A little birdie sent us an email tipping us off to a new blog for Uptown, "Dear Helen:"
No clue as to who's behind it, but it could be interesting. Check it out here:
It's great to see other people stepping up and blogging about Uptown issues. Whether or not you agree, it is still a valuable resource for Uptown residents. Start firing off "letters" under the comment section on the blog and let the conversation begin.
Click the story above to read the article from Inside Online:
We passed by the "Wilson Club Hotel" at Wilson and Clifton twice today to see residents loitering as usual in front of the building on milk crates and chairs and drinking beer. Today we were able to get a shot of the aftermath of this public drinkfest...a shopping cart full of empty beer cans on Wilson in front of the building. Do the police just look the other way when it comes to public drinking in our ward?
Check out the Yahoo! Travel Review for this "hotel."
Word on the street is Uptown residents are having trouble getting straight answers when it comes to the progress, or lack thereof, on the "Wilson Yard" project. Our "powers that be" in the 46th Ward are not wanting to answer their questions and are referring to residents who challenge or question anything going on in our ward as "bad apples." The project is now definitely behind schedule, no confirmation has been received from Target Corporation on a store even planned for the spot, and our neighborhood homeless are now calling the unsecure site "home." What can be done? Give the 46th Ward office a ringy-dingy at 773-878-4646 and see what kind of answers you can get.
Well folks, the scaffolding is down along Clark, where it has been for months now, in front of the "Rainbo Village" development.
Looks like they have added plenty of outdoor space outside of the groundfloor retail level for the rumored "Panera" and hopefully other restaurants to be announced. Its a welcome addition to that area, that's for sure.
By Lorraine Swanson
Pioneer Press News-Star
Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th, who faced only one challenger, James Cappleman, in the municipal election, spent $203,558 in her aldermanic campaign, enough to hang on to her City Council seat. Shiller refrained from the City Council's first living wage vote and later sided with Mayor Daley's veto, by voting against the ordinance.
"My gut sense is that (the 46th Ward aldermanic race) was a traditional fight that we've seen for the past couple of cycles when the machine makes more of a play for that seat," Morrison said.
Shiller raised $80,446 in individual contributions. State Senator John Cullerton, D-6th, State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, D-12th, and Del Valle transferred a combined $2,250 to Shiller's campaign committee. Shiller also received a $25,000 loan from the Bridgeview Bank Group in Uptown, and continues to carry $10,712 in debts and obligations, some dating as far back as 1988 and 1989.
Read entire article here:
Just when we think the area around the Wilson El stop can't get any worse, it does. This support railing near Leland and Broadway has fallen and is down for the count. Let's see how long it takes the CTA to notice, or anyone in the 46th Ward for that matter.
"For Rent" signs are up at the site of the now defunct "Spotted Pig Market" on Wilson at Magnolia. You all know what to do. Forward this post to any developers, restaurants or shops you'd like to see in this spot.
We stopped by the "Vis Vitae" site at Leland and Clark today and noticed a bit of progress being made. We also noticed that our local "graff artists" have placed their "welcome" on the construction sign.
For those Uptowners who use the Wilson El station, you've noticed by now that the ceiling has collapsed in the main entrance on Broadway. The CTA has constructed barriers around the 2 sections of ceiling that have collapsed. We had previously noticed the ceiling in this station to be in very bad shape, and it turns out these were the sections that collapsed. How much more will it take? A little preventative maintenance on the CTA's part would have saved El passengers from this headache. We haven't received any reports of passengers being hurt in the collapse, but how much more will it take before the CTA wakes up and realizes its time to rehab the Wilson El? Oh yes, that's right, "a lot" of progress has been made. The design phase is at 30%.
Have any residents near Sheridan and Wilson noticed a decrease in criminal activity since the police camera was installed? Just wondering, since we noticed this building at Sheridan and Eastwood, within a few hundred feet of the camera, covered in "graff art" on its north and west sides.
We noticed this beautifully ornate building at Sheridan and Leland today, next to the ParVenu, and wondered if it was being rehabbed. We noticed the grocery store directly to the south has closed and is boarded up. Anyone in the area know what's happening here?
The north side of the Riv building at Lawrence and Broadway is now covered in scaffolding. We noticed these yellow "braces" at the top of the building. Any clue as to what they are?
Update: Thanks to "Uptown Update" reader "Shawn," we know have a good idea what these braces will be used for, architectural details known as cornices. See the pic below for an idea. This building will be a stunner when finished.
