11nov2011 Housing Minutes

[billvassilakis]

11/11/11 11:11(ish)pm
zoe moderated
bill minutes
kristy stack

agenda
review of what we've been up to
from other committees
"mission statement" for hq infobox
short donations/housing meeting 4:45 Saturday short meeting (or maybe just after this)
arts n rec has offered their skillz
jackie-
daley center run by the mayors office (daytime tentspace for rent)
harpo studios and both parking lots are oprah owned (we have contact info)
dearborn n adams (fed. owned courthouse and mckinley building)
easement to chicago; police have jurisdiction on sidewalks
good to know for a spring planning
kelvin's meeting with first united methodist chicago temple Saturday about their possibly providing meeting space
also: possible IBEW meeting hall, huge indoor space - carol ramsden
meet with the community organization meeting 3pm Fridays at Grace plce

HOMEWORK CHECK: results of phone calls
Mike - disappointed, so far
could not get through to one
larger south loop space still a possibility

kristy
1230 w washington
5 spaces 2 too big, 2 600, 1 1200, 1 2900 sq ft
1528 w adams (rubin is nice, but suspicious)
4th flr, will subdivide, we can build
2000 and 4100 sq ft spaces
24/7 access
no security
doors unlocked 7-5, callbox after 5
freight elevator
insurance necessary for "events"
shared bathrooms and kitchen
$1/sqft/month
6 mo lease preferred
other tenants include screenprinters and model city builders

stack: mike need to pay attention to potential taxes
and other things included in a commercial space checklist, to be shared

jackie liability is cheap

distance from loop? space for GA? why budget so low?
(...included in the criteria already...)
budget could be flexible, shouldn't be limited to charitable donations

kelvin are we more likely to be harassed by cops in our own space or in an existing organization's space
separate effort to look at donated space?

jennifer to what degree would we be beholden to donators of space?
we have never acted as though we we're beholden to donors wishes

kelvin why rent?
to manage/control our timeframe
to be proactive
kelvin will email everyone interested about a new group that will investigate donated space

Teach-in space is needed!
100+ in attendance

OWS has offered OC FUND$; aim high, for a great space!

how will we get the $ from the anonymous donor who's offered to front the rent?
lump sum? monthly?
rather than providing $, the donor could rent a space in his/her name and donate use of the space
Donations says: we should respect the donors wishes to secure that space
to save time and money to figure out how to access our own donations
Zoe
warehouse with loading dock- no info
riverfront lofts: satisfy the criteria, though tons of available spaces


"Large South Loop work loft located in the Arts District available now.
This unit already has a custom lighting and ceiling fan package installed.
Extra storage/workshop area has it's own private double door entrance,
perfect for service techs, etc. Other features include an office, kitchenette
and private restroom. Large windows facing south let in lots of natural light.
Awaiting final touches for that special tenant, let us know how to finish it
just for you. Month to month leases, on-site management, passenger and freight elevators,
available Comcast cable, voice and high-speed internet access, high ceilings, hardwood floors,
loading docks, off-street parking, awesome river and city views! Convenient South Loop location,
minutes to the el, buses, and I-94. Heat, trash and electricity included. Located at 500 West
Cermak. Contact RiverFront Work Lofts leasing office, 2147 Lumber Street, 8th floor, 312-492-8001
for more information or to schedule an appointment. Showing Monday through Friday 9am -- 5pm."

Monday 10am going to see the spaces
proximity to nato/G8 (mccormick place) good or bad?
nobody seems to take issue with the particulars as described

Edgar: we should begin drafting/printing some kind of proposal for circulation at a GA

GA announcement needs to be thorough

Todd Faster-than-comcast internet!
riverfront lofts close enough to 350 W Cermak?

2nd round of homework - casting a wider net, more expensive and/or larger spaces

Is it okay to spatially divide labor between GAs and "operational hq"?

Criteria
office space, electricity
meeting room
bathroom kitchen lounge
handicap access
receiving/storage
parking/transit access
safety/security
neighbors
24/7 access
bldg up to code, appropriate zoning
walking distance to hq
neighborhood safety

NFP status- unclear though 8th day could directly pay landlords

HOMEWORK: identify viable 4000-15000 square foot spaces
for discussion on Wednesday
share candidates (to a called-candidates thread) to avoid duplicate work
take photo/video if possible

deal with missionstatement later

leave GA sunday at 9 sharp

BAM! adjourned.

(we didn't get to:
narrow down candidate places
draft a proposal)