Elgin Community Network (ECN) Podcasts

The ECN Community Builder online show is a wonderful vehicle for Elgin. It is fulfilling ECN's vision of service to the community. The ECN has limited funds, and therefore the promotion of this show lies very much in the hands of volunteers and supporters. You can listen to or download programs at: www.ecn.libsyn.com.

The September edition includes Norma Miess, Executive Director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. She discusses how the DNA focuses on cohesively bringing together the business community for a stronger downtown.

When you go to the website you will see a pod button next to the title of the show. Click the pod button and it will bring up your media player and play the program. Click the right mouse button to download the program so you can listen whenever and wherever you please. For information on the show or to help please contact Gary Joy at 847-628-9717.

The Elgin Community Network is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to:
- Supporting communication, education and collaboration between Elgin neighborhoods, city council and staff.
- Encouraging residents to be involved in their neighborhood and community.

The Community Builder covers useful topics, shares information and builds on our community's success.

2006 Illinois Main Street Conference

Don't miss the Illinois Main Street conference in Waukegan on November 14th and 15th.
Elgin's own Paul Bednar will be presenting a session on Block Walks.

Register Online for the Conference
Registration Sheet for Printing Out
Agenda and More Info (.pdf file)

UPDATE
This just in. Elgin is a finialist in the following four categories of the 2006 Illinois Main Street Awards:

• Design Committee Project - Block Walk Report
• Special Event or Festival - Gail Borden Library's GIANT Exhibit
• Partnership Development - DNA & Judson College Partnership
• Heritage Tourism Activity - Cinco de Mayo Festival & Parade

The winners will be announced at the Lt. Governor’s Awards for Downtown Revitalization dinner on November 15th in Waukegan.

You won’t want to miss this year’s awards event rivaling the Oscars and the Tony Awards! The sounds of the Harrison Bankhead Trio will serenade you during the reception with hors d’ oeuvres and cash bar. Then you’ll be escorted to your seat in the theatre where the celebration will continue. Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will present the Awards for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization and recognize new and outstanding Main Street communities. Everyone is a star this night when the curtain rises and dinner is served on the Genesee Theatre stage. Semi-formal attire requested. Dinner is $50 make your reservation at Register Online for the Conference Registration or Registration Sheet for Printing Out.

E. Chicago Down to One Lane for Two Weeks

Chicago Street, from Douglas to Spring, will be reduced to only one lane for about two weeks starting October 16th. Parking along Chicago Street will be prohibited, however, access to businesses will be available. The construction is part of the City of Elgin’s $1.3 million 2006 Combined Sewer Separation Project approved by Council last year. The Combined Sewer Separation Program will incrementally separate wastewater and storm water sewers over the next 15 years. For more info contact Steve Pertzborn, the City’s Senior Engineer, at (847) 931-5964.

Illinois Main Street Architects to Visit Downtown Elgin

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has invited IHPA architects to conduct a workshop, offer design advice, and lead a building maintenance tour for business and property owners.

Architects from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), working through the Illinois Main Street program, will be in Elgin all day on Tuesday, October 24 to provide businesses, agencies, and building owners design assistance through presentations, one-on-one sessions, and a walking tour. The state architects provide these services at no charge to Illinois Main Street communities like Elgin.

Downtown Neighborhood Association’s (DNA) Design Committee co-chairs Eric Pepa, Paul Bednar, Betsy Couture, and Dave Segel have worked with the Illinois Main Street architects to develop a full day of design assistance for Downtown Elgin.

Schedule
8 a.m. - Sessions on visual merchandising and low-cost design improvements at the DNA offices at 2 Douglas Avenue. Coffee and pastries will be served.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - One-on-one design assistance sessions with downtown business and property owners. Any interested Downtown Elgin business owner, agency or property owner can schedule an appointment by calling the DNA in advance at (847) 488-1456.

12 p.m. - Lunch


4:30 p.m. - The IHPA staff will discuss proper maintenance and repair of historic downtown buildings. There are several maintenance issues that, if addressed early, can save building owners tremendous amounts of time and money in the long run. This well-illustrated presentation identifies common causes of deterioration in historic building materials and examines necessary and appropriate repair techniques.

5:30 p.m. - IHPA staff will lead an hour-long tour of buildings in downtown Elgin, focusing on positive aspects of storefronts and areas where conditions might be improved. The public is welcome to attend the morning and afternoon sessions and tour. Packets will be available that discuss the various grants and tax credits available for downtown buildings from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and from the City of Elgin. In addition, information will be available regarding design assistance from the IHPA, the City of Elgin, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

To RSVP for any of these sessions please contact DNA at (847) 488-1456 by October 20.

