should KnowWe are looking for some last minute additions to run for our board in September 2008. Contact Judy Dupont, Nominating Chair.
New from HPKCC in this website: Harper Court Survey Results, Harper Court, 53rd and Development actions, Youth Programs Database
March 2008 Reporter. Adopts Co-op Used Book Sale. New task forces: Disabilities, Environment.New forums to be announed
Annual Meeting info 2007 Bios of 2007 elected Board members.
Schools Committee next meeting July 30, 7 pm. United Church 1448 E. 53rd, Blackstone entrance.In the June 11 2008 Herald, the two Letters to the Editor were from the Conference: President Rumsey's updated statement of HPKCC Harper Court redevelopment principles and objectives and Schools Chair Nancy Baum's extension of invitation to neighbors to get involved in our work.
Carry that whistle (what's this?). Whistles can be bought at the Co-op Customer Service Desk, or at our table there (or take membership in the Conference) at the Co-op 2nd Saturdays 11:30-1:30.
New Committee: Sustainable Environment Action Task Force. To be involved contact Vicki Suchovsky, whom we are pleased to introduce as the new chairman. Thanks to Rani Fedson for forming this committee and giving it vision and direction. Meets last Fridays, 6 pm. July 25, Hyde Park Bank #907, 1525 E. 53rd St. To SE Committee page, including its three projects under way.
"What's Wrong/Right with Hyde Park?" October 19 2005 public discussion. Preliminary data and comments from Autumn O5 Reporter--see What's Right What's Wrong page. Forums and Workshops. List of our forums since 1995.
See our first "HPKCC Says" in the Harper Court Sale page. Public Forum and Workshop Announcement
To Links to additional information pages about HPKCC. See also/return to About HPKCC
bios of three new board nominees (elected Sept. 17 2007).
The purpose of the Conference is to attend to the civic needs of the community; work toward an attractive, secure, diverse, and caring community; and to promote participation of residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations in programs and activities that advance the interests and concerns of the community. It serves the community as a watchdog, independent voice, and clearing house in the community's ongoing conversation and decisions about those matters which affect and define community life. Above: HPKCC Board member Jane Comiskey and past board members ML Rantala and Joy Nieda proudly carry the then-new HPKCC banner in the 2005 4th on 53rd Parade, staged by the Nichols Park Advisory Council Affiliate Committee.
*****Next: The next meeting of the Board is in the 4th Floor Conference room of the Hyde Park Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St. September 4, Thursday, 7 pm.
The Hyde Park-Kenwood Disabilities Task Force meets Sunday, August 10, 2 pm in Hyde Park Bank- exact tba.
The Environment Sustainability Task Force meets last Fridays Next August 22 (changed), 6 pm, Hyde Park Bank room 907, 1525 E. 53rd St.
Schools Committee meets August 20, Wednesday, 7 pm, United Church, 1448 E.53rd- Blackstone entry
Transit Task Force meeting - to be scheduled. Meets with SOUL at Mt. Olivet Church
Parks- likely to be scheduled for early fall. Related: Kenwood Usage Committeee July 30, 7 pm, Hyde Park Bank 4th floor.
Our committee to manage the Hyde Park Book Fair October 11-13 is already making decisions and arrangements. Chair Jane Ciacci.
The board of directors approved August 7 2008 cosponsoring with Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce a forum likely in September on development in Hyde Park, focusing on the role of the University and with University speakers and q and a.
Watch for the next Condos and Coops associations issues forum.
(Watch for more condos co-ops seminars at South Shore Cultural Center on different topics, co-sponsored with the 5th Ward Office of Alderman Leslie A. Hairston.) Typical topics, to be selected, include the law and changes to it, board and owner obligations and rights, rules, common and non-common areas, collection of assessments--and what to do in case of arrears, insurance. At Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood. Contact Jay Ammerman or hpkcc@aol.com (773 288-8343) or John Bickley at jbickley@ksnlaw.com (including to be put on announcement/invitation list.)
More ideas for forums are percolating, specifically from our Sustainability, Schools, Parks, and Transit committees.
HPKCC and Harper Court: View Survey results. (HPKCC/TIF 2008 survey on Harper Court Priorities)
View/print the Harper Court HPKCC Letters re: our position, forums on Harper Court and results from workshops. See Harper Court Sale home and linked pages that together have the whole story! Our comments on the May 2008 Harper Guidelines. See neighbors' ideas and principles for rehab or development, and extended papers sub linked. See the main Conference material together in the special June issue of the Conference Reporter (all on Harper Court). A new subcomittee and larger public voice group, Committee on Future of Harper Court, meets in planning sessions including a web Priority Survey and a public forum February 26.
____________________________________________________________
The following were elected to a three-year term ending in September, 2010 (to bios)
( To complete board list)Returning members:
Nancy Baum
Trish MorseNew:
Lenora M. Austin
Richard Buchner
Peter Cassel
Mike Doss
Mark Granfors
Tracy LampkinsElected August 7, 2008 to full the remaining term of James Harris, to September 2009:
David Nekimken
The Conference members elected one third of the Board of Directors at the fall Annual Meeting (in 2008 September 14, 2:30-4 pm). The Board elected the officers and nominating committee and constitutes committees at the next-following monthly board meeting (First Meeting).
The Board of Directors of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference currently meets on first Thursdays, 7 pm, Hyde Park Bank Building, 4th Floor Conference Room. Meetings are open to the public.