Update: Today, August 29, we noticed workers installing a copper cornice on the Riv building. Looks great.
Seen today on Kenmore, the future site of the Graeme Stewart School park addition. Click the pic to enlarge and notice the shopping carts lining the street on both sides, although a bit difficult to make out.
Today we noticed that the basement is almost completely covered at the Uptown Broadway Building. We expect to see the sidewalk poured any day now and the ground level windows
to be replaced.
The Riv rehab at Lawrence and Broadway is buzzing right along. More terracotta has been added to the facade and we were able to get a quick peek inside the ground level of the building where the proposed Bank of America will be. As you can see from the photo, the lower level is still being gutted. We look forward to seeing windows added to this.
We spotted this bag full of empty liquor bottles right under the El tracks near Ace Hardware on Broadway. The same spot that is not well-lit at night, has a homeless man living behind a dumpster, reeks of urine, and has a track pillar covered in racists rants that still hasn't been removed. Might we suggest the police patrol this small area a bit more often and maybe the CTA could install more lighting under the tracks here. There is no excuse for this.
We have noticed the weeds around trees in Uptown have been out of control this year. And this spot at Racine and Broadway is no exception. Upon closer inspection, the weeds around these trees appear to have sprouted a couple of gin bottles as well. Even the center island in front of Border's has weeds growing and a broken concrete pylon that is STILL broken. This reflects badly on our historical district and needs some attention.
We have been hearing vicious rumor that the owners of Faz's Bakery on Wilson are having difficulty dealing with the powers that be in the 46th Ward. We understand that they have tried contacting 311 and the Alderman's office because they need the tree trimmed in front of their store, but to no avail. This tree is definitely overgrown and is blocking the storefront and possibly deterring pedestrian traffic from even noticing the bakery is there. We kindly ask the city and the 46th Ward office to look into this matter immediately. We want all new and exisiting businesses on Wilson to thrive. If this is already in the process of being resolved, thank you.
We came across the "Wilson Area Merchants Association" site and were quite impressed. The association is hosting an "Experience Uptown" event on September 7,8, and 9. You can purchase a wristband for $10 from their site which will get you discounts at Uptown restaurants and shops. For a complete list of the merchants participating, check out their site and check it out often, as the list will grow. We will be adding a link to the right side of our page for your convenience. We think that anything that promotes retail and growth on Wilson is a good thing. Check out the "Experience Uptown" flyer below.
Seen near the "Hotel Chateau" at Broadway and Sheridan today.
Here's a shot of the Wilson Yard site today, now featuring a new graff wall on the old Aldi. We're sure its quite hard for the "graff artists" to make their way into the "secured" site. If they get chilly at night, they can always burn cardboard like the other occupants of the site do.
By Lorraine Swanson
Pioneer Press News-Star
Uptown residents met in a drizzling rain last week to address long-standing problems stemming from the Public Storage property at 4012 N. Broadway.
In the past years, the public drinking and other illegal activities have taken a toll on area businesses and forced children to walk different routes to school to avoid the troublesome block.
With only a sidewalk separating them, members of the U-Haul Task Force and a business liaison officer from the 23rd Police District met on Aug. 8 with a group of men who hang out on the sidewalk across the street from the U-Haul rental facility looking to hustle extra money by helping people renting trailers and trucks move.
Residents who live near the Public Storage property have complained that some who congregate on the sidewalk drink, fight, sell drugs and harass passersby by aggressively panhandling or making rude comments.
While the residents have made some progress through CAPS Beat 2322 by forming a task group to address the problem, roadblocks still remain.
"In all the time I've lived here, community expectations have changed. Maybe hanging out on the street corner drinking was okay 15 years ago, but now I come through here with my kids," said David Andes, chair of the CAPS Beat 2322 U-Haul Task Force. "I have to follow the law. Why shouldn't they?"
In April, members of the Buena Park Neighbors Block Club and CAPS participants sent a letter to Vance Henry, director of the Chicago Police Department's CAPS Program, expressing their "grave concerns" about the incidences of crime that have occurred on the Public Storage property.
According to information provided by the 23rd District Court Advocacy subcommittee, some of those crimes have ranged from robberies at nearby businesses and criminal trespass to vehicles, to narcotics sales and battery, allegedly committed by individuals who are regulars in front of the Public Storage facility.
"It's not illegal to stand and hang out on the sidewalk, but it is illegal to drink and harass people, to solicit and damage public property," 23rd District Officer Carrie Von Sagun said.
