Uptown residents vow to keep gangs from taking over 'hood

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

Following the city's weekend of rage during which 36 people were shot - six fatally - the weekend of April 19-20, Uptown residents took to the streets last Saturday afternoon letting the gangbangers know that they won't relinquish their neighborhood.

Neighbors gathered for a "positive loitering" event at the Sunnyside Pedestrian Mall at Sunnyside and Magnolia on April 26, an area where residents say drug trafficking frequently occurs.

The event was organized by the Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter, a new blog that reports police radio calls in real time heard over police scanners of criminal activity occurring throughout the neighborhood.

Adults mingled, some meeting for the first time, as kids colored the sidewalks with chalk and dogs sniffed each other. The main topic of conversation was the increase in gunfire heard around the neighborhood since the arrival of spring weather.

Read the entire article here.

A reader was driving past Dearborn Wholesale this evening and saw someone lying motionless on the sidewalk. He called for a well-being check and stayed until the police came by. Luckily, the person was just passed out, not passed away.

Where is Dearborn Wholesale's security guard? What's the use of having "NO LOITERING" signs if everyone knows this is a 24/7 Loitering Paradise? Is this what we want our retail corridors to look like? And why, after years of violations, is Dearborn Wholesale NOT getting a fence, NOT keeping its security promises, and NOT suffering any adverse consequences?

There's going to be a free health fair in the rotunda of the Bridgeview Bank (Lawrence/Broadway) on Friday, May 2, between 9am-2pm. Blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, all the usual suspects. For more info, call 773-975-4471. Come see all the beautiful buildings and renovations in the area while you're making sure you're healthy.

This is the view looking north from the Wilson L platform in the early 1950s. Notice the McJunkin Building visible on the right, even one of the light poles perched on top the ornamental clock "parapet" of the main station entrance below. The building on the left was built in 1900 and functioned at this time as a waiting room and dispatcher's office. It was demolished a few years after this photo was taken. (click for larger view) CTA Collection

We recently found a couple of books, Return to the Scene of the Crime, and its sequel, Return Again to the Scene of the Crime, by Richard Lindberg, that go to infamous places in Chicago, tell the stories of what happened there, and mention what's there now.

Uptown and its gangster past are well-represented (although the author makes disapproving comments about present-day Uptown). We recommend the books to anyone who might be interested in Uptown's -- and Chicago's -- past, and finding out who walked these streets and inhabited these buildings before we did.

Inspired by the books, Uptown Update made a few trips to places mentioned. We'll do an occasional series visiting scenes of Uptown's Notorious Past.

Today, in honor of Johnny Depp and Public Enemies filming in Uptown, The John Dillinger Edition:

Dillinger's Hideout: 4310 North Clarendon. In autumn 1933, Dillinger and his gang rented a "stately" six-room apartment on the third floor. They were "good neighbors" and kept to themselves, according to people in the building, and spent much time sitting on the veranda and talking. In mid-November, the place was raided, but Dillinger had gotten advance notice and was long gone.

Dillinger's Funeral Home: 4508 (was 4506) Sheridan. Dillinger was shot near the Biograph Theatre in July 1934. He was taken to McCready Funeral Home in Uptown, now a private residence, where his father claimed his remains. Thousands of curious Chicagoans lined Sheridan Road to see his body, but were turned away. The "M" on the turret of the home is a reminder of its days as McCready's. Several of our older Uptown neighbors remember going to funerals here, although no one admits to seeing Dillinger.

Other nearby Dillinger sites:

• 3512 North Halsted (at Brompton). After escaping from an Indiana jail in March 1934, Dillinger went directly to Chicago, and hid out for a night just a block from the Town Hall police station. He stayed at the 2nd floor apartment belonging to the sister of his girlfriend, Billie Frechette.
• 3504 North Sheffield. The Sheffield Hotel was a bordello belonging to Anna Sage, the Lady in Red, who betrayed Dillinger to the cops.
• 1123 West Argyle. The offices of Dr. Harold Cassidy, who performed plastic surgery on Dillinger in May 1934 to disguise his appearance.

Read all about it at the Chicago Tribune here:

Make sure to stop by Truman College tonight at 6pm for the Lawrence/Wilson Viaduct Meeting. We recently featured these crumbling bridges in our "Bridges of Uptown County" photo spread. Also, make sure to ask the folks if these bridges will be replaced, or merely patched. The last thing these dangerous eyesores need is a measly patch. Speak up!

By Paul Smith, Gapers Block

It wasn’t long ago that the City Clerk could update his website with a copy-and-paste of a previous City Council meeting’s roll call, because everyone simply voted the same way. Now an emerging bloc of aldermen is making his job harder by defying the Mayor with regularity. Dubbing themselves the “Independent Caucus,” they’re championing liberal causes, and testing the limits of their own power and resolve. Progress Illinois looks back on year one.

A reader alerted us to "Puptown," a website dedicated to the dog-friendly area in Uptown's Margate Park. Check out the link here. We will also add a link for future reference off on the right.

courtesy CBS 2 Chicago
Read all about it here.

Another event Saturday was presented by Clarendon Park Neighbors and CAPS regarding personal safety and the establishment of a neighborhood watch. Thanks to a reader who sent in photos and a summary of the event.

Dr. Ron Rufo from CPD gave a presentation on personal safety. I learned some things I hadn't known: If someone asks for the time, he could be checking to see your watch and rings. If you leave your ATM receipt at the ATM, you're telling everyone how much money you took out and how much money you have left in your account. Walk down the street like a cop with a self-confident swagger. If you're walking down the street and see people approaching you who make you uncomfortable, act crazy and talk to yourself. If you use a cell phone while you're walking, make sure to tell the person you're talking to where you are so they can call the police if necessary.

Then there was discussion about the establishment of a neighborhood patrol of 4-6 people walking in a group. It would be less a "reporting" thing than a deterrent thing, similar to residents showing up in Sunnyside Mall on a regular basis. People doing illegal things don't want other people around! The emptier the streets are, the more opportunity there is for the criminal element to move in. The police suggested that if everyone in Uptown spent just an hour a night in front of their homes -- cleaning the parkway, planting, sitting on the stoop, just taking a chair and sitting outside talking on the phone or drinking a pop -- the criminal activity would lessen considerably.

The block club president encouraged condo associations to get camera systems (see related discussion). A sign-in sheet was passed around so people could be contacted for more meetings. If you're interested in participating or starting your own block club's neighborhood watch, write to CPNAssoc@gmail.com.

The best quote of the afternoon was: "If we don't do anything, do you think the level of violence will go down?"

Water main break! People in the area of Magnolia and Leland had a little excitement earlier tonight. Thanks to the Butternut Connection for the head's up and the photos, as well as his link about it.

Update: A reader just sent in a pic from earlier this morning showing crews working to patch this water main at Leland and Magnolia.

... deepest ...

... filthiest ...
potholes we've ever seen. Seriously, folks, these are the length and width of cars. And they're just across the street from one another.

Anyone from that area know what the deal is? From all the trash that's filling up the holes, they look like they've been there for quite a while.

The first Sunnyside Mall Meet-n-Greet took place today on a wonderful sunny afternoon. We're guessing 80-100 people attended, including members of the 23rd District police force, reporters from the News-Star and Columbia College, and Denise Davis from Ald. Shiller's office. It was a good chance to meet all sorts of people (and animals!) from all over Uptown.

Plans are being made for more events all summer long as the community starts to utilize the mall at all hours and for different activities. If you have any suggestions, or want to be part of the upcoming events, or just want to say thanks for a good idea, write those wild and crazy guys over at Uptown Crime Blotter, who put this all together in less than a week. Gentlemen, we salute you.

It seems just like last year...oh wait, it was...when we saw folks hanging out for hours in the parking lot of "Dearborn Wholesale Grocers" near Sheridan and Montrose. Judging by this photo sent in to us today, it's deja-vu all over again. Let's hope Dearborn gets this under control. Just in case, you can give them a ring at 773-728-7500 and let them know the loiterers are back. Also, shouldn't this parking lot have a fence around it by now?

A reader writes in:

"If the CTA is closing the Wilson Station and opening a new station at Montrose and upgrading the one at Lawrence, where did the $1.75 Million go for the design contract below?"

Well, once again our friends over at the "Great Expectations" blog have outdone themselves. Check out their latest post about the transformation of Uptown. It will definitely show you how far economic development in Uptown has come. Read all about it here.

We can only imagine the amount of work needed to bring the interior of the Riv building to a workable state. Workers can be seen hauling debris from the interior on a regular basis. More exterior work has begun, namely on the windows, on the Lawrence side. We spotted new bricks added to the sidewalk level and it looks like windows should be arriving any day now.

Walking by the Green Mill today at Lawrence and Broadway, we noticed work is moving along on the facade update. It looks like black marble will be covering the outside, and a small patch of concrete in front of the building has been replaced. Looks good.

UPDATE: By Wednesday, the marble is done. More renovation continues.

For those of you who would like to help us advertise, whether you are a business or avid reader, here are a couple of posters our magical elf made to help you do just that. If you'd like to print these out and take them to one of the gatherings today, feel free to do so.

UPDATE: The owner of the building wrote us:

"The little girls are not at risk. The plastic was put on the inside of the window, by the tenent over the winter, to cut down on heat loss. There is a large glass window there, you just can't see it. It's very secure."

Thanks to the owner for explaining the situation. And thanks to the neighbor who made the original report for being concerned enough to notice and follow up on what looked to be a dangerous environment for the two children.

