May 14 Zoom Meeting 6:30PM
Mayfair Civic
Greetings:
Congressman Mike Quigley addressed the MCA April 9 meeting. He described problems caused by the GOP controlled Congress’ inability to pass bills. He suggested that the War in Iran will continue to cause shortages and price increases for gas and petroleum reliant products, making affordability elusive. He noted media reports of government cutbacks and layoffs impacting the military, intelligence community, and social services areas, especially air traffic controllers that until recently worked without pay. Continuing the War compounds risks for cyber and other economic attacks, as well as, supply chain disruptions like those that occurred during Covid. He was able to preserve funding for police, water, fire and other basic services in our area, and for road repairs, Metra improvements, and the Red Line extension. He reminded us that we can’t rely on the courts, traditional institutions or constitutional checks and balances to safeguard us. We must instead turn out in large numbers during the mid-terms to express disfavor and to demand change in current conditions and governing tactics.
Adam Roberts of the 39th Ward discussed the PB program status. He described the recent meeting of Ward, Park officials, MCA and Mayfair Park Advisory Council members at the Mayfair Park Fieldhouse called to discuss the approved work on the washrooms, roof, and basketball/pickleball courts. He will provide Park District plans and specs when available. When work starts later this Summer the Fieldhouse will be closed and programming will be suspended. Construction will take 12-14 months. Programming will be offered by the District at nearby parks. MPAC’s Mayfest will be cancelled for this year, but other events will be held, some perhaps in Triangle Park.
Adam noted the shared frustration of all who have been anxiously awaiting commencement of work at the Park, but he assured us that awarded funds remain available and segregated for application only to the PB projects and Fieldhouse improvements.
He then discussed the status of the CDOT traffic study for the intersection at Elston and Leland, which was prompted by an accident there almost two years ago.
Adam and I discussed the zoning change sought by Kemora Landscaping to accommodate their proposed new facility at the Ralph’s Marine shop on Lawrence. The proposed partially covered vehicle parking space at the south end of the site is one of the reasons a variance is required. They seek an upgrade from the existing B3-1 classification which does not provide for partially enclosed building operations to a C2-1 classification which does. A copy of their application will be posted when available.
Many thanks to all who participated in the Annual Spring Clean-Up. We look forward to working with MPAC to conduct a clean-up for Triangle Park and to support Triangle Park as a site for MPAC activities that will be disrupted during construction at Mayfair Park.
Alderman Samantha Nugent, MPAC and MCA were pleased to hold a ribbon-cutting dedication of the memorial garden to recognize long-time community service by Wally Eliasen. The dedication was held on April 18 in Mayfair Park. It was well attended as expected, considering the universal community appreciation of all that Wally has done and for Wally as a beloved neighbor. Check out the garden during your next Park visit.
PEBA and SSA 79 continue their maintenance of community gardens and bump-outs in Mayfair. Their crews go out on Tuesdays and Fridays to clean the business district. They have installed 13 new garbage cans along Lawrence. They will continue free Live on Lawrence music performances this summer. The first two performances will be at 7:00 p.m. on June 18 and July 16 in the parking lot of Clark Street Sports, 4506 W. Lawrence. They also plan to install two bike-fit stations on Elston later this summer. These will provide space for bikers to tighten bolts, pump up tires, etc.
We still seek volunteers to fill vacancies for our Membership Chair and Treasurer positions. Please let us know if you have an interest in serving.
Remember that we appreciate annual donations of $10 per household to fund our community activities. We are currently setting up a new electronic payment service. In the meantime, you may send checks payable to Mayfair Civic Association to: Mayfair Civic Association, c/o Ron Duplack, 4731 N. Knox Avenue, Chicago. Illinois 60630. Thank you for your consideration.
Our next Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on May 14. Zoom access information is:
Ron Duplack is inviting you to a Zoom Meeting
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