Some of the men confronted by neighbors who turned out for the meeting said that although they are homeless, they grew up in Uptown and that newer residents snatching up rehabs or condos want them out of the neighborhood.
"I've lived in Uptown since 1963. Some days I can $200 helping people move. We're out here trying to make a living," said Eugene Jones. "I live in this neighborhood but I'm not part of the 'we.'"
Uptown Update received this email yesterday from the proposed operator of the movie theatre planned for Lawrence and Winthrop.
Uptown Update:
This morning I spoke with Jim Gouskos regarding the progress of his Lawrence and Winthrop Street project(s). He suggested that I e-mail you and introduce myself, my sons, and the Meadow Theatre Group, as well as bring you in on our plans for the proposed movie theatre to help allay any concerns you, or other community residents, may have in regards to our operating the theatre.
I have been in the motion picture exhibition business since 1974. As of 1989, I owned and operated 42 separate multi-screen theatres throughout New England and New York State. The largest of these were 10 screen theatres that I both designed and constructed. In 1989 I sold my theatre interests to United Artists Theatres to pursue other commercial real estate development opportunities.
In 2000, I resumed operation of one of the theatres that I sold to United Artists. This location is currently being operated by my sons (Joshua and Alex) and me. Joshua, a licensed Florida attorney, works with me in all administrative and accounting functions necessary for the orderly operation of the theatre. Alex (now a producer for Feld Entertainment, Inc.) served as the on-site manager of this theatre for three years and was responsible for the operation of the theatre and maintenance of physical plant. Additionally, Alex was (and still is) exclusively responsible for “booking” the movies from the distributors and was responsible for all advertising and public relations for the theatre.
We have excellent relationships with all the major, and minor, film distributors (Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Sony, New Line, etc.) and have been assured that first run motion pictures are and will be available for this proposed location, without any delay (that is, if a film is to open nationally on August 17, it will open in our theatre on August 17).
One or both of my sons will move to Chicago to become the on-site theatre manager(s). This will ensure excellent ‘hands-on’ ownership/management. Our operating projection model reflects first run film availability and ‘state of the art’ digital sound and video equipment in nine stadium style cinemas. We expect to make a multi-million dollar investment in the theatre equipment and the accompanying appointments to the building itself.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Philip W. Meadow
Meadow Theatre Group, LLC
Phil@MeadowTG.com
Check out the 1100 block of Wilson and the 4600 block of Broadway. Notice something?
An "Uptown Update" reader wrote in to share these useful and valuable email addresses and phone numbers you can use in various situations. Save this post for future reference.
The 23rd District would like to announce a new email address for our HEART car, which handles issues of homelessness. Questions or information pertaining to this issue can be emailed to:homelesscar23@hotmail.com
Source:
Another person to contact with homelessness issues needing special attention is:
Mental Health and Homelessness Officer
P.O. Don Zalinski
312-744-0064
Police Department Hotlines
For whatever reason, some people may not feel comfortable using either 9-1-1 or the police non-emergency number 3-1-1 to report information regarding crimes. That's why the Chicago Police Department created various telephone hotline numbers as another option for reporting information.
These hotlines protect the anonymity of the caller and help simplify the process of reporting crime information. The hotlines are easy to remember and require only that you leave a message, give information, or state the purpose of your call -- all without having to identify yourself or your location.
However, the hotlines should never be used to report crimes in progress or other emergency situations. 9-1-1 is the appropriate number for these situations.
Here are the Police Department's most frequently used hotline numbers:
Bomb & Arson Hotline: 773-533-FIRE
Used for reporting information about arson, suspicious incendiary devices, potential bombs, and related criminal matters.
Chicago Anti-Gun Enforcement (CAGE) Hotline: toll-free 877-CPD-GUNS (877-273-4867) Used for reporting information about individuals and locations involved in gun trafficking or the illegal use or possession of firearms.
CRACK44 (Drug) Hotline: 800-CRACK44 (312-747-3673/TTY)
Used for reporting information about individuals and locations involved in drug trafficking. You may also report drug activity anonymously using the On-Line Drug Activity Form.
Gang Hotline: 312-746-GANG (312-746-4276/TTY)
Used for reporting information about gangs and gang-related activity.
Superintendent's Hotline: 312-939-5555
Another option for reporting narcotics activity and related crime information.
Source:
By Lorraine Swanson
Pioneer Press News-Star
More than 100 residents crammed into the Aragon Ballroom lobby on a hot muggy night to hear plans for a proposed development slated for the properties at 4738-50 N. Winthrop Ave. and the southeast corner of Lawrence and Winthrop.
