Inside Online Link Added

For those of you unfamiliar with "Inside," its a publication featuring stories from Chicago's northside neighborhoods, including Uptown. We added a link on the right. Be sure to check out the "City Beat" and "Police Beat." "Neighborhood Notes" is also a good, quick read.

No More Anonymous Comments

In order to make reading and commenting on posts a bit easier to follow, we are no longer allowing anonymous comments. It will take you one minute to register with "Blogger" and then you will be on your way to sharing your thoughts on issues affecting our neighborhood. We will also be deleting comments we deem vulgar or questionable in an effort to keep posts on topic. Our intention is to make "Uptown Update" a place for legitimate discussion on issues that affect all of us.

Losing An SRO

There has been much discussion on Uptown Update about SROs and the number of this type of housing located in the Uptown neighborhood.
There are SROs in other neighborhoods as well. In fact, there's one in the middle of the Gold Coast at State and Rush, that is closing in September. This article in the Sun-Times today mentions the closing of the Cedar Hotel in a article primarily about losing a neighborhood watering hole (Melvin B's). Clearly, bar patrons have many other options in the "Viagra Triangle." What about the SRO residents? Will Uptown become their new home? There seems to be no opposition to closing an SRO near downtown.

Street Smart

By Lori Rackl
Chicago Sun-Times
lrackl@suntimes.com

About 25 people milled around Goudy Elementary School in Uptown on a recent Tuesday evening.

A man in a business suit stood next to another wearing a turban and sweats. There were blacks, whites, Asians. Men, women, children.

The diverse group had gathered for the same reason: to improve their health -- and the health of their North Side neighborhood.

Healthy People, Healthy Blocks is the brainchild of CAPS community organizer Marty Cook. A 10-year veteran of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy program, or CAPS, Cook would often walk the streets in the 20th district looking for graffiti, potholes and other problems that needed fixing.

"All that walking was good exercise," said Cook, who used to tip the scales at more than 300 pounds. Then he had gastric bypass surgery and "something clicked."

"I wanted to help other people take control not only of their health, but of the streets," Cook said.

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Cook and his crew of community members convene at Goudy to hear a short talk on nutrition, fitness, street smarts -- the topics vary each week. Armed with clipboards, they then set off on a fitness walk around the neighborhood, jotting down the location of graffiti, overgrown trees blocking streetlights and other issues that need the city's attention.

The idea isn't just for them to spot problems, but for problems to spot them.

"It's kind of like taking back the streets," said Allen Turner, 38, a father of two who's lived in his Uptown townhouse for 13 years. "If we're out here, the thugs won't be."

He said as recently as last year, gangs, drugs and fights were getting out of control near his home on Winona.

"It got pretty crazy," said Turner, a video game designer. "We had a meeting with police, the alderman, the assistant principal at the school ... they heeded my call, so I felt the least I could do was do my part, too."

Turner and his family routinely turn out for the Tuesday night walks, which started informally last summer but became a full-fledged CAPS program this year.

CAPS Director Beth Ford said similar programs are springing up in other districts.

"The idea is really starting to catch on," she said. "There are a lot of neighborhoods where this kind of a walking program makes a lot of sense."

Local businesses pitch in to help make Uptown's Healthy People, Healthy Blocks work.

Galter LifeCenter, a medical fitness facility affiliated with Swedish Covenant Hospital, sends experts to the meetings to talk about diet and exercise. The fitness center outfitted everyone with pedometers at a recent Tuesday meeting so people could work toward a goal of 10,000 steps a day.

Jewel and Dominick's take turns donating fruit each week, and Flourish Bakery Cafe kicked in a gift certificate for a raffle.

Elizabeth Derrico, who lives on the border of Uptown and Edgewater, attended her first Tuesday night walk earlier this month.

"This is a great community-building activity -- and I get my exercise in," Derrico said.

"Let's face it: this is a neighborhood not without its problems," she said. "It's important to have a community presence out here."

