Roseland Heights Community Association

RHCA Meeting Feb. 26, 2013 meeting Canceled!

RHCA Meeting Feb. 26, 2013 meeting Canceled! 

The fear of Snow caused RHCA's Monthly meeting to be canceled! 

Every effort to reschedule all speakers (EEM Ambassadors & Land Trust/ L. Jenkins) for next month's meeting will be made. Now there is good News and bad News. Good News: you did not have to go out in the snow last night. Bad News: now you will have to read everything that would have been covered in last night's meeting!

 

 1. You are not in the 2nd congressional district you did not need to vote yesterday. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn had said that the special election would be March 19 after a primary on Feb. 26. But the state Senate voted to delay the vote until April 9, however no matter what your AARP cards say, you are not in the 2nd congressional district and cannot vote in this special Illinois election!'  All of Roseland Heights is in the 1st Congressional district. Your representative for Illinois is Bobby Rush. The Primary election was won by Robin Kelly.  

 

2. Transit System Meetings – There was a Transit System summit – Feb. 25: What is Chicagoland's vision for better transit in the future, and how will we get there? Civic and public sector leaders in transportation met to help answer tough questions about the challenges of providing a world-class transit system at the Riders for Better Transit summit on Building a 21st Century Transit System, February 25, 8:30 a.m. – noon, UBS Tower Conference Center, 1 N. Wacker Dr..  Visit Archive Transportation Alliance website for calendar of events and more information about Chicagoland's vision for better transit in the future, and how will we get there?

 

Transit Oriented Development forum Feb. 28, 2013 has been canceled for more info Join civic and public sector leaders in transportation to help answer tough questions about the challenges of providing a world-class transit system at:

CTA public hearing regarding the proposed 95th Street Terminal Improvement Project.

This hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2013 at Harlan High School, 9652 S Michigan...

This will be a real collaboration (ideas and interchange with residents) between CTA and South Side Communities. This is a chance for you to have collective input and action in plans for the 95th Street Station and what is done around it. 

Gerald Nichols, Project Consultant, Government & Community Relations, Chicago Transit Authority
567 West Lake Street, 312-681-2807, 312-520-1022 cell, gnichols@transitchicago.com

Wants to hear your comments on cta's station plans and development around the station. This is your chance to comment in writing via email or US mail before the March 14th meeting.
 Interested parties should utilize this cta's Public Hearing by submitting comments regarding the direction we want this meeting to take.

How to Comment by email & in Writing

Interested parties are invited to comment on the project utilizing the following methods:

• via email: Please submit your comments to 95thTerminal@transitchicago.com

·             Via US mail:    Written comments may be sent to the following address:

95^th Street Terminal Improvement Project

CTA

567 W. Lake Street

Chicago, IL  60661

 

All comments must be submitted by 4:30 P.M. on March 9, 2013.

 CTa public hearing regarding the proposed 95^th Street Terminal Improvement Project, will includes a presentation and an opportunity for public comment.  . 

Last night’s Discussion 

For 95th Street Red-Line Station Improvement Project: 1. Minority contractors and workers should be a must. Black communities need jobs! 2. Safety: The most important improvement should be increased safety in the area; many area residents and CSU students will not ride the train because of this. There is harassment of customers by panhandlers, peddlers & the homeless along with other illegal activities. 3. Parking: Stolen cars and auto break-ins around the station. CAPS reports show almost all take place within blocks of the station along State Street and on Lafayette, where people park to take the train. The 95th Street station needs a place to park. 4. Amenities:  Vending machines are good, but how about shops or a food court which would encourage more use of the station. (More revenue) 5. Help the area economy with new business and retail development in the area along 95th Street. 6. Safety Cameras for increased passenger safety are a must in station & multi-level parking lot. 7. Bike Parking Racks: What about additional bike racks, so people can bike to work. (More revenue) 8. Art Work (Holistic): Components of the art would show & tell about the history, architectural identify and amenities that enhance the area around the station (Abbott Park, Chicago State University, Woodson Library etc.) The station's art work should depict the characteristics of the community.  9. Service Efficiency: New station plan should reduce traffic congestion with better traffic patterns.10. CSU name on station platform sign. 

 

3. Will Both Shedd & Bennett close?
WHAT WILL CPS' CEO DO?

No official word yet, the media reports that CPS CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett plans to release a "new list" on March 1st. The February 13th list still did not show either school on the chopping block for possible closures. Many are aware that our local school is most likely on the list of ones for closure by CPS. We need to have a clear, loud, and strong voice to tell CPS that we need our school and are willing to support its growth, both in attendance and excellence of education. Please visit the PCO website to see the letters sent, and more importantly, send your own letters and specific arguments for maintaining its presence here. Send your concerns to: bbyrd-bennett@cps.edu ,CPS CEO.  
 
 4. Cta to help the area economy with retail development along 95th Street

 

7. SAFETY ISSUES:  Two burglaries and one robbery reported in the Heights last month. Three a would-be house-breaker stopped by neighbors. .

If you're walking, getting off the bus, or getting out of your car, LOOK around you and PAY ATTENTION (make us a less-inviting target). Be aware. Let your neighbors who are not on email list know what is going on, report suspicious people and activity to 911 and keep an eye out for our neighbors. If you are going out for a walk, walk with someone. If you're alone be aware of who's sharing your space - and walk with confidence. Please attend the next CAPS meeting March 4, 2013 Rosehaven 10220 S. Michigan 7:00 pm. 

Park Security Summit March 9, 2013, 1:00pm, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. 
The PAC Conference Committee has coordinated a panel of community members and officials to hear concerns, ideas, and successes from PAC's across the city. The panel will share ideas and plans for park safety this summer and give the park advisory councils advice on working with the Police Department and the Park District to improve security issues in parks. The panel would focus on security issues in the parks. Problems including drug sales, gang turf issues, vagrants taking over the parks, security cameras (both police and OEMC), and vandalism.  
 

 
8. A Message TO THE CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY: 

“There have been some statements in the media regarding my position at Chicago State University that I wish to correct. Several days ago, I requested approval of an administrative sabbatical by the CSU Board of Trustees. During the proposed sabbatical, I would first and foremost, be able to better help my 96 year old dad whom I feel has suffered most from my current 24-7 commitment to the University. I would also have more time for the level of academic research and writing I wish to achieve as president of a major American University. I have not resigned as CSU's President and no date is set for the sabbatical to begin, if approved. Even though press reports have included some inaccuracies, I am grateful for the thoughtful remarks about our turnaround at the University and my part in it. Clearly, our work continues.”