This Saturday is a chance to meet neighbors and like-minded folks from the community. Uptown rocks hard with (at least) FOUR separate events. We think they're all community-generated, meaning they're happening because Uptown residents decided to get active and make a difference instead of complaining about the way things are. We're lucky to live in such a vibrant, active community.

If you end up sitting at home reading about it on the computer ... don't. Get out there. Make a difference. There's something for everyone going on this Saturday, April 26th:

• Uptown Goes Green, sponsored by Uptown Neighborhood Council. 10am-2pm @ St. John's Assyrian Church, 1421 W. Lawrence. Lots of different seminars about how to leave a smaller footprint on the earth. An entire schedule of speakers and topics.


• Positive Loitering at Public Storage, 10:30 a.m., 4050 N. Broadway. Bring the dog, bring your honey, hang out at one of Uptown's longstanding problem sites with lots of neighbors and police. Details here.


• Meet-N-Greet at the Sunnyside Mall, 1-3 pm, Malden and Sunnyside. If you need details, you haven't been reading this blog! Brought to you by the fine folks at the Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter blog.


• Public Safety Seminar presented by CAPS and Clarendon Park Neighbors. We don't have a lot of details, but we think it has to do with establishing a neighborhood watch. 3-5 pm at Clarendon Park Fieldhouse, 4501 Clarendon, where CAPS meetings are held. If someone knows more details, can you please post them in the comments section?

So that's it, Uptown! Have a fun and productive Saturday. Get out, get involved.

1. Harrison Ford is an alumnus of the Graeme Stewart School on the 4500 block of Kenmore. He attended through seventh grade.

Bonus fact: Graeme Stewart will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

2. The right beer glass for a particular brew "really enhances the experience." At least according to Fat Cat's chef and manager, Sean Pharr. Catch up on your brewski Ps & Qs here.

Greg Scott, an Assistant Professor at DePaul who studies gangs, is interviewed about the recent uptick in violence in the city. And some fierce Uptowners strongly disagree with him in the comments section. Check it out here.

UPDATE: Mary Schmich of the Tribune has a column based on her interview with Dr. Scott. As a UU commenter mentions, the Trib removed and shut down the comment board.

An alert reader let us know about some local zoning changes that came before the City Council today:

1. Ald. Shiller supported (and it was passed without objection):

NO. A‐7346 (46 WARD) ORDINANCE REFERRED (2‐6‐08) - To classify as B3‐2 Community Shopping District, instead of B1‐5 Neighborhood Shopping District, the area bounded by (see ordinance for specific boundaries) (Map 13‐G) West Argyle Street, North Sheridan Road.

I think she said it was to bring the parcel into conformity with surrounding zoning.

2. Ald. Shiller was there on this ordinance, but it was delayed so it could go through something at a Planning Dept. I assume this is the Truman College parking improvements and/or Wilson Yards. It was kind of confusing, and quickly deferred from the schedule.

NO. 16572 (46TH WARD) ORDINANCE REFERRED (3‐12‐08) - To classify as RM‐5 Residential Multi‐Unit District, instead of C2‐3 Motor Vehicle Related Commercial District, the area bounded by (see ordinance for specific boundaries) and to classify as Institutional Planned Development No. 120, as amended, instead of RM‐5 Residential Multi‐Unit District, the area bounded by (see ordinance for specific boundaries) (Map 11‐G) West Wilson Avenue; North Racine Avenue.

3. Alderman Smith supported a zoning change with a letter (I think) for the new building up on Broadway, so that a "nightclub/lounge" could go in the basement. Nothing said about who or what will operate it. Passed without objection. I think it was a lawyer from the owner who spoke briefly in explanation and support before it passed.

NO. 16557 (48 WARD) ORDINANCE REFERRED (3‐12‐08) - To classify as C1‐5 Neighborhood Commercial District, instead of B1‐5 Neighborhood Shopping District, the area bounded by (legal description snipped) 4703‐4713 North Broadway

4. Alderman Smith's chief of staff, and somebody from the zoning department also showed up to support a zoning change for Wilde Pug, one of the owners was there, there were no public objections. Seemed to have something to do with getting their liquor license.

NO. 16564 (48 WARD) ORDINANCE REFERRED (3‐12‐08) - To classify as C1‐5 Neighborhood Commercial District, instead of B3‐5 Community Shopping District, the area bounded by (legal description snipped) 4810 North Broadway Avenue

No member of the public was there to object to any of them, and it all seemed pretty routine like the other dozen or so that preceded it, with the exception that the Wilde Pug guys got a pretty strong endorsement from the alderman and zoning department person.

Seven more days in April, so there's still time to make a difference in how Uptown looks. When you're out walking the dog, or grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat, bring your cell phone. Call 311 to report any graffiti you see. Takes a minute. You don't even have to leave your name. And Graffiti Blasters is one of the most responsive city services.

This is our home, not gang turf. Not a backdrop for taggers or a coloring book for kids. Making a quick call is an effective way to send a message: "NOT HERE."

News-Star: "Residents getting ready to rumble"

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor, April 23, 2008

Uptown residents opposed to the site of a day labor office at 4830 N. Sheridan Road have raised $20,000 to file an administrative appeal and attempt to overturn the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals' decision to grant a special-use permit to Labor Ready Inc.

The Uptown Chicago Commission, the umbrella organization representing the neighborhood's block clubs, hosted a fundraiser last week at Nick's on Wilson, at 1140 W. Wilson Ave.

Residents from both the 46th and 48th Wards stuffed $3,000 into the coffers during the April 11 fundraiser, the last dollars needed to begin staging an administrative appeal.

Read the details of the lawsuit and the rest of the article here.

If you see gang or drug activity happening repeatedly at one location, here's something you can do about it: Fill out a Gang/Drug House Ordinance form (linked here).

You can either give it to your CAPS Coordinator or email it to Margaret.Gillman@chicagopolice.org. This is a tool with a proven track record.

The Gang & Drug House Ordinance is very helpful to building owners who are concerned about crime occurring in and around their property. Buildings that have 2 felony arrests on their property are eligible for assistance from the City to help them find effective ways to make the area in and around their building safer.

Building owners that are not motivated to make needed changes can be fined up to $10,000 per day per occurrence if they are not willing to take appropriate action.

The Drug & Gang House Ordinance gets triggered in the following ways:

• A multitude of arrests occur on that property and the Police will take steps to work with the owner to make the area safer.
• Other residents and business owners observe crimes in and around a particular property, and they complete the "Gang/Drug House Information" form.

If you want to help, tonight is your chance.

Stop by Nicks on Wilson and pick up flyers for the event Saturday. Pick up one for your building or more for your block -- your choice. Every little bit will help get the word out.

I will be there from 6-8:30 tonight. I hope to see many many people help us get the word out on this.

Starting Friday, April 18th, Uptown has had

• a riot at the Wilson el stop
• numerous gang-related shootings
• an extremely high number of 911 calls to report "shots fired"

Police reports were coming in so fast on Monday, April 21st, that the people listening to the police scanners couldn't keep up with the calls.

The residents are angry and frightened. They're organizing, creating their own rallies, and vocal about how unacceptable this situation is.

This is the alderman's response, updated April 21st, to the violence and chaos that's taking place, literally, right outside her office:

The bloggers over at Uptown Crime Blotter have gone proactive, and have organized the first Sunnyside Mall Meet-n-Greet this Saturday, April 26th.

Where: Sunnyside and Malden

When: 1-3pm Saturday, April 26

Everyone is invited, including dogs and kids!! Special guest appearance by our friends from the CPD (2pm)!

This is hopefully the first of many gatherings that will enable us to make our neighborhood safe again.

Everywhere else in the city, high-rise towers housing low-income residents are being torn down. Meanwhile, in Uptown, Helen Shiller's plan to recreate those towers in Wilson Yard marches grimly on.

Yesterday, on a former Cabrini-Green high-rise site, a new development opened to much fanfare. "Parkside Of Old Town" combines market-rate, affordable and public housing units, the new model for public housing.

Mayor Daley called the new development "a major step toward ending decades of isolation and segregation."

Apparently it's fine to end them in the Gold Coast and move them to always accommodating Uptown instead. What's the difference, Mr. Mayor?

Photos from last week's Wilde Pug preview party are featured in this week's Gay Chicago Magazine on newsstands now. (photo courtesy Male Image)

A reader suggests, in light of the recent discussions about putting cameras in the Sunnyside Mall and in condo buildings, that anyone who might have knowledge or experience with these systems share their information here.

So, if you're interested in getting cameras for your building, if you need information or advice, if you've been thinking about it, if you want to lead a campaign to get cameras put in the Sunnyside Mall... this is a place to share your information and questions. If you've had any experience in putting a camera system in your building, this is a place to share your knowledge.

Folks, it's as bad as we can ever remember out there tonight. The Uptown Crime Blotter couldn't even keep up with the reports of shots fired. Check back with the Blotter to see what's happened, but as far as we can tell, there were five different shootings, as well as several beatings.

An Uptown Update reader tells us:

"At about 10:15 PM today, about 5 shots were fired on the 900 block of W. Sunnyside Ave. Cops were here in less than a minute. I'm sure they've been sticking around lately because there've been so many shootings. I heard the cops say something about a description of a man in a "red shirt" and I think he said red pants or black pants. Vice Lords were my first thought. There are cops on my corner."