Officers and Executive Committee for 2007-08 elected October 4, 2007:
Term expires Sept. 2009 Term expires Sept. 2010 Term expires Sept. 2008 Jane Ciacci Lenora Austin Judy Dupont Jane Comiskey Nancy Baum Irene Freelain George W. Davis Richard Buchner Joanne Howard David Nekimken* Peter Cassel AnneMarie Miles Gary M. Ossewaarde Mike Doss Julie Monberg George W. Rumsey Mark Granfors Jane Pugh Vicki Suchovsky Tracy Lampkins vacancy vacancy Trish Morse vacancy New in 2007: Lenora Austin, Richard Buchner, Peter Cassel, Mike Doss, Mark Granfors, Tracy Lampkins.
*New August 2008: David Nekimken
Board Director Emeritus: George S. Cooley.
At its October Meeting, the Board elected the Nominating Committee for 2007-08: Board: Judy Dupont, Jane Comiskey, Joanne Howard, non-board: Wallace E. Goode, James D. Withrow.
The Board reconstituted its Standing Committees in October, 2007 As updated as far as is known at his date: :
Executive: The Officers, as above
Nominating: see above.
Finance:, Irene Freelain (chair), Jane Pugh , George Rumsey
Membership-Development-Outreach: George Davis (chair), Jane Ciacci, Trish Morse , , George Rumsey
Editorial: Nancy Baum, Jane Ciacci, Trish Morse, Gary Ossewaarde, George Rumsey (Chairman)
By-Laws: Jane Comiskey, Irene Freelain, Gary Ossewaarde, Vicki Suchovsky
The Board also annually reconstitutes its Program (Working) committees and task forces. These committee's memberships change throughout the year.Book Fair: Jane Ciacci (Chair), Jane Comiskey, Trish Morse, Gary Ossewaarde, George Rumsey, and ?
Chicago Academic Games League support committee: Judy Dupont, Rita Yacker, another
Community Safety (of the whole)
Condos/Co-ops: Jay Ammerman, (Chair, will continue), Richard Buchner, Gary Ossewaarde, past board member Dorothy Baker
Disabilities Task Force of Hyde Park: Jane Comiskey, Julie Monberg, Gary Ossewaarde, George Rumsey (chair), Vicki Suchovsky, James Withrow
Garden Fair: Lesley Bloch (Chair) (semi-independent)
Nichols Park Advisory Council: Stephanie Franklin (Chair)
Parks: Jane Ciacci, George Davis, Mark Granfors, Julie Monberg, Trish Morse, David Nekimken, Gary Ossewaarde (chair), George Rumsey, Vicki Suchovsky, (Others)
Preservation, Development and Zoning: Gary Ossewaarde (Chair), Jay Ammerman, Nancy Baum, Peter Cassel, George Davis, Irene Freelain, Mark Granfors, Tracy Lampkins, Trish Morse, David Nekimken, Jane Pugh, George Rumsey, Jack Spicer, Vicki Suchovsky, and James Withrow.
Safety Focus- whole
Schools: Nancy Baum (Chair), Teeter Cassel, Judy Dupont, James Harris, Tracy Lampkins, Julie Monberg?, David Nekimken, Gary Ossewaarde, and over half non-board members
Sustainable Environment Action Task Force: Vicki Suchovsky (Chair), David Nekimken, Bill Morrisett, Gary Ossewaarde.
Transit:, Richard Buchner, Jane Ciacci, Trish Morse, Gary Ossewaarde, Vicki Suchovsky, James Withrow (chair) ,
WhistleStop: Nancy Baum, George David, Vicki Suchovsky (chair)
In addition, affilations which have the Conference as fiscal agents are committees:
Chicago Academic Games League
Friends of Blackstone Library
Hyde Park Garden Fair
L.I.L.A.C.
Nichols Park Advisory Council
And the Conference is member of larger coalitions:
Coalition for Equitable Community Development
Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force
The Conference holds its annual meeting and election each autumn- recently 3rd Sunday in September, IN 2008 SEPTEMBER 14, 2:30-4:00 pm, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. All members are invited. The meeting is open to the general public. Paid memberships, which convey the right to vote, can be taken at the door, although we prefer members pay dues and participate throughout the year. Top The 2008 meeting is September 14.
HPKCC Board of Directors meets 1st Thursdays 7 pm in the 4th Floor Conference Room of the Hyde Park Bank. The meeting is open to HPKCC and community members, but space is very limited. You can inform us you are coming at hpkcc@aol.com.The agenda usually includes HPKCC and community updates and reports and program reports, and sometimes guests from community interests and stakeholders.
*****
Getting the Conference Reporter deliveredHow do I get the Conference Reporter delivered quarterly, by 1st class mail?
The March 2008 Conference Reporter is in our members' mailboxes; will the next be in yours? Join HPKCC now; Join and let us know you want a copy of the April issue. Just click the Join Now for form, reply online or print and send it and check to Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, 1513 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL 60615. Please note that our dues have been revised. $20 for individuals, $30 for families, $15 for seniors. See below for other categories.
Board members elected September 2007 with Bios of newly elected board members
Recommended Nominees (8, 1/3 of the board total) were nominated and elected):
Returning for a second term:
- Nancy B. Baum
- Trish Morse
New:
- Lenora M. Austin
- Richard Buchner
- Peter Cassel
- Mike Doss
- Mark Granfors
- Tracy Lampkins
Highlights of the September 16, 2007 Annual Meeting
George Rumsey opened the meeting at 2:38 pm.The minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting were approved.
Aldermen Preckwinkle and Hairston spoke and answered questions and members' concerns.
The financial status of the Conference was reported in distribute report as sound). Report was distributed. Comments were made that we need to start fundraising and membership-building, including for project and forum publicity.
