By Mary Jo Viero
There was an excellent discussion at BAPA’s civic association meeting in September. Goals for the next few months focus on beautification, continuing to fortify civic and homeowner associations, and efforts of the new park advisory councils.
Beautification efforts include creating a plan for the diverters, roundabouts, and parkway corners of intersections. We hope to have a menu of low maintenance plants that can withstand harsh conditions. Civic association help is needed for this program.
BAPA will continue to lead Weeding Wednesdays this fall and resume them next year. These volunteer-driven sessions focus on public areas. Using funds raised at Bikes and Brews, BAPA is relandscaping the hill on the north side of 107th Street from Seeley Avenue to Longwood Drive.
Park Advisory Councils. The first meeting to form an advisory council at Kennedy Park was held at the end of September. Details and meeting dates will be announced. Representatives from the Ridge Park Advisory Council attended the Chicago Park District budget meeting to request funding for a new roof and windows for the fieldhouse. It was announced that the roof is slated for completion in early 2017. The next Ridge Park Advisory Council meeting will be held Mon., Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Ridge Park.
CERT Team. Michael Alving, a neighborhood resident and FEMA employee explained Community Emergency Response Teams and how they are fully prepared to assist their community when disaster strikes. Residents interested in going through the training program and become certified should contact Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or 773-233-3100 ext. 206.
Status of Civic Associations. Several of the community’s civic associations are inactive. BAPA is considering consolidating associations, allowing the active groups to assist their neighbors in civic efforts. Anyone interested in taking an active role in advocating for their area of the neighborhood is encouraged to contact Mary Jo Viero, mjviero@bapa.org or 773-233-3100 ext. 206. Another community-wide association meeting will be held in December,