These gangs are seriously out of control. Stay safe.

We encourage all readers to go to your CAPS meetings to see what can be done to stop this violence. It's our home, not gangland "turf." Write or call the Alderman's office and demand to know what steps she's taking to alleviate the violence and make it safe for families and residents to enjoy the summer without the hail of bullets.

A reader sends us a disturbing report:

"Uptown and Edgewater are definitely having a problem with high-rise low-income housing broken up into small units. The only thing that will EVENTUALLY start to limit this type of housing stock is that these types of buildings are VERY expensive to maintain in the long run. You can see what high-rise condos and co-ops charge for monthly assessments, and all of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits and HUD subsidies can't keep up. The buildings will eventually deteriorate, become a public hazard, and be raised, though it will take decades. In fact, that Gill Park Cooperative in Lakeview looks like it may be ending it's useful life without a multi-million dollar re-hab soon. That building is a firetrap nightmare with a crumbling facade. Most condo buildings can't even keep up with those types of repairs without socking their owners with huge special assessments."
–UptownR, identifying some inauspicious trends in the North Side housing stock

Anyone wanna bet the Gill Park Co-Op (pictured above) sits charred for years? We were just past this building several days ago, can anyone confirm that it still not repaired?

A reader sent in some pics of Cornerstone Shelter's (run by Jesus People USA) infamous dumpster compactor on Clifton (between Broadway and Wilson), that is somehow allowed to be on the sidewalk and near playing children. These photos show the disgusting, rat-breeding condition that this dumpster is often in. Clifton seems to be a free-for-all for dumpster activity that would be illegal anywhere else BUT here. There are several dumpsters further south on Clifton that are on the sidewalk as well. The Silvia Center is also on this street. That's the organization that is not supposed to house active drug-users, but apparently does, since the needle-pickup truck is there once a week. We are working on getting the (a copy of the) past decision from the Zoning Board of Appeals stating that Silvia Center cannot house active drug users, but its sadly just another thing that isn't enforced in the 46th Ward.

Well, this is getting really depressing. A reader writes:

There was another shooting last night around 3am. At Wilson and Clifton [Uptown Update notes: the infamous "Blood Alley"]. The victim got himself to Weiss Hospital and the police were called to do a report. This victim was also uncooperative, and was not too sure where he got shot, but police surmise that it was at Wilson and Clifton.

We noticed this sign -- No Parking April 20-21, 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. -- in front of the Kinetic Playground building on Lawrence, between Broadway and Winthrop. Anyone know what's going on?

Earlier this week, there were no parking signs due to "movie filming." We were hoping for Johnny Depp, but the Chicago Film Office told us it was a commercial for Microsoft.

The weather is warming up and so is the gang activity. The good people who run the Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter site are issuing a call to action.

Folks - we need to take action and take it now. 'Taking Back Sunnyside Mall' needs to happen now, before the summer rolls in and it becomes even harder to change behavior that will most certainly take a turn for the worse.

If you want to help, please email us at uptowncrimeblotter@gmail.com

The always entertaining and relentlessly upbeat Great Expectations blog is showcasing some of Uptown's highlights just in time for the tourist season.

Click on the link to read Welcoming Tourists From All Over The World.

It's something to impress your friends and relatives who crash at your place this summer.

We noticed this burned-out truck in the parking lot behind the Nail Supply store in the 4800 block of Broadway. The entire cab of the truck was burned out.

Does anyone know how long this has been here or what happened? There was no police tape or any other evidence of police activity around the truck. There were shards of glass all over the ground, which doesn't seem very safe. It seems odd to just leave this exposed, possibly dangerous truck out in the open.

11:23 p.m. Friday: A man was shot in the leg near Sunnyside and Sheridan and ended up in the lobby of the building at 4526 Sheridan. An ambulance was called. He told the police five men approached and shot him.

Thanks to Uptown Crime Blotter for the heads up and the quick reporting.

What a violent night in Uptown!

UPDATE: From the Saturday Sun-Times: "On the North Side, a man who didn't want to talk to police was shot in his upper thigh in the Uptown neighborhood. The man was shot in the 1000 block of West Sunnyside Avenue about 11:35 p.m., a Town Hall District officer said. The office said the man shot was not cooperating with police, and there are several conflicting stories about the shooting."

From this week's issue of Inside Online:

Man Shot: A laborer, 30, was shot at 2:53 a.m. Sunday, April 6 at 4646 N. Clarendon Avenue in Uptown. After the shots rang out, an officer saw the victim laying on the sidewalk and he said someone walked up to him and shot him several times with a chrome revolver. The victim was reported in good condition.

Mob Marches Down Street: A mob of 40 to 50 people armed with bats and sticks walked southbound on Sheridan Road March 28 to the 800 Block of W. Wilson. Three shots were fired and the crowd dispersed. Police believe the incident stemmed from gang activity involving the CVL’s Black P. Stone and 6D’s gangs. Two men, 17, were placed in custody for gang activity.

Vice Lords, Vice Lords: On March 26, there was a gang disturbance on the 800 block of W. Sunnyside Avenue. An 18-year-old was taken into custody for standing on the corner yelling “Vicelords, Vicelords” and blocking the walking path for an old lady and a woman with a baby stroller.

Not many details are known, but apparently another body, a female, has been discovered in Lake Michigan, near Foster Avenue Beach. We will post more details as we receive them.

Not much more from WBBM, either.

UPDATE (from WBBM780): The woman was originally believed to be in her 20s, but has been identified as Stacy Frangos, 50, of 7718 W. Farragut Ave., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner. She died from drowning, the autopy revealed.

Let Their Voices Be Heard
Our Views: News-Star, April 17, 2008

Last week, the Chicago City Council voted to increase the subsidy for the Wilson Yard TIF to $52 million.

The increase marks the second time within the past year that the city's public tax subsidy has been increased. Beset by construction delays, Wilson Yard has stalled, heightening Uptown residents' frustration.

Elected officials and the project's developer maintain that the increased public funds for the project are necessary because of skyrocketing construction and other unforeseen costs.

Local community leaders have criticized the project plan since it was first floated before residents in 2004. Since the last open community meeting, a movie multiplex has dropped out of the project.

The project's anchor — Target — also has yet to make a public announcement that it is coming to Uptown. Target's silence has fueled neighborhood rumors that the retail giant has backed out of the project.

Despite residents' protestations, both the developer and alderman insist that Target is still part of Wilson Yard's big picture. Yet both have refused to produce a signed letter of intent or contract from Target stating that is coming to Wilson Yard, citing "confidentiality."

Now, some community leaders and residents are calling for the current Wilson Yard plan to be scratched and start anew.

We certainly don't go that far, though this project has been a failure of urban planning from the start. However, clearly we believe that residents and community leaders deserve a clearer explanation as to the current status of the project and its public funding. Target also needs to come clean as to whether it plans to remain part of the Uptown project.

While we can appreciate the confidentiality of certain business agreements, the developer needs to understand how this simply fuels residents' skepticism that the project will ever be completed.

In the words of one Uptown resident who asks, "For something that is sucking up so much public tax money, why is there so much confidentiality?"

Community residents deserve to have their voices heard so they are not surprised by the final outcome of a project that stands to be a gateway to the Uptown neighborhood for decades to come.

Uptown residents' voices deserve and need to be heard.

By Jason Heidemann- Time Out Chicago
The crew at Crew Bar and Grill offered a sneak peek of its new sibling bar The Wilde Pug, a gay English pub scheduled to open in June (permits pending) at Broadway and Lawrence. Basically, the peek revealed that there’s still a ways to go yet (kinda like 500 years ago when DaVinci showed his friends a blank canvas and said, "Imagine a woman sitting here, sort of smiling, sort of not").

But preliminary sketches reveal a fireplace as you enter to your right (where there will eventually be couches and chairs). Opposite the fireplace will be tables (no food license, but you can bring in nosh from Crew next door or anywhere in the neighborhood) and as you move through the space you’ll come to the main bar, a long curvy thing with the DJ booth and pool table just across from it. A pair of doors will separate the back room where there will be a dance floor because, as managing partner Steve Milford put it, "We think if Oscar Wilde were alive today, he’d want to dance."

Milford is also planning on bringing back the game show nights that he lent a hand to back when he was at Roscoe’s. Composite sketches of the place didn’t reveal as much information as I’d have liked since Milford told me the color scheme would be changing (in other words, if I had to pick out the bar in a criminal lineup it would pretty much get off scot-free), but I’m pretty stoked nonetheless. If all goes well, this could be the laid-back, but still cruisy counterpart to Crew we’ve all been waiting for.

This is really all the info we have at this time. Has anyone been by to confirm that it is in fact closed? More details to come as they're made available.

From Cityside/News-Star

Uptown block clubs in the 46th Ward will be confabbing with regional 7-Eleven execs that have just inked a lease to move into the space formerly occupied by Hull House at Wilson and Clifton.

The 24/7 convenience store chain is seeking a liquor license to sell beer and wine. Before 7-Eleven can apply for a liquor license, a current moratorium on liquor licenses must be lifted. According to an e-mail missive by the Magnolia Malden Block Club, community input is needed, "to get the alderman's support to get a license."

Ald. Joe Moore, 49th, shot down a similar 7-Eleven request last fall to lift a liquor license moratorium on 1404 W. Pratt after Rogers Park residents overwhelmingly voiced their opposition at a community meeting.

