Courtesy: "UR Chicago" (click text above to enlarge)

A reader tipped us off to this interesting article that discusses how New York City has recaptured shoppers that previously fled to the suburbs to do their shopping. How did they do it and can these ideas be applied to our anemic Uptown retail scene? Read on.

Oak Park's Wednesday Journal Rescues Three City Papers From Certain Death
By Michael Miner

Check out the "Chicago Reader's" coverage here.

No, it's more like Uptown, Broadway and Wilson in the 1920's. A resident sent us this postcard showing that (in)famous intersection back in it's heyday. The 4 story building on the left now houses the "City Sports" and "Family Dollar." On the right, that beautiful building was eventually razed for a currency exchange/outdoor market.
(Courtesy "Compass Rose Cultural Crossroads")

If you get a chance, check out "Chicago 'L'.org." Its one of our favorite sites and you can search for the history of each station in Uptown. There are amazing photos there, including the one above showing a train passing through the Wilson L stop in June 1968. Look closely. The paint is faded on the side of the "hotel" today but you can see how it looked before. Also, you can see the tops of two buildings to the left of the hotel. One is still there and housing "Nick's on Wilson," and the next one which is yellowish brick is gone. We believe that housed the "Wooden Nickel" in recent years before the condo with "Curves" and "Jimmy John's" replaced it. The building on the other side of Wilson next to the tracks is still there where the "Truman College" driveway is today.
(Photo by Leon Kay, Chicago L.org)

The folks over at the "Chicago Methods Reporter" keep cranking out Uptown-related articles and we couldn't be happier. There is even a link to their Uptown-centric stories here and now you can find it off on the right under our "Useful Links." Check it out and be sure to fire off an email to the publisher, Brad Flora and thank them for continually giving Uptown much needed media coverage.

A reader writes in:

For those of you wondering what was going on with "Wilde Pug," the upcoming bar from the owner's of "Crew," well, a "stop work order" had been issued and progress has ground to a halt. We are happy to report that according to Brian Wells at Crew, the stop work order has been resolved and they hope to have a building permit in hand within the week. After that, work will resume and the goal is to open mid May.

A reader alerted us to the fact that a vacant storefront in the high-rise on the corner of Beacon and Wilson has recently covered its windows in brown paper, signaling the fact that work is being done inside. This spot also features a large fenced in outdoor area that could be used for an outdoor seating area of some sort. We are glad to see this building possibly filling another vacant space. The "Express Chicken and Ribs" recently opened and seems to be doing well. We had heard rumors a while back of "Unique So Chique" opening up a chocolate/tea room in this building. Could this be what's going on? We do know that Rob Davis (owner of Unique So Chique) and Robert Emery (owner of Robert Emery Chocolates) are looking for silent investors in upcoming business ventures. If there is anyone who would to become an investor, please call 773-561-0324. In the meantime, we will keep you posted of what is coming to this long vacant storefront.

Next time you're walking westbound on Wilson from Broadway, stop and imagine this block as it used to be. Check out the photo of Wilson Avenue circa 1914 above, courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society. You can see the Wilson Club Hotel on the right, and further down, the beautiful building currently housing "Nick's on Wilson" and vacant storefronts. What a grand avenue Wilson once was. The second photo shows a view looking south towards Wilson where current day "Truman College" stands with the side of the Wilson Club Hotel visible on the right.

ATTENTION COMMUNITY:
We just wanted to make you aware that an 8 year old child was approached on the 1300 block of West Wilson, by a black male wearing a black jacket, driving a black van with tinted windows. The driver rolled down his window and told the child to get in his van. This occurred at 8:20am this morning. We just ask you to be aware of this incident and inform your neighbors!

23 District Community Policing
Questions or Concerns?
Call (312) 744-0064

Uh-oh. Looks like some Uptown residents have been playing around in the ground-level section of the as-yet-to-be completed Uptown Broadway Building at Broadway and Leland. Sections of the chain-link fencing have been pushed over and it appears folks have been hanging out in the future retail section of the building. Work looks to have slowed to a standstill on this building, but residents have reportedly contacted Riis-Borg construction, who is handling the rehab, to let them know that this needs to be secured. Let's hope work resumes soon.

Word has been circulating for quite some time now that Lynn Kardasz left "Uptown United" rather abruptly. Anyone know why? Her name has been removed from the Uptown United website, but will remain on the banner outside the Bridgeview Bank building on the Lawrence side.