Lao-American Organization Open House

I had the pleasure of attending the Lao-American Organization of Elgin Open House on Saturday. They have opened an office in the Professional Building. Their mission is:

"Unite and provide assistance to all people of Lao national origin, living in the Greater Elgin Area and it's surrounding cities, with emphasis on educational and Social-cultural factors as a focal point."

The organization has been in existence since 1996. They plan to use the office to hold classes and workshops to fulfill their mission. After learning about the group it was time for lunch so we went up to the top floor of the Professional Building for a buffet prepared by the members of LAOE. What could be better. Good food, great company and a spectacular view.

Lao-American Organization of Elgin, Inc.
164 Division St., Suite 508
Elgin, IL 60120

(847) 695-4505
www.laoofelgin.org

Downtown Elgin Blog on the Front Page of the Courier News

New media profiled on old media, "Elgin wired up on the Web". The Downtown Elgin and Elginite blogs were on the front page of the Monday, October 16th Courier News. I was interviewed by Kent Green several weeks ago. It's good to see the story, but I didn't expect the placement it got.

Nothing like vistors to inspire you to straighten up. My posting has been very light lately.

Downtown Streetscape Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 17th at 7 p.m.
Where: The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
What: Elgin business owners and residents are invited to attend a third informational meeting about proposed sidewalk and street improvements for the downtown.

“The CBD Streetscape Improvement Project will enhance the appearance and condition of sidewalk areas and street resurfacing,” said John Loete, Elgin’s Public Works Director. “There have been two meetings with the community that have helped direct our efforts and we’re now ready to present a preliminary plan.”

The project’s utility work has been completed on Grove Avenue, Fulton Street and part of Spring Street and includes water system replacement and repairs to the sanitary and storm sewer systems.

To oversee the CBD Streetscape Improvement Project, the City of Elgin has engaged the services of TranSystems Corporation and DLK Civic Design to provide design services for water main and water service replacement, streetscape amenities construction and street resurfacing.

“The CBD Streetscape Improvement Project is in the City’s current five-year master plan with $15.5 million budgeted for utility and streetscape work,” said Loete. “Another $2 million is expected to be budgeted when the City’s new five-year master plan is completed in 2011.”

Following completion of the Streetscape Master Plan, the sidewalk, curb and gutter and street reconstruction/resurfacing on sections of Grove, Spring and Fulton will be completed in 2007. The balance of the proposed phasing is as follows:

2007 Underground, 2008 Surface: Chicago Street from State to Center, Spring Street from Chicago to Highland, and DuPage Street from Spring to Center.

2008 Underground, 2009 Surface: Douglas Street from Chicago to Symphony, Symphony Way from Douglas to Dundee, and Division Street from Douglas to Center.

2009 Underground, 2010 Surface: Highland Avenue from State to Center, Grove Street from Highland to City Hall, and Center Street from Dexter to Kimball.

2010 Underground, 2011 Surface: Spring Street from Highland to Kimball and Dexter Avenue from City Hall to Center.

“The nature of the underground and streetscape construction will create certain challenges in the downtown area,” said Loete. “As a result, construction will be planned and executed in order to maintain reasonable access during construction, and minimize disruption to the extent possible.

“Residents, business owners and other stakeholders will be kept informed about the project through including public meetings, newsletters, updates, and project status reports via mailings/handouts and on the City’s website,” continued Loete. “We want to ensure everyone knows what to expect.”

For more information, contact Loete at (847) 931-6001.

Downtown Streetscape Design Charrette

Central Business District (CBD) Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Program
Public Information Session #2
Design Charette

The Centre – Heritage Ballroom
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
August 17, 2006
7:00 p.m.

Join the City and representatives of the design team (TranSystems and DLK Civic Design) to help shape and develop concepts for the Central Business District (CBD) Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Program.

This meeting is the second meeting in a series of public meetings that will be held throughout this project to provide an opportunity for property and business owners, tenants, residents, and other interested stakeholders to be involved through the design and construction of this exciting five-year program. The first public meeting was held on July 27th and provided general information of the project along with an inventory and analysis of the CBD from a surface and appearance perspective.

The purpose of this second public meeting is to present initial concepts for streetscaping options developed by the consultant team. A brief presentation of these concepts will be given followed by a breakout working session. Your comments on these initial concepts will aid the design team in progressing these concepts into final design and construction. We hope that you can join us for what promises to be an exciting, collaborative, and informative workshop.

