We're sure Uptowners who remember alleged gang enforcer Paul Myvett tooling around in his unlicensed gold Range Rover might find this idea intriguing. And goodness knows, we're finding out that litigation gets people's attention! Maybe this is a something to consider in 2009:

Suburban Prosecutors Sue Gang Members For Money

GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (AP) -- Officials in suburban DuPage County say they're deterring crime by seeking financial damages from gang members who break the law. County prosecutors say three lawsuits filed against gang members since 1999 are the first of their kind in Illinois. The suits can seek money, but judges have also ordered plaintiffs to stop participating in gang activity, with criminal penalties for violations.

Glendale Heights resident Eliazer Bravo Jr. was one of the people sued. The 23-year-old owes nearly $3,800 but says he would've left the Latin Kings gang anyway. West Chicago officials say prosecutors' efforts have dramatically reduced gang-related shootings there. A Chicago Police Department spokeswoman says the city is reviewing the lawsuit option.

A reader sends us this photo showing "Tiztal Cafe" at 4631 N. Clark this evening:

"I walk by Tiztal Cafe on a regular basis and noticed the main entrance has been covered in plywood and metal shutters are covering the main window. Does anyone know if they were robbed? This is really getting old!"

A reader alerted us to http://www.helensmoney.com/
It looks like the website has been active for a while and features 3 options to download a breakdown of all of the businesses and folks that donate money to Ald. Shiller. Knowledge is power, folks. We love the tagline, "Keeping tabs on who's paying hers."

Update: Our thanks to "Holden" for pointing out that the clever cats behind www.helensmoney.com also purchased the domain for www.helenshiller.com

We welcome LightSpeed: Chicago, Uptown's newest gift store, which opened its doors yesterday, at 4238 N Broadway (between Cullom and Buena).

UPDATE: There is now a donation page with PayPal set up to donate money to the Christmas Day shooting victim mentioned below. Please spread the word and donate if you can!


We are delighted to end 2008 - a year of violence, bullets and deaths in our neighborhood - with some good news from News-Star's Cityside column:

Wrong place, wrong time: News-Star likes to think that you can walk around your neighborhood in the middle of the day without worrying about getting shot, especially on Christmas Day. Sadly, those of us who have lived in certain areas along the Far North lakefront know this not to be true.

A 23-year-old woman who is new to Uptown was shot around 12:20 p.m. Christmas Day near the corner of Wilson and Broadway. Her friends have started a fund to help her with expenses for the next month as she recuperates.

A friend and co-worker of the victim told News-Star that her friend was crossing the street on the 4500 block of N. Broadway when she heard another woman yell at a group of young teens that she was going to call the police. The next thing the victim heard was gunfire behind her. As she dove for cover, she felt a bullet enter her back on the right side. She does not know who shot her, but was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time when she found herself caught in the crossfire.

The new coat that the victim had saved for over month to buy was ruined. Within hours of posting on the neighborhood blog Uptown Update, big-hearted Uptown residents donated $90.

"She just moved to Chicago from Arkansas so she had no winter clothes," the victim's friend and co-worker said. "She might be out of work for a month so we're going to try to help her raise money for her rent."

Thankfully, the victim is going to be OK and is expected to be released from an area hospital later this week. The bullet, which grazed her liver, is still inside her. Doctors expect her liver to repair itself.

Friends describe the victim as "beautiful inside and out." She is a full-time student working her way through college. They say their friend is traumatized and doesn't feel safe in her own neighborhood anymore.

For more information about the fund that has been set up to help a deserving young woman, please e-mail jenpagonis.

Seems the gangs aren't taking any time off from the violence for the holidays. In addition to the Christmas Day shooting and yesterday's Sunnyside Mall shooting, there was another shooting on December 19th that slipped under the radar:

According to wbbm780.com, "TWO MEN WERE SHOT following a gang-related shooting Friday night in the North Side’s Uptown neighborhood. The shooting was reported at 900 W. Windsor Ave., according to Town Hall District police. Two known local gang members were shot by members of another gang, police said. The men were walking down the street when they heard gunshots and felt pain, police News Affairs Officer John Henry said.