Addis Clinton agrees. This single dad happened to be walking his young daughter in her stroller when he came across the group. He asked what they were up to.

"We need you all down there by Wilson," Clinton said.

"I'm a product of the streets myself," he added. "I wish we had something like this when I was growing up."

"Il Fiasco" Opening Soon at Clark and Carmen

From Metromix:
Il Fiasco
5101 N. Clark St.

We had to wonder why any restaurant would call itself a fiasco – we're envisioning a dinner disaster – but it seems it's also the name of those wicker-wrapped wine bottles, usually seen holding those drippy candles in old-school Italian spots. This Fiasco, which is opening in the former Rioja address in Andersonville, is aiming to play up the latter with a few of those bottles on the wine list, and a few more as subtle decor accents.
Owners Michael and Natalie Moore (the original owners of Lincoln Park's Pasta Palazzo and founders of Lakeview's Twist) are bringing on a still unnamed chef to create the Tuscan-focused menu – we do know he clocked kitchen time at a posh spot in London and a Michelin rated spot in Tuscany. The Moores rehabbed the space (and ditched the oversized fish left from Rioja's predecessor Atlantique); the space now features red banquettes, black-and-white mosaic floors and a new granite bar top in the lounge. Target opening date: early July

Parking Lot Dump in Uptown?

An "Uptown Update" reader sent in the following pics from Wilson and Lake Shore Drive. It appears that our parking lot is being used as a sort of "dump" by the streets and sanitation folks. Apparently we are lacking the property facilities in our neighborhood as the street cleaning machines are being washed in the street across from the bait shop at Montrose Harbor Drive and Simmonds. If you don't want our park area looking like this, please call 311 and the Alderman's office and let them know.

Zoning Meeting Change for 1470 W. Carmen

If you are wanting to attend the rezoning meeting concerning the 1470 W. Carmen property, the meeting time has been changed. It is now scheduled for Thursday July 12, at 10am in the City Council chambers downtown.

Evening Nap at Aldi

An Uptown Sunday Morning

Pride Parade No-Show?

We are receiving word that Alderman Shiller was a no-show at this year's Pride Parade. Can anyone confirm this?

A Farmers' Market for Everyone

The Farmers' Market in Logan Square (which is conveniently held on Sundays) is piloting a program that allows Illinois LINK card users (electronic food stamps) to purchase products from the weekly Farmers' Market.

Maybe this innovative idea could be implemented in Uptown? Holding the event on the weekend increases participation by both farmers and residents, and the accepting the LINK card allows people in all economic classes to afford to buy fresh produce (and bakery items!) in their own neighborhood.

See the story in the Chicago Tribune here.

Get To Know Your Neighbors

We will be adding a new link to the Chicago Police Department website off on the right. There you will be able to find info on how to search for reported crimes in your area, registered sex offenders in your area, and "wanted" individuals in your area. There is also a link on the CPD website to subscribe to "ClearPath" which will give you info on local beat meetings and community alerts.

A simple query on the sex offender site brought up some interesting info. Wonder what building 11xx Wilson Ave. could be? We have an idea. Check it out here.

The Return of the Aldi Shopping Cart

Riviera Stripped

The workers at the Riviera have been working overtime lately. Last time we checked, the metal framing left over when the siding was removed was still up. Now that is gone and the bricks are being stripped and removed, down to the interior brick in some spots. As far as we know, the only tenant planned for the building is Bank of America, unless someone with some inside info comments otherwise. Folks, its kind of hard to walk around our neighborhood and not feel like we are in the middle of one of the biggest rebirths of Uptown in a very long time.

Outdoor Seating A'Plenty...

This summer is going to have the most outdoor seating at restaurants in Uptown in a long time. The folks at "Agami" on Broadway were busy putting the finishing touches on their plantings today. "Marigold" recently added seating outdoors in addition to "Fiesta Mexicana" and "The Spot." We also noticed that the new "Fat Cat" sign has been added and it looks great on that stretch of Broadway, with outdoor seating to come soon. In addition, we know that "The Spotted Pig Market" on Wilson will be serving food and feature outdoor seating. Now we need to show these establishments that the seating is greatly appreciated by chowing down there often!

