LINCOLN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007; 7:00 P.M.

The meeting was called to order by the president, Brenda Dwiggins, who welcomed the attendees and introduced the speaker, Vickie Haugen, President and C.E.O of VERMILION ADVANTAGE, the economic development agency for the Vermilion County area. Vickie gave a brief history of formal economic development efforts in the area, starting in the early 1980s with the formation of the Economic Development Corporation, through its merger with the Danville Chamber of Commerce and into its current structure. She outlined its current functions in workforce development and education, the retention of, and assistance to, existing business in the area, as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the area. The plusses and minuses of the business climate of the area and of Illinois in general were presented, and a Q&A discussion with the attendees followed.

By unanimous vote, the reading of the May minutes was dispensed with because of their inclusion and distribution in the meeting notice form.

The Treasurer, Ellen Vanesse, reported a balance of $1087.37.

OLD BUSINESS:

>Rocky Hill reported on his contacts with city officials about the long-term neglected property at 1218 Sherman. He and Alderman Mike Puhr will pursue action by the city to address the hazards to the neighborhood that this property represents. Vic Vanesse moved that the Association take action if the city does not respond in a reasonable time. The motion was seconded and carried.

>Brenda announced that there was little response to the idea of selling tee shirts and caps with the LPHD logo. Lisa Burgess suggested that a possible tie-in with Arts in the Park might stimulate sales. The suggestion will be pursued for next year.

>The LPHD yard sales reported success, with some of the profits benefiting the association. Maps of the sale locations would be useful for future sales.

>The LPHD note cards will be sold at Arts in the Park. Volunteers were asked to sign up.

>Danville Area Transportation Study: no report.

>"Make It Bloom" report: Joyce Melton gave an update on this city beautification project.

>Park clean-up will be June 30 and July 28.

NEW BUSINESS:

>Brenda gave a report on the "Youth Build" project, being funded by a grant to the Center For Children's Services, which will re-hab a house on Grant Street. The focus of the program is to educate young people by offering hands-on experience in building and maintenance skills. She urged LPHD to be supportive of this program.

ALDERMAN REPORT:

Mike Puhr took note of speeding being reported on both Sherman and Sheridan Streets as well as on English. He also reminded residents to be sure to claim any energy upgrades to their homes for credit on their tax forms. He also expressed the hope that the annual Turtle Races will again benefit the city by a financial gift of around $10,000.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Nancy Bates, Secretary