Thursday, November 12, 2009
Harper Court Reflux
http://www.hpherald.com/breakingnews.html
I asked the presenters (the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago) at the meeting to make their presentation public by posting it on the TIF or University website. They hemmed and hawed about prorprietary information. Of course, they failed to explain why they could show the details in public, but then not make them available to a wider public. Go figure.
And there was Marc Monaghan, all along, quietly snapping photos of the whole presentation. Three cheers, Marc, as well as to the Herald for putting them online.
Now we can have a better discussion at the January TIF meeting, I hope.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Is the University of Chicago run by cretins?
Hmmm.
- Unnecessary demolition of the community garden at 61st Street
- The Harper Court debacle
- Dixie Kitchen (see Harper Court)
- Hyde Park Theater
- Massive staff demoralization on campus
- Staff firings
- The shallow pretensions of Lipinski, Campbell, and others within the Office of Civic Engagement
- Their failure to take any stance on Point restoration and preservation
- Their unwillingness to engage the community in real discussion over development of Doctors' Hospital (what happened serves them right)
- The casual willingness to support the destruction of Washington Park for the Olympics (with the likelihood of "inheriting" what was left over).
And these are just the issues that come to mind without much thought. I'm sure I could think of 10 more reasons, if I put my mind to it, but I'm too tired of the University to bother. At the moment....
Monday, October 5, 2009
Interesting Pottery

Friday, September 11, 2009
Some IMPORTANT Meetings SOON
Too many meetings!
Saturday (9/12), 10 to 4, the Hyde Park Garden Fair holds its fall Bulb and Mum sale, at the Hyde Park Shopping Center courtyard.
Sunday (9/13), 2:30 to 4:00, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference holds its annual meeting, where we elect the new board and say 'farewell' to the old members (me, this year!). We'll have champagne and cake to celebrate (Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 55th and Kenwood).
Monday (9/14), 7:00, the 53rd Street TIF hosts is bi-monthly meeting at Kenwood High School. We will begin to hear about possible plans for Harper Court. Be there!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Work, work, work
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Books, books, books
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Robert's Rules of Order
I've pointed out to them that the best resort for bad meetings is Robert's Rules of Order. There are so many ways this guide can be used to run a productive meeting, but it's invaluable when it comes to "bad" meetings.
Some basic rules that prove useful:
1. There is no discussion without a motion. If you want to talk, you must "move" an action. The motion must be seconded, or it dies. Sit down and be quiet.
2. If the motion receives a second, the "mover" speaks first. This person does not speak again until all other members have had a chance to have their say.
3. Any one participating in the meeting can "move" the motion. That requires a vote, no discussion. If the motion is voted down, it is finished for that meeting. It can be brought up in future meetings, but not in that meeting (technically, it can be re-introduced by someone who voted against it originally, but has reconsidered his/her vote).
Listen to everyone. Let no one dominate.
And minutes do not need to be approved. You cannot reject the minutes. SO all you Hyde Parker meeting holders who request a motion to approve the minutes, STOP IT!