In "Case" You Missed It

Looks like the much anticipated "display cases" to showcase the Arai Middle School's artwork have been installed. We can't help but notice the "cases" look like they should be showing the next showtime for "Spiderman 3." Windows would have looked awful, right? We'll keep telling ourselves that.

Parking Required for New Condos?

Nursing home could become SRO

Hmm, not enough parking to develop 1470 W. Carmen into a condo? Uptown Update can think of at least six buildings converted to condos in the 46th Ward that have no onsite parking.

Uptown Multi-Block Club Mixer Reminder

A reminder for those of you interested in joining your local block club or just finding out what's going on in your neighborhood, now is your chance to do so:

You're invited to the 1st Annual Summer Solstice party hosted by:

Clarendon Park Neighbors
Truman Square Neighbors
Lakeside Neighbors
Graceland Wilson Neighbors
Dover Street
Magnolia Malden Neighbors

When: Thursday, June 21
Time: 6-9 pm
Where: Nick's on Wilson, across the street from Truman College.
Cost: $20--includes 2 drink tickets and 1-year membership to your block club

Your Tuesday Chuckle

Click Here and scroll down to "List Items to be Sold."

1100 Leland Greens and Lights it Up

Walking past 1100 Leland today we noticed that new trees have been planted in addition to the small flower gardens added to the south side of the building. We also noticed new copper lighting added to the terra cotta facade of the building (click picture above for more detail). It appears that there were originally lights in these spots when the building was first constructed, so its a welcome sight to see them again.

Uptown Corner Market

UPDATE: Thanks to the diligence of an "Uptown Update" reader, the city of Chicago is now investigating these peddlers and we can report that as of today, Monday, we did not see them at Broadway and Wilson. Let's hope that this action shows other peddlers that we will not tolerate illegal peddling. Bravo!

"Spotted Pig" Spotted on Wilson

Looks like the retail space in the 1200 block of Wilson (next to Magnolia Cafe and Faz's Bakery) will soon be getting some company. We noticed a sign in the window of 1228 Wilson announcing "The Spotted Pig Market" opening in July. Let's hope this retail trend continues.

1470 W. Carmen Meeting

If you live near the proposed SRO by Heartland Alliance at 1470 W. Carmen, mark your calendars for tomorrow, June 20 at 7:30pm. You can meet up and discuss your concerns with other members of the community. T's is located at Clark and Winnemac. Our thanks to "dmambrose" from BPN for the info.

Gang Wars Move South

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

A 24-year-old man was killed in an apparent gang-related shooting early Sunday at a gas station in the Wrigleyville area on the North Side.

A little after 3:30 a.m., a car entered the BP gas station on the 800 block of W. Irving Park Rd., according to police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak. A group of people approached the car, to see if it contained rival gang members, Kubiak said, and a verbal altercation broke out between the two groups.

A shot rang out and the victim was struck, Kubiak said. He was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, she said.
No one was in custody as of Sunday morning. The offenders were described as Hispanic males, between 21 and 25 years old, Kubiak said.

Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

UPDATE: There appears to be contradicting information regarding the building at 5040 N. Kenmore. This is the response from Alderman Smith's office:

Statements have been made recently that 5040 N. Kenmore is in discussion for a halfway house. I have spoken directly with the Alderman and with Heartland Housing to confirm the following facts:

There is no change to the status of that building, for better or worse. There are two things that may have provoked these rumors:

Heartland is doing a senior development in the ward, at Hollywood and Sheridan. Heartland’s development is not a halfway house, whatever that term may mean.

