The community was represented by members of the Admiral Working Group, consisting of: Don Brown, Michael Risselada and Joe Trendl (Karen Furnweger was unable to attend due to work commitments). The meeting began at 6:30PM and ended at 8:00PM. Summarizing the meeting, Joe Trendl writes:

I describe the meeting as positive; by that I mean that all parties were cordial and there was no contentiousness. MAS began by highlighting some of the happenings in Edgewater and then we began our discussion on the Admiral.

• We explained that as a community we were very engaged in the process and that we were pro-growth/development but that it had to be right for our neighborhood. We also assured MAS that we are reflecting community opinion and in no case during this or any past/future Admiral meetings ould anyone on this committee try to push an individual agenda. MAS seemed impressed about the meeting turnouts we have shown thus far.
• We used as collateral our 17 page document (pdf) that the block club committees researched, formatted and delivered in December '05. In addition to this document we offered for review the architectural diagrams shared with the Admiral and a Chicago Tribune article about a residential retirement center that was being built in Evanston about the same size as the Admiral which did not use 20+ story towers.
• We explained that the Winona skilled care center was now off the table and we realize that we will be losing the legacy Admiral building.
• The issues that are pointed out in the document surrounding the original 20+ story structure still apply to the January sketch shown to the community. We also pointed out that we offered some alternative architectural plans generated by Michael Risselada, that could soften the height of the structure, which was well received by the Admiral principals.
• When asked if we had been shown any studies such as light or traffic, we said that we had not. MAS told us that the ward office will be behind whatever decision the community chooses on the Admiral development. We said that we were to meet again to review a new set of plans on April 12 and we were asked to provide notes of that meeting. As all now know, the April 12 meeting has now been pushed to May 3 and the ward office was notified of the change.
• I specifically asked about our community being represented throughout the entire process including the behind closed door PD review downtown. MAS assured us that the community will have a representative at that meeting.
• We spoke of possibly looking at permit parking as a solution to our street parking, and used Gunnison as an example of the exception; she countered with the possibility of a limited permit for morning rush hours of 8-10am. We also asked about reversing Winona Street traffic. She agreed that it makes sense and would look at it, as it would help eliminate the circling that now goes on from those looking for a parking space to open up, as well as mitigate potential truck traffic being dumped onto Winona from Admiral vendors and stymie the current traffic dump off of Sheridan from those vehicles trying to avoid the Foster/Sheridan intersection. All of this will be studied---there is nothing firm.
• We asked about the city/park providing a water source for the garden club's native plant garden in Margate Park, (planted last year) and she promised to look into it. Currently hoses are being run from either the fire hydrant or from water sources provided by friendly buildings on Marine.

News on other developments-- specifically the Dominick's and the Motel on Foster:

• As of now there are no plans for Dominick's. She made it clear something will go there sometime, but the latest developer did not come up with a strong enough plan and her office dismissed him. The Motel has refused to sell to a developer that wished to put up a rumored 40 story structure. When Saddle & Cycle got wind of the tower proposed, they asked the ward office to intercede on their behalf and are trying to negotiate a price to buy the Motel; per MAS, money is no object.
• MAS is also looking into possibly establishing some bump outs along Sheridan at Foster/Lawrence along the lines of Bryn Mawr which include those red rubberized non-slip pads. The feeling is that this will make the intersections more pedestrian friendly and easier to cross at light changes. Again it is being looked into but nothing firm as of yet.

At the end of the meeting MAS again assured us that the Ward office will support our decisions on the Admiral development. She is as interested as we are in seeing the new set of plans by the Admiral, and getting our thoughts on the new development. I feel confident that we will continue to have a seat at the table throughout the entire process.

We will have a community meeting following our May 3rd presentation of the Admiral's new plans; to inform, discuss and vote. We encourage all to attend and to have their voices heard. DATE/TIME/LOCATION: to be determined.

Our thanks for your continued patience as we work to solidify these upcoming meetings.

Joseph R. Trendl
President & CEO
Trendl Associates, Ltd.
www.trendl.net
1.773.728.6973 direct
1.773.728.6976 fax
1.312.953.5658 cell