GGNA Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes by Johnny Elias, Secretary

Carl Wasielewski, President of the GGNA Board welcoming everyone to the meeting, made introduction.

• Carl encouraged neighbors to join our growing listserve and to communicate to other neighbors the existence of our active neighborhood organization.

Carl also stated that we need block leaders throughout the neighborhood to disseminate information about GGNA activities.

Carl introduced Jim Vertenten and Krista Reynen of Chicago’s Belgian American Society of Chicago Community Org.

Jim opened the session with some Historical background regarding Belgians contribution to our neighborhood, which included these facts:

• The Wastyn family, owners of Wastyn bicycle shop on Fullerton and Talman are Belgian pioneers in our neighborhood. The Wastyns hosted big cycling events in our neighborhood.
• That the Belgian Hall, erected in 1921 whose cornerstone is inscribed with “All Belgians are equal”, is located diagonally across from the Wastyn Cycle shop, hosted many social gatherings for the Belgian Community. The building was sold in 1976. Currently, the hall is being used as storage and the Belgian Community has had difficult getting into the hall.

Jim introduced Krista Reynen who back these facts up with vintage photos. These photos showed places we see daily.

These places included:

• Stained glass at St. John Berchman Church honoring Belgian Americans.
• Information and a photo of a wealthy Belgian philanthropist that owned the multi unit building at 2325 N. Rockwell, and actually owned the whole block of Rockwell.
• Buildings on Fullerton Ave. that included Fireside Bowl and adjoining building all the way up to Wastyn Cycle shop, and the building on the northwest corner of Fullerton and Maplewood, with the peak that used to house a saloon.
• The GGNA was invited to attend a walking tour of the neighborhood in appreciation of the hard working Belgian American Community on Sept. 10, 2005.
• Alderman Flores directed the Belgian American Society of Chicago representatives to us. The group is requesting an honorary street sign honoring the Wastyn family’s contribution to the community and their culture.

Johnny Elias motioned that we honor the Wastyn family with the sign on Fullerton and Talman. Carl, second the motion, and called for a vote, which was unanimous in favor of the honorary street sign.

This recommendation will be sent to Alderman Flores.

The Belgian Society members expressed their gratitude and volunteered to become GGNA members.

Carl then introduced Clarence Fraher, GGNA Zoning Committee Chair.

• Clarence asked members to step up as zoning committee members that meet on the 3rd Monday of every month. He also discussed that there are procedures in place to evaluate proposed developments before they are brought to the larger group, but that the larger group does get informed about what developments are being proposed.
• Clarence spoke about a planned development architects presented for the land at Talman and Medill. They requested a planned development scheme with an R4.5 zoning. The zoning committee rejected that proposal but kept communication lines open for future options.
• Carl explained that this plot of land was originally zoned commercial, until Alderman Flores changed the zoning to R3 at the request of GGNA.

Carl then introduced Erin, GGNA Gardening Committee Chair.

• Erin stated that she was meeting on May 25, 2005 at Goethe School to plan the garden at Goethe School and Haas Park. Erin, also asked for donations of seeds, tools or anything that can benefit the GGNA gardeners.
• Carl expressed interest in a neighborhood clean up. Pedro Borrero, offered assistance in obtaining equipment and all he needed was a date. A future date will be set for a neighborhood clean up.

Carl then introduced Sally Hamann, GGNA Public Safety Chair.

Sally stated that our GGNA website is proactive about posting CAPS minutes and she encouraged people to log on and see what is happening when it comes to public safety. She went on to say that the Chicago Police Department has gone through a lot of change but the CAPS facilitator, Jim Rhoads and other neighbors have consistently been involved to see things through. Sally also mentioned that we have to remain consistently observant because our community is always in turf wars between five gangs.

Carl then opened up the meeting to any comments.

• Johnny stated that the Bowling fundraiser would be held in late July. We need Bowlers and volunteers.
• Carl also mentioned that he is stepping down as GGNA President after two years of commitment and love for GGNA and the community.

The group expressed gratitude for the commitment Carl has given to GGNA.

The meeting was adjourned.