REPORTS ON ALLIANCE INITIATIVES &
RELATED ACTIVITIES
This report provides Alliance members with updates on major initiatives and programs being advanced thru the State of Illinois Grant. In addition, meeting dates and future Alliance activities are highlighted.
I-294/I-57 INTERSTATE CORRIDOR COUNCIL
On October 29, 1998, Corridor Council Chairman Dick Kelly convened the Council meeting to review the progress on several major initiatives. Mike Scholefield, Regional Manager, Baxter & Woodman updated the Council on GIS rela ted activities. He indicated the Alliance is investigating the possibility of expanding the current corridor database to encompass the entire Metro Southwest Alliance area. This will cover approximately 160 square miles and incorporate 36 municipalities l ocated in Cook and Will counties with an estimated population totaling 520,000.
John Paige, Director of Planning Services, Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission provided an overview of Corridor Council activities in the Chicago Metropolitan Area since 1990. Paige urged the Council to seek formal support from NI PC for an interchange at I-294/I-57.
Bunny Anderson, Community Affairs Liaison for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority stated that they support the
I-294/I-57 interchange, but the Authority has limited funding resources. Marty Joyce, Vice President, HDR Engineers was available to respond to technical questions.
Phil Simon, Community Development Coordinator, reported on the Oak Forest Economic Development program.
METRO SOUTHWEST MARKETING AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
On October 16th, the Marketing & Promotion Committee met to review the components of the Alliance Marketing and Economic Development initiative with consultant Eric Canada. As a result, the fact finding activities were adjus ted to include a series of personal interviews (this process began on Nov. 17th) coupled with a marketing questionnaire.
After the results are compiled, an interactive marketing & economic development forum including Alliance Board members and southwest community leaders will be scheduled. Preparation of a marketing strategy would be the next step. Fi nally, an implementation plan will be devised to accomplish the Alliance Marketing Goals and Objectives.
On Sept. 29th, the Commercial Real Estate Broker’s Forum was held at the Radisson Hotel in Alsip. Approximately 32 brokers and Alliance members participated in the "Broker’s Breakfast". Commercial brokers were asked to share thei r insights on how to effectively market the Southwest Suburbs. The Forum focused on the primary strengths of the region and identified areas of concern. The findings and conclusions will be incorporated into development of the Alliance marketing strategy.
The Metro Southwest Regional Guide is moving forward. Ray Bodnar met with Dan Nugara, President, Community Profiles, to prepare a preliminary agreement on the publication of the Guide. The Alliance will have no financial o bligation and will receive a percentage of the ad revenue generated. The project will begin January 1, 1999.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD CONTROL INITIATIVE
The Alliance is currently participating in the South Suburban Storm Water Strategy project. The Alliance initiative for storm water management and flood control has been deferred until the completion of the south suburban water resource management project. The Alliance will utilize their findings and conclusions to implement Phase II of a specialized program designed to meet the specific needs of the Metro Southwest communities.
On October 22nd, Alliance President Ray Bodnar participated in the South Suburban Stormwater Strategy Plan Feedback Workshop. He requested that Project Manager Dave Eubanks update the Alliance Board of Directors on November 2 3rd regarding the major components of the plan and the status of Phase II of the project.
THIRD AIRPORT COMMITTEE
The Third Airport Committee met on November 16th, at the Oak Lawn Hilton to reconsider the policy recommendation which is before the Board of Directors. The Committee unanimously agreed to submit a proposed resolution to the Board which supports the third airport with adequate safeguards provided for Midway Airport.
$250,000 GRANT APPLICATION
The Alliance, thru the Southwest Interstate Corridor Council submitted an application for a $250,000 grant to support transportation and economic development related initiatives.
THE ALLIANCE HAS A NEW WEB PAGE
Recently, Tom Liska, Director of the Technology Department, Governors State University met with Alliance staff to develop our new web page.