Waterproofing & weatherstripping, block by block
Minutes of Oct. 1, 2012 membership meeting
Submitted by Stephen Rynkiewicz
Basement Flooding Partnership
Tom LaPorte, the city’s assistant water management commissioner, described added services the city will give blocks in which 70% of owners agree to participate. They include home visits from a city inspector, sewer and catch-basin inspections and flood-protection advice from city and outside experts.
Participation is voluntary, is not required to get other city services and does not bind homeowners to take further steps. EVA members agreed to work with the city on this new initiative.
Energy Impact Illinois
Field organizer Leslie Proudfoot outlined home improvement incentives still available from $25 million in federal stimulus money for the Chicago area. A $99 energy assessment includes the typically more expensive infrared scans and blower door test, and it’s free to homeowners who throw a house party for neighbors.
Renovators who shave 15% off their energy bills with air sealing and insulation get rebates of up to 70% and an Illinois Home Performance certification that can be useful in marketing a home.
West Town SSA
The proposed Special Service Area for commercial streets is expanded from the current tax district and includes stretches of Ashland, Chicago, Damen and Grand. Neal McKnight, EVA president, noted that all commercial and residential parcels in the district will get a property tax increase. The Wicker Park Bucktown SSA recently placed bike racks and artwork along Division and Milwaukee; West Town is largely involved in banners and festivals, and its budget process is less transparent.
McKnight suggested that there’s no reason business interests should not align with property owners. Concerns should be directed to the alderman and to Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins. Robert Schickel was named EVA representative to the West Town SSA and West Town Chamber of Commerce.
Planning, Preservation & Development
A mixed-use development plan for the former AAA Distributing site, 1822-50 W. Chicago Ave., will be presented at the Oct. 8 board meeting, said co-chair Scott Rappe. A previously presented plan for the Miller Lumber location at at 1815 W. Division St. likely will be reduced to 35 units to accommodate parking requirements. A 1st Ward hearing on liquor sales in the Ashland-Augusta-Division moratorium area is scheduled for 6 pm Oct. 17 at the Bedford, 1612 W. Division.
CAPS
Police are alleviating traffic issues at LaSalle II School, 1148 N. Honore, said chair Tom Tomek.
Convened 7 pm, adjourned 8:45 pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott.
Happy Village is decked out for Halloween at EVA's October meeting.
Submitted by Stephen Rynkiewicz
Basement Flooding Partnership
Tom LaPorte, the city’s assistant water management commissioner, described added services the city will give blocks in which 70% of owners agree to participate. They include home visits from a city inspector, sewer and catch-basin inspections and flood-protection advice from city and outside experts.
Participation is voluntary, is not required to get other city services and does not bind homeowners to take further steps. EVA members agreed to work with the city on this new initiative.
Energy Impact Illinois
Field organizer Leslie Proudfoot outlined home improvement incentives still available from $25 million in federal stimulus money for the Chicago area. A $99 energy assessment includes the typically more expensive infrared scans and blower door test, and it’s free to homeowners who throw a house party for neighbors.
Renovators who shave 15% off their energy bills with air sealing and insulation get rebates of up to 70% and an Illinois Home Performance certification that can be useful in marketing a home.
West Town SSA
The proposed Special Service Area for commercial streets is expanded from the current tax district and includes stretches of Ashland, Chicago, Damen and Grand. Neal McKnight, EVA president, noted that all commercial and residential parcels in the district will get a property tax increase. The Wicker Park Bucktown SSA recently placed bike racks and artwork along Division and Milwaukee; West Town is largely involved in banners and festivals, and its budget process is less transparent.
McKnight suggested that there’s no reason business interests should not align with property owners. Concerns should be directed to the alderman and to Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins. Robert Schickel was named EVA representative to the West Town SSA and West Town Chamber of Commerce.
Planning, Preservation & Development
A mixed-use development plan for the former AAA Distributing site, 1822-50 W. Chicago Ave., will be presented at the Oct. 8 board meeting, said co-chair Scott Rappe. A previously presented plan for the Miller Lumber location at at 1815 W. Division St. likely will be reduced to 35 units to accommodate parking requirements. A 1st Ward hearing on liquor sales in the Ashland-Augusta-Division moratorium area is scheduled for 6 pm Oct. 17 at the Bedford, 1612 W. Division.
CAPS
Police are alleviating traffic issues at LaSalle II School, 1148 N. Honore, said chair Tom Tomek.
Convened 7 pm, adjourned 8:45 pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott.