Project Background
The City is currently experiencing considerable redevelopment of its older downtown Central Business District (CBD). With the numerous redevelopment efforts that are taking place, the need to repair, update and enhance the sidewalks and streets has become evident. It is envisioned that the improvements would include the replacement of sidewalks and curb and gutter with new ones that include paver streetscape accents, planters with irrigation, decorative street lights, street furniture, additional street trees and repaving of the streets.
The look would be similar to that found on Douglas Avenue, Grove Avenue, and Symphony Way around the The Centre. In addition to the above work, the underground utilities will also need to be reconditioned. The water main and water services in the CBD are old, buried deeper than necessary due to street grade changes over the years and not easily repairable. The storm and sanitary sewers have been inspected and repaired in the past but also need to be evaluated and any recommended repairs addressed. Lining of all sewer mains is budgeted for 2006 by the annual Public Works contract.
To oversee the CBD Improvement Project, the City of Elgin has engaged the services of TranSystems and DLK Civic Design to provide design services for water main and water service replacement, streetscape amenities construction and street resurfacing. Both the surface and underground work will have a high impact on the residents and businesses in the area. For this reason, construction will need to be well planned and executed in order to maintain reasonable access during construction. The general plan for the program is for the utility work to occur the year before the surface improvements. The project has been laid out such that surface improvements would begin in 2007 and be concluded by the end of 2011 construction season. In order to maintain this proposed schedule, the underground utility work for the first year of the surface improvements must be done in 2006.
Because of the impact on the residents and businesses in the area, the consultant team will provide a substantial public relations/information effort during the course of the project. This will likely include frequent public meetings, newsletters, updates and project status reports via mailings/handouts and on the City’s website during design and construction of the project.

August Out to Lunch

When: Monday, August 28th at 12 p.m.
Where: Prairie Rock Brewing Company
127 S. Grove Ave
Elgin, Illinois 60120

What:
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin presents Out to Lunch, an opportunity to explore new restaurants and meet new people. Our guest for August is Jeff Swoboda, Chief of Operations, Elgin Police Department. His duties include ROPE, Community Relations/Crime prevention, Crime Free Housing and Nuisance Abatement.

Choice of a Club or Pulled Chicken sandwich with a fruit cup and the Chef's choice of dessert. $8.00 including a soft drink. Tax and gratuity not included.

RSVP to (847)488-1456 by August 25th.

Out to Dinner at Al's Cafe and Creamery

When: Tuesday, August 8th at 6 p.m.
Where:
Al's Cafe
43 DuPage Ct.
Elgin, IL 60120

What:
Join us for a night of networking and dining with guest speakers Kriss Knowles from the Small Business Development Center and Jim Kendall, a marketing consultant. We will be discussing the pros and cons of marketing in Downtown Elgin.

How: Please RSVP by 5 pm on Monday August 7th by calling 847.488.1456.

July Out to Lunch

DNA’s Out to Lunch
Where:
Al's Cafe & Creamery
43 Dupage Court
Elgin, IL 60120

When: Monday, July 31st at Noon

Your choice of sandwich plus pop and a chocolate chip cookie for your sweet tooth for $7.50
Chicken Teriyaki
Char-grilled teriyaki marinated chicken breast, topped with melted Muenster cheese and grilled pineapple, served a toasted deluxe bun with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Eastside Roast Beef
Slice roast beef, sautéed onions, green peppers and mushrooms, melted Colby cheese on a bun with horseradish spread on the side.

Our guest will be the Rev. Neris Diaz-Cabello, the new EHN president and the Chaplain at Sherman Hospital.
RSVP at (847)488-1456 for your summer lunch and business networking by July 28th!!

Kickoff Meeting for the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project

When: Thursday, July 27th ay 7 p.m.
Where: The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Heritage Ballroom
What: The first informational meeting will be to meet with the public to explain the scope of the project and get some preliminary input on the types of improvements residents and business owners would like to see.

The city has engaged TranSystems Corporation and DLK Civic Design to provide design services for water main and water service replacement, streetscape amenities construction and street resurfacing. The consultant team will develop a master plan for the streetscape components of the improvements. There will be multiple opportunities for public involvement. The master plan will be prepared for the entire Downtown before the construction process begins in 2007 and the master plan will incorporate public input.

Timeline
• 2007 underground, 2008 surface: Chicago Street from State to Center, Spring Street from Chicago to Highland, and DuPage Street from Spring to Center.
• 2008 underground, 2009 surface: Douglas Avenue from Chicago to Symphony Way, Symphony from Douglas to Dundee Avenue, and Division Street from Douglas to Center Street.
• 2009 underground, 2010 surface: Highland Avenue from State Street (Illinois 31) to Center, Grove from Highland to city hall, and Center from Dexter Street to Kimball Street.
• 2010 underground, 2011 surface: Spring from Highland to Kimball and Dexter Avenue from city hall to Center.

