Short MTCA meeting passes procedure to restrict image use

January 18, 2008 – The Marina Towers Condominium Association board of directors met for 14 minutes 28 seconds on Thursday evening before recessing to closed session. They were observed to be in closed session for about 45 minutes.

MTCA president Donna Leonard announced a “standard operating procedure for use of name and image.” The procedure anticipates applications to MTCA for permission to use images of, presumably, the Marina City complex. Applicants would provide extensive information and pay a fee. For anyone already using MTCA name or image, Leonard says the fee would be waived.

Among the required information would be the purpose for using the name or image, such as “business web site, a photograph in a book, image on a t-shirt, newspaper hardcopy.”

According to the resolution that detailed the SOP, the usage could not “reflect negatively or demean the image or reputation of MTCA and the condominium itself.”

[Numerous legal experts have stated that permission is not needed to use an exterior image of a building, commercially or otherwise. Book publishers typically only seek permission of the photographer or other copyright owner of the image. Newspapers and other media outlets have told Marina City Online they do not seek permission when they use a building image. Having consulted with a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law, MCO does not recognize the authority of MTCA to restrict use of images of Marina City.]

Nonetheless, the resolution was approved by the board unanimously.

Leonard also noted the possible loss of the post office at 540 North Dearborn Street, which was reported by local news media on January 11. She said there would be a public hearing on the proposal on January 30.

Brian Lozell, a vice president of Draper and Kramer, filling in for residential property manager David Gantt, said management was evaluating repair work needed to balconies, hallways, hallway lighting, unit entry doors, and elevator foyers. He said they have asked the commercial property manager, Transwestern Commercial Services, for two plaza-level parking spaces near the west tower but have not heard back.

Lozell also said they are negotiating with MDU Communications, provider of DirectTV satellite service to Marina City residential units, for additional HDTV and foreign-language channels. MDU is working on an agreement and says it will hold a “Town Hall” meeting to discuss the upgrade, which could be implemented by the end of April. It would cost an extra $2 per month per unit.

Lozell (left) is a former tour director for the Chicago Architecture Foundation.