LAKEVIEW — For more than a year, Lakeview residents and business owners north of Belmont and east of Halsted have been without a sounding board for their neighborly concerns.
Soon that sounding board will be the newly resurrected Belmont Harbor Neighbors.
"I think it's very important for neighbors to have a specific voice for their immediate neighborhood — there are concerns that only you, as a very immediate neighbor, can see," said Robin Cook, board president.
In February 2014, the group's former incarnation dissolved, blaming legal fees for its empty coffers. Fees for attorneys concerning controversy over the proposed — but ultimately rejected — Out Hotel Chicago left the community organization nearly broke.
Ariel Cheung says these groups offer a sounding board for neighbors:
At the time, Cook had been on the board for less than a year. Since the 40-year-old Lakeview organization ended, Cook and others have worked on revamping the group's structure for modern times.
"I think part of the issue was that the old bylaws were from 1979, so that was one of our first projects. They required us to communicate via snail mail. Now we can communicate through email and make that not violate the bylaws," Cook said.
The board will also have director and operator insurance in addition to being under the Lake View Citizens Council umbrella.
As for financing — central to the 2013-14 woes — Cook said Belmont Harbor Neighbors would prioritize fundraising efforts. As the manager of State Restaurant and Cafe, Cook said he's happy to set up fundraisers to benefit the organization.
Cook said meetings will be be quarterly or every other month, with the first meeting expected to take place in July or August. While the group is still deciding on a location, it's considering possible venues like the Second Unitarian Church, 656 W. Barry Ave., or Ann Sather Cafe, 3415 N. Broadway.
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