This is a odd and most unusual post for me to put out but I guess stranger things have happened.

Last night I attended a ED/LRP meeting at Tremont West Development Corp.  I don't really know what happened, maybe is has something to do with that old saying "when pigs fly," but for the first time since I've been going to that committee meeting they had all their ducks in a row. 

Progress reports and up-dates on a number of issues that have been the center of major concerns clearly indicated that resident voices are being heard.

1.  The 807 Jefferson off-street parking facility that will house 64 spaces in NOW finally underway and a completion date of late August is expected.  This lot will provide 32 private spaces for Tremont Lofts and 32 for public parking. (WOW)

2.  It looks like Fahrenheit might possibly be obtaining a Final Certificate of Occupancy.  (According to Sammy Catania) And after about six years, it's about time.

3.  Award winning 806 Wine Bar owners will be going to BOZA for a review.  Applications have been filed.

4.  A meeting is scheduled with Tremont Mont School - to discuss the possibility of leasing the school parking lot for extra parking.

5.  Discussions and possible agreement between the Library and TWDC for use of their 14 spots is in the works - (makes sense, since the libraries are in need of money) Let one of the business owners pay to use the lot.

6.  Extra parking behind Lucky's is being discussed and a proposal from Sutton is expected next week.  (behind St. Theodocious Church over on Starkweather) 

7.  Union Gospel Press is waiting for funds - for a possible 2 tier deck on the corner of Jefferson and Thurman. 

8.  The Istanbul Restaurant proposal to put a restaurant in a house on Professor which would extend back into the Thurman Alley residential area will be up for discussion at the South of Jefferson Block Club Meeting on Tuesday, August 11.  The committee consensus was that since so many residents are opposing the proposal that if the people say no, they will not support the idea.   I do have it on the word of a number of residents in Thurman that Councilman Cimperman has promised that this establishment in a residential area will not take place.

9.  Strategic Neighborhood Planning for Out-door recreational facilities in the neighborhood actually got on the table and a sub-committee is being put in place  to follow through.  Many residents will be happy to hear this since it would be great to have some beautiful pocket parks throughout the area.  Larry Cornett's hard work will be acknowledged and taken seriously at last.

10.  The Good Neighbor Agreement signed by Giancarlo (Dante's Restaurant) and St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church is in effect and the conditions agreed to will be taken care of near the end of the construction work on the restaurant itself.  Many residents on College Avenue were excited to hear that the necessary preparation for the church lot will be taken care of before it can be used as off-street parking for Dante's Restaurant.  (For Dante's employee parking and if valet parking is necessary, a security guard will be on the premises).

It seemed to have finally sank in that before any further commercial businesses can open up, parking must be addressed and resolved.  That the business owners will have to accept that they may have to all contribute to the expense of liability insurance, security, leasing and/or construction of parking facilities.

It was also addressed that new businesses coming into the neighborhood would be compliant from the get-go and that all of the current businesses would become compliant.

I guess one way to look at it from a business owners view is , if you don't get in line and obtain the proper and necessary permits/variances, you could be let out in the cold when it comes to claiming your share of the parking availability.

All in all, it was a great meeting and I have to say that Sammy Catania seemed to actually acknowledge that it's time to get it right.  Chris Garland even seemed to be on the same page.  I understand that Sammy, Tim and Henry Senyak were responsible for getting the Agenda up to speed.

Maybe a little birdie whispered in their ears - but whatever the motivation was, I'm just happy to see that the leaders and the residents are talking and things are beginning to happen and if the residents continue to speak out maybe there will be no more rubberstamping and a much wished for quality of life for many can begin to return to this area.

If this type of activity, interest and communications could continue, the progress and success would grow by leaps and bounds.  I think you might see some happier people in the neighborhood.  However, one good meeting is not going to fix everything but it is a great place to start.