Lindenwood Park Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Saturday, August 16 at Machacek Library
Present: Pat Acquisto, Sara Davis, John Harris, Milton Murry, Tim Nowell, Lisa Roggeman, Adam Rustige, Jenna Stout, Greg Todd, Jay Unnerstall, Emily Yale
Apologies: Karen Clifford, Bret Narayan, Greg Roggeman
Guest: Matt Willett
The Board was joined by Matt Willett of Lenette Realty and Investments Co. The real estate company is under contract to buy the commercially-zoned Medical building at Lansdowne and plans to lease out to a tenant. Willett expressed interest in community input and support for the reuse of the building’s one-acre site. The presence of asbestos, etc., would factor into the timeline for the project. In response to the potential demolition of the building, Board members inquired about the use of historic tax credits to maintain the midcentury modern architecture.
A motion was made to approve the Minutes from July, by Emily Yale, and seconded by Tim Nowell.
Neighborhood Meeting: to be held at Watson Terrace Christian Church, September 8, 7pm
- Guest speakers – Adam will invite a representative from Refuse to speak.
- LPNA Business
- Elected Officials
- LASM & Machacek
Aldermanic Report (Bret not in attendance)
Bret sent Adam the following updates on aldermanic activity, including board bills:
- A bill to change the amount of time that a bill was in committee would require a change to our rules, which we only updated once every two years.
- Board Bills 44 and 45 have passed, when LPNA registers, they will receive these updates.
- Mulch has been bid out, allocated for, and should be delivered this week or next per Kim Haegle.
- As far as pickleball and repaving the rink, those will likely require matching funds from the Parks Department. The priority in the Ward right now is getting a bathroom and electricity back to Clifton Heights. Once that is completed, other projects can be looked at.
The Board discussed the need for transparent information on the Lindenwood Park-specific budget allocations. Greg Todd located 2026 budget data for the park, which lacked previously discussed allocations for improvement projects.
Lisa requested that Bret be in attendance at the October meeting as the Board specifically changed its meeting day to accommodate Bret’s specific schedule. Adam will invite him and give him a list of specific questions that the Board will like addressed in-person.
NIS Report (Karen not in attendance):
- Cease and desist order on renting of 66xx Arsenal – converted 4-family residence with recent parties and police call activity; gunshots in alley.
Committee Reports
Events:
- Lawn and Garden Competition: Winners will be announced at the membership meeting. Pat requested funds to purchase $100 of gift cards for additional winners. Tim made a motion to approve, seconded by John.
- Trivia Night: This year’s event made $3800 in profits.
- Meetup: August – Babes/Vinnies/Pizza-a-Go-Go; September – Aya Sofia (9/24); October – Farmhaus (10/29); November – Trattoria Marcella (tentative)
- Lindenwood Live: Final concert is August 31, featuring the Bedlam Brothers. Eight food trucks will be at the event. Tim expressed concerns over severe weather issues this season. Volunteers are needed for trash collection at the concerts.
- House Tour: Sunday, September 14, 11am-5pm. Sign up for volunteers at houses was circulated. A motion was made to give an annual membership to house tour homeowners and passed with all approval.
Beautification:
- Park: Emily noted that the park cleanup event, originally scheduled for September 20, will be rescheduled to October 18 or 25, TBD.
- Community Garden & Wabash Garden: Milt provided an end-of-season wrap-up report on the community garden and flower garden activities. See report.
- Green Team: Tim reported that event turnout is higher than usual. The next cleanup is scheduled for September 6.
Communications:
- Greg T. noted that Square is now used for shop payments.
Membership:
- Welcome packs will be delivered in August for May, June and July new residents. Waiting for information to be available.
- 321 Current members – 304 in July. Reminder letters were sent out to 17 members who lapsed in July (0 renewed).
- Nothing further to report on Membership Committee at this stage. A meeting will be held before the next board meeting.
Safety:
- Safety Committee recently met at the park to discuss pedestrian safety and traffic calming measures on Jamieson. Pedestrian safety is the current focus of the committee’s work.
Block Captains:
- Lisa was added as the representative to keep the Board abreast of activity.
Neighborhood Alliance:
- Board Bills 44 and 45 – tied to registration of neighborhood organizations for notifying – have passed.
- Communicating with alderpeople about amending strict requirements for neighborhood associations.
- Vape shops are next on agenda for regulating.
- Ongoing efforts to extend length of bills being approved to allow for community weigh-in.
Century Homes:
- The fall sale for century home plaques will start up in September. Updated pricing information will require Board approval.
Treasurer’s Report:
- To be provided following the meeting.
Old Business
- Add “Commercial Space Available” to the newsletter – local realtor had approached Lisa previously about connecting vacant storefronts with prospective LPNA businesses / neighbors. Information regarding square footage, location, availability would need to be provided.
- Jay’s Book Sales – 172 books sold in first lot of 300 printed. Upcoming events at Sr. Ministries and Machacek will generate more sales. For next printing, it will cost $2580 for a batch of 300.
- Lindenwood Park Bakery – Jordan Stretch has not requested a follow-up meeting at the park building with Lisa.
New Business
- Honeymoon Tattoo LLC – business has moved into former home of Iron Butterfly on Ivanhoe. Neighbor complaint letter that was sent to LPNA will be advanced to Zoning.
- Farmer’s Market – potential location at the corner of Jamieson and Fyler, suggested by local realtor’s client.
- Nomination of Aaron Dohagne for Arbor Award of Excellence – done and submitted.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:06pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenna Stout