Uptown resident and developer Jim Gouskos, who owns the Kinetic Playground, wants to build a 21-story, mid-rise condominium building on the 4700 block of North Winthrop, and a seven-level parking structure with retail and movie theaters across the street on Lawrence Avenue. Gouskos has already completed a historic building rehab at 1101-1113 W. Lawrence Ave., that houses a Chase Bank.
Plans for the development were first presented two years ago, when Gouskos was granted a zoning change to allow for increased density at the Winthrop property. At that time, plans for the Lawrence Avenue property included a parking structure and one floor of retail, not to exceed 110 feet. With the loss of the movie theaters at the Wilson Yard development, plans have expanded to include a nine-screen movie theater on the fifth, sixth and seventh levels, along with parking for 499 cars. The height of the building will not change.
Gouskos said he wanted the community's input into the type of retail that will be offered at the Lawrence Avenue property. He is shopping for a grocer to lease the ground floor, and a restaurant to lease part of the roof level, overlooking a "green" roof.
"This is my way of making my mark in the world, right here in this area," Gouskos told residents on Aug. 9. "I don't want this to have anything to do with politics, no matter who is alderman, mayor or ward committeeman."
But the evening did take on a political tone, as some residents questioned the logistics of the parking structure, wondering if it were enough to accommodate shoppers and movie-goers, as well as those attending shows at the Aragon, which will reserve 300 parking spaces will be reserved on concert nights.
"Traffic studies have been done and people aren't driving as much. This isn't a destination spot. People will walk or take mass transportation. We know from pre-sales of the condos how many people have bought parking," Gouskos said.
Residents also questioned the viability of the movie theater, since the Kerasotes Theaters planned for Wilson Yard fell through.
"The movie theater will help create critical mass for the retail," said Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th. "What happened to the movie theaters at Wilson Yard, we found a theater company that is comfortable creating theaters in the 1,800 to 2,000 seat range. I completely understand and it was one of the reasons we came to the conclusion that it wasn't viable there."
Gouskos said he has already been approached by the Meadow Theater Group and has a letter of intent.
"They said the numbers work out with the mass transit and density, more than any other theater that they've done," Gouskos said.
Gouskos does not yet own the Lawrence Avenue property, which has been held in escrow to determine if it is eligible for TIF money from the Lawrence-Broadway TIF District. Once the sale is finalized, the proposed planned development will go before the city's Community Development Commission. The commission will review the plans and recommend action to the City Council, including TIF financing for the Lawrence Avenue property.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2008, and will take about 18 months to complete both structures, Gouskos said.
Folks, here is a good email address to use to send off emails to our 23rd district police officers. If you see something that needs attention and do not feel that 911 is helping enough, then try 23districtehotline@chicagopolice.org
Be sure to let us know how responsive they are.
Update: We fixed an error in the email address, we apologize for any inconvenience.
You may have noticed a large development on the east side of the El tracks going southbound between Wilson and Sheridan, just before the curve at the Sheridan stop. Thanks to the detective work of our friend, the "IrishPirate," we now know whats coming, "The Watercolor Residences." This development is located at 4150 Kenmore. Check out the pics above.
An "Uptown Update" reader writes in asking the following:
Name the location of these wings in Uptown.
Let's play "compare and contrast" folks. Let's compare two currency exchanges within a few blocks of each other. One at Broadway and Wilson and one at Broadway and Montrose. What differences can you spot in the two pictures taken this afternoon? Be sure to click the pics so they are enlarged for the full effect.
We spotted these two men and young boy resting in front of the graffiti covered Wilson El station. The gentleman with the beard appears to be the famed singer who stands under the El tracks singing tunes for hours on end for spare change.
We spotted the police busting our friend who peddles hats and bags at the corner of Broadway and Wilson. Looks like he doesn't hang his wares on the fence, he prefers to be more mobile with shopping carts.
We spotted this chap resting on the sidewalk in front of the new Aldi on Broadway. He was smoking a homemade cigarette and feeding the pigeons. Nice.
Now featuring things farmers actually grow, like vegetables.
This tree stump near the 46th Ward office has started to sprout. Maybe if we wait long enough, a new tree won't be necessary.
Well, the July deadline for starting demolition at Wilson Yard has come and gone. The old Aldi is still standing and the Azusa building has not been dismantled. We thought we'd pay a visit to the site to see what goodies we could discover. We were not disappointed. We spotted broken glass, a chair, lots of trash, and two cardboard boxes that had been burned, we can only assume, for warmth at night by the homeless who are calling the "Holsten Hotel" home. If you'd like to give Target Corporation a call to inquire about our mysterious, supposedly upcoming Target, you can do so at 1-800-440-0680. Be sure to let us know what they said. It also couldn't hurt to give the alderman's office a call at 773-878-4646 to get their "spin."
