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| Sunday, September 05, 2010
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MBBA and MacArthur Area News
MBBA and MacArthur Area News
| Redevelopment Plan Website
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MacArthur Parking Survey
A recent survey of parking demand on MacArthur boulevard conducted by the Regional Planning office in conjunction with the Lakota Group's Redevelopment Plan "did not find any present lack of parking at the sites studied; in fact, surplus parking was available at all sites for all peak periods surveyed. Several of the business parking sites were busy during the peak hours reviewed, but very rarely above 50%, and most often much less."
The findings support the initial recommendation of The Lakota Group that would, "reduce curb-cuts, allow for additional streetscape and green space, provide outdoor seating for some establishments, and allow for better access to the properties from alley and roadways behind the properties rather than directly from the Boulevard." and "could... lead to a reduction in parking spaces, particularly to the front of some businesses, and combined or shared parking at some locations."
Several businesses experienced a greater than 50% parking space usage during the short timeframes studied, but the study concluded that, "The findings also appear to indicate that some of the parking may be in oversupply due to zoning or other requirements. A review of actual parking needs may be relevant if over-lay zoning or some other form of zoning relief is considered for the area." and noted examples where shared parking is currently working.
Read the full report... (PDF)
MacArthur Parking Survey
A recent survey of parking demand on MacArthur boulevard conducted by the Regional Planning office in conjunction with the Lakota Group's Redevelopment Plan "did not find any present lack of parking at the sites studied; in fact, surplus parking was available at all sites for all peak periods surveyed. Several of the business parking sites were busy during the peak hours reviewed, but very rarely above 50%, and most often much less."
The findings support the initial recommendation of The Lakota Group that would, "reduce curb-cuts, allow for additional streetscape and green space, provide outdoor seating for some establishments, and allow for better access to the properties from alley and roadways behind the properties rather than directly from the Boulevard." and "could... lead to a reduction in parking spaces, particularly to the front of some businesses, and combined or shared parking at some locations."
Several businesses experienced a greater than 50% parking space usage during the short timeframes studied, but the study concluded that, "The findings also appear to indicate that some of the parking may be in oversupply due to zoning or other requirements. A review of actual parking needs may be relevant if over-lay zoning or some other form of zoning relief is considered for the area." and noted examples where shared parking is currently working.
Read the full report... (PDF)
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| Blessed Sacrement Expansion Project
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In December, 2009, Blessed Sacrament Parish announced they have reached $4.5 million in their capital campaign to renovate and expand Blessed Sacrament School. The "Building on Tradition" capital campaign kicked off in June with a goal of $5.4 million.
The planned expansion will include four components: a new library to serve the academic and technological needs of the entire student body, a gymnasium for physical education and athletic programming, a new preschool wing to serve the youngest of students, and a new entry and administrative wing. Adding these new elements that serve the whole school community will free up classroom space on the original side of the school building to address growing enrollment numbers.
Blessed Sacrament Parish is home to nearly 1,400 families, with a school enrollment of 448 students. The school was opened in 1924, and the school building was built in August of 1925. Construction on the expansion will begin in the spring of 2010.
Read press release...
In December, 2009, Blessed Sacrament Parish announced they have reached $4.5 million in their capital campaign to renovate and expand Blessed Sacrament School. The "Building on Tradition" capital campaign kicked off in June with a goal of $5.4 million.
The planned expansion will include four components: a new library to serve the academic and technological needs of the entire student body, a gymnasium for physical education and athletic programming, a new preschool wing to serve the youngest of students, and a new entry and administrative wing. Adding these new elements that serve the whole school community will free up classroom space on the original side of the school building to address growing enrollment numbers.
Blessed Sacrament Parish is home to nearly 1,400 families, with a school enrollment of 448 students. The school was opened in 1924, and the school building was built in August of 1925. Construction on the expansion will begin in the spring of 2010.
Read press release...
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| Former Esquire Theatre also part of Kerasotes sale
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Posted Jan 30, 2010 @ 11:00 PM, Last update Jan 31, 2010 @ 07:45 AM
KERASOTES THEATRES actually plans to sell four local movie houses.
The Esquire Theatre, which has been empty since 2003, also will be sold as part of an agreement announced early this month by Kerasotes to sell all but a handful of its 973 theaters nationwide to AMC Entertainment of Kansas City, Mo.
“They will own it once we complete closing,” said Tony Kerasotes, chairman and CEO of the Chicago-based chain.