No date has been set for the sit-down, but considering that it's the 46th Ward, News-Star knows that there will be a completely open and transparent community process.

Letters to News-Star:
While it is encouraging to hear about the TIF's being allocated to a new development slated for Jimmy Gouskos on Lawrence, it is disappointing to other business owners in the community who are offered nothing by (46th Ward) Alderman Helen Shiller nor will we probably ever receive funding because of current TIF's being tied up in Wilson Yards. I own Unique So Chique on Wilson Avenue. I have been on Wilson for 9 years and there are many business owners, I am certain, who feel as I do. What about TIF money for our businesses? We were we also told by Alderman Shiller's office that we (certain Wilson businesses) fall in between boundaries and that we are also not eligible for SBIF's provided to small businesses. So how and when will we ever benefit from all our hard work on Wilson Avenue? I would be glad to discuss, in greater detail, mine and other businesses frustrations as well as the newly formed Wilson Area Merchants Association (www.wilsonareamerchants.org). Thank you.

Robert Davis
Uptown

Just a friendly reminder to join your neighbors at Nick's on Wilson (1140 W. Wilson) tonight at 7pm for the "Stop Labor Ready" fundraiser. Funds are still needed to file a lawsuit to stop this business from opening a location near a school, boys and girls club, and a play lot. Donations are tax deductible. Spread the word and bring a neighbor!

For our readers who live near Leland and Magnolia, you may have noticed this building on the corner and it's trash filled parkway. A reader just sent in pics of the litter and a notice on the building's door. Good to see Street and San is out and giving notices for unkept areas. Any others that come to mind?

Courtesy News-Star:
From Ald. Helen Shiller's Summer 1998 46th Ward newsletter:
"I have a few 'bottom lines' for Wilson Yard in addition to job creation. TIF funds must go back to the Board of Education. TIF funds must go into preserving affordable housing. (This doesn't have to on the Wilson Yard site, but it does have to be within the boundaries that get drawn up for the TIF). TIF funds must go the previously planned relocation and rehabilitation of the Wilson El station ... The amount of parking now available to Truman College must be included and retained."

Ald. Shiller's response to charges by the Uptown Neighborhood Council that there was no community process on the Wilson Yard redevelopment plan, News-Star, April 12, 2006:
"These folks are dreaming. This TIF probably got more community meetings than any other TIF development in the city. We had hearings before the Planned Development Committee. We've been in front of (the City Council Finance Committee) twice ... I think these folks have no clue how development works."

Ald. Shiller on loss of movie theaters from the Wilson Yard project, News-Star, May 31, 2006:
"There are no major changes in the plan ... It's not a big deal. You replace it (the theater) with retail."

Developer Peter Holsten, speaking at the last "quarterly" Wilson Yard Meeting Task Force meeting, News-Star, June 16, 2007:
"Target wants to open in mid-2009."

Ald. Shiller, updating Uptown United/Business Partners on progress of Wilson Yard redevelopment, News-Star, Nov. 21, 2007:
"I'm hesitant to give any more details (on Wilson Yard redevelopment) because as you know they obviously changed a lot over the years. The details of the project haven't changed but the timing is a little elusive as you know, but there is constant progress."

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor, News-Star

For the second time in less than a year, the Chicago City Council has jacked up TIF subsidies for the stalled Wilson Yard redevelopment project in Uptown by almost 25 percent in an agreement with Chicago-based Holsten Real Estate Development Corp. That would take the TIF subsidy to $52 million.

The barely audible, two-line amendment was read over the din of personal conversations taking place on the City Council Chamber floor and passed by a roll call vote during the council's regular April 9 meeting.

Redevelopment plans for the five-acre site bounded by Broadway, the CTA tracks, Wilson and Montrose, call for a 180,000-square-foot Target store, 178 units of affordable housing and a 700-car parking garage. An additional 30,000 square feet has also been allotted for retail, offices and restaurants. The only completed component of the project is an Aldi's supermarket that replaced an existing store at 4450 N. Broadway. Continue Reading

You're invited to join your Uptown neighbors for an Earth-friendly event. Come and learn how you can live a more eco-friendly life 365 days a year. Various speakers will share practical, hands-on tips on how to go green--and save green ($$) in the process.

By Monique Garcia - Tribune Reporter

The pothole-ridden section of North Lake Shore Drive from Irving Park Road to Foster Avenue will undergo resurfacing this summer, transportation officials said Wednesday.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has set aside $4.5 million for the much-needed project, according to a news release.

"This is very good news," said Brian Steele, spokesman for the Chicago Department of Transportation. "We have been working with the state for about a year to secure funds for this area, and we are glad work can soon begin." Continue Reading

By Kenneth Jones, Playbill On-line
Photo courtesy (Flickr and Katherine of Chicago)

The production ('Superior Donuts') directed by Tina Landau, will play Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre in Chicago June 19-Aug. 17. McKean will play Arthur Przybyszewski, who owns a run-down donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks (played by Jon Hill) - a black teenager who is his only employee - wants to change the shop for the better.

The production features ensemble members Hill, Yasen Peyankov and James Vincent Meredith, with guest artist McKean. It opens June 29. Continue Reading

The Chicago Police Department invites you to participate in Court Advocacy Training on Saturday, April 19, 10am-11:30am at the Chicago Police Department Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan, Multi Purpose Room.

For more information, call the CAPS Office at 312-747-9987.

How many buildings can you spot that still remain in this view we presume is from the 1920's looking east on Wilson from the L tracks? (photo: Chicago Daily News)

A stumper! Here's another view; see if it helps:

The building kitty-corner from the Uptown Broadway Building, where the Uptown Snack Shop used to be, may be crumbling -- but someone's found a nifty place to store the falling bricks.

Anyone know what's going on with the planned rehab of this building?

Come with us on a journey, won't you? Deep into the heart of Uptown Country. You could go to Iowa to see the Bridges of Madison County, but why do that when can stay at home and check out our own? Just be sure to bring your hard-hat to protect you from crumbling concrete.
First up is the Wilson Avenue bridge at Lake Shore Drive. This bridge is long overdue for replacement. In the photo above, you can barely see temporary concrete barriers that have been added to both Wilson and Lawrence to keep cars from crashing through the side of the bridge and onto the traffic under the bridge below in the event of an accident.
Once under the Wilson Bridge, this is what you see:
Scary, huh? But trust us, it gets worse. How much traffic passes over these bridges in a day? There are quite a few of these "buttresses" under the bridge that look like this. The temporary white paint job that was given to the bridges last year has already started to crumble, rust, and fall off in most spots. Water is cascading down onto the streets below through the cracks in the cement and rebar above. A bad combination for sure. Let's journey a few blocks north to Lawrence now and see if this bridge is in any better condition.
Judging from the photo above, no such luck. The temporary concrete barriers on the Lawrence Avenue bridge are visible in this pic, protecting the decaying sides of the bridge from car impacts. Let's venture a bit closer and check it out.
Yikes! That pillar has seen better days. Let's go under the bridge and see if the buttresses are in any better shape.
Wow, this looks worse than Wilson! We can see water pouring down from Lake Shore Drive above all over here. We sure hope we are nowhere near this bridge when it decides it can't take anymore. While we were out, we thought we would check out the Foster Avenue Bridge and the Belmont Avenue bridge. We can report that they were nowhere NEAR the state of decay that these two bridges are in. If you plan to attend the Lawrence/Wilson Viaduct Meeting on April 28 at 6pm at Truman College, we hope you will ask those from CDOT if these bridges will be replaced or if there will be another sort of temporary fix for these bridges that involves tar and something to plug the holes in the bridge to keep the water from cascading below. Inquiring minds would like to know. We hope you enjoyed our tour. If you are out and about, we encourage you to check out the condition of these bridges and compare them to neighboring bridges over Lake Shore Drive.

Our Wilson L stop was overwhelmingly voted the CTA station that needs the most attention. We think that if Ron Huberman made it a PRIORITY to rent out all the vacant CTA owned spaces around Wilson, the increase in eyes on the street would help dramatically in reducing crime and grime here.
Read all about this dubious honor at the Sun-Times here.
Its not all doom and gloom on Wilson. Check out this link for a listing of great restaurants to check out on our favorite avenue.

Join us Sunday, May 11th between the hours of 10am and 5pm for Mother's Day Afternoon Tea. Treat Mom to something different this year with our tier services of assorted homemade scones, assorted sweets & pastres and savories. This is sure to make her the happiest Mom in town. Also, indulge in our more than 55 gourmet flavors of hand-dipped and hand-rolled truffles and toffees all made on location. We are certain that you could also find that perfect gift here for her too. See our Afternoon Tea menu and gift selections at www.uniquesochique.com. If you have any questions please call us at 773-561-0324 or email us at emailuf@aol.com. Reservations are required.

Progress Reports on the April Graffiti Challenge? This is an easy way to have a huge impact on how this community looks, so keep making those calls, folks.

Taggers will (literally) put their marks anywhere; see how they "enhanced" the workmanship and details of the Uptown Broadway Building:

We spotted this sign advertising "The New Admiral At The Lake," a retirement community for seniors slated for Foster and Marine drive. The future site of the project has now been completely cleared. According the website, the building will be 31 stories and house 256 units of senior housing.

A reader wrote in on Friday: "This building was unveiled today and its restoration is gorgeous!"

We went by this morning to take a look, and we agree. The details on this building are stunning. Even with the downstairs still being gutted, it took our breath away.

Thank you, Thaddeus Wong, for giving this amazing building back to Uptown.

