East Village Chicago social networks

A row of logos now lines up at the top of the East Village Association website. Not all the images will look familiar, but click on each one and you'll discover yet another way to check in with neighbors. Below the row of icons is a sign-up box for EVA newsletters, sent via Constant Contact several times a month.

How many social-media sites does East Village need? Probably you'll use only one regularly — but you get to choose which works best for you. Here are descriptions of the sites behind all those logos.

East Village forum expands on OhSoWe

East Village neighbors now should find it easier to tackle odd jobs or spread the word on local events. They can check the East Village Chicago message board on OhSoWe.com using either a secure login or a Facebook app.

Co-founder Chuck Templeton outlined recent changes and future plans for the Chicago-based social network at this month's East Village Association meeting, and followed up this week by posting a step-by-step guide to using its year-old East Village message board, one of the site's first.

The board has 140 members, and starting now EVA membership is no longer required. Users can e-mail fliers or other documents to everyone who signs up for the spam-free weekly, daily or real-time e-mail updates.

The site also matches neighbors who are lending tools, offering services or making recommendations. Addresses or surnames are confidential, and Templeton (on the site as Chuck T.) plans to add reader ratings to further build trust.

OhSoWe's than 80 local forums include the Frankie Machine Community Garden, Eckhart Park Advisory Council and Chicago-Grand Neighbors Association, as well as interest groups for triathletes and University of Chicago business students.

EVA also sponsors Facebook and Yahoo! groups, as well as news feeds on Twitter, Everyblock and Broad Shoulders Update.

Developer, neighbors review Division-Ashland tower

Developer Rob Buono and architect Jon Heinert with 1601 W. Division model

East Village Association board minutes for Jan. 18, 2012, submitted by Dana Palmer

Rob Buono, with the development project at 1601 W. Division, presented plans for the site to the board and the Marshfield Avenue neighbors group. Neighbors expressed concerns about parking, a drive-through and increased dog waste.

The project will have 35 parking spaces, 20 on the site and 15 on the Wendy's property. Marshfield residents requested a change to zone parking and Ronda Locke with the 1st Ward office stated the staff will get started on that now. A disclosure could be made to prospective tenants that they would not be eligible to park on the 1100 block of Marshfield. The developers agreed to discuss this further.

A bank will occupy the south side of the first level with one drive-through in the alley. No left turn will be allowed off Division Street into the drive-through, and those exiting can only go south on Ashland Avenue.

Tenants will be allowed pets. The concern for increased dog waste was brought up. A suggestion was made to the developers to purchase bag dispensers with waste disposal along their property to help decrease this nuisance.

OhSoWe tool sharing gears up; Marshfield parking queues up

Chuck Templeton, OhSoWe.com

President's welcome
President Greg Nagel opened the East Village Association's Monday meeting with a discussion of the just concluded 1st Ward hearing on Chicago Avenue pedestrian street zoning. EVA has been seeking a consistent public process to solicit neighborhood input before proposing ordinances.

OhSoWe.com
Guest speaker Chuck Templeton described the site he co-founded to connect neighbors and encourage conservation. Neighborhood groups have joined the site in Chicago, San Francisco and Providence, R.I.

Members are identified by first name, last initial and proximity. They can request confidentially to borrow tools or use skills of nearby members. A system will be added to rate satisfaction with borrowers or service providers, Templeton said. Nagel noted that the site allows EVA members to circulate fliers within the group.

Location change: Public hearing on redistricting tonight

The location has changed for tonight's public hearing on Chicago ward redistricting, according to a notice from Ald. Scott Waguespack. Chicagoans can learn about the process and review the proposed ward maps at 6 p.m. in DePaul University's Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield.

Landlord weighs Chicago Avenue anchor

The owner of a vacant lot on Chicago Avenue pledged to work with neighbors in developing the property, which was rejected last year as a music hall.

Ken Kosinski sees 1834-50 W. Chicago Ave. as a "middle anchor" between the Dominick's Finer Foods and Goldblatt's buildings, he told more than 50 people attending a public hearing Monday at the adjoining Commercial Club Park. Plans might build a path to the playlot at 845 W. Rice St. or address another community need, Kosinski suggested.

Ald. Proco Joe Moreno called the hearing to consider including the property in Chicago Avenue's strip-mall ban, now in place between Ashland Avenue and Wood Street. Moreno would extend "pedestrian street" zoning a quarter-mile westward to Damen Avenue.

The East Village Association contacted Ken and Lois Kosinski after they inherited and tore down the former AAA Distributing Co. auto warehouse. Kosinski said his family grew up in the neighborhood and that he saw the property as a catalyst for further development. "With the right input we can really do something special," Kosinski said.

At Monday's hearing Moreno volunteered that he had contacted the Chicago Community Trust, unsuccessfully seeking funds to expand the park.