BUENA PARK NEIGHBORS (BPN) is pleased to announce the second of two concerts in Buena Circle Park. Buena Park neighbors and their families will come together under the stars to listen to the Thomas Pace Band. The free concert takes place on Thursday, August 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Buena Circle Park is located at the intersection of North Kenmore Ave and West Buena Ave (1000 block West and 4200 block North). The Thomas Pace Band concert is sponsored by Nick Novich, of Nick’s Uptown Chicago - 4015 N. Sheridan, Nick’s on Wilson - 1140 W. Wilson Ave. and Nick’s Beer Garden - 1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.The Buena Circle Park concert series is organized by BPN in conjunction with the Chicago Park District. All neighbors and families are welcome.BUENA PARK NEIGHBORS was founded in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit resident-based organization. BPN is dedicated to bringing together residents and working together to improve the quality of life in the area generally bounded by Montrose Avenue on the north, Irving Park Road on the south, Clark Street on the west and Marine Drive on the east.
The 23rd Police District held a community rally/petting zoo this evening, starting at the McDonald's at Wilson and Sheridan and ending at Clarendon Park (where an innocent bystander was shot in gang related violence last week - no mention of that tonight.)
Alderman Shiller addresses the crowd about the diversity of the community.
Ronald McDonald followed Alderman Shiller, emphasizing the importance of safety.
Jon Trott, of Jesus People USA, discusses the importance of loving each other.
James Cappleman represented "Uptown Chicago Commission."
Crowds were treated with Buddhist dancers.
Mayor Daley spoke out about diversity and the need to eliminate guns from our streets. A visit from Mayor Daley is one sure way to get the media to visit Uptown!
Kids enjoyed pony rides.
Thanks to Alderman Shiller for attending this important rally against crime!
All Uptown Update readers are encouraged to attend a community meeting this Thursday, August 9th at 7 p.m. in the main lobby of the Aragon Theatre to discussion the proposed development plans for the southeast corner of Lawrence and Winthrop.
According to developer Jim Gouskos, the current plans for this site include a nine-screen movie theatre, 700 space parking garage and additional retail space for a restaurant or grocery.
Due to the significant impact on auto and pedestrian traffic, all Uptown residents should attend to learn about the plans and voice their opinion to Alderman Shiller, who will be present.
Tribune staff report
August 3, 2007
We realize we have featured "Faz's Bakery & Cafe" at 1218 W. Wilson already, but after speaking with one of the owners today, we think its worth another look.
An "Updater" wrote in informing us of a law that has been phased in over the last 4 years requiring, for example, lots with more than 4 cars to have fencing. This should include the "U-Haul" lot on Broadway and "Dearborn Wholesale Grocers" on Montrose. The "Updater" noted there are many violations in Uptown. Feel free to call the above businesses and let them know of the new law, as if they didn't know, and also the Alderman's office.
Check out the "City of Chicago Landscape Ordinance Booklet" here:
Today we feature "Hana to Yoko Flower Shop" at 4753 N. Broadway (at Leland). This shop is packed to the gills with flowers and houseplants at very competitive prices. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and are able to help you choose the best plant if you are prone to kill them, like we are. If you need a flower arrangement or just have a question about hours, you can reach them at 773-561-6940.
What: U-Haul Task Force Meeting
When: Wednesday Aug 8, at 7pm
Where: Outside Public Storage at 4050 N. Broadway
Why: This is a community group whose goal is to rid the area in the 4000 block of N. Broadway of loitering and public intoxication. We will hold our meeting in the same area that loitering takes place all day long. We need to take back this area for our community. Dogs are welcome!
We will continue to discuss the following at the meeting:
*Recent arrests in the 4000 block of North Broadway, Police follow-up to the ongoing problems of public drinking, and U-haul’s progress on security cameras on their property.
*Why we, as a community, are unable to get the City of Chicago to provide us with green space in the area.
*Problem solve how we can get better follow-up on our concerns in the area. We need community members who want to help solve this very difficult problem. Please try to attend the meeting and pass the date on to your friends and neighbors who live in the area. Any questions, call the 23rd District Community Policing Office at 312 -744-0064.
Our thanks to "Ozzy26" from BPN for posting this.
From the 46