(Click on the pictures for a larger view to fully appreciate the details.)

Here is a view of the Frank Lloyd Wright designed, "Stohr Arcade" being dismantled by workers in 1922 to make way for the current day Wilson station. Click for larger image. (CTA Collection)

(photo courtesy www.Chicago-L.org)
The Sun-Times recently asked its readers: "Can you think of some grungy stations in need of a serious makeover?" Read what stations come up most often.
(Hint: "Pat, I'll take a W... I'll buy an I ... an L ... an S....")

As admirers of Uptown's wonderful architecture, we were happy to see "RetroCool's" Flickr photo show of 24 images from Lawrence & Broadway.

We certainly never realized the "squiggle" on the Uptown Theatre's marquee read "Balaban & Katz" until we saw his upcloseandpersonal photo of it.
(Photo Courtesy of RetroCool and Flickr.)

The Neighbors Project, Inspiration Corporation, and Share Our Strength have joined forces to offer a cooking class to Uptown residents: "Cook Local: a Cooking Class for Uptown, by Uptown."

Courtesy Magnolia-Malden Neighbors:
Dear Neighbor,
7-Eleven has signed a lease to move into the spot where Hull House used to be on Wilson Avenue (Wilson and Clifton). They wish to have a liquor license to be able to sell beer and wine. They are a 24-hour operation.

As there is currently a liquor license moratorium, they need our support to get the alderman's support to get the license. We have many concerns as well as possible solutions to this issue.

The board is meeting with the 7-Eleven regional manager and the building owner, Newcastle Ltd on Thursday the 16th to discuss these issues.

If you'd like to attend, send me an email, or if you just wish to voice an opinion or concern, let me know that as well. We will discuss all concerns with both parties. Thanks much.

Sincerely,
Kathy Cook

Magnolia Malden Block Club
kcook@bentleyforbes.com
http://www.mmneighbors.com

Update: Thanks to "Uptown Gal" who pointed out that this 7-Eleven has been listed in this space on the realtor's website for approximately a month now. Check out the site plan above.

Chicago’s award-winning Imagination Theater will be hosting “Camp Imagination”-- a summer arts camp for kids. This fun-filled camp will be facilitated by Imagination Theater’s professional ensemble using interactive theater activities to help kids explore themes of RESPECT and SOCIAL CHANGE. The Camp’s curriculum will also include creative writing, music, and art to be incorporated into a final showcase performance.

This six-week Camp for kids (ages 6-14) will take place from June 23 through August 1, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, weekdays (except for July 4). There are two separate camp locations: in Uptown at Imagination Theater’s headquarters at 4802 N. Broadway St., and in Bucktown at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. Activities at both camps will include: Theater games, Teamwork exercises, Scene writing, Painting/Set Design, Creating Music, Fun field trips, and an original showcase performance for an invited audience.

The cost of the program (a total of 87 hours of class time) is $525. There is an early bird discount of $50 for children registered on or before May 9th. To register for either site please call Imagination Theater’s Marketing Director, Jeremy Schaefer, at 773-303-0070 or register online at www.imaginationtheater.org.

Imagination Theater is dedicated to offering our services to economically disadvantaged students at reduced rates or free of charge. The organization is pleased to announce that it will be offering up to five full scholarships at each of its camp sites this summer to students who are not able to afford the tuition. To nominate a deserving student, please call 773-303-0070 for a nomination form.

From a CPNA email:
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR NEIGHBORS.

Can you believe 37 neighbors have pledged their time to the Neighborhood Watch effort. And we know there are others who participate in many of our campaigns that have yet to get back to us.

But can you start to feel how effective this can be?

We need more people to let us know they can help. Irma Perres from the CAPS office will be helping us to schedule a meeting and a training very soon.

We will draw up a schedule with advice from the Police and input from the community.

We will then start to make a change.

CPNA (Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association)

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU MIGHT HAVE IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING, SO WE KNOW WHAT TO ADDRESS. THANKS.
You can contact CPNA at cpnassoc@gmail.com or Irma Perres from CAPS at irma.perres@chicagopolice.org

Is that why she won't talk to any of them?
Read all about it at the Tribune.

A reader writes in:
"FYI, an ad from today's sport section of the Sun Times. Once again another non tax generating enterprise in the Wilson Yard TIF district.
The tag line is particularly intriguing, " Same Day Dosing, LOW COST & CONFIDENTIAL. No need to go to Starbucks, they offer Free Gourmet Coffee, Free Phone use ( local & long distance) free daily vitamin packs, free week of services on your birthday and a free Seven Day Bus Pass.
What a ward!!"

Raise a glass and help make Labor Ready's Uptown plans toast! UCC (Uptown Chicago Commission) sends us this:

You are invited to attend a FUND-RAISER to support the Litigation Fund to STOP Labor Ready, on Thursday, April 17th, at 7 p.m., at NICK's on Wilson, 1140 West Wilson Avenue, across from Truman College.

$20 at the door. Cash bar, but there will be drink specials galore!

Come out and enjoy the spring weather (?), see your neighbors, and support a good cause - a win-win for everyone!

David Roeder of the Sun-Times devote his column today to Wilson Yard:

City ups Wilson Yard subsidy to $52 million
UPTOWN Public now funding a third of development's cost


For the second time in less than a year, city officials Wednesday hiked the public subsidy for the Wilson Yard development in Uptown and now plan to spend at least $52 million on the five-acre site.

Acting on a recommendation from the city's planning department, the City Council elevated the subsidy from a previous commitment of $41.6 million. The public funds represent more than a third of the project's estimated cost of $150.9 million, in contrast to city guidelines that generally limit such subsidies to 20 percent.

Officials said the additional money is needed to rescue a retail and residential project considered vital to Uptown's future. The project has been battered by costly design changes, higher construction prices, loss of initial investors, retailers' nervousness over a proposal to regulate wages at "big box" stores and lately by lenders' reluctance to extend credit.

"We're committed to getting this project done," said planning department spokesman Peter Scales. He noted that as part of the new deal, Wilson Yard developer Peter Holsten has been required to invest more of his own company's money.

Holsten Real Estate Development Corp. will provide an additional $10.5 million in equity, bringing the total to $29.9 million. Holsten will seek $69 million in financing, $20.2 million less than needed under the previous agreement.

The developer did not return calls. Despite years of planning and debate in the community, the project has produced only one concrete change, a new Aldi food store. It replaced an Aldi that was demolished to make room for unrealized parts of the development.

Holsten's agreement with the city calls for a store occupied by Target "or an affiliate thereof" with a 382-space parking garage. Target Corp. has never confirmed plans for the site, but Holsten and Uptown's alderman, Helen Shiller (46th), have repeatedly insisted the discounter is coming.

Planned in later phases are two residential buildings, one with 80 apartments geared to low- and moderate-income families, and the other with 98 units for low- to moderate-income seniors.

The site, a former CTA repair yard, runs along the west side of Broadway between Montrose and Wilson.

Holsten's agreement with the city shows he expects to deliver the apartments at a per-dwelling cost that's 50 percent to 90 percent higher than comparable prices in the market.

Also, documents indicate that the Illinois Housing Development Authority has withdrawn a loan promise of $750,000 for the senior apartments.

The subsidy would come via a tax-increment financing district, which would provide funds from future property taxes that Wilson Yard would generate. The agreement provides that Holsten would get no more than $10.4 million in city help before he completes the Target and a smaller retail building.

The Uptown Entertainment District in the 48th Ward is about to get another establishment, two doors down from Crew at Broadway and Lawrence.

A reader writes: "Wilde Pug is scheduled to open for late May or June."

OK to locate in Uptown but with Conditions

The Uptown Chicago Commission has started a litigation fund in the wake of the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals' decision to grant a special-use permit to a day labor agency so it can open an office at 4830 N. Sheridan Road.

Read the whole story here.

These are some of our favorite parts:

• "We're hopeful that Labor Ready is not ready to fight another court battle, and go somewhere else where they don't have to get a variance or special-use permit, " UCC president Kathy Cook said. "As the umbrella organization for the (Uptown) block clubs, UCC is in it for the long haul."
• [Labor Ready's hiree, real estate appraiser Terrence] O'Brien stated he was curious why residents who opposed bringing a day labor office to Sheridan Road didn't bring their own expert witnesses to the ZBA hearing. "I think the reason why they failed to so, is that no appraiser worth their salt would come out and testify that this would have an adverse impact," O'Brien said. "It's all sour grapes on their part." [Note: "Bad apples." "Worth their salt." "Sour grapes." What's with all the food analogies describing residents and taxpayers?]
• Asked which sex offender registry Labor Ready would use to screen job applicants, Burke stated that the company was researching its options. "We don't know enough about it to know the access and turnaround."
• And of course, the perpetual "Shiller's office did not return phone calls seeking comment."

Read the story -- add your own! Hours of fun!

From Chicago Tribune:

An autopsy Wednesday determined a man found floating Tuesday in Lake Michigan on the North Side had been shot in the head and his death was a homicide, authorities said.A jogger spotted the body floating in Montrose Harbor about 8 p.m. Tuesday and called police, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He appeared to be in his 40s, but remained unidentified Wednesday afternoon, an office spokesman said. An autopsy showed he had suffered a gunshot wound in the head, the spokesman said.

UPDATE: The police believe the body is that of Artur Shehu, the Villa Park cabdriver who left his cab at the lake with a suicide note in it after he allegedly murdered his parents last January.

