Commission Meeting Minutes
Submitted by: LaShawn Brown

Date/Time/Location:	March 24, 25 Refund Request—Appraisal Fee Overcharge (8421 S. Cottage Grove Ave) / 5:30 pm / 2226 E 71st Street
Called to Order/Adjourned:	5:43p  7:36pm
ATTENDEES
Commissioners:	Present: Carmella Coqmard, Amena Karim (Chair) Julia Perkins, Linda Young, Damon Smith, Rick Norwood, Sean McGinnis
Board Members:
Guest(s):	Machi Barrett,
Service Provider:	LaShawn Brown,Tonya Trice, Ciera Whitaker

Discussions

1. Walgreens Site Redevelopment: Presenter: Tonya Trice–Discussed down-zoning the Walgreens site (7109 S. Jeffery) to discourage undesirable retail replacements.  Emphasized targeting a dine-in restaurant or high-quality retailer for revitalization. Highlighted site challenges: large, two-story, 17,000 sq. ft. space with limited retail suitability.

Requested assistance from World Business Chicago (WBC) to identify and attract quality tenants using community surveys and data.

Response from WBC: WBC introduced themselves and their focus on economic development through community partnerships. They are actively researching community needs (food access, vacancy issues) and developing strategic pitch materials. They expressed interest in integrating survey data, incentives, and end-user alignment into business recruitment.

Community Input: Suggested ideas like an indoor golf and entertainment concept (e.g., Golf Galaxy x Dave & Buster’s). Raised concerns about affordability and equity in access. Encouraged youth-focused amenities and programming.

2. Security Camera Installation Proposal: Proposal to increase security around the Walgreens site by installing or gaining access to existing cameras. Current camera infrastructure at nearby currency exchange reviewed. Noted that Walgreens’ permission is required to access or install new cameras.

Community Concerns: Reported litter, unauthorized access, and safety issues. Emphasized importance of proactive and ongoing maintenance/security.

3. Security Services Update  42 crimes reported in February within CPD District 3. Few in the SSA42 district. Decrease noted in burglaries, robberies, and homicides. Patrol hours and visibility were reviewed. New security personnel were recently hired.

Feedback & Suggestions: Suggested marketing efforts to improve safety perception. Proposed a collaborative approach involving local businesses and more visible patrols. Discussed launching low-interest loans for business security improvements.

4. South Shore Chamber of Commerce/CDC Updates

$1.1M awarded by MacArthur Foundation (4-year grant). $160,000 awarded by Coleman Foundation. $100,000 awarded by Chicago Community Trust for Community Investment Vehicle (CIV) staffing. Closed on property at 1735 E. 71st St. for business incubation through the CIV. Interviewing for the position of CIV Coordinator for the end of April hire.

Renovation of 1735 E. 71st Street Property: Plans include mixed-use: restaurant space, short-term rental units, affordable rental options. Renovations underway, including asbestos remediation and preservation of architectural details. Funded in part through state grants. Committed to complete renovations and develop a fair business attraction process.

Community Feedback: Urged transparency in selecting businesses for tenancy. Requested emphasis on aligning new tenants with community needs.

Next Steps: Leadership Elections: Upcoming meeting will include votes for vice chair, treasurer, and secretary. Role descriptions to be distributed.

Decisions
Agenda Adoption Commissioner Kareem requested an update from Perkins & Will; the agenda was amended accordingly. Motion to adopt the agenda with permission for modifications passed unanimously.

Task Requested	Assigned To:
Walgreens: Coordinate with Donovan Pepper (Walgreens) on camera access. Explore integrating camera expansion with broader street security and maintenance strategies. Plan a multi-stakeholder meeting including the alderman to create a comprehensive approach. Press Walgreens to hire and maintain lot with litter abatement services. Collaborate on retail recruitment strategy using community insights with World Business Chicago. Share case studies and development models. WBC to return within 30 days with case studies and redevelopment recommendations.	T Trice, L Brown T
Security: Continue Expanded  foot patrols and increase community engagement. Work with the media to share safety improvements and promote transparency. Research and promote business security funding opportunities. Plan joint security/street maintenance strategy with aldermen and stakeholders. Explore financial tools for businesses to complete security upgrades. Plan to host a safety and security meeting with community partners and stakeholders	L Brown