The Nominating Committee chair, Judy Dupont, reported. There being no nominations from the floor, ballots were distributed. Elected were (returning:) Nancy Baum, Trish Morse; (new:) Lenora M. Austin, Richard Buchner, Peter Cassel, Mike Doss, Mark Granfors.
Nominees for the Nominating Committee were announced (to be elected at the October Board meeting, with Officers.) Nominees were: from the Board: Jane Comiskey, Judy Dupont, and Joanne Howard; at-large: Wallace Goode, James Withrow.
Irene Sherr discussed and presented a video on development planning and density. The workshop may be adapted for Hyde Park.
The organizational first board meeting of our year was announced, social hour at 6, meeting at 7 October 5, 2006.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 pm.
Reports of Aldermen Hairston and Preckwinkle at the HPKCC 2007 Annual Meeting
Gary OssewaardeAlderman Hairston:
53rd and 55th projects are coming long; she knows there has been much inconvenience.
She and staff are thinking about Olympic needs and impacts and how these fold into the needs in the Ward. She asked people to volunteer for topic task forces. Call 773 324-5555.
There is a full press for development along Stony Island. Staged development will start soon.
There was a question about some postal collection boxes with instructions only in Spanish.
Request was made to make the sculpture on the 55th median go away. The two aldermen will call a joint public meeting on the whole median.
St. Stephen’s church. One holdout resident stands in the path of the agreed-upon development.Alderman Preckwinkle:
TIF meeting. Asks for more attendance, participation.
Pleased that several businesses have participated in the Small Business Improvement Loan program: Cedars, Chant (former Far East Kitchen), 3 Pillars Wellness, Laundromat (on Harper?)
She touted the proposed arts and recreation center for 35th and Cottage Grove.
She hoped the November TIF meeting will feature several developments including Harper Theater, 53rd Cornell, 53rd Kenwood.
In answer to a question, the University has underwritten Borders to stay open at least three more years. In answer to follow up, she said she absolutely likes Borders being used as a public and community space.
In answer to an urging to get going on crumbling sidewalks endangering persons with disabilities, she touted the 50-50 sidewalk program (amortized over 10 years via taxes).
She was not ready to announce the changes, satisfactory to her, to the Olympic Village. She indicated it is safe to assume it involves city reorganization of Michael Reese space.
She said the inability to fix and put transit on a sound footing poses a serious question mark for the Olympics. She called for real investment.
Harper Court. The appraisal is done (she declined to reveal the numbers). She has to meet with Harper Court board. (She insisted on using the term “Arts Council.” A Request for Qualifications, which winnows and doesn’t involve as much work or cost) will be put out, from which a few teams will be selected to develop proposals. The RFQ will include the price expected. If the land is sold, HC and the city will receive their shares per shares in the appraisal.
Her office is keeping a log of complaints about the Post Office; she said 60615 is the worst in Chicago. There is a new local postmistress.
Bios of elected nominees for 3-year term at the election of fall 2007.
New:
Lenora M. Austin
I started by tenure as Executive Director of the Hyde Park Chamber of commerce on June 15, 2006. This is a transition to a new career after spending 30 years with Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, administrator, and principal. In some ways my work at the Chamber is similar to my work with CPS--it's an administrative position and also allows for community involvement and service.
I am also a long time resident of Hyde Park and have always been a concerned and active member of the community. I am a long standing member of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and have served on the Board of Directors of the Glue Gargoyle Youth Service Center. I also serve on the Parish Council a St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.
In this new role I am even more involved with the community as I walk around and talk with our merchants and residents. There are many exciting changes on the horizon and I want to make sure that I am doing my part to contribute in a positive manner. I would welcome the opportunity to further my community commitment by serving on the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference board.
Richard Buchner
Richard Buchner has been a resident of Hyde Park for 11 years. He is active in community affairs and committed to Hyde Park as a very special place to live. In 1995, he founded Hyde Park Systems Group (HPSG), a computer software development and systems integration company.
As a computer technologist, Buchner worked for Time Life Inc.'s Food Industry Market Research unit. He later moved to London, England, where he was a consultant for the Bettelsmann publishing company. After returning to the U.S., he was Information Technology Manager for Empire Glue Cross Blue Shield in New York City.
He is member of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, a board member of t he Hyde Park Coop, and an active member of several professional organizations, including the Food Marketing Institute, Chicago Access user Group, the Professional Association for SQL Server, and the Illinois Technology Association.
He and his wife, Osa, live in Regents Park with their cat, Dusty. In their leisure time, the Buchners enjoy music, theater, reading, and walking along the lakefront.
Peter Cassel
Peter is the Executive Director of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Peter lives with his wife, Danielle Meltzer Cassel, and their two children, Henry and Amanda at 54th and Drexel. Peter attended Carleton College and earned a Masters in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an MBA at The University of Chicago. Prior to joining the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, Peter was the Business Development Manager t MRC Polymers, a plastic recycler with two factories on the southwest side. Recently Peter has been involved on the west side of Hyde Park, organizing and chairing the Bessie Coleman Park Advisory Council and the West Hyde Park Neighbors group.
Mike Doss
A Hyde Park resident since 1996, Mike is a lawyer at Sidley Austin LLP. He moved to Hyde Park from Philadelphia, where he had been a federal prosecutor for the United States Attorney General's Office for five years. Before joining the United States Attorney's office, Mike was a litigator for another firm in Washington D.C. and, from 1987 to 1988, a law clerk for Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. Mike and his wife Emily have three children, two girls who attend the University of Chicago Laboratory School and one boy who attends CPS's Christopher School.