The Chicago Department of Transportation will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning the proposed Lake Shore Drive Viaducts over Wilson Avenue and Lawrence Avenue Project.

The meeting will be held at Truman College at 1145 West Wilson Avenue, on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. All persons interested in this project are invited to attend this meeting.

The meeting will be conducted on an informal basis. A presentation on the status of the project, the proposed improvements being considered, project issues and the decisions to be made will begin at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will address topics such as the need for the project, the design alternatives under consideration, and the tentative construction schedule.

For more information, click here.

Crain's Chicago Business reports:

The Daley administration has agreed to a jack up the public subsidy by more than 25% to $52 million on the Wilson Yard mixed-used project, which has been plagued by repeated delays.

Like many new projects, the development has apparently been stymied by the difficulty of obtaining construction financing. The increased tax increment financing subsidy now would account for 34% of the nearly $151-million development, well above a city guideline that TIF grants account for no more than 20% of a project’s cost.

The larger subsidy is part of a new TIF agreement between city officials and Chicago-based Holsten Real Estate Development Corp. that replaces an earlier agreement approved in May by the Chicago City Council. At the time, construction was expected to begin in July on the Uptown project, which would include a new Target store and 178 units of affordable housing.

Now, construction is scheduled to start by June 1, said Peter Holsten, president of Chicago-based development firm.

“The overall financial setup has shifted, hopefully for the last time,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

From "Chicago Uptown Crime Blotter"
At 8:07 a citizen who was fishing at Montrose Harbor flagged down a patrol officer and reported that he thought he saw the body of a person floating just off the Montrose Harbor concrete. At approximately 8:11 the Officer confirmed that it was indeed a floater in the water. The Marine unit was called and fire department is on the way they said that this is protocol for this type of situation. The detectives bureau was notified. Fire department has just hooked onto the body but was asked to not get involved and release the body as it could be a possible homicide and if so they do not want to CFD to contaminate the crime scene.

The scene is approximately 50 yards south of the bird sanctuary.

Police have closed off the road at the Bait shop. They mentioned that the media may attempt to get there on foot and are to be kept far from the scene. The Detectives do not want anyone near the scene, police have been advised to start moving the fisherman back to their cars, and asking them to find another place to fish this evening.

UPDATE 4/9 A.M.: The media are saying the body is that of a white male in his 40s or 50s, fully clothed, and who's been in the water a while. Detectives are investigating, but right now the death is considered non-criminal.

UPDATE 4/9 P.M.: Now the Trib is reporting this as a homicide, as the victim was shot in the head. See our later post: Another Uptown Murder?

Yesterday we were mulling "The Legend of the Mystery Dumpster," which had taken up residence on Wilson for a few weeks, and no one knew quite why.

Tonight ... the Dumpster has left the building.

In an effort to make things a bit easier for our readers, we have now added "Uptown Update Hot Topics" to our information packed right sidebar. These are either topics with a lot of comments, or things we do not want to get buried in a flurry of postings. Use these links to stay up to date on important issues. Enjoy.

Read all about it at the Chicago Tribune
By Jon Hilkevitch and Kristen Kridel
photo by Terrence Antonio James

We have had several readers write in and ask about this dumpster that has been parked on Wilson and Kenmore for quite some time now. Allegedly, the alderman's office does not even know who it is registered to. Maybe our slew of clever apples can unravel this mystery. The closest street address to the dumpster is 1017 W. Wilson. Get crackin!

A reader sent in the following photo and info:
"No idea why I noticed the feather sticking out of the platform sign at the
Argyle stop but I did. And then I checked the other side to see if I was
hallucinating that a bird could've just died inside the sign. That's when I
saw the foot sticking out. It's not hard to see if you look. I could swear
it's a chicken leg but I'm not sure. Could be pigeon. Have to get a bird
expert out there to i.d. the bird."

The construction workers are back at the Uptown Broadway Building. Overhead scaffolding was being erected on the sidewalk today and even more scaffolding is rising up the side of the building. Good to see them back. Maybe this place will be hopping by the end of summer?

Update: Judging by the looks of this zoning notice on the building (seen below), it appears "Club Lucky" is still planning to open a nightclub/lounge in the basement of the building.

A reader sent in the following pic showing blood on the sidewalk (near Leland and Marine) on Sunday from Saturday's shooting in front of Weiss Hospital. Let's hope this has been cleaned up by now.

A reader sent in a pic of the Uptown Recycling Center at 4716 N. Sheridan Road that is now displaying a "FOR SALE" sign. A resident of the neighboring Par-Venu building mentioned to the photog that they thought the "Siam Cafe" Thai restaurant next door was also for sale. Interested parties can contact Wenger Properties at 773-252-8818.

By Jim DeRogatis, Sun-Times

In a city graced by a dozen historic marquees, preservationists, music lovers and community activists maintain that the Uptown Theatre is Chicago's crowning jewel.

Designed by renowned architects Rapp & Rapp, the 4,300-seat theater opened at Broadway and Lawrence as a movie palace in 1925. But since a stint in the '70s when it hosted rock tours by Genesis, Lou Reed, the Grateful Dead and others, it has sat dormant and rotting. Meanwhile, one developer after another has reneged on promises to restore the venue to former glories.

A redeveloped Uptown Theatre is seen by many, including 48th Ward Ald. Mary Ann Smith, as the key that finally could turn Uptown from a "war zone" into a thriving entertainment district -- the only one in the city where live music is the main attraction.
Continue Reading:

Update: Join the discussion on the Uptown Theatre at "Cinema Treasures."

Check out some great pics of the Montrose Bird Sanctuary courtesy of the Sun-Times here:

Dear Alderman Shiller,
Please watch this video. You may remember it as the "Labor Ready" story you refused to comment on. If you choose not watch, we hope that the "couple of people tooling around, checking the blogs" in your office find the time.
Sincerely Yours,
Uptown Update and the Citizens of Uptown

Update: The folks at www.stoplaborready.org have revamped their website with a lot of new information for residents. There is also a link for you to use to make donations to support their fight.

Beat Meeting Update 2322
Thursday April 3, 2008 7pm

Discussed old problems in the Beat Loitering at Public Storage and U-Haul at 4050 N. Broadway. Local Community Taskforce members spoke about progress getting neighbors to call 911 regularly and how it has dramatically lowered the arrests in this area.
Group discussed graffiti and how to report it to 311 and make sure a tracking number is given.
New problems that were discussed:
1. Loitering at the bus stop at Broadway and Cullom. Neighbors will attempt to watch to see if it is residents of the Nursing Home drinking and using drugs on this corner or other loiterers from the neighborhood.
2. Problem building at 851 W. Montrose that has rented rooms to people with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. Noise from loud music and threats have continued to come from open windows and police are regularly called about the problem but can not get into building. Community policing is going to follow up with the owner of the building.
3. Ruth Shriman Home at 4040 N. Broadway which is an apartment building for elder adults is having trouble with management of the building who have refused to provide more security. Men from the neighborhood are regularly getting into the building and creating a feeling of danger. Community police has been in contact with management and will again follow up.
4. New crime has been observed stealing copper wires from utility poles in alleyways. The criminals may break wire free during the day posing as utility workers and return at night to pull out several hundred feet of wire. It is then taken to scrap yards for $. Please call 911 any time someone is working on wires that is not wearing a utility clothing, or driving a truck clearly marked. All workers are required to have ID on at all times.

Buena Park Neighbors mentioned that the owner of Nicks Uptown has told his employees that they are to walk anyone home from his establishment upon request. This offer is for anyone living in Buena Park.

Courtesy Uptown Chicago Commission:
On March 12, 2008, the City of Chicago Department of Planning introduced a 2nd amendment to the Wilson Yard TIF. The matter was referred to the Committee on Finance and is expected to be considered by the full council on Wednesday, April 9, 2008.
A 2nd amendment is necessary because the developer "has encountered a number of additional challenges that have caused changes to the nature, budget and timing of the project" since the 1st amendment was adopted in June 2007.
Outline of Significant Changes
* Costs to deliver 98 units of low income senior rental apartments has increased to $337,000 per unit - nearly double the area median sales price for 1 bedroom, 1 bath condos over the past 6 months.
* Costs to deliver 80 units of low income family rental apartments has increased to $447,000 per unit - greatly exceeding the area median sales price for 2-3 bedroom, 2 bath condos over the past 6 months.
* Third-party lenders have reduced the amount of funding they are willing to provide to the project by $20 million, or approximately 23%. The funding shortfalls are to be met by the City and Holsten; each organization's contribution will increase by $10 million.
* The City's funding may need to increase again, once maximum environmental remediation costs are determined.
* Size of the retail / restaurant mixed-use building will increase from 16,000 square feet to 24,000 square feet.
* All references to "Target Corporation" are to be replaced with "Target Corporation or an affiliate thereof."
In Separate but Related Actions
The Illinois Housing Development Authority reversed its earlier commitment to lend $750,000 to construction of the low income senior rental apartments and also requested that the developer return low income housing tax credits IDHA had previously pledged to help fund the low income family rental apartments. IDHA determined that the project "was in danger of not being completed by the date the project was to placed into service." Holsten requested that the tax credits be available at a future, unspecified date.
Aldi Project Costs
It should be noted that the only development deliverable completed since creation of the Wilson Yard TIF in 2001 is replacement of an existing Aldi discount grocery store - at a total cost of $5.6 million, $650,000 of which went to Holsten. Perhaps we should begin referring to this as the Aldi TIF; it may be the only thing ever built with these TIF funds.
Interesting Point of Comparison
In the newly designated Hollywood Sheridan TIF, plans are underway to acquire and renovate a 200 unit low income rental building at costs estimated from $125,000 - $150,000 per 1-2 bedroom, 1 bath unit.

