FPSEDC Board Makes Changes to Increase Community Involvement
By Phil Minden
FPSEDC President
At a meeting this past November, the Forest Park Southeast Development Corp. board approved significant changes to its by-laws to make it easier for community residents to participate in decisions which directly affect the community in which they live. In a nearly unanimous vote, the board approved a restructuring plan which would create two standing independent neighborhood committees with decision authority which had been traditionally held by the board.
The Development Committee will review and vote on all residential and commercial development proposals for the neighborhood, including requests for tax abatement and re-zoning, parking variances, liquor licenses and other redevelopment plans. The decisions of the Development Committee are then passed onto the Alderman, who conveys them to the appropriate City officials. The committee is also responsible for developing a long-term vision for the FPSE neighborhood.
The Public Infrastructure/Beautification Committee will have oversight over all public dollars allocated to the FPSE neighborhood for the improvement of streets, alleys, sidewalks, lighting, parks and plantings. This committee will play an important role in prioritizing how annual public infrastructure appropriations are spent in our neighborhood. The committee will also take the primary role in organizing the neighborhood’s Operation Brightside, National Night Out and neighborhood clean-up events.
The FPSEDC board itself has been reduced from 15 members to 7, with four neighborhood resident seats elected on a neighborhood-wide basis, and 3 outside business and professional positions. The board’s primary role will be the operation and oversight of the FPSEDC organization, including strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising and operations oversight. Board members will be expected to have specific expertise in these areas, and to have the ability to contribute time, treasure and talent to successfully lead the organization.
The FPSEDC is currently soliciting nominations to fill positions on the board and committees. Nomination forms can be obtained at the FPSEDC office, 4471 Arco Avenue, during regular business hours, or by clicking here.
These by-laws changes reflect a desire among the outgoing FPSEDC board to make community involvement more accessible and manageable for neighborhood residents. It is the board and staff’s hope that these changes will allow the community to move forward with greater input and energy as it continues to make FPSE one of the City’s premier places to live.