2. Alderman Smith and Ms. Gilliam of CHA have a meeting scheduled, next week, to discuss the significant delay on this building and other CHA buildings in the ward. The building at 5040 will be a part of that discussion, about preserving the building as affordable housing. There has not been, and there is not planned, any discussion of halfway houses.


Doug Fraser, Chief of Staff
Alderman Mary Ann Smith
_______________________________________________

A former CHA senior building at 5040 N Kenmore, across the street from the Agudas Achim synagogue and very close to Goudy School, may be converted to a halfway house for recently released prisoners. According to information from the Argyle Winmore block club, Heartland Alliance is planning to purchase this building and rehab to use as a halfway house.

Contact Alderman Smith (and Alderman Shiller, since the 46th ward boundary is across the street) if you are concerned about the conversion of this building to house former crimials. The 4900 and 5000 blocks of Kenmore are already dealing with increased crime due to problem CHA buildings. Additional criminals living within the area will only increase crime and discourage further development in the area.

Aldi Should Be One Shopping Cart Short...

For the past few weeks we have noticed a new Aldi cart that has been periodically chained to a bike rack or tree in front of Jimmy John's on Wilson. It disappears for part of the day, then returns. All of the Aldi signage has been removed, but it is clearly from the new store. The shopping carts must be a hot commodity as we have seen more in the alleys and on the street than usual. Any ideas? Is this a job for 311?

Uptown Farmer's Market: Day ONE

For those of you who actually work a 9-5 job Monday-Friday and could not attend today's market, here is a brief overview.

There were two "vendors" and they both were selling baked goods. We aren't quite sure where the locally grown produce is hidden, but we will let you know if we find it. That's about it.

Holsten: Target Is Coming to Wilson Yard

From Pioneer Press:

By LORRAINE SWANSON Staff Writer

Developer Peter Holsten went on record that a Target store is coming to Wilson Yard despite no official announcement from the retail giant.
In a June 6 meeting of the Wilson Yard Task Force at Truman College, Holsten, the lead developer for the former, five-acre CTA rail yard, insisted that his firm, the Chicago-based Holsten, had passed all of the Target Corporation's financial boards and had a signed contract in hand.
"Target wants to open in mid-2009," Holsten said.
Wilson Yard, bounded by Broadway and the CTA tracks on the east and west, and Wilson and Montrose Avenues on the north and south, became a political battleground during the recent 46th Ward aldermanic race. Some Uptown residents have criticized Holsten and Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th, for what they claim has been a lack of transparency in the mixed-use development's planning process.
The redevelopment plans include a 180,000-square-foot Target store, 178 units of affordable housing and a 700-car parking garage, with 30,000 additional square feet for retail, offices and restaurants. A new Aldi's that replaced an existing store at 4450 N. Broadway, opened in May at Wilson Yard, almost six months past its projected opening of December 2006.
Last month, the City Council approved increasing Wilson Yard's TIF subsidy from $35.6 million to $43.1 million, stipulating that construction begin on the Target and residential units no later than July. Holsten attributed the increase to a 15 percent rise in construction costs and materials.
Holsten told task force members and a handful of residents attending the mid-morning meeting that toxic soil removal had already begun on the site. Demolition of the old Aldi's and the Azusa Building will start in July.
Wary after the pullout of a 12-screen movie theater in 2005, residents have questioned whether Target has truly committed to anchoring the Wilson Yard complex of stores, offices and apartments. Uptown resident Dustin Fogel, who took a day off from work to attend the task force meeting which are typically held during business hours, asked why there has been no official announcement.
Repeated calls to Target's media relations department were not returned.
"When the Target on Peterson opened there were signs up well in advance of its coming," Fogel said.
"Also, (residents) have contacted Target and asked if they had any new stores planned in the Chicago area and the Wilson Yard Target was not mentioned," Fogel added.
Holsten described Target's policies on announcing new stores "odd."
"We asked to put an announcement in the newspaper. It's bizarre," Holsten said.
Shiller backed Holsten, who reiterated that his firm did indeed have a contract.
"Do you think he'd go forward if Target wasn't on board?" Shiller asked.
Holsten said that once construction is underway, a rendering of the proposed Target would be posted at the construction site.
"(Target's) policies on this side are absurd. We'll put up a rendering and to hell with them," Holsten said.