Mark Granfors
I came the Hyde Park as a graduate student in sociology at the University of Chicago in 1972 and formerly worked in computer support and network administration t the American Bar Foundation. I have been affiliated with the Interfaith Open Communities since its inception in 2000, and am a member of its Affordable Housing advocacy (AHA) Group. I serve on the board of the Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project (HPTHP) as its Publicity and Resources chair and was a mentor with HPTHP from 2003 to 20o7. I have been a member of the Nichols Park Advisory Council since 2004. I am a member of Augustana Lutheran Church and currently serve on its Congregation Council.
I am most interested in the Conference's Parks Committee (particularly with respect to planning for the 2016 Olympics) and the new Affordable Housing initiative.
Tracy Lampkins
Tracy Lampkins
My name is Tracy Lampkins and I'm interested in becoming apart of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference.
I have lived in Hyde Park all my life, and have started a family of my own here. I attended schools in the community, The U of C Laboratory School, The Ancona School, and Kenwood Academy. Now as a mother I have two children (Geneva, 7 and Gabriel, 10) currently attending B. Shoesmith Elementary and Murray Language academy, so naturally I care deeply about the educational opportunities that our neighborhood has to offer. I also worked with the Ancona School, After-School Program with children from Kindergarten through 8th for many years and understand the importance of children having quality programs after school.
Though I attended college and traveled outside of Chicago, I always seem to find my way back home to Hyde Park.
I have held the position of Office Administrator at the United Church of Hyde Park (on the corner of 53rd and Blackstone Ave.) for a little over 3 years. I'm also a member of UCHP and have a great respect for its physical building, surrounding structures, and the neighbors living around it.
I understand how unique Hyde Park and Kenwood communities are and feel very blessed to have grown up in such a wonderfully diverse place. I hope my involvement with HPKCC would demonstrated how much I care about our neighborhood and how it grows.
On a personal note I enjoy quilting, traveling, and reading. I'm involved with our church quilt show and neighborhood quilt guild; I'm co-chair of the church property committee, and a church deacon.
Nominated for a Second Term:
Nancy B. Baum
In addition to HPKCC, Nancy's memberships include the Hyde Park Co-op (since 1970), 5200 S. Blackstone Block Club, and t he Seminary Co-op Bookstore. With degrees from Georgetown University and the University of Chicago, she was a professor of Foreign Languages from 1963-2001 at the City Colleges of Chicago, and served as department Chair at Olive-Harvey and Harold Washington Colleges. She wa also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon, Africa.
Her interests are tennis, bridge, computers, and literature. She is active in community affairs including reading to the elderly at Montgomery Place, volunteering at the Oriental Institute, and in hr Block Club at 54nd and Blackstone.
Since 2006, Nancy has chaired the Schools Committee of the Conference.
Trish Morse
Trish is the managing editor of The American Naturalist, a biological science journal published by the University Press. While earning her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago Department of English, she worked at the Laboratory Schools, getting to know the area. After a stint teaching literature American studies in upstate New York and a Michigan State University, Trish came home to Hyde Park. She is a member of the Hyde Park Garden Fair Committee and the Hyde Park Historical Society (putting down both literal and metaphorical roots) and has volunteered at Robie House and at the Art fair. She has contributed to the HPKCC website (the walking tour of the Midway) and is researching other tours to encourage visitors and residents of Hyde Park/Kenwood to come and enjoy the neighborhood.
In 2006, Trish was elected as vice President of the Conference; she also works on the Editorial and Planning and Development Committees.
HPKCC hosts an ONGOING SERIES OF FORUMS (more in Forums page) designed to inform our members and the public on major issues and directions for the community and to help form a vision for the future of Hyde Park and Kenwood. The range has included parks, transit, neighboring communities, motorcycle noise , zoning reform, candidates and condos/co-ops issues, and What's Right and What's Wrong with Hyde Park." These topic are likely to be revisited and expanded, especially to include collaborations with other organizations. Stand by for a meeting or forum. and another on issues of condo governance.
(Watch for a condos and co-ops seminar at South Shore Cultural Center on different topics, co-sponsored with the 5th Ward Office of Alderman Leslie A. Hairston.) Typical topics, to be selected, include the law and changes to it, board and owner obligations and rights, rules, common and non-common areas, collection of assessments--and what to do in case of arrears, insurance. And co-sponsored by Ald. Preckwinkle(4th) at Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood. Contact Jay Ammerman or hpkcc@aol.com (773 288-8343) or Mr. Bickley at jhbickley@ksnmail.com (including to be put on announcement/invitation list).
See above for topics, dates, descriptions!
You can depend on the Conference Reporter and www.hydepark.org to bring you timely information about what the Conference and its committees and task forces are doing. The Autumn 2004 Reporter is available . Please contact the editor with your topics, material for the next issue , or to become involved in our committees and task forces. We welcome volunteers. Membership form.
Kids and Games: CAGL's Natural Combination- Chicago Academic Games index page
Bickley Forum on Co-Ops Set for September 20- Condos_Coops index
From the President's Desk..- (HPKCC News) membership (this page- click here)
Transit Changes (When Will They Stop!)- Transit Task Force page
The Conference at Work: WhistleStop- WhistleStop page
Annual Meeting announcement & nominees- - (HPKCC News) membership (this page- click here)
In the Parks: Jackson Park Advisory Council, Guarding the Park- Jackson: Who We Are
Fall Garden Fair-this article, by Joy Rosner, was topical and so is omitted.