Update: We will be adding our handy "News Media Contact At Your Fingertips" off on the right.
Use this to give the local media any Uptown news tips, including this one.

Update #2: Curious what $400K will get you in one of Chicago's poshest neighborhoods, Lincoln Park? Take a gander here.

Update #3: Here are some other tidbits from the recently released WY documents:
New clause that states there is no ceiling on what the city could pay for remediation cleanup of this contaminated site.
We know if Holsten can claim the parking lots are part of the remediation he would shift cleanup costs to the City and the taxpayers.
This seems to be his plan because he removed both the cost of toxic remediation and the cost of the parking lot from the most recent budget. The costs for these two items total $21.1 Million! So $21.1M is missing from the latest Wilson Yard budget. The city will have to come up with the money for this unaccounted cleanup and parking costs to the tune of $21.1 Million.
This raises the cost per low income housing unit to a whopping to $480,905! Not the quoted $447,000!!! (with no end in sight).
Be aware that City Council is being asked to approve this outrageous cost increase without any assurance (letter of intent from Target) that Target is actually building/buying into Wilson Yard. IN FACT, the wording has changed to state: Target or affiliate.

By Mark Konkol, Sun-Times
Photo by Brian Jackson

There's an orange cone near the tennis courts at Clarendon Park marking a sinkhole big enough to swallow a small Labrador.

Despite complaints and 311 calls, Uptown neighbors say the hole -- about four-feet deep, exposing an old sewer line -- has been there more than a year.

It's the kind of thing -- like overflowing Dumpsters, guys peeing in doorways, brawls under the L tracks, aggressive panhandlers and so many vacant stores -- that aggravates a lot of Uptowners.

For an anonymous Uptown blogger, those nagging gripes inspired him to start airing his neighborhood's dirty laundry at Uptown update.com.

"It seemed there's no Uptown coverage in the major news media at all, and most people just pass through Uptown on the way to Lake View or Lincoln Park," the man who calls himself the Uptown Updater says. "This neighborhood is starved for attention, and people are starved for information. I wanted to get people more engaged and more aware about what's happening right in their neighborhood."

You'll have to forgive him for not revealing his identity. He's just a regular guy working a regular job who doesn't want to get hassled for blowing the whistle -- or taking shots at Ald. Helen Schiller (46th). Besides, Uptown Update is a community service, not a money-maker. He's not interested in local fame.

So the 29-year old and a few of his pals stalk Uptown streets with point-and-shoot cameras and an eye for irony -- like the flags marking the Uptown Chamber of Commerce's 85th anniversary next to a row of vacant storefronts. They attend community meetings, check up on building permits and zoning changes and chat up folks for the local scoop to share online.

Uptown Update has become a popular neighborhood Web site, at times logging 4,000 page views a day. Often, problems they post about -- illegal peddlers, guys pounding beers on the sidewalk, pesky heroin junkies who used to shoot up on Winthrop -- get quick attention. Other times -- like rants on crumbling viaducts or loiterers outside the Wilson Club Hotel -- not so much.

"It's frustrating when things don't get fixed, but I think we make a difference," the Uptown Updater says.

His readers have lots to say about the state of Uptown, too. They provide a hefty dose of news for the blog, which has become the new way for neighbors to vent.

Local gadfly Pamela Merema submitted pictures of the Clarendon Park sinkhole along with her own diatribe on how long it takes to get even the simplest problems fixed in the neighborhood.

"Here's a medium that is cheap, that doesn't rely on advertising dollars, that can really get to what's going on in the neighborhood," Merema says. "The blog points out that city services belong to everyone."

There's that, and complaints about Uptown's longtime ward boss, Ald. Schiller, who says her staff keeps tabs on local blogs.

"There's a couple people in the office tooling around, checking the blogs. If they find something that needs attention, I'm confident they take action and raise it with me. . . . My goal is to solve problems." That's what the Uptown Update guy says he wants, too.

"I don't think Helen Schiller is the root of all evil in Uptown," he says. "The idea is to get people to realize they deserve to have problems solved."

Like that pesky sinkhole in the park.

Update: Check out "Jump Local" from the Sun-Times for a list of great Uptown bars and restaurants.

Update #2: A reader just sent us a photo of the infamous Clarendon Park sinkhole that appears to have been miraculously fixed today after over a year. Funny how that works.

Update #3: Sun-Times reporter Mark Konkol added this entry to his "Neighborhoods" blog.

Okay, folks, we're throwing down the gauntlet to the readers of Uptown Update. Let's call it our April Graffiti Challenge.

We're asking you to keep an eye out when you're walking the dog. When you go out to grab a cup o' joe and a newspaper. When you're running errands. We're asking you to bring your cell phone and call 311 to request Graffiti Blasters come out and erase each and every graffiti tag you see.

Today we called in four requests in an hour. Yesterday we counted six different tags in just a half block on Broadway. The graffiti is everywhere, even on our beautiful historic buildings. The weather's getting warm, so the taggers are stepping up their game. We're asking Updaters to step up their game too.

How much difference can we make, in just one month, in how Uptown looks? How many requests can we call in during April? If you want, post your totals at the end of the month. How much can we accomplish, together, to free our neighborhood from the blight of graffiti?

Psst! Hey, JPUSA, the awning at Friendly Towers has had the same tag on it for years now. How about cleaning it up? You don't want your historic building to look trashy, right?

Some savvy Uptowners have come across some overlooked real estate opportunities for Labor Ready, and they are even in the coveted 60640 zip code. The photos above show one of the vacant spots in question and the other photo shows how the surrounding industrial corridor looks in this area.

There are 2 Hull House sites - in the 4200 and 4400 blocks of Ravenswood. The Montrose Brown Line stop is situated between them. The CTA bus lines run across Lawrence, Montrose and Irving Park. And the Metra North Lines runs through the middle of the street, with a stop at Lawrence.

And as we all know, Labor Ready could locate here by right, without issuance of a special use permit.

Special notice should be taken that the 4400 block of Ravenswood is within the 60640 zip code. The site two blocks south is in 60613.

Seems LR based its whole location rationale upon the zipcode 60640. Now there is a better choice which fits the same demographics. We encourage Labor Ready to send their "real estate scouts" to this area immediately or call 773-728-9769, ext. 17. Notifying the Alderman's office of these great locations couldn't hurt as well.

A New Law That Protects Citizens Trying To Participate In Government Gets Its First Day In Court
Read all about it at Chicago Reader:
By Michael Miner, photo by Jim Newberry

This was submitted by an Uptown Update reader:

As I was driving along North Avenue in Oak Park, I was looking at the store fronts along the busy corridor and much to my surprise, I saw a sign for Labor Ready. I quickly snapped the a photo with my camera phone as I was passing. It was around 5:30 in the evening, so the office looked like it was closed for the day. While the signage and building was nothing special, what struck me was the business located next door - an Edward Jones Investments office. In terms of businesses, Labor Ready and Edward Jones attract people at the opposite ends of the income spectrum. I was shocked to see these two businesses next door to each other, along a busy thoroughfare on the Chicago-Oak Park border. This certainly is not a blighted area.

During the rest of my drive back to my home in Uptown, I began to reflect on the recent controversy with Labor Ready in Uptown. Would Labor Ready really be a bad neighbor? Would it prevent future progress from happening on in the Sheridan corridor in Uptown? Why have residents taken this issue so passionately versus many of the other issues going on in the neighborhood?

There is a valid argument for why Labor Ready would be an acceptable business in Uptown. It would provide another source of possible income and albeit temporary employment for a segment of our community that seeks employment. It would fill a vacant storefront. And I think that in theory, we would all agree that an occupied storefront is better than vacant one. Is the location perfect? No. Is the clientele the business attracts good for surrounding businesses? Likely no, but clearly in a community as diverse as ours, and similar to Oak Park, diverse businesses can succeed located adjacent to each other.

Do neighbors have valid concerns? Absolutely! When you call your Alderman’s office and are told that your concerns are based on myths and lies and are yelled at by a member of the Alderman’s staff, you get angry. When the Alderman refuses to listen to community concerns, you wonder if you have any say in what happens in your neighborhood.

Why didn’t Alderman Shiller meet with concerned residents and neighbors and work together to create covenants to require Labor Ready to meet in order to obtain zoning approval?. Why were neighbors, desperate for information, surprised with the proposed regulations at the Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting? Why did Alderman Shiller lie about the support for Labor Ready? Because she is completely out of touch with her constituents and refuses to listen to opinions that she doesn’t share.

Labor Ready likely won't hurt the neighborhood. Alderman Shiller and her antics have, and neighbors will not forget her selfish and arrogant approach. You may not agree with me on the Labor Ready issue, but I think we can all agree that the lack of respect for the concerns of impacted neighbors is appalling.

Read about the other winners here. Reuben balls, anyone? Yum.

Out with the old:

There's a letter to the 23rd District residents from former Commander Gary Yamashiroya on Ald. Vi Daley's site. Click here to read his farewell and thank you to us. (Wonder why this didn't appear on the website of the 46th Ward?)

