SOAR Welcomes Karen Maisa as Executive Director

The Board of Directors of SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, announced the appointment of Karen Maisa to the position of Executive Director of SOAR, effective immediately.

"Karen is the perfect choice for this leadership position at SOAR as we build upon our past successes and move to the next level of growth through a number of exciting initiatives for the community," said Gail Spreen, president of SOAR. "Her experience in strategic partnerships, event planning, brand and loyalty marketing will allow us to develop a more comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship program, improve membership development and identify areas of opportunity to broaden awareness of the SOAR brand and its mission of improving and enhancing the quality of life and community in Streeterville."

A 13-year resident of Streeterville, Maisa has held several senior level marketing positions including 10 years as Marketing Director for Chicago magazine and prior to coming to Chicago, served as Vice President of Marketing for Time Warner Cable in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Additionally she has been active in the community through her volunteer work with Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Children's Memorial Hospital, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She has been on the board of several organizations including PAWS Chicago, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin, and the Girl Scouts of America. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cardinal Stritch University.  

Karen will be working out of our office on Pearson Street and can be reached at 312.280.2596 x1 or by email. 

SOAR Board of Directors Unanimously Opposed to Sprinkler Mandates

The Board of Directors of SOAR, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, voted unanimously to support a Resolution to oppose any legislation that would mandate the installation of sprinklers in buildings completed before 1975. You may read the Resolution by clicking here. The action is a result of hearing residents and management company representatives we've met with, as well as our own prudent and deliberative process for taking positions.

Over the years, special interests in Illinois have lobbied to the Illinois House of Representatives in efforts to mandate the installation of sprinklers in all buildings built before 1975, the year sprinklers were made mandatory for all new and rehabbed construction. In Streeterville alone, thousands of homeowners would face mounting bills for mandated sprinkler installation. Time and again, the Illinois House has responsibly voted against the mandate, citing exorbitant costs and local regulations that already provide for rigorous emergency safety measures.

Alderman Brendan Reilly (Ward 42) informed his constituents that State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (12th District) introduced legislation that would prohibit a mandating bill coming before the House without prior review by the General Assembly and by a special task force. Along with Alderman Reilly, we encourage passage of this bill in order to create barriers to prevent special interests from continually bringing mandates before the Legislature without review.

SOAR Reminds Streeterville Residents to Register Noise Complaints

SOAR's Sound Management Task Force recommends the following "How to Register a Noise" complaint procedure:

• Call 311 and hold for staff member
• State noise complaint and hold while call is directed to the appropriate party
• Once the complaint is registered, ask for a service request number
• Service request number can be used to follow up for the action taken on the complaint, for instance through the 311 Service Tracker Chicago webpage.

The Sound Management Task Force supports SOAR’s mission to work on behalf of Streeterville residents by preserving, promoting and enhancing the quality of life and community in Streeterville and SOAR’s goal of promoting safety and well-being.  The Task Force is addressing the safety and public health aspects of sound levels in Streeterville.

Voting Begins for SOAR's First Ever Virtual Beautification Walk

2011 Beautification Award Winner, CommercialSOAR invites you to participate in our 2012 Virtual Beautification Walk.  We encourage you to walk the neighborhood to personally visit and experience the beauty and creativity of each contestant's landscape, but also recognize that schedules and time constraints don't always permit.  Therefore, thanks to the talents of SOAR board member and photographer, Jim Houston, we have created a Virtual Tour of Streeterville showcasing the 2012 Beautification Award contestants.  Click here to begin your Virtual Beautification Walk & cast your votes.

Voting continues through Friday, August 3rd at 11:59 pm.  Please participate in this award selection process to help SOAR encourage buildings in our neighborhood to upgrade their landscaping to make Streeterville the most beautiful neighborhood in Chicago!

Learn more about the criteria for Beautification Award selection and view past winners.