Someone You Should Know: Sara Spurlark- Profiles ...Someone You... page
Also,
information on
Blackstone Library and Blue Gargoyle specials
Transit: Does Hyde Park Have a Parking Problem?- Transit Task Force page
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust Appeals to HPKCC- Robie House page
From the President's Desk...- here, click
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Gerda Schild- Profiles/Should Know page
From Obama to Raoul: An Eye on the Process- Senate Selection page
HPKCC at Work: News from the Schools Committee- Schools Committee home
The Garden at 53rd and Lake Park- Garden Fair (HPKCC's page)
Programs at the Neighborhood Club and... pulled due to lack of timeliness.
Actions of the HPKCC Board-Visit in Membership page.
View
Winter 2005 Reporter in pdf
Community Safety Focus Group- Community Safety page
Schools forum of March 14 detailed announcement- was in old Schools Committee page, to be relocated?
City services: Don't curse the darkness, call 311- Government Services page
Condos/Coops plans forums- Condos Coops Committee page
Garden Fair Mourns Loss, Announces spring dates- replaced with Winter 2006 feature in Garden Fair Committee page
The Historic Preservation Process and National Register Nominations- Landmarks Criteria page
Profile-Someone you should know: Ron Grzywinski- Profiles page
HPKCC represented at U of C Civic Knowledge Project Enhancing Assets Conference- Arts News
From the President's Desk, Actions of the Board Dec.-Feb.- this page, as linked- removed for timeleiness
View
Spring 2005 Reporter in pdf
Community Safety and Community Relations Update- Community Safety page
From the President's Desk and comments by Joy Nieda on Safety- Community Safety page
HPKCC Promotes Civil Behavior on 53rd Street- Community Safety page
HPKCC Board Members Aid CAGL Rejuvenation- Chicago Academic Games home
Friends of Blackstone Library Update: Reading Around the Globe- Friends of Blackstone page
Around the Parks- Parks Committee page
Harold Washington Park Discusses Framework Plan- Harold Washington Park page
Earth Day Cleanup, New Vision for Spruce Park- Spruce Park home
On the Road with the Garden Fair- Garden Fair Committee page
Transit Update: CTA Funding Woes Continue- Transit Task Force Spring 2005 Update/Report page
Announcement of the September 18, 2005 HPKCC Annual Meeting. Above
Public Safety Still a Major Concern, by Gary Ossewaarde. Community Safety
Bring Color Back to Your Garden at Fall Garden Fair, September 17, by Joy Rosner. Removed for timeliness.
CAPS: What's In It For You? by Joanne Howard. CAPS News
Standing Room Only for Condo/Coops Forum Held April 28, 2005 at South Shore Cultural Center, by Jay Ammerman. Condos/Coop page
Promontory Point Threatened by New Deal, Pressure against Legislative Rescue, by Gary Ossewaarde. August 05 Point
Around the Parks-Wearing the parks down, by Gary Ossewaarde. Parks home, Park Issues
The U of C and "Community Schooling," by Joanne Howard. U of C Schools Initiatives
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Robert Starks, by Nancy Baum. Profiles-People You Should Know
Tree Crisis in the Neighborhood, by Stephanie Franklin. Drought and Tree Care 2005
From the President's Desk, by George Rumsey, and News from the HPKCC Board. Removed for timeliness.
Offensive Campus Party Reason to Re-Engage on Race, Respect, by Gary Ossewaarde. Thuggin'
Safety and Hyde Park, by Joanne Howard. HPKCC Community Safety
Around the Parks: The Point, by Gary Ossewaarde. Point August-September 05
"What's Right and What's Wrong with HPK Public Discussion." What's Right ...Wrong... page
Two Hyde Parkers You Should Know: Mary and Bob Naftzger, by Nancy Baum. Profiles
Debating the Future of Harper Court. Harper page on voice of HPKCC
From the President's Desk and Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board. Removed for timeliness
Around the Parks: Parks to Keep, Take Back, or Upgrade. by Gary Ossewaarde. Parks home
2006 Award Ceremony for Local School Council Member. Schools Committee
A Hyde Park Tradition for 47 Years: Volunteering at the Garden Fair. by Trish Morse. Garden Fair Committee
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Nancy Hays. by Nancy Baum. Profiles
We expect to have it up in pdf in the website. It was distributed at the May 8 TIF meeting. Some extra copies can be obtained by calling the office 773 288-8343 or emailing at hpkcc@aol.com.
The
Conference in Action: Actions of Board Endorse Original Harper Court Mission
and Key Points. HPKCC
and Harper Court
Draft Notes from March 28, 2006 Planning Meeting on Harper Court Aimed toward the May 8 TIF. by Trish Morse. HPKCC and Harper Court
April 11: Express Yourself: The Future of Harper Court. by Gary Ossewaarde. HPKCC and Harper Court
What
would you like the Harper Court Arts Council to do with assets from the sale
of Harper Court? Answers
from the April 25 Evaluation. Also: Mission of the Harper Court Arts Council.
HPKCC and Harper
Court
April 25, 2006. HPKCC Harper Court Forum: Ideas and Principles. HPKCC and Harper Court (not organized as presented in the Special Issue)
Excerpts from "A Vision for the Hyde Park Retail District" March 2000. This version is not reproduced in the website. See page with near-complete copy of the referenced document in A Vision for the Hyde Park Retail District.
Excerpts from the University of Chicago RFP for "53rd and Harper Properties." Harper Theater RFP Guidelines.
Annual Meeting Announcements. September 17 2006. Above. Bios of nominees (both this page).