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As for the former Esquire, Kerasotes said there has been interest off-and-on, but there are no immediate prospects.
“There have been people kick the tires from time to time, but nothing serious,” he said.
Read the full story at SJ-R.com...
Posted Jan 30, 2010 @ 11:00 PM, Last update Jan 31, 2010 @ 07:45 AM
KERASOTES THEATRES actually plans to sell four local movie houses.
The Esquire Theatre, which has been empty since 2003, also will be sold as part of an agreement announced early this month by Kerasotes to sell all but a handful of its 973 theaters nationwide to AMC Entertainment of Kansas City, Mo.
“They will own it once we complete closing,” said Tony Kerasotes, chairman and CEO of the Chicago-based chain.
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As for the former Esquire, Kerasotes said there has been interest off-and-on, but there are no immediate prospects.
“There have been people kick the tires from time to time, but nothing serious,” he said.
Read the full story at SJ-R.com...
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| How to Push reinvestment in MacArthur?
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THERE MAY BE no neighborhood group in Springfield more passionate about improving its surroundings than the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association.
The decline of MacArthur Boulevard is a civic calamity for Springfield and one of the most unfortunate results of an utter lack of urban planning and the unchecked march westward of the city’s developers and businesses.
IT'S TRUE that government and private property owners have allowed the area’s infrastructure to decline. Just walking down the street’s crumbling sidewalks can be an adventure. But it’s truly puzzling why few seem to want to reinvest there considering the neighborhoods that surround the road.
On the east side of MacArthur Boulevard is a greatly desired, middle-class, family neighborhood. Housing is affordable and there is a measurable sense of community. On MacArthur’s west side is Leland Grove, an affluent suburb and one of Springfield’s most desirable addresses. There are two schools in the area — Blessed Sacrament and Butler Elementary — within walking distance or a short drive. Oh, and 21,000 cars (and potential customers) drive on MacArthur every day.
This page enthusiastically supports a $95,000 study being paid for with federal housing money to help figure out how to redevelop the area.
Read full story at SJ-R.com...
THERE MAY BE no neighborhood group in Springfield more passionate about improving its surroundings than the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association.
The decline of MacArthur Boulevard is a civic calamity for Springfield and one of the most unfortunate results of an utter lack of urban planning and the unchecked march westward of the city’s developers and businesses.
IT'S TRUE that government and private property owners have allowed the area’s infrastructure to decline. Just walking down the street’s crumbling sidewalks can be an adventure. But it’s truly puzzling why few seem to want to reinvest there considering the neighborhoods that surround the road.
On the east side of MacArthur Boulevard is a greatly desired, middle-class, family neighborhood. Housing is affordable and there is a measurable sense of community. On MacArthur’s west side is Leland Grove, an affluent suburb and one of Springfield’s most desirable addresses. There are two schools in the area — Blessed Sacrament and Butler Elementary — within walking distance or a short drive. Oh, and 21,000 cars (and potential customers) drive on MacArthur every day.
This page enthusiastically supports a $95,000 study being paid for with federal housing money to help figure out how to redevelop the area.
Read full story at SJ-R.com...
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| Home Décor & More - Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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Saturday, January 30, 9am
Home Decor and More
2025 South MacArthur Boulevard
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) is pleased to announce the opening of Home Décor & More in the former Aquarium Unlimited at 2025 South MacArthur Boulevard. Members of the association kicked off the official grand opening on Saturday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will also offer promotions throughout the day with live radio remotes from two local radio stations in the Springfield area.
Read more...
MBBA Board Member Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited, MBBA Member Sharon Whalen of Illinois Times, MBBA President Cory Jobe, Sangamon County Board Member Jen Dillman, Home Decor Owner Susan DeFreitas, MBBA Board Member David Farrell, Home Decor Owner
Dr. Gene Blaum , MBBA Member Laurie Farrell, MBBA Member Julie Dirksen, and MBBA Board Member Beth Zink of Pease's Candy join in the Grand Opening ribbon cutting of Home Decor and More.
Saturday, January 30, 9am
Home Decor and More
2025 South MacArthur Boulevard
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) is pleased to announce the opening of Home Décor & More in the former Aquarium Unlimited at 2025 South MacArthur Boulevard. Members of the association kicked off the official grand opening on Saturday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will also offer promotions throughout the day with live radio remotes from two local radio stations in the Springfield area.
Read more...
