The Tenney-Lapham Corporation (TLC) is a separate entity from the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association (TLNA), though their missions are very similar. TLNA is a political entity, since it lobbies the City Council in the interests of the neighborhood. TLC is a non-political entity holding "501-c-3" status with the IRS, which makes it a tax-exempt organization with the ability to accept tax-deductible donations, as well as federal funding, such as Community Development Block Grants.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (By-Laws, Article 2)

This corporation is organized for the following purposes:

a.to stimulate investment in and promote the well-being of the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood in the City of Madison through programs involving a partnership of neighborhood residents, the business community, and representatives of local government, working together through a neighborhood-based, non-profit corporation.

b.to engage in any activity incidental or conducive to the attainment of the purposes of this corporation.

c.to engage in any activity that lawfully may be conducted to the attainment of the purposes of this corporation under Chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

HISTORY

1979 Incorporated May 1 as a tax-exempt (501/c/3), non-profit corporation, after conclusion of the first Tenney-Lapham neighborhood planning process, which was funded by the City and CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) Commission, in order to facilitate acceptance of federal funding and implementation of neighborhood improvement projects (similar to Commonwealth Development Corp. in Marquette neighborhood).

1980 First CDBG grant received ($32,000); TLC Housing Services Program office opened in Lapham School (after its closing in 1979); mission: 1) promote rehab through existing funding sources (public & private), 2) survey owners/tenants on status of housing conditions, 3) facilitate public and private incentive programs for building improvement and weatherization.

1983 Second CDBG grant received ($80,000) to establish Intervention Buying Program (IBP), providing low-interest, partial mortgage loans to renters purchasing their residence and making improvements; Tenney-Lapham loses CDBG target-area status due to 1980 census results which push it over average income-eligibility requirements. (CDBG funds could no longer be used for general neighborhood-wide projects, only those targeting income-eligible residents.)

1984 Third CDBG grant received ($67,000) to establish Commercial Rehab Program, which purchases and rehabs properties in East Johnson business district (total budget: $180,000); 827-835 E. Johnson properties purchased under limited partnership known as Xenon's First with anonymous limited partner; 831 lot sold to Shimanski Realty for development (Begonia's--later Sophia's--Bakery and apartments); Mildred's Sandwich Shop (827) and apartments rehabbed completely; minor rehab on 835; Lapham office closed.

1990 Commercial Rehab Program liquidated: 835 sold to owner-occupants; 827 sold to Midred's owner; loans paid off; remaining funds repaid to CDBG; Xenon's First partnership dissolved; last of IBP loans repaid and money returned to CDBG.

1991 TLC becomes tax-exempt repository for Tenney-Lapham Parks & Schools Fund, accepting tax-deductible donations from members and distributing funds to schools in attendance area and "People for Parks" program (which receives matching funds from Madison Parks Div.) for park improvements (trees, benches, playgrounds).

1993 Tenney-Lapham neighborhood receives CDBG target-area status again, based on 1990 census results; TLNA applies for and receives "concentration neighborhood" funding for second CDBG planning process.

1994-96 Tenney-Lapham/Old Market Place (TLOMP) planning process undertaken in Census Tract 18 (North Blair Street to North First Street, including Camelot area); Steering Committee nominated by Alder Wallner and appointed by Mayor Soglin.

1997-98 TLC administers East Johnson Streetscape Improvement Project (banners and bike racks only--street lights installed by Madison DOT) with the last $5,000 of CDBG funding from planning process; the first $195,000 was administered by other tax-exempt Madison-based programs (Project Home, Red Caboose Day Care, Independent Living, Community Land Trust, Madison Development Corp., City of Madison).

1998-2001 TLC maintains East Johnson streetscape improvements on behalf of TLNA and East Johnson Business Association, who share equally in costs. Damaged bike racks repaired and missing banners replaced.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(appointed by TLNA Council annually)

President: Mary Lang Sollinger 1202 Sherman Ave. 257-2889

Vice Pres.: Cheryl Theo 420 Marston Ave. 283-0445

Sec./Treas.: Rob Latousek 407 N. Brearly St. 255-6769

Director: Ken Zielske 1011 E. Gorham St. 257-3844

Director: Dick Walker 1004 Sherman Ave. 257-5574

- Rob Latousek

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