From the President's Desk (Communications with Harper Court). Below
Affordable Housing Forum draws Hyde Parkers. Affordable Housing Forum page
The New Chicago Academic Games- U-CAGL. CAGL homepage
Bulbs, Mums and Answers at the Fall Garden Fair. By Joy Rosner. Garden Fair Committee page
HP Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 57th St. Children's Book Fair. 57th Ch. Book Fair page
Promontory Point: With park district sign-on to unique arrangement, design work can begin. Point Latest page
Swim ban changes lead park problems, could endanger the public. New Testing and Swim Bans page. (Being repositioned- temporarily removed)
Big changes for UC/CTA routes, bunching on the #6 reappears, poor bike/pedestrian interface continues. Transit Webpages home (index) page
Where to find features from the December 2006 Conference Reporter (Vol. 12, No. 4)
HPKCC Holds Community Forum on the Future of the Co-op. By Gary Ossewaarde. Co-op page
Disabilities Task Force Educates Local Businesses. Also: From the President's Desk and OWL Holds Forum on Disabilities Issues. Disabilities and Disabilities Task Force page.
HPKCC Parks Committee Hosts Small Parks Networking Event. By Gary Ossewaarde. HPKCC Parks Committee page
Theater, 53rd Classic Storefronts Morph into Bold Retail Plan. By Gary Ossewaarde. Theater RFP page
Hyde Park Garden Fair Sponsors Free Winter Lecture Series on Gardening. Garden Fair Winter Lectures 2007
Novel Parking Improvement District Discussed for 53rd Street. By Gary Ossewaarde. Parking District Recommendation page
CleanSlate Coming to 53rd Street. By Jane Comiskey. 53rd TIF Street Cleaning projects page
Year-End Roundup: Transportation and Parks Matters. By Gary Ossewaarde. Community News page
HPKCC Hosts Networking Dinner for School Principals and LSC Chairs. By Nancy B. Baum. Schools Committee page.
Development: New Directions Require a Broader Look--Will Public Input Be Both Sufficient and Wise? By Gary Ossewaarde. Development discussion page.
Neighborhood Club Hires New Director. By Clairan Ferrono. Collaborers in the Community page
Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board. Membership News page (this page)
Whole issue (typed text)
The Conference in Action: HPKCC Schools Committee Features "After School Matters." By Nancy Baum
Garden Fair Schedules 48th Annual Plant Sale (and what was learned at the Garden Inspiration lectures. By Trish Morse
From the President's Desk... (retail options). By George Rumsey. This page.
HPKCC Board Discusses Proposed 56th & Cornell Development with Planners, Critics. By Gary Ossewaarde
Don't Leave Home Without Your Whistle! By Joanne Howard
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Peter Cassel, [then] Executive Director, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. By Joanne E. Howard
Brief update from Disabilities Task Force
Officials Update Lake Issues, Swim Bans at Jackson Park Meeting. By Gary Ossewaarde
Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board (in this page)
Where to find features in the August 2007 Conference Reporter (13 #2)
HPKCC Adopts Co-op Used Book Sale The Conference in Action. By George W. Rumsey. (in Hyde Park Used Book Sale home page)
Fall Bulb & Mum Sale: Green All Year Not Just a Dream. by Joy Rosner. (in our Garden Fair Committee page)
Party in the Parks: "Old Skool Reunion" Rocks the Neighborhood. By Jane Ciacci. (in Quality of Life issues page)
UC Forms Environmental Sustainability Task Force. By Rani Fedson. (in Env. Sust. TF home)
Update from the Schools Committee. By Nancy Baum. (in Schools Committee home page)
From the President's Desk.../Annual Meeting 07. By George W. Rumsey. (deleted as untimely)
Development: Where Is It Gong? Where Would We Like It to Go? By Gary Ossewaarde with contributions of Trish Morse; with an Open Letter from HPKCC on Doctors Hospital. (in Development- look for Op Eds from Reporters- and Doctors Hospital pages)
Olympic Process and Outcome Questioned by HPKCC Committee, Neighborhood. By Gary Ossewaarde. (in Olympics home page)
"Import Substitution" Is a Poor Retail Strategy for Hyde Park. By James Withrow. (in Development Analysis: look for Op Eds from Reporters)
Nominees for Election to the HPKCC Board. (in this page)
Asking for the Parks: Jackson and Nichols. By Gary Ossewaarde. (in Parks Budget)
To December 2007 (Vol. 13 No. 3) Conference Reporter in typed textWhat's there:
- Eli Ungar Discusses Future Plans, Impact of MAC Purchases. By Gary Ossewaarde
- School Committee, KOCO Meet with Senator Raoul. By Julie Woestehoff
- HPKCC Schools Committee Organizes Workshop for Youth Activity Providers. By Nancy Baum
- Condos/Coops+: Associations Learn Key Financial Priorities, Steps at November Forum. By Gary Ossewaarde
- Brighten Your Winter with Garden Lectures. By Trish Morse
- 53rd Street Workshop in December Catches Development at the Crossroads. by Gary Ossewaarde
- Development, Preservation, Zoning committee Rep0rts on HP Acuities
- View from the Parks: Gains, Pains, and Olympic Sweat. And HPKCC Meets with Chicago Park District about the Olympics. by Gary Ossewaarde
- From the President's Desk... And News from the Board. George W. Rumsey
March 2008 (Vol. 14 No. 1) Reporter--readable single put-up being sought. Find articles in context:HPKCC and 53rd Street TIF Survey Priorities for Harper RFP ,by George Rumsey and Community Learns About, Queries RFP Process for Harper Court, by Gary Ossewaarde. Harper Court Sale page
Gardem Fair Winter Lectures Ready Members for Spring, by Jane Ciacci and Getting Started with Organic Gardening. Garden Fair Committee page
Kenwood Park and Kenwood Council Dispute Affects Community, by Gary Ossewaarde. In Kenwood page, part in Olympics page.
