Central West End Midtown Development
Board of Directors
6 p.m. June 30, 2009
12 N. Sarah St.
Development Corporation Restructuring:
Board President Brian Phillips and 17th Ward Alderman Joe Roddy presented a plan to form a ward-wide community development corporation at Central West End Midtown Development’s June Board of Directors meeting. The 17th Ward Community Development Corp. would combine the functions of the Central West End Midtown and Forest Park Southeast development corporations, leading to a more efficient, cohesive organization with improved “economies of scale,” according to Phillips.
Currently, the two development corporations occupy separate offices, with one full-time employee at Forest Park Southeast Development, one full-time and one part-time employee at CWE Midtown Development, and one part-time employee splitting time between the two organizations. Merging the groups would cut office and equipment expenses, allow staff to specialize in different areas of expertise and create synergy between the various ward neighborhoods. Separate committees for each neighborhood would likely remain intact to address the specific needs of each community.
Board members reacted favorably to the presentation and agreed to further explore the merger plan. A committee of representatives from the two development corporations will be formed, with a goal to have the newly formed 17th Ward Development Corp. up and running by the end of the year.
3914 Lindell
The Board voted to support tax abatement for 3914 Lindell, a restaurant and nightclub being renovated by Gurpreet Padda, on the condition that additional parking would be secured. Some board members objected to the nightclub’s 3 a.m. liquor license. The Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into a contract for an annual payment of $6,742 annually for the length of the tax abatement. Vote: three in favor (Gerald Kirk, John Openlander, Chris Papanickolas) one opposed (John McElwain by proxy) and one abstention (Barb Featherston).
4472 Lindell:
The Board voted unanimously to support tax abatement for 4472 Lindell, the renovation of a historic home for private offices. The Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into a contract for an annual payment of $2,642.00 for the length of the tax abatement.
Cortex Agreement:
The Board voted unanimously to amend the Cortex agreement, reducing the payment to CWEMD by the amount of the tax payment to the CWE Southeast SBD and requiring written support from Cortex to pursue or enact any new local taxing activities within the Cortex West Redevelopment area.
Board Positions:
Gerald Kirk was voted unanimously to the Board and named chair of the Finance Committee. Kirk’s term will expire April 30, 2012.
Peter Pierotti’s term was extended to April 30, 2011.
John Openlander’s term was extended to April 30, 2011.
Brian Phillips’ term was extended to April 30, 2012.
Financial Report:
Board members reviewed the financial report for the period ending May 30, 2009.
Meeting Minutes:
Board members approved the meeting minutes for the December 2008 meeting.
Board members present: Brian Phillips, Barb Featherston, Gerald Kirk, John Openlander, Chris Papanickolas, Peter Pierotti (partial meeting)
Board members absent: Dan Hellmuth, John McElwain
Others present: Alderman Joe Roddy, Jim Wilson, Dan Krasnoff, Kristin Rapinac
June 2009 Executive Director's Report
December 11, 2008 Meeting Minutes