Newsletter - April 10, 2010

April 10, 2010

NEWSLETTER II

WHATTA MEETING! If you weren’t there for the March 8th Group meeting, you really missed a bunch. The energy level of the membership was uncommonly high, as attendance went over the 100 mark too. Len Karson got us off the mark focusing on accountability. We received a high number of responses to his survey, and are hoping for more. Bill Burrows covered the concept of subgroups and what the focus has been of the Big Bend Area. Bernie Bono gave us a great analysis of the Jarvis/Fargo project, and following that analysis, the membership voted 97-0 in favor of the project. Finally, a levee 37 update in part provided by Alderwoman Patty Haugeberg. Even if the project is finished on time, the completion date is Dec. 31, 2013. At the time of the meeting, the big MWRC concern seemed to be when to schedule a “signing ceremony.” If you are moaning, we are moaning right along with you.

CRITICAL OPPORTUNITY! You’ve probably heard this a few kazillion times by now, but on May 3, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. at the Des Plaines Public Library will be “Flood Victim Day”. You will have the opportunity to apply for grants having to do with mold remediation, property repairs, and other property related issues from the 2008 flood. If you want, you can preregister on line by whacking away at www.cookcountydisastergrant.org. Just pull down events tab and you can preregister. Don’t bother calling. You will not need to bring any proof of flooding or damage. You will be able to complete a grant application with a representative of Cook County. Let’s face facts: in this environment, this is rare.

WANNA TALK TO THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS? This may be a true sleeper. The Army Corp of Engineers will be making a presentation at the Riverside Village Auditorium at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 27th. They will be talking about their efforts in flood control, etc. Jeff Zueacher, who is in charge of levee 50, will be there. USACE public affairs officer, Lynne Whelan, will lead the meeting, and, as pointed out, she is a public affairs officer. She will have a power point presentation so slick you will think levee 50 is the 8th wonder of the world. I would love to see a carful or two of our Group to go down there with some nice, thoughtful, tough questions. It would be the last thing USACE would expect, and frankly, it would help Riverside. Riverside now gets more water in a flood event than before levee 50.

NEXT CRITICAL DATE; JUNE 14TH, 7:00. That’s our next general meeting. Bill Burrows will give a historical perspective of the Des Plaines River, In fact, we will invite discussion about its implications, and ask you for your suggestions on how we should focus. Some of you have voiced some good ideas, and this presentation will really add to a more “global” approach. We also intend to have a presentation on Heritage Park, how the water compensation will work, and the construction plans to do it.

GLENN WIOREK has been working diligently on our website along with Betty Walsten. Frankly, we’d made some mistakes and it’s made it that much tougher. We’re on Facebook too. Please…..patience, and we are hoping to have both the blog and website fully operational this year.

WHAT’S THE STORMWATER PLAN FOR THE CASINO? The planned casino is 20 acres. It is my understanding that we will have 14% “green.” That means that 86% of the surface will be impervious. That water has to go somewhere. As a Group, I am suggesting that we demand of the City a detailed stormwater plan for the Casino. If we are going to get serious on controlling development as part of flood control, we have to start at home.

FLOOD VICTIM DAY -- GRANTS AVAILABLE!!

FLOOD VICTIM DAY
Cook County Board President Todd H. Stroger Announces the Cook County Disaster Grant Program $10.3 Million for 2008 Flood Victims

Grant Funds are Available to Help Cook County Residents with Property Repairs, Mold Remediation and Other Flood Related Issues Bring your Family, Friends & Neighbors to this FREE EVENT
Hear About the Grant, Learn How to Qualify, and Complete Your Application at the Event.

When: Monday, May 3, 2010 6pm – Arrival and Registration 6.30pm – Brief Presentation About The Grant 7pm – Complete an Application with a Representative

Where: Des Plaines Public Library 1501 Ellinwood Street Des Plaines, IL 60016

Schedule A Fast Track Application On The Day By Pre-Registering Online By April 29, 2010 Or By Calling the Hotline at (312) 603-7600