MBBA Board Member Wade Kammin of Wild Birds Unlimited, MBBA Member Sharon Whalen of Illinois Times, MBBA President Cory Jobe, Sangamon County Board Member Jen Dillman, Home Decor Owner Susan DeFreitas, MBBA Board Member David Farrell, Home Decor Owner
Dr. Gene Blaum , MBBA Member Laurie Farrell, MBBA Member Julie Dirksen, and MBBA Board Member Beth Zink of Pease's Candy join in the Grand Opening ribbon cutting of Home Decor and More.
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| MBBA New Years Goal: Increase Business Membership by 25% in 2010
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1/15/2010
Today MBBA officials announced at their regular monthly meeting of the membership to set a goal of increasing membership in 2010 by 25%. To date, the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) has over 150 members comprising of business owners and neighborhood residents with an interest in redeveloping the boulevard area.
Current MBBA members are being asked to recruit new members to join the association from now until March 10, 2010. The association will also host a Friends of MacArthur Business After Hours Event from 5-7pm at Ross Isaac Restaurant on Monday, March 1st to encourage area merchants and neighbors to join the group. In addition the member who recruits the most new members will receive a MacArthur Area Business Pack compliments of the MBBA and area member merchants.
Read more...
1/15/2010
Today MBBA officials announced at their regular monthly meeting of the membership to set a goal of increasing membership in 2010 by 25%. To date, the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) has over 150 members comprising of business owners and neighborhood residents with an interest in redeveloping the boulevard area.
Current MBBA members are being asked to recruit new members to join the association from now until March 10, 2010. The association will also host a Friends of MacArthur Business After Hours Event from 5-7pm at Ross Isaac Restaurant on Monday, March 1st to encourage area merchants and neighbors to join the group. In addition the member who recruits the most new members will receive a MacArthur Area Business Pack compliments of the MBBA and area member merchants.
Read more...
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| Local Leaders Announce Redevelopment Plan:
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Lakota Group Selected to Lead MacArthur Boulevard Study
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cory Jobe, President
Springfield, Illinois
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) today announced that the Chicago-based Lakota Group has been selected as the consultants to lead the redevelopment planning effort along the Boulevard.
Attending the press conference along with MBBA merchant members and area neighborhood residents were local city and county leaders, elected officials, and
U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, who sponsored the HUD grant.
Read the full story... (PDF)
Event Photos
HUD Grant Announcement in Springfield
1/19/2010
from Rep John Shimkus
On Friday, January 15th, I attended a press conference to announce a Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant I secured to study economic development and various business opportunities for the MacArthur Boulevard corridor in Springfield.
The MacArthur Boulevard corridor has suffered numerous economic setbacks in recent years. However, through new business development, an energized business advocacy group and a new interstate exit that will eventually connect to MacArthur Boulevard, the area has attracted a wide array of new and exciting businesses, restaurants and specialty shops. This grant will help to further develop MacArthur Boulevard and attract more business.
I am pleased to have secured this grant to help our capital city. I know MacArthur Boulevard will continue its transformation into a vibrant commercial area.
Redevelopment of Springfield's MacArthur Blvd. continues
WANDTV
1/15/2010
The redevelopment of Springfield's MacArthur Boulevard is a step closer to reality
An association of businesses has received a $95,000 federal grant for a study. The goal is to come up with a plan for redesigning the streetscape and maximize the business potential of the new MacArthur interchange of I-72. Completion of the plan is expected in about ten months and will involve the entire Springfield community.
"This is not just going to take business owners on the boulevard or concerned neighbors or citizens," said Cory Jobe, President of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association. "This is going to take the whole community." Read full story...
MacArthur corridor study should be complete by fall
Tim Landis, SJ-R
1/15/2010
A $95,000 study of redevelopment on a commercial section of MacArthur Boulevard should be completed this fall, but a participant in the study said one of the challenges is making the area more pedestrian and neighborhood friendly.
Nick Kalogeresis, vice president of The Lakota Group, said the consultants also plan to contact owners of longtime vacant buildings, including a former Kmart that has been empty for seven years, in hopes of convincing the private sector to participate.
Read full story...
Hiring consultant first step in plans to revive South MacArthur Blvd.
1/15/2010
Tim Landis, SJ-R
A consultant’s study could provide the basis for a tax increment financing district that would draw new development on South MacArthur Boulevard, the chairman of a boulevard support group said Friday.
Cory Jobe of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association said a special business district, federal economic stimulus funds and state transportation money also could be in the mix when the report is finished this fall.
Read full story...
