Community Connections Council Meeting
February 27, 2008 Minutes
6:00 p.m.
Present:
- Steve Graves
- Michalene Houlihan
- Fran Hurley
- Maureen Connor Kelly
- Mary Kiedrow
- Pat Kouba
- Dolores Madlener
- Mike McShane
- Nancy Pepper
- Susan Piros
- Amy Rayl
- Bob Tenczar
- Mike Walsh
Absent:
- Beth Amado
- Jean Carey
- Megan Macellaio
- Regina O’Connor
- Sister Sue Sanders
Minutes
Maureen Connor Kelly welcomed the Council and informed everyone that the Council is pleased to have two new members from E.P. Unfortunately, they were not able to attend tonight’s meeting. Also, Fr. David Simonetti from Queen of Martyrs Church is being relocated and therefore has resigned from the Council.
Library
Bob Tenczar said that the SXU Board of Trustees met on February 13, 2008 and several directives were agreed upon. The following day, February 14, Bob and Maureen met with Alderman Rugai to inform her of the board decisions. The next step in the line of communication is to bring this information to the Community Connection Council. Bob then informed the Council that the University would begin renovations to the existing library in the summer of 2008. SXU initially set out to build a new library complex but the Board of Trustees recognized that the need is immediate and it is not advisable to delay construction while seeking funding. The renovation will be a $ 6 million project. The new library was the gateway to the Campus Master Plan project and therefore the Campus Master Plan will be altered. The University hopes to have the Campus Master Plan completed by the next Board of Trustees meeting in mid-May. Following approval from the Board, we will then present the Campus Master Plan to Alderman Rugai, to the Community Connection Council and finally, to the community.
United Methodist Church of Mt. Greenwood
Church leaders reached out to SXU several years ago when their dwindling congregation opened up space for other uses in the building. At that time, SXU relocated its Child Care/Lab School and Merwick tutorial programs to 11000 S. St. Louis. The church has now agreed to sell the property to SXU and the sale will be complete in the next few months. The University is currently exploring program options for that facility. The Lab School will be closing at the end of this semester and the Merwick Academy will relocate back on campus. The University will look for low impact programming with less foot traffic than the current programs at that location. Whatever program moves to this facility, there will be no student parking and shuttle busses will be used to transport students to and from campus.
The Pulaski Center proposed development
The University plans to redevelop its property at 10339 S. Pulaski, currently occupied by the Office of Admissions and used as a call center and classrooms. The proposed development, a 3 to 5-story building, will be comprised of retail and student housing. Graduate students, married students, faculty, etc. will occupy these full apartments. The project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will accommodate first floor retail and 75 students. The plan calls for a buffer with landscaping and a walkway between the building and Pulaski. Funding has not yet been secured for phase two. The University, through our food service provider Chartwell’s, has already obtained commitments from Ben & Jerry’s and Caribou Coffee. Chartwell’s is working to secure one additional food retailer. One corner of the development will be occupied by an upscale convenience store operated by Chartwells. This development will help the University in its goal to bring our students living in the community, back on campus. The University is currently in the process of modifying existing drawings of the proposed project and hopes to have theses available in the next few weeks. At that time, the University will begin to contact neighbors and conduct focus groups and meetings to gauge the community’s opinion about the project.
This project will require a ‘Planned Development” PD from the City of Chicago and rezoning. The University will submit plans for the United Methodist Church of Mt. Greenwood and the Pulaski Center as one PD. The Campus Master Plan will be a separate PD.
Parkwood Baptist Church
An area realtor approached the University to enquire if there was interest in this property. After touring the facility, the University has expressed interest in purchasing this property. With space being critical on campus, off-campus options that have been presented need to be fully explored.
A Council member asked if the University would consider consolidating the two churches into one larger presence in the community. Susan Piros responded that following the community meeting in 2006, we heard neighbor concerns and that the University is careful not to be imposing on the community. The University is able to make certain guarantee’s regarding upkeep and aesthetics for all off-campus locations.
103rd Street Property Updates
The University owned property at 3625 is currently undergoing cosmetic interior renovation to accommodate offices. The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, Web Development and Community & Government Relations will relocate to this address in the next few months. At the suggestion of Alderman Rugai, the University will host an Open House for neighbors and community residents, of the four offices that occupy 103rd Street sometime in the summer.
Deaton Memorial Field Lighting Update
Maureen Connor Kelly and other University representatives met with the lighting contractor to discuss several concerns from residents at Talley’s Corner regarding lights spilling onto their property. A study was conducted and another study will take place in the spring when trees are in full bloom. We will report the results of that study when the information is available.
Susan Piros spoke briefly about “green” practices at the University. In the coming months, we will provide specific programs and practices that will highlight Saint Xavier University as a leader in this area of the city.
We were pleased to learn that SXU students are no longer cutting through Talley’s Corner to get to campus.
The next Community Connections Council meeting will take place following the Board of Trustees meeting in mid-May.
The meeting was adjourned.