Click here to check out this video from Rogers Park this past Friday. Anti-condo protesters gathered in front of a slow-selling condo building for a "sleep out" which apparently never even happened. Towards the end of the video, watch our favorite reporter Lorraine Swanson grill Alderman Joe Moore on how he intends to keep affordable housing in his ward. When the questioning gets a bit tough, watch the protesters burst into bizarre song to divert attention. Also, we expect to see more protests like this in Uptown, so this video is likely a little bit of foreshadowing of what's to come. Our thanks to Tom Mannis and the "Rogers Park Bench."

By Alex Horowitz
The Chicago Methods Reporter

“Argyle Street looked like death,” recalls Tam Van Nguyen, who frequented the Chicago neighborhood nearly 30 years ago, but only in the daytime.

“Gangs, prostitution, drug trafficking, vacant lots. There were very few open stores, and by 5 p.m. every day, gangs hung around the area. It was very scary.”

Argyle Street, which is regarded as Chicago’s North Side hub of Asian commercial activity, has come a long way since the 1970s. Improved community safety has been the driving force behind Argyle’s vast business growth over the years. In fact, crime on Argyle Street has followed the trend of crime in Chicago, where annual murders have decreased by over 500 since 1975. Now, despite a recent slump, shops and restaurants flourish on the street that was once too dangerous to walk on.

“Crime was certainly detrimental to business before the 1980s,” says Joyce Dugan, the president and CEO of Uptown United, an organization that promotes economic growth in the community. “People were afraid to go [to Argyle], so the business scene was awful. Once crime cleaned up, though, Argyle really became a thriving commercial center.”

Continue Reading:

Uptown's new dining destination, El Pollo Loco, is opening on March 3rd, according to the Store Manager. For those of you not familiar with El Pollo Loco, it is a west coast-based fast food chain that specializes in charbroiled chicken and Mexican food. It is nice to have a reputable restaurant occupy the neglected property at Sheridan and Wilson.

These are the newly installed cameras on the McJunkin Building in the 4500 block of North Broadway. There are four cameras on the front of the building. They appear different in style than a typical Chicago Police blue light camera, which leads us to believe it is installed by the building management.

Walgreens is now open on first level of the new Lakeshore Medical Building in the 4700 block of Clarendon, at Lakeside. The store, which closed its location in the same spot nearly three years ago, had located a temporary pharmacy in a trailer in the parking lot of Weiss Hospital. The store has all the elements of a typical Walgreens, including a digital photo lab. The store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day of the week.

No chance of any sort of Uptown related monument in the island between Racine and Broadway. Riv parking is MUCH more important.
photo courtesy: City of Destiny

Click here to read the latest issue of "Inside Online." Scroll down to page 12 to read "Wilson Yard Construction Yet To Begin" by Miriam Y. Cintron.
Our favorite part of the article is at the end: "Shiller's office did not return phone calls seeking comment." What a surprise.

A reader writes in:
"Just got back from a walk with the dogs and noticed ladders by the McJunkin building. Didn't think anything of it until a closer look revealed blue flashing lights and cameras being mounted right by the alderman's office. Looks like two sets of 2-cameras facing north and south along Broadway."

From Today's Chicago Sun-Times:

"There are some who aren't happy about the new label, a designation that prevents tearing down any buildings on the street that are historically or architecturally significant. It also prevents development that is out of character with the history of the existing buildings and precludes alterations of the historic facades of the homes.

And those who aren't happy would be?

"Developers," according to Dover Street resident and owner of a Dover Street two-flat John Holden, who took the lead in getting his neighbors interested in applying for the city designation.

Dover Street is represented in the city council by two aldermen: Gene Schulter on the west and Helen Schiller on the east. Schulter was more supportive of the idea of landmark designation.

"If Alderman Schulter hadn't enthusiastically supported the district, the application would have languished," Holden says. "He emphatically stressed to the Landmarks Commission that his ward did not have a single landmark district and that it was overdue."

Developers in recent years had been tearing down all kinds of houses in Sheridan Park with Schiller's blessing -- and Holden and his neighbors were frightened after they lost a number of structures, including a Queen Anne on Beacon Street, which was the oldest building in Sheridan Park. It was torn down to make way for an eight-unit condominium building."

