Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m. Third Presbyterian Church North 7th Street & Bergen
Enos Park residents will have an opportunity to learn more about Illinois’ High Speed Rail Program’s railroad improvements being completed within the Chicago to St. Louis corridor, including safety and efficiency upgrades within the City of Springfield. This presentation will specifically address the impact on our neighborhood, including proposed street closings and affected properties. A representative of the Illinois High Speed Rail Program will give a presentation at the May EPNIA membership meeting.The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Third Presbyterian Church (corner of 7th & Bergen). Childcare will be provided.
Work will be completed within the City of Springfield to allow for increased speeds of up to 40 mph along the 3rd St. corridor. Improvements will include new grade crossing approaches, crossing safety devices, fencing, bridge upgrades and the potential for the City to apply for a “quiet zone” along the existing 3rd St. corridor.
The 3rd St. work is the first of three projects being conducted within the City of Springfield. The two other projects include the Springfield Flyover Environmental Assessment and the 10th Street Consolidation Program, which is being led by the City of Springfield. For more information, visit www.idothsr.org. Residents and other interested persons may comment on the proposed work via the program website or by calling 1-855-436-8477.
May Meeting Minutes
Neighborhood Police Officer Report
NPO John Dorsey said that he had worked with an Enos Park landlord who agreed to evict the current tenant after two separate parties that resulted in police calls.
Strengthening our Partnerships
SIU School of Medicine – showed a slideshow with before and after pictures of the work day on May 2. More than 200 people helped with neighborhood cleanup, sculpture garden, community garden, and salvage shop.
RCC – Planning a follow up work day for Saturday, May 17 from 1-4 p.m. Helped coordinate teacher appreciation week at McClernand which was very well received. Also helped plan an Earth Day activity for parents and children.
Kumler Outreach – Work days at SAA garden site will be every Monday at 6 p.m., work days at new garden site (1024 N. 5th) will be Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity – The future homeowner for 727 N. 7th, Barbara Bell introduced herself and said she looked forward to getting involved in the neighborhood.
Ronald Mcdonald House – Kelly Thompson, Executive Director, gave a short presentation about upcoming renovations to the house and the families they serve.
Strengthening our Presence in the Community
Police Officer Open House – On Friday, May 16 at 1 p.m. there will be an open house at 843 N. 8th. The home has been completely renovated over the past year by trainees from the Springfield Urban League and will now be offered rent free to a police officer.
Michelle Higginbotham reported that she recently made a presentation to the Mid Illinois Medical District about the Enos Park Master Plan and our redevelopment efforts.
Guest Speaker
Janet Henderson and Leslie Kirchler gave a presentation on the High Speed Rail project in Illinois and answered questions about Third St. rail corridor improvements and rail consolidation plans for 10th St.