HPKCC Schools Committee Hosts Second Biannual Local School Council Recognition Ceremony (By Nancy Baum). In Schools Committee page.
From the President's Desk and From the Board. Also: Announcement we will hold the Used Book Sale Oct. 11-13.
The April 19 2006 issue of the Hyde Park Herald set a "modern" record for mentions of the Conference and features on our programs (and our e-mail was given twice):
The Herald mentioned the Conference many times and Alderman Hairston Praised HPKCC and its Transit Task Force for its work leading to return of the #15 Jeffery Local route to Lake Park Avenue. Read about this in the Transit Committee page. Gary Ossewaarde's Point commentary in the Summer Reporter was cited and quoted in the Herald. Read about this in August Point or HPKCC in the News.
The media (print and TV, neighborhood and citywide) came flocking to HPKCC, including our November 2005 board meeting, to learn how the community was responding to an insensitive event on the University of Chicago campus.
The Conference board was cited in December 2005 re: recent CTA rate hikes and the Co-op. President Rumsey's letter on behalf of the Conference to the Point controversy parties was carried in the December 14 Herald. The letter endorsed Sen. Obama's initiative and called for open meetings.
The Herald and Maroon starting January 2006 have covered and quoted Conference efforts to communicate with Harper Court foundation and learn what is up with its reported sale, other aspects of the issue, and HPKCC meeting with the Illinois Attorney General's office. See Harper Court Sale page. The Maroon now calls HPKCC,"Hyde Park's most active civic organization."
The Herald saluted the Conference for its work promoting and honoring local school councils, including its Feb. 23 gala at Kenwood Academy.
The Conference received coverage in the Herald and Maroon in early 2006 about our letter asking for Hot Spot designation of Bessie Coleman Park area was printed in the Herald.
The Herald gave extensive coverage to our Schools Committee's gala celebration and promotion of Local School Councils, Feb. 23 2006.
Transit Task Force chairman James Withrow and member Gary Ossewaarde were quoted by the April 5 2006 Maroon on long and short term impacts of Dan Ryan closures.
The Herald in April 2006 carried Conference letters on Harper Court and community meetings and on WhistleSTOP/community safety action.
Members were quoted in late 2006 and 2007 on such questions as growing presence of property manager MAC and impact on affordability, other affordability and development project issues as well as the future o the Co-Op and the Neighborhood Club.
In 2007 and 2008, the Conference was cited repeatedly for its involvement in planning for Harper Court and 53rd Street, its taking on the Book Fair, and work in education including disseminating information about afterschool activities and support and networking for local school councils.
In the June 11 2008 Herald, the two Letters to the Editor were from the Conference: President Rumsey's updated statement of HPKCC Harper Court redevelopment principles and objectives and Schools Chair Nancy Baum's extension of invitation to neighbors to get involved in our work.
From the By-laws:
Purposes of the Conference (Articles II and III)The Conference serves the interests of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community.
The purpose of the Conference...is to attend to the civic needs of the community; work toward an attractive, secure, diverse, and caring community; and to promote participation of residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations in programs and activities that advance the interests and concerns of the community. It serves the community as a watchdog, independent voice, and clearing house in the community's ongoing conversation and decisions about those matters which affect and define community life.
Conditions for Membership (Article IV)
Any individual, family or organization who subscribes to the purposes of the Conference is qualified to be a member.
A member is in good standing and entitled to vote if their yearly dues have been paid. ...each membership category shall have only one vote.Dues are set from time to time by the Board. Current levels are:
- $30 Family or Organization/Business
- $20 Individual
- $15 Senior
Suggested gift levels:- $100 Friend
- $200 Supporter
- $500 Sponsor (additional gifts are welcome)
Recent Board actions, focus of activities
Winter 2006 (revised)
At its October 2007 meeting, the Board elected officers and the nominating committee, heard reports on the Annual Meeting with elections, an important forum Oct. 3 on future directions for the Neighborhood Club, began constitution of committees, discussed future forums (3 planned so far) and reporter, progress on the Book Sale, what's up with Preservation and Development.
August 27 2007 the Conference held its annual Yard Party to thank its major supporters and friends.
We have continued to engage with Harper Court Foundation and the Harper Court Arts Council on their proposed sale of the complex; we are have gathered information including from the Illinois Attorney General's Office, organized forums and undertaken other ways to have the community's input on the RFP process for Harper Court and the City Parking Lot and on the future for Harper Court. We want the original purpose of nurturing small businesses continued, the current tenants able to stay in business, and a real public process. We have written to the arts council unsuccessfully so far asking a meeting and posing question. We have kept up pressure in the press and worked with other residents. Press coverage of HPKCC views and positions has been extensive.
We set up community forums and events on several fronts, ranging from schools to affordability, disabilities, retail future, development. Two coming up are on the Neighborhood Club and on/with Antheus Capital.
Currently HPKCC is engaged or monitoring in schools, community safety, condos governance issues, University and Hospitals expansion, community development and rezoning , the transit funding crisis and optimization of bus routes and alternatives and continues to work with park improvement councils and groups, Friends of Blackstone Library, the Garden Fair, and Academic Games (which are both affiliate committees). Academic Games and Whistlestop are being revitalized. We are engaged with focus groups considering the future and focus of both the Conference and the community. We're busily improving the services of www.hydepark.org. We held a Public Discussion on What's Right/Wrong with Hyde Park and what the Conference should be doing in late 2005.