News-Star, under the editorship of Lorraine Swanson, continues to provide fair and comprehensive coverage of the Labor Ready issues.

In this week's issues, there is a great story about last week's hearing with the Board of Zoning Appeal.

There's also a great editorial about the "new rules" for Chicago aldermen.

Money quote: "When more than 100 people show up at City Hall to oppose an issue, the will of the community should be strongly considered over private interests. Don't ask residents for studies to back up what they are saying. It's a pretty safe bet that they know what's going on in their neighborhood, almost as much as their local alderman."

Will Alderman Shiller listen to the community on this issue? Email her at ward46@cityofchicago.org.

(Photo courtesy of News-Star)

Positive Changes Ahead at 4715 N. Sheridan?
Larry Fischman, a developer who owns the building at 4715 N. Sheridan, has recently initiated eviction notices to all the residential tenants at the crime-plagued property. The building houses Cafe Too on the first floor. He intends to refurbish the residential units and offer the property at market-rate rents.

Changes at Salvation Army Tom Seay Center:
This location, at 1025 W. Sunnyside, will no longer serve as an overnight shelter for the homeless. The Center will continue to provide daytime support, including hot meals, literacy programs, and personal care. UCC has sent letters to both the Salvation Army and REST, a homeless shelter located at 941 W. Lawrence, expressing concern about high levels of criminal activity based on data from CAPS.

Zoning News:

-- Aldermen Mary Ann Smith (48) and Helen Shiller (46) are working on a streetscape of Broadway from Wilson to Devon. The street infrastructure near Broadway and Lawrence may be curbless to accommodate future outdoor festivals.

-- The Urban Land Institute is working with community members and elected officials on recommendations for enhancements of the Argyle Street commercial district.

-- Alderman Smith is launching a large redevelopment of the McCutcheon School campus. The school grounds will be linked to the McCormick Boys and Girls Club, providing access to amenities during school hours of operation. Additional programming will be introduced to assist the large population of homeless children at the school. Approximately 45% of the school's students are drawn from the Salvation Army family homeless shelter at Lawrence and Marine.

-- At its December meeting, UCC reviewed and approved plans for a special use permit by the North Side Federal Savings and Loan Association to build off-street parking at 1475 W. Foster Ave. The proposed parking area will accommodate up to 13 vehicles and includes green space and landscaping. UCC also approved plans for a special use permit by Robert Jeffrey Hair Salon to build a new location at 5142 N. Clark St.

Update: A few more news items that didn't make it in the UCC Newsletter:

Folks, we have seen how "News-Star" is working to bring hard-hitting news about our ward to the forefront. Now is the time to support them and what better way than to subscribe! We have also been told to expect to see News-Star at newsstands around the ward, more than likely near coffeeshops and El stations. If you choose not to subscribe, at least buy a copy to take on the train with you. Let's show the publisher that we are starving for more in-depth reporting on what takes place in our neighborhood. Also, we know we have excellent writers out there, so don't be bashful. Send in your editorials to News-Star and they may be published. Info below.

For those of you interested, we have a couple of handy links to show the Alderman's voting record, and lack thereof, since 2000. Draw your own conclusions. Its also interesting to note her sudden turn towards almost total agreement with the mayor. Funny how that happens. This recent "no vote" on the superintendent of police was not the first time the alderman has cast a "no vote."

Aldermanic Voting Records 2000-2002

Aldermanic Voting Records 2003-2006

From Today's Chicago Sun-Times:

Federal investigators have requested city records on four West Side zoning changes pushed by Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th), amid questions about Carothers' relationship with a Chicago developer who made secret recordings as an FBI mole.

Last year, Carothers' New 29th Ward Campaign Committee got $11,000 in contributions from Morgan Properties Inc., which lists FBI mole John Thomas as "manager."

The contributions came in payments of $9,000, $500 and $1,500, with the last one made on Feb. 23, 2007 -- four days before the aldermanic election, records show.

Last April 9, the committee returned all $11,000, offering no explanation in campaign records except "refund of excess contribution."

Carothers, the powerful chairman of the City Council's Police and Fire Committee, did not return calls seeking comment. He also declined to answer written questions.

Thomas is the Chicago developer-turned-FBI-mole who played a pivotal role in one of the two federal cases involving Tony Rezko, the indicted developer and political fund-raiser who is accused of business fraud and of seeking kickbacks and campaign contributions for Gov. Blagojevich from companies seeking state pension business.