Both men were taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center with gunshot wounds to their biceps. One man was treated and released and the other man remains hospitalized. No one is in custody for the shooting. Belmont Area detectives are investigating."

Update from CBS2: "A man was shot by one of two males who tried to rob him during a dice game blocks from a North Side city college Monday night in the Uptown neighborhood. The man, believed to be in his mid-20s, was shot in the back in the 4500 block of North Magnolia Avenue about 5:45 p.m., police said. Three independent witnesses saw the victim, who is an alleged gang member, shooting dice on the street when two other alleged gang members approached him on foot and tried to rob him, police said. "

A reader writes in:
"A neighbor just called. Her daughter just came home with her kids and witnessed a shooting by Magnolia and Sunnyside. Police are interviewing witnesses right now. The streets are especially dangerous since the street lights on Sunnyside and Clifton by the Truman construction site have not been on for most of the past 2 weeks. Very dark out there, perfect for a shooting and gang get-away."

UPDATE: From CBS 2:
CHICAGO (STNG) ―

A man was shot blocks from a North Side city college Monday night.

The man, believed to be in his mid-20s, was shot in the back in the 4500 block of North Magnolia Avenue about 5:45 p.m., police said.

After being shot the man walked over to a fire station, and was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in "stable" condition, police said.

The shooting happened near Harry S. Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., in the Uptown neighborhood.

No offender is in custody as of 7 p.m.

Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

Anyone who uses the Wilson L on a regular basis has surely seen this sight; cardboard, newspapers and a sleeping bag in one of the many vacant storefronts of the once grand CTA station. We are asking our readers to call 311 and request the Department of Human Services to send a van to help this person find permanent shelter and care before the bitter cold gets worse. No one should be living like this with all of the social service agencies in Uptown.

We just got back from 7-Eleven on Wilson and there has been an interesting development: they have booze, and lots of it. We spotted six packs of Ice-House beer, large single cans of beer and several varieties of "40's" including Olde English. We seem to remember Magnolia Malden Neighbors block club coming to some sort of agreement with 7-Eleven to limit or not allow these types of booze. What gives?

Dear UU,

The City of Chicago has sent out an emergency text message: "Roads are icy and slick. Use caution when driving. Use public transportation if possible." We can tell you by personal experience that walking on the sidewalks to get to public transportation is no picnic, either. Be very careful, folks!

The Tribune adds: Some of the worst icy driving conditions in years hit the Chicago area early this morning, causing accidents too numerous to count. "If we had the manpower, we'd close down every expressway in the area," said a harried Illinois State Police dispatcher this morning.

By Steve Daniels
(Crain's) — Marquette Bank and Bridgeview Bank Group have been approved for federal equity infusions under the Treasury Department’s financial rescue program, making them the first privately owned banks in the area to get federal bailout funds.

Marquette Bank on the city’s Southwest Side received $35.5 million on Dec. 19, while Bridgeview Bank, based in Southwest suburban Bridgeview, got $38 million, according to a list released today by the Treasury Department. In return for the funds, the banks will issue preferred stock to the government.

