By Jason Crane
At the Aurora city government City Council meeting Tuesday, through the Zoom video conference platform, the City Council listened to an update on the Civilian Review Board (CRB).
Aurora Communications director Clayton Muhammad said there were 134 applicants for the Civillian Review Board which finished accepting applications at noon Tuesday. More information can be viewed at the City’s website: https://www.aurora-il.org/CRB.
Mayor Richard Irvin expressed appreciation for the approximately 100 City employees and elected officials who helped with the food distribution for 1,500 families at Phillip’s Park Tuesday.
Nicole Mullins, board member for Culture Stock was the only speaker offering a public comment at the final meeting of 2020.
“We’ve been trying to gain City support, unsuccessfully for several months now to reopen our bookstore and community art center for the residents of Aurora.
“Most recently was our grant application submission for the City’s Quality of Life grants.
“We received an E-mail letter from City staff today informing us that we will not be recommended for approval from City Council.
“I’m speaking before you today to urge you, City Council members, to reconsider that decision and to support a community art center that is accessable to all members of the community of Aurora.
“Through the years and especially after we had to close our doors, I heard stories about how much Culture Stock made an impact on people’s lives.
“I urge you to contact your alderperson and the alderman-at-large and share those stories with them.
“Share with them why it’s so important that the community has equitable access to space and creative programs and events that are free without the expectation of a monetary fee.
“If the City doesn’t see the value in the work that we do and in the opportunities that we offer, please call and write them and make them see Culture Stock’s importance through your eyes. Thank you.”
• One of the many agenda items approved was a resolution adopting a complete streets policy which formalizes the commitment of the City to include consideration for bicyclists, pedestrians of all abilities, and transit users, along with drivers, within street design activities.
The Complete Streets movement aims to develop integrated, connected networks of streets that are safe and accessible for all people, regardless of age, ability, or chosen mode of travel. Complete Streets make active transportation such as walking and bicycling convenient, and provide increased access to employment centers, commerce, and educational institutions; all while allowing greater choice in transportation options.
The term Complete Streets means changing transportation planning, design, maintenance, and funding decisions. A Complete Streets policy ensures that, from the start, projects are planned and designed to meet the needs of every community member, regardless of their age, ability, or how they travel.