The Sun-Times has reported that Thomas recorded hundreds of hours of conversations for federal investigators. Sources said the government had Thomas -- who is cooperating in hopes of getting probation for a felony fraud conviction in New York -- secretly record conversations with an unidentified Chicago alderman.

One of the 29th Ward zoning files that federal authorities requested from the city dates to May 2005, when Carothers introduced a zoning change for vacant land at Roosevelt and Central to be converted from manufacturing to heavy commercial.

The applicant for that zoning change was V-Land Chicago Roosevelt LLC. Jason Gigot, listed as a contact for the applicant, could not be reached. Nor could attorney John Pikarsky. Jay Javors, spokesman for listed property owner Roosevelt and Canal LLC, did not return calls.

Two of the three other zoning files pertain to the same property and were jointly introduced in August 2006 by Carothers and Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), his protege.

The applicant on those, Grand Central Center for Business LLC, was seeking to change zoning from manufacturing to mixed-use. The land, part of a so-called planned development, required -- and received -- a green light from the Planning and Development Department.

The fourth application was introduced by Carothers in 2007 on behalf of the Chicago Board of Education for Knute Rockne Stadium in Austin.

Three years ago, Carothers' name surfaced in the Hired Truck scandal. Carothers, a former Streets and Sanitation Department deputy, received $2,500 in contributions from Naperville businessman Martin McDonagh, who later pleaded guilty.

McDonagh allegedly made the contributions to Carothers at the request of John "Quarters" Boyle, who was sentenced to seven years for accepting $214,000 in cash, gifts and campaign contributions for steering Hired Truck business to favored companies.

At the time, Carothers said he knew Boyle from their days together on the city payroll. Carothers was not charged, said he did not ask Boyle to muscle truckers for gifts. And he returned the money.

An Uptown Update reader sent this to us today:

"Jamiko Rose, executive director of ONE, called this afternoon to ask where stoplaborready.org obtained the mis-information that ONE supports Labor Ready opening a northside office. Jamiko re-iterated that ONE has taken NO position; its member organizations could not reach concensus on the matter. Some member organizations are individually supportive - while others are absolutely opposed. Therefore, ONE has taken no position.

Readers continue to send Uptown Update information about past problems with Labor Ready offices. Here are a few of the links:

Labor Ready Sent a Felon to Work

Labor Ready Takes Up to 50% of Pay

Labor Ready's Ethics Questioned By Many

Labor Ready on Wikipedia

Why is Alderman Shiller the only alderman who refused to cast a vote on January 9 for the appointment of Jody P. Weis to Superintendent of the Department of Police? Check out the vote roll call here and draw your own conclusions. Is she not elected to vote on issues? It's worth contacting her office on Monday to get their spin.

The sign announcing the upcoming "Pure2o" condo development was recently posted at Clarendon and Leland. The website says "coming soon." Check back there soon for more info.
Update: Joe Zekas over at "YoChicago" posted a link with more info on the "Pure2o" development. Check it out here. Thanks for linking to it Mr. Pirate.

This zoning change proposal will be heard February 26 in addition to the zoning change proposals on Broadway from Leland to Wilson, and the open lot next to McDonald's on Wilson.

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor
News-Star
The Zoning Board of Appeals said it would be several weeks before it announces its decision on a special-use zoning variance that would allow Labor Ready Midwest Inc. to open a day labor branch office at 4830 N. Sheridan Road.

Labor Ready Midwest Inc., a division of TrueBlue Inc. based in Tacoma, Wash., provides temporary, blue-collar staffing. It wants to open a Labor Ready branch office on the border between the 46th and 48th Wards. To do so, a special use zoning variance is required.

About 100 Uptown residents from the two wards turned out to testify before the ZBA Friday morning, packing two sections of the city council chambers. Opponents claim that locating a day labor agency does not meet the requirements of the city's zoning ordinance and would affect the quality of life in the already struggling Uptown neighborhood.

Residents also contend that Labor Ready doesn't do enough due diligence in checking potential workers' backgrounds for felony convictions and sex offenses. The proposed site sits across the street from two elementary schools, a play lot, and a Chicago Boys and Girls Club.

Labor Ready requires job applicants to complete a self-administered behavioral survey that asks applicants questions about past drug use and other behavior that might pose a safety risk on job sites.