And in with the new:

An excerpt from a story in the Booster about our new Commander:

In the 23rd or Town Hall District, Kathleen Boehmer is one of the laterally shifted officers, hailing from the nearby 20th district. Boehmer succeeds Gary Yamashiroya, who will be serving as commander of the Area 3 Detective Division.

Boehmer boasts 28 years on the force, most of which was spent on the North Side. She spent nearly three years as commander in the Foster (20th) District, just north of the 19th and 23rd districts.

Because of the proximity, she feels familiar with the 23rd District's strengths and weaknesses. She says her top concern is safety, even though the district boasts a relatively low crime rate compared with many other districts.

She is also spending time working with community groups, including members of the area's large gay and lesbian population. Hate crimes are on her watchlist.

"We want to make sure all people in the district are treated fairly," Boehmer said. "I'm confident we can make some really positive changes here."

The 23rd District office is at 3600 N. Halsted. Reach the 23rd District at 312-744-8320 or e-mail 23districtehotline@chicagopolice.org.

Read all about it at Sun-Times.
Our alderman is quoted as saying, "I'm very respectful to my fellow aldermen. It is not lightly that I say this. But when we're talking about the heart of this downtown park system, we're talking about a citywide asset," said Ald. Helen Shiller (46th).

Update: A reader writes in:
"Please let your readers know that Save Grant Park is working hard in
Uptown to knock some common sense into Helen Shiller's head.

People can sign the petition at www.SaveGrantPark.org and learn other
ways they can help.

In addition, Save Grant Park continues to solicit ideas for alternative
locations. Many people I've talked to have suggested Uptown, perhaps
even Wilson Yards.

If people like that idea, they should register their support here:

http://savedaley.blogspot.com/2008/03/plenty-of-options.html

Save Grant Park has argued that the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
proves that Uptown, Logan Square, Garfield Park, Washington Park, and
other neighborhoods throughout the city are viable alternatives to
building in Grant Park.

The Indianapolis museum - the largest, best attended, and most acclaimed
Children's museum in the country - is located six miles from downtown in
a racially diverse neighborhood, where it generates $60 million a year
in economic development."

From the Sun-Times:
Weis Orders Commanders To Hit The Streets To Fight Weekend Crime

Shiller's Kangaroo Court The Zoning Board of Appeals made their decision about Labor Ready. Take a look at their reasoning and see what you think.

It passed folks. Labor Ready received zoning board approval to open shop on Sheridan. We are working on getting the ZBA's decision uploaded. In the meantime, when you read through you will see that many of the stated facts are incorrect - such as most clients being prescreened and dispatched from their homes - and much more. They didn't even care enough to write a coherent explanation. An appeal is in the works and funds are being raised to do just that. Stay tuned.

The Trib has a great story today about famous bank robber John Dillinger. It even shows two of his favorite haunts in Uptown, one at 4506 N Sheridan, which was a funeral home at the time (and now a residence), and 4310 N. Clarendon, a building where Dillinger hid on the third floor. Check out the story here.

Your tax dollars at work, folks:
Tony Rezko and "Rezmar Corp" had 2 Uptown low-income projects that went into foreclosure. These appear to be the only 2 projects on the northside, and curiously enough, in Uptown.

825-45 W. Sunnyside - 69 Units, "Uptown Court"

Name: Uptown Court
General Partner: Rezmar
Units: 69
Ward: 46
Rezmar development fee: $339,628
Private Loan: $1,307,000 | Harris Bank
Loan Date: 02/09/93
City of Chicago Loans: $3,063,939
Loan Date: 02/09/93
This deal also included the building at 820 W. AgatiteName: Uptown Court
General Partner: Rezmar
Units: 69
Ward: 46
Rezmar development fee: $339,628
Private Loan: $1,307,000 | Harris Bank
Loan Date: 02/09/93
City of Chicago Loans: $3,063,939
Loan Date: 02/09/93
This deal also included the building at 820 W. AgatiteName: Uptown Court
General Partner: Rezmar
Units: 69
Ward: 46
Rezmar development fee: $339,628
Private Loan: $1,307,000 | Harris Bank
Loan Date: 02/09/93
City of Chicago Loans: $3,063,939
Loan Date: 02/09/93
This deal also included the building at 820 W. Agatite

An informed reader writes in:
I tried to get the assessor to correct this a few years back and apparently they didn't.

4231 N. Kenmore is an 8 unit approximately 11 year old apartment building. Just north and next door is an identical building owned and built by the same owner.

The address next door is 4237.

4231 is listed as an apartment building by the assessor and pays the appropriate taxes. 4237 is listed as a vacant lot.

4231 PIN Number 14-17-403-016-0000

4237 PIN Number 14-17-403-015-0000

If you check out the pictures of the properties here and here, you will see that there is no vacant lot.

From the Treasurer site you can find the taxes:

Now 4231 pays about $20,600 in taxes a year.

4237 pays about $8500

If you go to the Campaign Disclosure/Contribution site and type in Gibbons Management you will find many fine contributions to Shiller and Tunney. Perhaps Hugh is bored and will look to see if Gibbons made other donations through his various extensive property holdings.

Open sink holes are all over Uptown. We have them at Montrose and Clarendon, Lawrence and Kenmore, and now Winthrop and Kenmore. This hole has been reported to 311 countless times but one last flurry of calls may do the trick. This hole is at least 4 feet deep and you can even see down under the street. Its technically located behind the condo building at 4616-20 N Kenmore. It has become a great trash receptacle for empty beer cans. Let's hope we don't have our own Uptown version of "baby Jessica" in the near future. Get this hole plugged!

We love the part where she says "there has to be market-rate housing (in Wilson Yard)."

Uptown Update has gained exclusive access to Alderman Helen Shiller’s daily calendar for today, Tuesday, April 1^st. This rare glimpse into the daily activities of the 46^th Ward leader may be surprising to some Uptown residents, but the activities below show a community leader dedicated to improving life for all residents of the ward.

7:30 a.m. Alderman Shiller leaves her home in the northern part of the ward on foot, stopping at Starbucks at Lawrence and Broadway to pick up a cup of coffee and chat with her fellow Starbucks patrons.

8:00 a.m. Arrives at the office and spends the next hour reading and personally responding to constituents’ email. Alderman Shiller finds she can best find out what her fellow residents’ concerns are by reading to emails, and making policy decisions based on what her residents and the block clubs tell her.

9:00 a.m. Ward staff meeting with Denise Davis and the rest of her staff. Based on her daily walk from her home to the ward office, Alderman Shiller realized that there are a few burned out streetlights that she wants fixed ASAP. She asks Denise for an update on the rehabilitation of the Wilson L station. Denise says she will call Ron Huberman, President of the CTA, and ask for an update about how soon a community meeting can be held to discuss the plans to restore the station to its former glory.

10:30 a.m. Meeting with Joyce Dugan of Uptown United and Christie Hahn, the new Executive Director of Business Partners, on how to best encourage business development. Alderman Shiller will express her desire for more sidewalks cafés in the ward as she thinks pedestrian-friendly development is the key to a prosperous ward. Alderman Shiller tells Joyce and Christie that the organizations should work closely together on how to best approach businesses to fill some of the vacant store front in the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Broadway.

12:00 p.m. Lunch with Cindi Anderson, of Uptown Chicago Commission, at Alma Pita, to discuss the agenda for tonight’s community meeting. Alderman Shiller will tell Cindi how glad she is to have so many interested and active residents in her ward who want to make the neighborhood better for all residents.

2:00 p.m. Alderman Shiller walks down Broadway to Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s office for their monthly meeting on how to improve the Uptown Entertainment District. Alderman Shiller wants the see the developments around Lawrence and Broadway to spread south to the 4600 block of Broadway. Alderman Smith updates Alderman Shiller on the current proposed plans for the Uptown Theatre. Alderman Shiller suggests that some of the 46^th ward alderman funds are used for an urban planner to assess a four block radius of the theatre redevelopment so that retail, parking and transportation needs are addressed as a whole rather than piecemeal. Alderman Smith agrees, and they set the date for their next meeting to include an urban planning firm.

3:30 p.m. Based on feedback from residents, Alderman Shiller calls the new police commander of the 23^rd district to see how the gang reduction strategies are working for the area around Wilson and Sheridan. Alderman Shiller tells the new commander that she is more than happy to use aldermanic funds for additional blue light cameras in her ward if that will reduce the gang activity and drug dealing that residents are reporting.

6:30 p.m. Alderman Shiller will head over to Crew for a community forum, co-sponsored by Uptown Chicago Commission and Uptown Neighborhood Council about how to improve the safety of the neighborhood and other resident concerns. Alderman Shiller plans to start the meeting off with a status update on the Wilson Yard project. After a ten minute presentation with detailed rendering of the project, Alderman Shiller will tell the audience that after meetings with block club presidents, she is working with Peter Holsten to change the low income component of the project to a true mixed income building, with homeownership both at market rate and through the CPAN program. Alderman Shiller recommends that the Wilson Yard Task Force reconvenes to discusses the recent changes to the plans. Residents ask Alderman Shiller questions on a variety of different topics, and she answers them to the best of her ability. For those she doesn’t have the answer, Chief of Staff Denise Davis is present to take detailed notes to follow-up with the residents who asked the unanswered questions.

8:30 p.m. Alderman Shiller will walk back to her home, proud of what she accomplished today, and is thankful that tomorrow is April 2^nd, and that she can go back to a normal routine and avoid answering constituent’s concerns for another year.