Privately held banks across the country are starting to receive money under the federal program aimed at shoring up the nation’s financial institutions. Many publicly held banks already have tapped the program. Continue Reading
photo: karbon69 on flickr

From the News-Star:

Gentrification in Uptown won't work: It is a fact that those who bought condos and townhomes in Uptown thought that they would have a Lincoln Park North ["The gloves are off," News-Star, Dec. 11].
Uptown is the only neighborhood in the city where re-gentrification has not and will not work. [Property owners'] investments are not panning out as planned. There are too many halfway houses for the mentally ill, social services for the poor, low-income buildings that they are unable to make disappear. Their efforts to drive out those who need help, the poor and the mentally ill, are futile.
They speculated and lost. This is what they are angry about. They bought in for low prices expecting property values to go sky high and greatly increase their wallets.
This has not happened and won't happen. The thought of more help for the working poor with children is causing them great distress. Low income housing at Wilson Yard has them in a state of emergency.
Shame on them! These people are part of humanity that puts us to shame. Shame on them!
Lila Wayne, Uptown

Wilson Yard lawsuit is about accountability: Wouldn't there be more funds for the city to aid people in need if the tax dollars that were collected were not given to private interest? This law suit is NOT about affordable housing ["The gloves are off," News-Star, Dec. 11.]
It is about holding the city accountable for what it does with our tax dollars. If it weren't for the condo owners, there would be no tax base to help the low income residents. It is in lower income residents' interest to join in to help this suit succeed
Whether the mayor is trying to build funds for his Olympics or get his other pet projects completed, draining the bank accounts of tax payers is not the way to do it.
Larry Teolis, Uptown

Wants a place where everyone can live: I am not a condo owner, nor do I make a ton of money and I am against [Wilson Yard] because of the abuse of TIF funds ["The gloves are off," News-Star, Dec. 11]. As for the concentration of poor, mentally ill and homeless in the area. Those [residents] also bring a large amount of the drug traffic and gang activity to Uptown.
We had children shot in the streets this summer, and babies caught in the crossfire between gang bangers. I want everyone to have a place to live, but why can't we build a mixed-income building [in Wilson Yard], or buy up all of the foreclosed condos and make them mixed income?
Also, the developer has wasted $30 million of our tax money on this project. Do you know that each unit [in the affordable residential rental buildings] costs $450,000? With that money we could build a lot more in other places. Fix Wilson Yard is fighting the corruption.
Fred Mowery, Uptown

Right to say how tax dollars are spent: As a social worker that has spent the better part of 16 years working with the mentally ill and less fortunate ... The [Fix Wilson Yard] lawsuit as I understand it, is about how public money is used without the public's input or following the rules set up by the state of Illinois for TIFs ["The gloves are off," News-Star, Dec. 11].
There are social and criminal problems in the neighborhood and as someone who has some experience with them, as a professional, I would like the opportunity to be heard by the people who represent me.
This has not taken place during the 5 years I have lived here. I am also a tax-paying citizen and feel it is my right to have a significant say in how my tax dollars are spent in my neighborhood.
I am not "scared of public housing or the mentally ill," as I have spent more time with both than many people. Over the past several years I have attempted to be active, with many of my neighbors, requesting a more transparent process from our elected officials.
During this time I have never heard anyone mention his or her only problem with the project as it is proposed is "public housing." There are just too many other issues with the TIF process that need to be addressed. I am sorry that some with a lot of money to be gained from the project, as it currently stands, continue to offer such an unsophisticated explanation for why this is issue is not going to court.
David Andes, Uptown