Uptown-resident Cindy Anderson and a former 46th Ward aldermanic candidate, questioned why the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, a mile south of the proposed Labor Ready site, wasn't considered.

""Why didn't we consider this because (a day labor agency) is already a permitted use," Anderson said.

Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th, told board members that she had 50 letters of support for the day labor agency, including letters from Uptown social service organizations.

"Clearly people are looking to work," Shiller said. "In my opinion, we have a developing community and a lot of needs. This is just a small niche."

Two of the ZBA's five board members were not able to attend Friday's meeting. The ZBA requires three "yes" votes to approve special use requests.

Labor Ready opted to let the absent board members listen to recorded testimony so that the entire ZBA could weigh in on the decision.

Gigi McCabe-Miel, who chaired the meeting, said that the ZBA would notify Labor Ready and residents of its final decision "in a number of weeks."

From NBC5:
An African restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood was ordered shut down Wednesday after city inspectors found a cockroach infestation and food -- including tripe and goat meat -- being stored at unsafe temperatures.City Department of Public Health inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation in the kitchen, as well as cooked food held at unsafe temperatures (goat meat at 120 degrees, chicken at 116 degrees and tripe at 102 degrees -- all well below the 140 degree minimum required) at the TBS African Restaurant, 4507 N. Sheridan Rd., according to a release from the department. Wednesday's visit by the Health Department was a routine, unannounced inspection, the release said.
Representatives of TBS will face an administrative hearing on March 27 and pay a fine expected to total $1,000.The enforcement action was the 16th in 2008 in which Health Department inspectors have closed a food establishment for violations of the city Health Code.

Blog Quote of the Week, News-Star

"I don't think (the Labor Ready) day labor office is a bad idea for the 46th ward, but that close to a Boys & Girls club and an elementary school is a terrible idea.
Maybe there's space near (Ald. Helen) Shiller's office in the McJunkin Building?"

Anonymous comment left on "Uptown Update"

Uptown Needs To Do Better For Jobless Residents
News-Star Our Views

Once again a silent alderman has played both long-time residents and those new to Uptown against the neighborhood's complex socio-economic problems.

Alderman Helen Shiller's has shown a lack of transparency in not seeking community input from all Uptown residents and only notifying a few of a proposed special-use zoning variance to locate a day labor agency in the 46th Ward. In doing so she has placed the neighborhood's most vulnerable residents in the middle-children and adults who are most desperately in need of full-time, permanent jobs.

This is more than a simplified argument of "not in my back yard." It's about putting a Band-Aid on Uptown's legion of chronically unemployed residents. Offering temporary jobs for pennies a day does not put the neighborhood's homeless and chronically unemployed on the path to living-wage jobs and permanent housing.

While we agree that a majority of those individuals who will use Labor Ready for temporary employment are hardworking individuals looking for an honest day's work, Labor Ready has not done enough to establish how it intends to address potential problems arising from loitering and a lack of background checks to weed out criminal elements, save for a "self administered behavioral survey."

The location of a day labor agency in a largely residential neighborhood near child-centered facilities and a burgeoning commercial district presents too many potential problems that may endanger the safety of children as well as deter retail and commercial investment along the 4800 block of Sheridan Road.

We encourage Labor Ready to consider a location in an industrial corridor near public transportation and away from homes and schools, and ask that the surrounding business community assist Labor Ready in finding such a location.

We also believe that Uptown's public and private interests can do better to make a more concerted effort to assist those residents who for what ever reason, be it substance abuse or a wrong turn on the side of law, access proven and well-supervised job training and job placement programs.

Finally, we urge the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals to listen respectfully and carefully to the concerns of residents on both sides of the argument, and not let the sound of a rubber stamp reverberate through City Hall out of "aldermanic courtesy."

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor
News-Star

Uptown residents and civic organizations only have one shot to voice their concern about a proposed day labor service at 4830 N. Sheridan Road that sits on the border of the 46th Ward adjacent to the 48th Ward.

The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals is set to make its final determination at 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at City Hall, on a special-use application submitted by Labor Ready Midwest Inc., a division of Tacoma, Wash.-based TrueBlue Inc., a $348 million company that provides temporary, blue-collar staffing to a variety of industries.

The Uptown Chicago Commission is also encouraging residents to attend Friday's ZBA meeting and voice their concerns.

A majority of those who oppose the location of a Labor Ready office in Uptown said that it does not meet the requirements for a special-use variance.

