08/31/98
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 PLANNING COUNCIL
Corridor Council Vice Chairman Chester Stranczek convened the June 25th
Council meeting to review the new geographic information system which was
prepared by Baxter and Woodman and to discuss transportation related
issues. Dr. Richard Green from Northern Illinois University presented the
GIS to the Council at the Oak Forest City Council Chambers. The various
techniques available thru the utilization of the GIS were demonstrated.
In the near future, access to the new data base will be available thru our
computer at the Alliance Headquarters.
Mayor Stranczek reported the transportation bill which passed Congress
included funds for the 127th & Cicero intersection improvements. A
congratulatory letter was sent to Congressman Lipinski thanking him for
his assistance in securing the necessary federal funds.
Marty Joyce, Illinois State Toll highway Authority, updated the Council on
the proposed interchange at I-294/I-57. Discussions continue with the
Federal Highway Administration which was represented by J.D. Stokes at the
council meeting.
THIRD AIRPORT FORUM
On July 9th, the Alliance held a Forum on the proposed third airport at
the Oak Lawn Hilton. The distinguished panel of experts included Kirk
Brown, Secretary, Illinois Department of Transportation,
Stacey Spencer, Government Relations Manager, Chicagoland Chamber of
Commerce, Bill Hood, Vice President, American Airlines and Ed Paesel,
Director of the Third Airport Information Clearinghouse.
The 2-hour plus discussion provided Alliance Board members with the
insights regarding the controversial proposal from the divergent
perspectives. The information generated from the Forum will assist the
Alliance in formulating an official policy position on the third airport.
METRO SOUTHWEST MARKETING AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE
August 4th, the Marketing committee met at Alliance Headquarters to begin
planning for the Commercial/Industrial Real Estate Broker's Forum
scheduled
For September 29th, Radisson Hotel, Alsip. The "Broker's Breakfast" will
focus on identifying the strengths and needs associated with the metro
southwest suburbs from a broker's perspective. These unique insights will
provide input into the formulation of a comprehensive marketing strategy.
The Marketing Committee reviewed a proposal submitted by Blane, Canada,
Ltd. for phase I of the development of a marketing/promotion strategy for
the Metro Southwest. The Committee recommended that the Alliance retain
Eric Canada to assist in the preparation of the Marketing Plan.
On August 13th, the Marketing Committee continued organizing the "Broker's
Breakfast". In addition, the Metro Southwest regional guide was
discussed. It was determined that the content and format of the regional
guide should be coordinated with the Broker's Breakfast and the
Marketing/Promotion Strategy.
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 August 27th, Alliance President Ray Bodnar met with Dave Eubanks,
Project Manager, at the Alliance Office to review the major elements of
the South Suburban Storm Water Management Project.
ALLIANCE STAFF COMPLETES GIS COMPUTER TRAINING COURSE
Recently, Nora Moreland completed a 2-day seminar on Arcview GIS offered
by Environmental Systems Research Institute at DePaul University, Chicago.
This training will help provide the skills necessary to access the
geographic information system for the Corridor Council.
METRO SOUTHWEST MEETS WITH CHICAGO SOUTHLAND ALLIANCE CHAIRMAN
On August 19, 1998, Dr. Yanikoski, St. Xavier University, Mark Spehr, St.
Paul Federal and Ray Bodnar met with Chuck Ofenloch, Chairman, Chicago
Southland Alliance to discuss approaches for cooperation and co-ordination
between the two organizations. Potential mutually beneficial activities
were explored.
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