Block Club Update

For those citizens wanting to get involved in their local block club, below you will find a great opportunity to do so.

From Magnolia Malden Block Club Newsletter:

CARMEN MANOR
There will be a community meeting sponsored by Alderman Shiller's office concerning Carmen Manor, at 1470 W Carmen. There is a proposal to convert the building (which used to be a nursing home) into a SRO (Single Resident Occupancy). This could have a large impact on the neighborhood. It is important that every citizen understands the proposal and has an opportunity to ask questions and voice their support or concern. If you are interested, the community meeting will be held:
Tuesday, June 12 at 7 PM United Methodist Home 1415 W. Foster

Multi-BLOCK CLUB MIXER
Come celebrate the Summer Solstice at Nick's!
WHO: Magnolia-Malden, Graceland-Wilson, Lakeside Neighbors, Clarendon Park and Truman Square Block Clubs
WHERE: Nick's on Wilson, 1140 West Wilson
WHEN: Thursday, June 21
TIME: 6-9 pm
COST: $20, which includes yearly household membership to your block club and 2 drink coupons

Wilson El Garden Walk

It's almost summer time in Uptown. The flowers are blooming, the cicadas are chirping, and weeds are growing all around the Wilson El station, even out of the top of the building and on the tracks. We even noticed the "Shooter" poster originally posted by "Carmen" at WTH on the blighted, empty retail section still remains. We realize the retail is empty, but shouldn't the CTA be required to keep it in decent condition? Now that CTA president Ron Huberman lives in Uptown and presumably uses this station, we need to let him know we do not approve of the station's condition. And yes, we have heard that the Wilson El renovation design phase is at 30% but work would not even BEGIN for at least another 3 years. The CTA needs to take care of this station in the meantime. 3 more years is a long time to wait. Let the CTA and our new neighbor, Ron Huberman, know how you feel. Call 1-888-968-7282 or email the CTA at ctahelp@transitchicago.com

Lawrence and Broadway: Riviera and Wilde Pug

Work has finally resumed on the Riviera Building at Lawrence and Broadway. Windows have been removed from the second and third floors in addition to the metal framing that held the awful tan colored siding that covered the brick facade for so many years. We had heard there were issues with permits so we assume this has been worked out.
Across the street, workers have been gutting the old Broadway/Lawrence Liquor store for the upcoming "Wilde Pug" club and bar opening there. Workers have removed the green awning from the front of the building and soon there will be no sign of the previous tenant. Its good to see progress in our neighborhood.

Harris Hotel

Thanks to an Uptown Update reader for some pictures of people using the Harris Bank drive-thru on Broadway as a sleeping facility.

Not on Target?

We received this email today from Target Corporation:

Dear XXXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding a Target store in Chicago, IL. As you might imagine, a lot of time and work goes into determining where and when to build a Target store. There's involvement by people in the private and government areas, and it may take months or even years to build a store. Sometimes Target is mentioned as an example of a possible store anchor for a project by a developer or city. I don't have any information about a store in the area you mentioned.

Please feel free to check with us again later this year and we'll be happy to look again.
Have questions about Target stores, products or service? You can give us a call at (800) 440-0680, or visit us on Target.com. Either way, we're happy to help.

Thanks for shopping with us.

Sincerely,
Robert
Target Guest Relations

From the owners of the successful Crew Bar & Grill, the Wilde Pug will be opening in late 2007 on Broadway in Uptown. This will be a welcome addition to the growing nightlife option in the 4800 block of Broadway, with Fat Cat on track to open this summer, and joining recently opened Marigold restaurant and Annoyance Theatre.

Click here for more info.