Officials hope MacArthur Blvd extension will boom
01/15/2010
Officials hope the MacArthur Boulevard extension will more retail businesses to the area. Story provided by ABC Newschannel 20.
See video...
Bob Murray interviews Jen Dillman and Cory Jobe
1/18/2010
Listen to the interview...
Podcasts from 970 WMAY
Jim Leach
1/15/2010
Nick Kalogeresis, Vice President of The Lakota Group
Sangamon County Board Member and MacArthur resident Jen Dillman
Lakota Group Selected to Lead MacArthur Boulevard Study
Friday, January 15, 2010
Cory Jobe, President
Springfield, Illinois
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) today announced that the Chicago-based Lakota Group has been selected as the consultants to lead the redevelopment planning effort along the Boulevard.
Attending the press conference along with MBBA merchant members and area neighborhood residents were local city and county leaders, elected officials, and
U.S. Congressman John Shimkus, who sponsored the HUD grant.
Read the full story... (PDF)
Event Photos
HUD Grant Announcement in Springfield
1/19/2010
from Rep John Shimkus
On Friday, January 15th, I attended a press conference to announce a Housing & Urban Development (HUD) grant I secured to study economic development and various business opportunities for the MacArthur Boulevard corridor in Springfield.
The MacArthur Boulevard corridor has suffered numerous economic setbacks in recent years. However, through new business development, an energized business advocacy group and a new interstate exit that will eventually connect to MacArthur Boulevard, the area has attracted a wide array of new and exciting businesses, restaurants and specialty shops. This grant will help to further develop MacArthur Boulevard and attract more business.
I am pleased to have secured this grant to help our capital city. I know MacArthur Boulevard will continue its transformation into a vibrant commercial area.
Redevelopment of Springfield's MacArthur Blvd. continues
WANDTV
1/15/2010
The redevelopment of Springfield's MacArthur Boulevard is a step closer to reality
An association of businesses has received a $95,000 federal grant for a study. The goal is to come up with a plan for redesigning the streetscape and maximize the business potential of the new MacArthur interchange of I-72. Completion of the plan is expected in about ten months and will involve the entire Springfield community.
"This is not just going to take business owners on the boulevard or concerned neighbors or citizens," said Cory Jobe, President of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association. "This is going to take the whole community." Read full story...
MacArthur corridor study should be complete by fall
Tim Landis, SJ-R
1/15/2010
A $95,000 study of redevelopment on a commercial section of MacArthur Boulevard should be completed this fall, but a participant in the study said one of the challenges is making the area more pedestrian and neighborhood friendly.
Nick Kalogeresis, vice president of The Lakota Group, said the consultants also plan to contact owners of longtime vacant buildings, including a former Kmart that has been empty for seven years, in hopes of convincing the private sector to participate.
Read full story...
Hiring consultant first step in plans to revive South MacArthur Blvd.
1/15/2010
Tim Landis, SJ-R
A consultant’s study could provide the basis for a tax increment financing district that would draw new development on South MacArthur Boulevard, the chairman of a boulevard support group said Friday.
Cory Jobe of the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association said a special business district, federal economic stimulus funds and state transportation money also could be in the mix when the report is finished this fall.
Read full story...
Officials hope MacArthur Blvd extension will boom
01/15/2010
Officials hope the MacArthur Boulevard extension will more retail businesses to the area. Story provided by ABC Newschannel 20.
See video...
Bob Murray interviews Jen Dillman and Cory Jobe
1/18/2010
Listen to the interview...
Podcasts from 970 WMAY
Jim Leach
1/15/2010
Nick Kalogeresis, Vice President of The Lakota Group
Sangamon County Board Member and MacArthur resident Jen Dillman
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to Lead MacArthur Boulevard Area Redevelopment Planning Project - Saturday, January 09, 2010
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) is pleased to announce that the Chicago-based Lakota Group has been selected as the consultants to lead the redevelopment planning effort along the Boulevard area. The project will be managed by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission and funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsored by U.S. Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville).
Read full press release...
to Lead MacArthur Boulevard Area Redevelopment Planning Project - Saturday, January 09, 2010
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association (MBBA) is pleased to announce that the Chicago-based Lakota Group has been selected as the consultants to lead the redevelopment planning effort along the Boulevard area. The project will be managed by the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission and funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sponsored by U.S. Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville).
Read full press release...