Residents have expressed concerns that the dozens of workers who are expected to line up daily in front of the Labor Ready office may pose a danger to children who attend two elementary schools and a Boys and Girls Club located across the street on Sheridan Road.

Continue Reading:

From a circulating email:
MEETING ABOUT POSSIBLY VACATING THE HOTEL CHATEAU!
From my office-mates at the REMAX:

From David Roeder's column in today's Chicago Sun-Times:

"OFF TARGET: Uptown residents keeping watch over the Wilson Yard property at Montrose and Wilson are a vigilant group. Many of them reminded me that the site's developer, Peter Holsten, vowed in December that construction on the Target store would begin in January. He said so in the Sun-Times.

January is gone in the winter slush, and yet no construction has started. I know that thanks to many e-mails. So a conversation with Holsten was mandatory but not revelatory.

"Nothing's wrong and we are in good shape but I cannot talk about it," he said. Many retailers have been delaying or scrapping store expansions because the economy is pinching their earnings and banks are less eager to lend."

As previously posted on Uptown Update, many Uptown residents, including Uptown United, Uptown Chicago Commission and many block clubs, have expressed concern about the proposed Labor Ready location at 4830 North Sheridan. Residents report that Alderman Helen Shiller strongly supports this day labor office.

Could it be a coincidence that the owner of 4830-4 North Sheridan, Slater Realty and Investments, made a $250 campaign contribution to Citizens for Helen Shiller in November 2007? This contribution was made within weeks of the zoning change application.

Update: For those of you who would like to keep track of who donates to our Alderman, we added a handy link entitled "Campaign Contribution Database" off on the right. Towards the bottom of the search fields, enter a name such as "Shiller." You may have to narrow down the results by entering something in the "received date" field. It's hours of endless fun. Try it out! November 2007 was a VERY profitable month for our alderman.

And now let's take a little time out to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Case in point, this flock of canadian geese that are currently calling Uptown home.

Seen today at the site of the old KFC near Broadway and Buena. A 24 unit residential condominium plus retail is planned for this spot.

If you love jazz, you'll want to check out "Chicago Jazz Composers Collective" as they present an afternoon of original jazz.

We just came across these letters received by residents living near Broadway and Wilson. Any ideas what our Alderman is up to now? We remember this area was to be downzoned from B3-3 to B3-2, back in May. And why does it take 9 months to finally get this change on Broadway rolling? What is the difference between a "neighborhood mixed used district" and a "community shopping district?"
Update: We added the other mailing received by a nearby resident. It appears that the mailing dealing with common address "4601-19 North Kenmore Ave" pertains to the vacant lot to the west of McDonald's on Wilson. See the photo below.

Want to learn more about TIFs (Tax Increment Financing districts)? Are you angry at the lack of transparency of where our tax dollars are going due to TIFs?

Greater Lincoln Park Democracy for America is holding public forum on TIF abuses this Tuesday, February 12th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the DePaul University Student Union, Room 380, located at 2250 N Sheffield. You can view a flyer for the event here.

CHICAGO (STNG) ― Under legislation proposed by State Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), Cook County taxpayers would be given information with their tax bills about how their taxes are impacted by the numerous existing tax increment financing (TIF) districts.

Fritchey's announcement Friday came just days after thousands of homeowners received their latest property tax bills in the mail.
Continue reading here:

By Alderman Helen Shiller

I am grateful to all of the 46th Ward residents who took the time to contact my office regarding the increase in the city’s property transfer tax as part of the overall restructuring and bailout of the CTA. It was helpful to hear from people on both sides of the issue, and your calls, emails and letters were part of my careful consideration of this ordinance. I voted yes at the city council meeting of Wednesday, February 6, for the following reasons:

A functioning CTA is far more vital to maintaining and promoting property values (especially on the lakefront) than not increasing the transfer tax. The bailout of the CTA was not a menu to pick and choose from, but rather one package mandated by the Governor and the Illinois General Assembly. Without the City’s part of the package, the CTA would falter and most of the dreaded “doomsday” scenarios we all heard about would occur. In other words, voting no on this proposition would not just result in a $.25 or $.50 fare increase. Additionally, CTA workers have already agreed to steep concessions in their contract in preparation of this bailout – and further concessions to avoid steep fare increases and/or cuts is out of the question.