Stewart School Campus Park Rendering

Alderman Shiller just updated her "blog" with a rendering of the new Stewart School Campus Park at Broadway and Kenmore. While we think this new green space is a welcome addition to the school, we hope that the school and the Alderman are vigilant in putting a stop to the loitering in this area. This will almost certainly be a problem once the folks who sleep in the Harris Bank parking lot realize there is a new, soft patch of grass to sleep on next door.

Is Target Really on Target? How Bizarre, How Bizarre

We are just receiving word of what was discussed at the Wilson Yard Task Force meeting. While we are told that most of the discussion centered on Truman College and its planned parking facility/student center, there appeared to be an interesting development when the public was asked if it had questions.

An observer at the meeting asked:
"Why is there no sign of Target coming to Wilson Yard? When the Target on Peterson opened there were signs up well in advance of it coming. Also, people have contacted Target and asked if they had any new stores planned in the Chicago area...and the Wilson Yard Target was not mentioned." To which Peter Holsten, developer replied," Yea, it's very bizarre."

We have to respectfully agree Mr. Holsten.

For those of you who would like to contact Target and inquire about the proposed Target at Wilson Yard, you may do so by calling Target Corporation at 612-304-6073, or you may email Peter Holsten at peterholsten@holstenchicago.com

New Condo Proposed Next to Big Chicks

We came across a couple of interesting tidbits on "AlderTrack" today. A developer is planning an 11 story development with 63 units, 2700 square feet of ground floor retail space, and 63 on site parking spaces. This is planned for 5026 N. Sheridan. For those of you trying to picture this spot, it formerly housed a laundry mat and is the next building north of Big Chicks. A public hearing before the Chicago Planning Commission is scheduled for June 21. As soon as a rendering is released, we will post it.
Also, the upcoming "Fat Cat" restaurant at 4840 N. Broadway is awaiting liquor license approval . Annoyance Productions, Inc has applied for a liquor license for this site.

Would you like weeds with that?

One of the elements that makes a neighborhood appear blighted or unsafe are poorly maintained or boarded up buildings. At the southeast corner of Wilson and Sheridan stands what used to be a Burger King restaurant, surrounded by 2 foot high weeds and a chainlink fence surrounding the property. This is the definition of blight. It is an eyesore for the neighborhood.

The area around Wilson and Broadway is the epicenter for crime on the northside of Chicago. This vacant property is just a block from that intersection. Clearly, crime is a problem in this area as the Chicago Police blue light camera was moved to the intersection of Wilson and Sheridan. Why has this property become abandoned and more importantly, why has it become neglected? The real estate agent listed on the sign who is selling the property has been contacted, but clearly nothing happened out of that call.

At a minimum, this property should be properly maintained. I would hope that the Chamber and the Alderman's office is actively seeking uses for this otherwise discarded property.

Is This Still a Go?

We came across a rendering of the proposed development at 3660 N. Lakeshore and wondered if this was going to break ground anytime soon. We had heard that the architect on this project was Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the same firm behind Block 37 and the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Hotel downtown. We have an email into the firm and will relay any info. In the meantime, any residents of 3660 N. Lakeshore have any updates?

A Sign of Things to Come?

By FELICIA DECHTER Staff Writer
From Pioneer Local:

Much to the delight of community leaders, the 80-year-old Diplomat Hotel, a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) at 3208 N. Sheffield Ave., will be auctioned off on June 20 at The Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd.
Affordable housing, rather than more high-end condos, is the desired use for the site, they say.
"We are happy that something is finally being done about the Diplomat, but be careful what you wish for," said Charlie Schmidt, president of the local community group, the Hawthorne Neighbors. "To have it rehabbed into something nice--for affordable housing or entry level apartments--would be wonderful."
Prior to the auction, three tours of the property will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, June 1; 1 to 3 p.m. June 7; and 10 a.m. to noon, June 12. The 99-room hotel--which has been owned by the same operator for more than 30 years and has long been a bone of contention with neighbors--sits on a 75- by 125-foot lot of prime Lake View real estate.
"I think there will be a strong interest in the property from all kinds of people," said realtor/auctioneer, David Kaufman, of DK Realty Partners in Schaumburg, the firm handling the sale. "The location is spectacular, and properties like these don't come along on the market very often, at least publicly."
Kaufman said sealed bids will be accepted in the Heritage Room of the club at noon. The seller will then review the bids, and can either accept the highest one on the spot, or invite top bidders to participate in a live-cry auction at 1:30 p.m. Kaufman said there is no anticipated price.
"The property has a good demand," he said. "It's a great location. I think developers will be very interested in it."
Kaufman said retail on the ground floor with condos above it, which is what the property is zoned for, would be "a real improvement," on the site. Currently, the property's use as an SRO, is "not the highest and best use for the land," he said.
"The property is more valuable via a different use then it is as the current use," Kaufman said.
He added that the property "doesn't fit the profile," with what the owners want any more, and that the decision to sell was not taken lightly by the family who owns it.
Yet for local community leaders, it's a welcome decision.
"Anything other than that hotel would be an improvement to the neighborhood," said Diann Marsalek, president of the Central Lake View Neighbors.

We here at the Update wonder if the SRO is going the way of the dinosaur. Can we expect to see Uptown's plethora of SRO's face this same fate?

Worth Revisiting...In The Zone

With all the zoning changes going down on Broadway, we thought it was well worth revisiting this topic. There is alot of speculation as to why these changes have been made.

"Hugh" from BPN speculated on the zoning changes:
"Shiller is deliberately instituting a more restrictive zoning in an up & coming area in order to force developers into an audience. Shiller anticipated the defeat of Preckwinkle's housing ordinance, which mandated set-asides of affordable units in ALL new developments over 10 units, and the passage of Daley's ordinance, which requires set-asides or cash when a developer asks for a zoning change. More restrictive zoning means more requests for zoning changes means more affordable housing and more campaign contributions." He goes on to say, "The zoning change is NOT because the new zoning is thought to be more appropriate or reflective of the neighbor's hopes & desires for their community. On the contrary it is zoning as power grab: the new zoning is proposed precisely because it is KNOWN to be INAPPROPRIATE for the obvious uses developers would look at these properties for. It is using zoning to "bring developers to the table." (Of course it will also bring developers to Citizens for Shiller.) It is bending our City's law to the will of the Alderman. It is changing our laws to institutionalize the Alderman as local Zoning Czar. It is an abuse of the process."

We know this brought at least $500 to "Citizens for Shiller" as the day after "Mox Realty," who is marketing the rehab at Leland and Winthrop, donated to Alderman Shiller, their zoning change was approved. This changed the ground level of the building from retail to residential. While here at the Update, we realize this act isn't illegal, we question the ethics of it. Perhaps the folks at Pioneer-Local could investigate.

We also noticed that the parking lot for sale at Wilson and Kenmore by TCF bank is being downzoned. This zoning business is a little complicated and we appreciate Hugh for breaking it down for us. Stay tuned folks and keep your eyes wide open. It could get interesting.

Let your Voice be Heard, Join Your Local Block Club

We think that every resident of Uptown should be a member of their local block club. If you want your voice heard in your specific area of Uptown, then we suggest using this handy link courtesy of the "Uptown Chicago Commission" to join the block club your residence falls into.
If, for example, you are upset about the fact that we have a "Farmer's Market" that most residents of Uptown cannot attend due to the time it is scheduled, then let your voice be heard. New festivals and markets could be added and sponsored by our local block clubs. We truly think that now is the time to strengthen our local block clubs and by joining yours, you are doing your part.

Updates to 46th Ward Website

Check out the 46th Ward website for recent updates regarding the Farmer's Market and even the date AND time of the Wilson Yard task force meeting. Could they be listening? We are glad to see slightly more pertinent information on the website.