Let's talk about real issues: I just moved to Chicago in August and I had no real preference on where to live other than I wanted to be close to the red line ["Shiller comes out fighting, News-Star, Dec. 18].
Since I moved here I have seen many comments get thrown around, either quotes from Ald. Shiller, or quotes from area residents in the news or on [the] Uptown Update [blog].
I don't own property, I rent.
I haven't given any money to Fix Wilson Yard, but I did go to a meeting to learn more about it.
I have tried to ask Ald. Shiller's office about several different concerns and I have heard nothing from her office. I initially wrote this off, as she is a busy person. I have no beef with Ald. Shiller, I haven't lived here long enough. I do wish that her office had a more open atmosphere and that she would do more to build trust in the community, but as I said, I haven't lived here long enough.
It really bothers me though to see this pitched as a battle (or jihad) against the poor. When you frame the argument in that way it makes anyone who disagrees sound like a real Grinch (or jerk, if you prefer.) It would be akin to saying "agree with my opinion or I'll kill this puppy/club this baby seal, etc."
My reason for leaning towards the side of Fix Wilson Yard has nothing to do with property taxes. It has to do with what I think is the right thing for the neighborhood.
I am also bothered by the "if you don't like it, move" crowd. Since I have lived here, there have been several murders, guns found on the street, guns fired, armed robberies, burglaries and various other crimes. Is this acceptable to anyone? Next July when my lease is up, I may decide to move out of Uptown. If I do, it won't be because of the poor. It may be because of the crime. Is it wrong to want to live in a safe place?
Fix Wilson Yard may do nothing to solve the crime problem in Uptown, but let's talk about the real issues here and not polarizing cop-outs like a war waged by the rich on the poor or by people who want to live in another Lincoln Park, etc. I don't think Uptown residents want much more than anyone else ... to live in a healthy, safe, and vibrant community.
H. Andy Goss, Uptown

A female was shot in the back shortly after noon on Christmas Day. Thanks to Craig Gernhardt for posting from the police scanner.

12:28 PM: Nothing Merry about this news. Scanner reports are saying there were "shots fired" at Wilson and Broadway. People scattering. No word if anyone was hit.
December 25, 2008 12:31 PM

Someone shot in the back.
December 25, 2008 12:35 PM

The alleged offenders are 4 m/b teens. They fled south on Magnolia and Racine from WIlson. One has dreadlocks. (Not the best descriptions)Person shot is going to Illinois Masonic.
December 25, 2008 12:38 PM

Police have three people stopped at 4231 North Broadway. Witness descriptions are getting better as police interview more people. An Anonymous caller gave a detailed description. Person with gun had red/black jacket on.Police are sending an officer to sit with the victim at the Hospital who got shot in the back.
December 25, 2008 12:48 PM

Witnesses say "Negative" on the three being held on Broadway.
December 25, 2008 12:49 PM

Kristin said...
We just drove by. Two of the street corners are taped off and it looked there were two people in the back of two cop cars.
December 25, 2008 12:50 PM

A female was hit. Sorry, not giving her name. Condition unknown.
December 25, 2008 1:00 PM

Neighbors are filing in with quality tips. One caller suggested checking the camera mounted outside the 7/Eleven at 1136 West Wilson. They saw the offenders run by that location.Are there any blue light cameras in that area?
December 25, 2008 1:15 PM

7/Eleven employee thinks they've got a good look at one of the alleged offenders on camera five.
December 25, 2008 1:19 PM

The folks that proudly bring you Uptown Update would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

For even more holiday cheer, check out the photos with Santa from Wild Pug & Crew. Santa even greeted the southbound traffic on Broadway (left).

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor
An Uptown family got the surprise of its life when they found a newborn baby girl literally on their doorstep around 8:40 p.m. Monday.

The family's married son, Salvador Nabor, 23, was getting ready to take his own family home around 8:30 p.m. after visiting his parents on the 1000 block of W. Sunnyside, when he felt something blocking the front door.

"The baby was blocking the door and it wouldn't open all the way," said Mrs. Nabor, who asked that her first name not be used. "He looked outside and said, 'Oh my God, it's a baby.' Everyone was surprised."

The baby girl was still wearing the undershirt and cap from the hospital, and a very wet diaper. She was swaddled in a blue and white striped infant's hospital blanket, wrapped inside of three regular sized hospital bed sheets. The infant was also wearing Christmas socks.

Salvador Nabor was not present for the interview, but his wife, Amy Loera, 21, said that someone had placed the baby on the cold vestibule floor outside her mother-in-law's apartment. The outdoor temperature Monday evening was 4 degrees. Both women described the inner vestibule as being very cold. Continue Reading

By Benedict Carey, New York Times
ROSEBURG, Ore. — Their first love might be the rum or vodka or gin and juice that is going around the bonfire. Or maybe the smoke, the potent marijuana that grows in the misted hills here like moss on a wet stone.