The transfer tax increase is a necessary part of the overall CTA restructuring. This increase allows for the CTA to sell 30-year bonds that will restructure the pension system and eliminate the burden of health care costs from the pension funds. Ultimately, this restructuring will save the CTA and its riders tens of millions of dollars.

This increase was also seen as being coupled with the ¼ percent sales tax increase passed in Springfield. To vote “no” would have been to undermine the entire effort to save the CTA. And, any other ideas would have to have been approved by Springfield – not an easy task in this political climate.

Although the increase comes at a time when property sales are experiencing a downturn, the increase is across the board in Chicago and will be absorbed by the market, just as the initial tax was. And, I might add, the first tax was also opposed by many who claimed it would destroy property sales and values in Chicago. This, of course, did not happen.

Moreover, the number of “vote no” correspondences I received paled in comparison to the concern regarding CTA fare increases and cuts. Without question, saving the CTA generated more concern in my office (as well as the offices of the local State Representatives) than any other issue in recent history.

I have to vote on tax issues from the point of view of what is best for both the 46th Ward and Chicago as a whole. I know the politically “safe” thing to do in our current climate would be to vote against all tax increases and then hope enough aldermen vote yes so it passes. Some of my colleagues have chosen this route. I cannot. A safe, affordable, well functioning mass transit system is essential and vital to all urban areas.

A city sign was posted today in front of Uptown BBQ, near Wilson and Kenmore, stating that a zoning change application (File A-7284) was filed 10/31/2007 to change that area from a B3-3 commercial district to a RT-4 Multi-residential district.

What could be the motivation for this? We do know that the RT-4 is the lowest zoning that fits SRO’s, etc. Is this to permit the Uptown Baptist Church shelter to remain? Maybe Hugh can shed some light on these developments.

Update: Apparently this zoning change has to do with the upcoming Graeme Stewart Park. Zoning change signs should have been posted in this spot from 11/7 till 12/13/07. We don't recall seeing any. Does anyone near this spot recall seeing zoning signs? The zoning sign seen today appeared to be new and unrained upon. Curious. Could the zoning change only pertain to the park?

The city of Chicago has launched a new website to showcase places to shop for fashions by local designers. Uptown is one of the neighborhoods featured on the website. Uptown, along with Bridgeport and Beverly, are described as having a "burgeoning" fashion scene .

The city website has a page for Uptown with one boutique listed - Elda De La Rosa Couture, which is located at 5555 N Sheridan. Last time we checked, the 5500 block of North Sheridan is not located in Uptown.

Read the article from the Chicago Tribune here.

Check out the city-sponsored website here.

If you're looking for another place to check out upcoming Uptown events, look no further than www.uptownevents.org. This site looks relatively new, but if your organization has something coming up that needs a plug, it might be a good option to let the webmaster of "Uptown Events" know.

Then check out the 2008 Midwest Open Invitational Snowskate competition that will be held in Uptown's own "Wilson Skate Park" this Saturday, February 9 at noon. You will get the chance to see competitors vie for cash prizes and skate against Guinness World record holder, Phillip Smage. The park is located at 700 W. Wilson and admittance is free. This event was even listed as a "Metromix Pick." Fun for all ages.

Update:

Dear Uptown Update Readers,
Thank you for showing up for the Inaugural Midwest Snowskate Competition this weekend. From what I heard, you guys loved it. A few mentioned they read about the event right here on the Uptown Update.
I look forward to bringing these guys back next year. And to those parents who
brought their kids out to try out snowskating, I hope your kids had a blast. We did.
For your viewing pleasure, Tom Mannis at the Bench has a photo slideshow here.

Thanks Again,

Craig Gernhardt

It’s good to know God. And even better to be best buddies with the alderman.

Not many of us can park on our neighbors sidewalks and place dumpsters in handicap parking spaces for months without getting ticketed by local police, yet somehow the Jesus People manage to pull it off. These pictures were taken today as the Jesus People remodeled their building at 927 West Wilson. We wonder why they aren’t using the new parking lot the alderman just up zoned for them behind their Jesus People residences across the street or the paid parking garage on the corner.

"Chicago Journal" recently unveiled the new "News-Star" complete with local reporter Lorraine Swanson. We are happy that Lorraine will be a mainstay in our community. There will definitely be enough going on in Uptown to keep her hopping. Publisher Dan Haley also gave readers some background on what has been happening with the publication here, and what to expect in the coming weeks. UU also got a shout out in this story about the proposed entertainment complex at Lawrence and Winthrop. Life is good, folks.