Link to the July 22nd Courier News article.

Please participate in this process so your input can be part of the plan. For more information, contact John Loete at (847) 931-6001.

June Out to Lunch

When: Monday, June 26th, 2006 at 12 pm
Where: Cafe Magdalena
13 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL
What: Guest speaker Councilman John Walters. Lunch is a pasta buffet for $7 including soda.
How: To RSVP call 847.488.1456 before June 23rd.

Harvest Market is Back!

Harvest Market is back for 2006. Every Thursday until September 28th from 12 pm to 6 pm in the Civic Center Parking lot at Highland and Grove (across from the post office).

Fresh vegetables, bread, flowers, plants, French pastries, honey and more...

Brewfest 2006

Brewfest is back for 2006. Join us on June 16th and 17th on Prairie St. in front of the Prairie Rock Brewing Company, 127 S. Grove, Elgin IL.

Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit

The Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit featuring the works of 69 different photographers taken May 2, 2006 is currently on display at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove. The 175 photo collection will be on display on the main art wall and on the second floor in Adult Services through July 10.

Elgin Post Office Book Drive

The Elgin Post Office is hosting a book drive for the Elgin community, from now through July 31st. Drop off new or gently used books at the Elgin Post office’s main office, 66 Grove Court. They will be distributed to families in the Elgin community. For details call 847.741.0725.

June Out to Dinner

Out to Dinner
What: An opportunity to network with Downtowners and meet with Councilman David Kaptain
When: Tuesday, June 13th at 6 pm
Where: Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL
How: RSVP to 847.488.1456 or email by June 12th
Cost: $12 for a buffet dinner

News From New Orleans

The National Main Street Conference is in New Orleans this week. Norma Miess and Jennifer Benson are representing Elgin and have these thoughts to share.

French Quarter is Open!!!
If there was only one idea I could convey and get across to the readers of this blog about the status of the French Quarter in New Orleans is that it's open and waiting for ya'll to visit and enjoy. Though touched by Hurricane Katrina last August, it did not have flood damage but only wind damage. Nine months of clean-up and repair in this area have left only some buildings in disrepair as far as some roofs, windows, and trees damaged and new trees being planted. After talking to three different business they all mentioned that businesses that aren't open because the tourists are not here. With tourists believing the general hype that there is nothing open and that everything here is flattened and destroyed. The French Quarter still has most of the vibrancy that I remember from when I was here in 2003. So don't postpone your plans in coming to the Big Easy!!!

National Main Street Conference
With 1200 attendees, not counting all of the LA staff, National Trust staff and speakers, this conference has been successful in staying with New Orleans as it's host city through all of the tragedy. Though a main reason for attending conferences is the sessions, there is also the award ceremony, the opening and closing programs, tours, clean-ups, networking and the Main Street Expo. Along with fellow Illinois Main Street executive directors (Antioch, Waukegan, Libertyville and others), we were able to network with programs from Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Maine and National, State and Preservation agencies. At the Expo we ran into streetscape vendors of light poles, street furniture, banners and holiday decorations.

The Opening Reception was held at Jackson Square, a beautiful historical city park right in the heart of the French Quarter. A great chance to enjoy networking with the attendees from around the country.

Highlights at the Opening Session included a national trends survey naming 5 top challenges for Downtown revitalization organizations:

• Small business survival
• Funds
• Development issues
• Competition for volunteers
• Rebuilding infrastructure

Other emerging trends affecting the revitalization field are the shifting concept of "community", diversifying demographics, and the lack of novelty or excitement.

Mitchell J. Landrieu, Lt. Governor of Louisiana reported on the relief efforts and the need for his office to address the effort with reduced staff.

Some of the sessions we participated in are:
* Asset-based Economic Development - Heritage tourism
* Preserving and Promoting a Sense of Place
* Effective Downtown Marketing through the Web
* Developing and Effective Pledge Campaign
* Target Markets & Events Calendar Development


Photos and more reports will be posted upon Norma and Jennifer's return.

Budget Roundtable Tonight

Don't forget the Budget Roundtable Discussion tonight.
It is hosted by the City of Elgin and Elgin Community Network. The Mayor and City Council Members will be on hand to speak with stakeholders to gather community input on the upcoming 2007 Budget process. To reserve your spot please contact RuthAnne Hall at 847-931-6104 or email.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will be participating and suggesting a joint marketing effort between the city and businesses to promote downtown Elgin. Arlington Heights has run a similiar campaign for several years.