Home Burglary on Bushnell Street

Around noon today (Saturday, November 29th), there was a break-in of a home on Bushnell Street, near the corner of Central Avenue.   A few of the neighbors independently saw two people at and around the house at the time of the break-in and can identify them as young (no older than 20), African American males wearing hooded sweatshirts.  I saw them walking west on Bushnell around 12:15.   If you happen to see a pair in the neighborhood who match this description, please call the police.

Meeting Minutes 11/24

It never even occurred to me to check the Packer’s game schedule. I didn’t realize we had another schedule conflict until a few days ago. All the same, that we had twenty seven in attendance I think was huge! Jennifer and Pleasant Street Coffeehouse were great hosts. Before our next meeting I’ll get over there and puzzle out the monitor hookup to the big screen TV.

Without benefit of projecting to the TV review & discussion of the neighborhood/association ideas was a bit challenged. It was however resolved that I’d take a stab at consolidating the suggestions into a short list of broader groups from which people could participate if they’d like. We could then use this vehicle of what people show interest in helping out with as our guide to what we pursue as an association. A splendid suggestion. Much more organic. You see that’s how it works… if we can get enough smart and interested people together then the better ideas percolate up. I’ll post a try at a short list of broader groups under separate cover.

Anyway, several individuals expressed interest in pursuing varied projects the question being might others be willing to join them. To date people have expressed interest in pursuing:

Read more

Hello from Nicki!

Hello Rick, just letting you know that I followed all your easy instructions and am now on board. We will not be able to make it to tonights meeting and no it is not because of the finale of Dancing w/ The Stars. We have been in Indiana for the Cross Country Nationals and Dominick is now a two time All-American. We have been gone for three days and have to play quick catch up before Thanksgiving. Rick great work so far and good news about Pleasant St. as a meeting place. Nicki

“Great Unveiling” – An idea for Neighborhood Preservation?

On a couple occasions I’d mentioned different activities whereby neighbors, hopefully with the support of the city might undertake a project on some property within the neighborhood. Such projects would be a benefit not just for the property owner but for the street, the neighborhood as a whole and our own individual property values. There’s something in it for me/us too. The response I’ve gotten typically is shaking of heads or ‘can’t be done’ sorts of concerns expressed. If it weren’t for the fact that I know that other communities have already worked out what ever barriers get in the way and have been doing this for years I’d probably let it go. However, I’ve already seen it, touched it and experienced it. It’s do-able. And it makes a positive impact on the neighborhood.

Read more

Marge Fizzell – Newly appointed chair of Beloit Landmarks Commission

It’s unfortunate that Kent Maxted’s term on the commission has expired. As chair of the Beloit Landmark’s Commisson he’s done a fine job and I’ve personally enjoyed working with him. I think and hope he’ll stick around as we could certainly use his help. I’d like to continue to work together.

We now though have a newly appointed chair for this august assemblage, Marge Fizzell. I’d imagine most of you already know Marge. Her taking on the chairmanship is exciting news. She clearly has the level of concern for the historic districts, the intellect, ideas and enthusiasm to help make positive things happen for the neighborhoods. And, I appreciate that she lives within one of the three historic districts herself along with Bob her husband, both Beloit College alums.

So anyway, I’d expect to see more good things happening as time goes with the Landmarks Commission.

Thanks Marge for taking this on.

btw… the BLC meets on the 3rd. Tuesday of the month, 7:00, city council chambers. The public is welcome.

Association tool / equipment library

Another idea that come up in our last meeting is one practiced in other historic district associations. These associations purchase and make available to their members specialty tools/equipment for old house renovation type projects. There are a variety of specialized tools that you’d use too infrequently to justify purchasing, they’re too unconventional to be found at the local rental store and would be expensive to rent anyway. A couple examples might be:

Read more

Next Meeting – Monday Nov. 24th.

• Close by, walking distance for many of us.
• Convenient parking for the rest.
• Coffee along with their other drinks and desserts
• WIFI …. woohoo! 
• A large screen TV we can hook up to as a monitor
• Supporting a local business who’s been a great neighbor to the Church St. group as well.

PLEASE NOTE: We’ll be meeting a bit earlier at 6:30 PM. This will allow us some time to get something if we like before they close the register for the evening.
View Larger Map

Elgin’s Gifford Park Association receives the National Trust’s Trustees Award

Just heard from a friend over at GPA about their having just received the Trustees Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The video above and a quick one-pager below outlines some of the issues this neighborhood was dealing with, what they did and some of the positive outcomes. It’s do-able. I’d asked if my friend or someone from GPA might be willing to come up and talk to our group.

BTW, it you’d like to see other video produced by the National Trust for Historic Preservation they’ve got a YouTube channel here.

Picking paint colors

My favorite bit from one of my favorite movies… Mr. Blandings builds his dream house.

I love that she doesn’t even give him the spool of thread… she pulls off a three inch thread.
“uh-huh…”

We’d like to know what you’re thinkin’

Following up on the range of ideas expressed over the last couple meetings I’ve cobbled together a crude poll. Take a look. Take a moment to let us know what you think.

It’s rough, it’s ugly but it should give us some feel for where peoples priorities are at, what they’d welcome most. Of course there’s more then we could reasonably consider pursuing but this can be a first step towards winnowing down to a ‘short list’ of what’s do-able.

Take the new Beloit Neighborhood Preservation Association Poll! Express yourself!

Next Page »