Are you concerned about Labor Ready opening a day-labor office in Uptown? Here's who to contact:

Alderman Helen Shiller - ward46@cityofchicago.org

Alderman Mary Ann Smith - msmith@cityofchicago.org

State Rep. Greg Harris - Brian@gregharris.org (Brian is gathering information from residents)

The zoning hearing is on February 15th, so be sure to send your emails in advance of the hearing.

Want more information on Labor Ready? Check out this website.

An Uptown Update reader sent us photos showing the new parking zone that impacted voting on Tuesday. Voters were shocked to find parking access to two 46^th Ward polling places blocked by singer Marilyn Manson’s set-up crews.

The Lawrence House (4^th pct.) and United Winthrop Towers (6^th pct.) at 1020 W Lawrence and 4848 N. Winthrop, respectively, suffered from parking woes from 6:00 a.m. to late afternoon. The Chicago Bureau of Traffic Services provided the Aragon Ballroom with two Police Tow Zones and 20^th and 23^rd District Police provided local residents with tickets and tows. The tow zones, in force on for both sides of the 1100 block of West Lawrence and south end of the 4800 block of North Winthrop, forced those voters not living in those two low income high rise buildings to walk from blocks away (or not vote.)

Marilyn Manson crews also blocked the alley and sidewalk on Lawrence, next to the Aragon, for several hours yesterday as well.

It seems like Marilyn Manson was the real winner on Tuesday, and Uptown residents lost out on easy access to their voting locations.

Fog was seen hanging over the Wilson Yard site this morning. Maybe this fog was hiding the construction equipment and unseen progress? Maybe not. We think its high time for either Alderman Shiller's office or Mr. Holsten to issue a press release stating why this lot is still sitting vacant. We're quite certain Holsten Management peruses UU on a regular basis. Inquiring minds want to know.

A local Uptown woman, Suzanne Elder, is running for State Senator, 7th District and she needs our help and support in these last few days before the election. Check out her campaign website for info on the issues she feels are important, such as TIF reform and pay-to-play politics, all of which play a huge role in the way things are done in our ward. If you can volunteer time on election day please give her office a ring at 773-751-1205 and if you haven't done so, get out and vote!

On the same day that the zoning hearing for "Labor Ready" will be taking place, another potential zoning change will again be debated. Mercy Housing Lakefront's "Malden Arms" is once again attempting to rezone their 86 unit SRO into 77 single family units and 6 "dwelling units." According to the current ordinance, parking is required for each new dwelling unit created, and that is why this was denied the first time. We seem to remember the reason the "Carmen Manor" property was not converted to condos, was lack of parking. It will be interesting to see if someone pulls strings to get this zoning variance passed. Could be an interesting day of zoning hearings for our neighborhood.

Spread the word on this one. The Sheridan Park Beat 2311 CAPS Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 5 at Truman College at 7pm, more specifically, in the room to the east of the cafeteria. This month's focus will be crime in the 4400 and 4500 block of Magnolia. Residents are of course encouraged to bring up their concerns as well. We think the lighting in the parking lot under the El tracks between Truman and the McJunkin Building needs to be addressed. Also, there are still 4 lights under the El tracks on Broadway that are still inoperative.

We knew the proposed "Labor Ready" day labor office on Sheridan was close to the 48th ward, but we did not realize it sat on a small sliver of the 46th ward that juts up into the 48th ward. The proposed location is marked with a star on this map which puts it all into perspective. Each side of Sheridan here is divided between the wards. The map above is courtesy of the folks at stoplaborready.org who are working to keep this out of our community. Wonder what 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith has to say about all this...all this taking place just feet from her ward? Folks should give her office a ringy-dingy at 773-784-5277. You probably have a better chance of this alderman listening to your concerns. Also, mark your calendars for Friday, February 15 at 9am as the zoning hearing for this mess is scheduled then. If you have any questions, you can email the folks at "Stop Labor Ready" at info@stoplaborready.org

For those of you wondering how Gill Park Co-op (near Sheridan and Broadway) is dealing with the fire that severely damaged several floors of the building and presumably left some residents homeless, we checked on the building today. And as you can see, the building is still charred and the windows are still boarded up. That must be frustrating for the folks who lived in those units.