President's Message
Gail Spreen, SOAR President, 2007-08
It is with great enthusiasm that I take the helm at SOAR. I look forward to a very busy and successful year in working to keep Streeterville a neighborhood and addressing the needs of the community. We have many initiatives in place for working on behalf of the residents of the area, from maintaining the gardens at Lake Shore Park, to a new Aging Issues Council and Family Task Force, to reviewing the many new developments throughout the area. With the growing population of Streeterville we are looking forward to having many of the new residents reap the benefits of getting involved in SOAR.
Streeterville is at a very critical point with significant changes occuring throughout all areas. There are eighteen new development projects in South Streeterville with a great need for improved streetscapes and coordination. SOAR is currently working with the City and developers to look at ways to create continuity between projects and a warm sense of place in this newly formed residential area. North Streeterville also has new development in process and important traffic concerns. Children’s Memorial Hospital is entering the central area with campus planning underway for all the institutions. Our input is vital to ensure that the results of all these changes are compatible with the interests of the residents. We have a great opportunity during this high development period to make Streeterville the greatest neighborhood in the City. Please get involved! Together our voices will be most effective. We need everyone!
Joining SOAR is an excellent way for new residents to get to know their neighbors and to get involved in their community. It is very rewarding to host programs where residents finally take time to talk to each other, work together for the betterment of the neighborhood and enjoy each other’s company!
Gail A. Spreen, President
Streeterville Organization of Active Residents