But it hardly matters. Here as elsewhere in the country, some users start early, fall fast and in their reckless prime can swallow, snort, inject or smoke anything available, from crystal meth to prescription pills to heroin and ecstasy. And treatment, if they get it at all, can seem like a joke.

“After the first couple of times I went through, they basically told me that there was nothing they could do,” said Angella, a 17-year-old from the central Oregon city of Bend, who by freshman year in high school was drinking hard liquor every day, smoking pot and sampling a variety of harder drugs. “They were like, ‘Uh, I don’t think so.’ ”

She tried residential programs twice, living away from home for three months each time. In those, she learned how dangerous her habit was, how much pain it was causing others in her life. She worked on strengthening her relationship with her grandparents, with whom she lived. For two months or so afterward she stayed clean. Continue Reading

A newborn baby girl was found in an unheated vestibule of an apartment in the 1000 block of West Sunnyside. The baby is reported to be only days old, but is fortunately "taking nourishment and seems to be in good condition."

Thanks to the many UU readers that forwarded on this information and links to articles.

There were several news outlets reporting this story including NBC5, Chicago Breaking News (Tribune, WGN, CLTV), ABC7, CBS2.

...by historic landmarks, that is. Check out how many Uptown buildings are considered historic landmarks by the city of Chicago here. Also, we highly suggest taking a walk (once the weather improves) through Graceland Cemetery. There you can find historic Uptown treasures like the Louis Sullivan designed Getty tomb shown here on the left.

If you've ever wondered how many foreclosed units we have in Uptown, here is your answer. Check out www.realtytrac.com or this direct link for the 60640 zipcode.

A reader tipped us off to this little known fact:
The very first film adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" was produced at Essanay Studios in Uptown in 1908 and starred Thomas Ricketts. There was an earlier British film short called, “Marley’s Ghost,” but the Uptown film was the very first full length film from Dickens’ book, and the very first film titled, "A Christmas Carol."

With temps expected to drop into the single digits for the next few nights, we are glad to see that the city has set up a warming center at 4750 N. Sheridan (Sheridan and Lawrence). If you know of anyone without heat, please direct them to this location.

A reader writes in:
"I thought I'd share a couple photos. While running errands on 12/19, I noticed the Clean Slate crews working Lawrence and Broadway to clear sidewalks and try to get a handle on the messy intersections and cross-walks.

Arthur in the four-wheeler was eager to pose for a picture. Jay (with the shovel) was a little upset I didn't ask first, but when I did ask, he again was happy to pose the shot with his friend.

I've always had good experiences with the Clean Slate folks. I think they do good work. I'm glad to see them around."

St. Mary of the Lake Parish has been standing in Buena Park since 1901. Many of you may have never set foot inside. A reader tipped us off to the church's website that has some amazing photos as well as a detailed history of the church. Check out the photos here, and the history here.

By Annie Sweeney, Sun-Times

Darnell Robinson has stood on corners selling dope. He has hung out at gang hot spots and has been caught carrying a weapon, court records show.

But things got a lot more serious on April 18, when he shot and wounded a man on a North Side street in a gang dispute, police said.

Robinson doesn't shy from his past -- but he denies he shot anyone that night.

Years ago, he ran with the Conservative Vice Lords street gang, he said in an interview from the Cook County Jail. His brother also was in a gang. Both sold drugs and even did time together at the same state prison.

But Darnell Robinson has also earned his GED and held down several jobs -- one paying $12.50 an hour at a shipping and delivery company. He'd been working at a restaurant until his arrest.

