Dear Highland Park Neighbors, On behalf of Union Project, our board of directors and staff, I want you to know that all of us here at Union Project were shocked and saddened to read Melissa's Dorsette's recent email post. UP's mission is to build a better community, one where diverse people can gather and connect, create and celebrate together. We have been doing this work, with the support of the Highland Park Community, since 2001. We have always been, and will continue to be, committed to being a good neighbor. Above all, I was relieved to learn that the individual involved is okay. I spoke with Melissa Dorsette directly about this incident after reading her email, to offer my support, and to understand better what occurred. I also spoke to the police this morning, trying to gain a full picture of the incident in question, but a police report was not filed at Zone 5. UP hosts the monthly Zone 5 Public Safety meetings and we have built a good relationship with them so I was surprised I wasn't made aware of this incident sooner. That being said, since Melissa's email went to the entire neighborhood ListServ, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you, UP's policies, just as I did with her. Saturday's event was a private event with a group of young adults that we have rented to, several times before without incident. Because it was an event for youth adults/older teens, we require several things, all of which were followed Saturday night including: • No Alcohol • A security guard (off-duty police officer) and committee of event peers/chaperones who enforce the rules and check to make sure attendees are in compliance (i.e. not bringing in any alcohol, etc.). • Ending the music by 11:00 p.m., so that it doesn't disturb nearby residents This event attracted more attendees than in the past, and therefore, when they were asked to leave at the conclusion of the event, UP’s event staff called the police as a precaution to ensure that they disbursed without incident. The police did arrive and disbursed the crowd. Unfortunately, it appears that some of the attendees must have walked up to the Jackson/Negley street corner where the incident occurred. Our Director of Space Rental will been in touch with the renter to discuss what has happened. I've also spoken to Monica Watt, president of the HPCC. I had already planned to come the November 20th HPCC meeting to give my annual update on UP's programs, growth, and strategic business plan progress, as I do every year – I will also welcome any questions neighbors may have about our policy and procedures moving forward. I look forward to that meeting and continuing conversation about how we can work together to make our community safer as well. If in the future, anyone has questions or concerns about Union Project please contact us directly at 412-363-4550. Sincerely, Jeffrey