Al is the founder of the annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival. An agent for neighborhood improvement, Al was also appointed a Commissioner of Special Service Area #24 (Clark Street/Morse/Glenwood) by Chicago's mayor. In this position, he helps promote local business, neighborhood safety and sponsors neighborhood events. His unwavering commitment to community service earned him the Rogers Park Citizen of the Year Award in 2004. His development projects include two arts buildings, Evanston Lofts Condominium, the first Live/Work condominium in Evanston and the ArtSpace RP Building in Rogers Park, a mixed use rental building.