The Schools Committee in 2007 held an After school programs forum and a public meeting with the director of After School Matters May 30 and with Child and Youth Services in late June.
Watch for a condominiums governance and finance seminar.
HPKCC is also exploring with other organizations and agencies ways to increase Seniors' and persons with disabilities' options and enhance expression of their perspectives. And we are working with other organizations on affordable housing.The State of the Conference's finances are good and HPKCC is in good standing and has many financial and other friends and is increasingly turned to for help, advice, and information. The website continues to grow in use and stature. However, the Conference has to grow membership and member participation as well as project involvement and partnership in the community.
Our condos governance seminar in April in South Shore was attended by nearly 90. A second is being planned. Our School Committee is actively engaged with the local school councils.
We held a splendid yard party in August for our donors and friends.
Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board late 2006, early 2007 and on into 2008:
September, 2006. Greg Lane and Nina Helstein (Community Task Force for Promontory Point) discussed the latest Point progress and a Scope of Work for Preservation of Promontory Point through a third party review and the Chicago Park District's letter of acceptance of the Scope, which all parties have now accepted. Lane described the steps in the process, involving a consortium of organizations and agencies and work by non-local divisions of the Army Corps, expected to take at least three years. Federal funding for the review and design have not yet been secured. Lane was queried on access issues and informed of HPKCC resolutions calling for public process and press involvement in meetings. The board applauded the Task Force for its Work.
The Executive Committee reported on its recommendation concerning the assumption of Neighbors' Eve by the Conference. The committee voted 1 yea, 1 nay, 5 abstain/no recommendation. After reports and discussion, the HPKCC board voted not to adopt Neighbors' Eve as a committee of the Conference, 4 yea, 6 nay.
James Withrow introduced a resolution concerning labor relations and endorsing unionization at Starbucks Coffee. The motion was not passed, 2-8 with 3 abstentions.
Rumsey thanked those who helped with the HPKCC party for donors and friends. M.L. Rantala was thanked and congratulated for a successful silent auction, over $1,000 (funds earmarked for publicity and advertising of Conference activities).
October (First Meeting). New members elected to the HPKCC Board are Jane Ciacci, Vijayrani (Rani) Fedson, James Harris, and Vicki Suchovsky.
The Nominating Committee (Jane Comiskey; Judy Dupont, Chair; and Joanne Howard) reported, noting that the committee worked very hard and wished to involve new board members in decision making to prevent the executive committee from going stale. Nominated as officers for 2006-07 are President, George Rumsey; First vice President, Jay Ammerman; Vice Presidents, George W. Davis, Trish Morse; Secretary, Gary Ossewaarde; Treasurers, Jane Pugh, Irene Freelain. Upon motion by Lynne Heckman to approve by acclamation, the slate was declared elected.
The Condos/Co-ops Committee is scheduling more seminars with Attorney John Bickley. Chair Jay Ammerman announced that the next would be on Monday, November 20, 7-9 pm, at the Neighborhood Club. Another would be held in South Shore during the winter.
Development, Preservation and Zoning Committee (Harper Court) reported Alderman Preckwinkle announced at the HPKCC Annual Meeting that the city has assumed the entire process of Request for Proposals and sale of Harper Court. The committee decided the conference must target several fronts at once ...A one-on-one meeting with Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie has been arranged. She has been given background material and position papers.
November. Irene Sherr (consultant to the 53rd Street TIF Parking Committee) and Ladarius Curtis (Senator Obama's office) were guests. Special thanks was given for the major donation contributed by Rani Fedson and M.L. Rantala, from the Co-op Book Sale organizers' proceeds.
Rani Fedson proposed the Conference should consider developing a position and/or establishing a program on environmental and ecological issues, including on recycling, citing a city pilot project in the 5th but not 4tgh Ward. The discussion will be continued at fu true meetings.
Antheus Capital, proposing a high rise condo building at 56th and Cornell, will be asked to present at a future board meeting (on the schedule for January 2007).
Rumsey will meet with the Murphy's and Pat Wilcoxen on a broad-based community organization on affordable housing as follow-up to the program in which HPKCC participated last spring.
January (2007)
Eli Ungar of Antheus Capital; Graham Grady of Bell, Boyd & Lloyd and David H. Gwinn of Studio Gang architects presented details and answered questions on the proposed 26 story high rise for the northwest corner of 56th and Cornell (see story on page 3).Ossewaarde, Parks chair, was asked to discuss the proposed Olympics in Washington Park with the Parks committee. Board members (by raise of hands or proxy) interested in attending were Baum, Ciacci, Davis, Fedson, Freelain, Monberg, Ossewaarde, and Suchovsky. Withrow introduce a resolution concerning labor relations, endorsing unionization at Starbucks Coffee. The motion was not passed, 2-8 with 3 abstentions.
Differing views were expressed on how much of he next issue should focus on the Co-op. In the process, Davis and others suggested that we hold a workshop on what people really want by way of retail and development throughout the neighborhood. The Development Committee was directed to work up a proposal.
February
Ossewaarde discussed t he potential demolition of Giordano’s Pizza building, the former Eagle Pub and an “Orange” rated Chicago structure of “community significance.” He noted that Alderman Preckwinkle (4th) has attempted to negotiate with the owners to preserve the façade, with little success. Ossewaarde moved a letter to the Alderman thanking her for her efforts and encouraging her to continue to try to reach and acceptable resolution. Approved by 11 directors with 3 abstentions.
Rumsey reported that the City Council committee considering a proposed or