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| MacArthur Extension Opening Postponed to 2010
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1/6/2010
According to Tim Landis of the State Journal-Register, the MacArthur extension is not expected to open until sometime in 2010. Landis writes, "According to the department, most of the remaining work involves safety-related items such as guardrails and powering up traffic lights. Wet weather in October, and now the arrival of winter weather, have slowed progress."
Read full article at SJ-R.com...
1/6/2010
According to Tim Landis of the State Journal-Register, the MacArthur extension is not expected to open until sometime in 2010. Landis writes, "According to the department, most of the remaining work involves safety-related items such as guardrails and powering up traffic lights. Wet weather in October, and now the arrival of winter weather, have slowed progress."
Read full article at SJ-R.com...
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| Study to examine MacArthur’s problems:
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Consultant will consider ways to rejuvenate area
By TIM LANDIS
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Oct 08, 2009
A nine-month study of ways to preserve the best of MacArthur Boulevard and improve the worst should get started at about the same time the MacArthur extension is completed.
Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission executive director Norm Sims said Thursday study proposals will be accepted through the end of this month and a consultant selected by the end of the year.
Read full story...
Consultant will consider ways to rejuvenate area
By TIM LANDIS
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Oct 08, 2009
A nine-month study of ways to preserve the best of MacArthur Boulevard and improve the worst should get started at about the same time the MacArthur extension is completed.
Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission executive director Norm Sims said Thursday study proposals will be accepted through the end of this month and a consultant selected by the end of the year.
Read full story...
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| Third Annual MBBA Artist Market
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5/22/2009
New Expanded Show Hours and Entertainment for the Entire Family
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association’s third annual artist market is right around the corner and organizers are announcing new additions to this year’s market. The market has nearly 35 artist committed to each show, which will be held on each of the 4 Saturdays in June-June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2009.
The event will once again be held outdoors at the Town and Country Shopping Center on MacArthur Boulevard. The show will run from 9a.m. to 3p.m. each date, rain or shine! In addition to expanded show time hours, the artist market will feature limited food vendor, musical entertainment and a magician for the kids.
Artist who have agreed to participate include fine crafts and other original art work, photography, painted furniture, jewelry and ceramics. The show is open to handcrafted items only; no manufactured items.
The Artist Market is sponsored by the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association and the Illinois Times. The market was created three years ago to attract additional shoppers to the boulevard area as a way to showcase our locally owned independent businesses. For further information about the association, please go to www.shoponmacarthur.com.
5/22/2009
New Expanded Show Hours and Entertainment for the Entire Family
The MacArthur Boulevard Business Association’s third annual artist market is right around the corner and organizers are announcing new additions to this year’s market. The market has nearly 35 artist committed to each show, which will be held on each of the 4 Saturdays in June-June 6, 13, 20, 27, 2009.
The event will once again be held outdoors at the Town and Country Shopping Center on MacArthur Boulevard. The show will run from 9a.m. to 3p.m. each date, rain or shine! In addition to expanded show time hours, the artist market will feature limited food vendor, musical entertainment and a magician for the kids.
Artist who have agreed to participate include fine crafts and other original art work, photography, painted furniture, jewelry and ceramics. The show is open to handcrafted items only; no manufactured items.
The Artist Market is sponsored by the MacArthur Boulevard Business Association and the Illinois Times. The market was created three years ago to attract additional shoppers to the boulevard area as a way to showcase our locally owned independent businesses. For further information about the association, please go to www.shoponmacarthur.com.
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| MacArthur Neighborhood Mixer a Success
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4/30/2009
The MBBA is delighted with the great turnout for our First Annual Neighborhood Mixer, with more than 150 attendees and over 70 new contacts for our eNewsletter. Thanks to those who signed on as new members and to volunteer to help with our events and the Problem Property Initiative. Our great speakers talked about the goals of the Association, commercial real estate, residential real estate, the Problem Property Initiative, the MacArthur extension, the $95,000 grant for the Streetscape Project and neighborhood safety.
Mixer details, handouts, links and presentation notes...
4/30/2009
The MBBA is delighted with the great turnout for our First Annual Neighborhood Mixer, with more than 150 attendees and over 70 new contacts for our eNewsletter. Thanks to those who signed on as new members and to volunteer to help with our events and the Problem Property Initiative. Our great speakers talked about the goals of the Association, commercial real estate, residential real estate, the Problem Property Initiative, the MacArthur extension, the $95,000 grant for the Streetscape Project and neighborhood safety.
Mixer details, handouts, links and presentation notes...
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