Robinson, 31, said he aged out of the gang and had no reason to shoot anyone April 18. "I'm not in the streets like that any more,'' he said, adding that he got tired of going to jail. "You still know the people, [but] you don't run the streets with them. ... I didn't hear anybody get shot. I didn't see anybody get shot.'' Continue Reading

A reader sends us a photo showing new lighting that is now helping to illuminate the parking lot at Dearborn Grocer on Montrose. We are happy to see that Dearborn is working to make sure its customers and residents are safe. No sign of the loiterers who used to call this parking lot home. Funny how that happens!

Wow, this makes us sentimental...what a year we had in Uptown! Another great video from "DStratis."

They sure are goin' gang-busters at Wilson Yard! What's the rush? A reader sends us this photo showing workers assembling a very large crane at the site yesterday.

From the News-Star:

Ald. Shiller gets blamed for everything: I've always been amazed by the extraordinary venom of the Shiller-haters in the condos. No motive is too evil to attribute to her, and her tentacles are everywhere - she gets blamed for everything this side of the 1918 flu epidemic.
After many years of this I must conclude that the reason for it is that the haters know deep in their hearts that what they are doing - waging a jihad against the poor - is wrong, and so in order to justify themselves to themselves they have to create an arch-fiend on whom they can dump all their fear and prejudice. Then they can pretend to be brave rebels fighting the establishment.
What a shameful display and what a depressing concentration of moral poverty.
David Stein, Uptown

Fix Wilson Yard represents a minority: The people involved in the Fix Wilson Yard lawsuit represent a small minority of the residents of Uptown and of the Wilson Yard TIF area specifically. There also was an extensive community planning process and endless meetings that were highly publicized and attended concerning Wilson Yard.
I have lived and rented in Uptown for 35 years now and dare say in all that time, myself and all the other renters in the community have paid a greater sum of the property taxes (and continue to do so) included in our rent than the people who are complaining about their property tax dollars going to this project.
Wilson Yard has included more community planning and input then probably any other project like it in the city. I would ask Fix Wilson Yard members where was their opposition to the use of their property taxes at the Broadway-Lawrence TIF that basically subsidized a developer to rehab the Goldblatts' building for condominiums and a Borders bookstore?
I think all open minded, objective and clearheaded people can agree that what makes sense for the future of Uptown as a diverse model community is the support of the building of the Wilson Yard with many more units of affordable housing for the hard working people of the community who have been the backbone of the progress in Uptown over the years.
Marc Kaplan, Northside Action for Justice

Dear Mr. Holsten: I am not a condo or home owner, I am a renter who has lived a few blocks from the Wilson Yard site since before the fire that cleared it out many years ago. I'm not concerned about anyone's property values. What I'm concerned about is the fact that the stretch of Broadway from roughly Montrose to Wilson has been one of the worst run-down, crime-ridden slums since before I moved to the area, and nothing has changed. It's simply shameful that the historically vibrant Uptown neighborhood is allowed to languish in this complete disrepair and decrepitude.
It's not enough to simply provide "housing" for low income people - what we should be seeking to provide is a better quality of life all around. A mere roof over one's head means little when one must fear threats from the drug-dealing neighbors. But Ald. Helen Shiller consistently ignores the crime in the area and does nothing about it. Instead she builds this development and welcomes even more of the otherwise unwanted to set up shop right next door to her office. This "development" needs to be stopped before Uptown becomes the biggest disgrace in the city.
Daniel Nash, Uptown

If you didn't already know, 7-Eleven on Wilson is now open. It appears that no liquor is for sale at the moment, possibly pending the liquor license approval. Welcome to the 'hood.

We spotted this lone Christmas bulb, that looks a lot like the bulbs now decorating Wilson (thanks to your donations and WAMA) in the 4600 block of Magnolia. It reminds us a bit of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.

Seen near Ace-Hardware on Broadway yesterday evening, fortunately without a baby inside.

Fiesta Mexicana at Broadway and Lawrence has been without a lighted sign for a while. We had heard that the previous one was removed due to the fact that the building was no longer able to support a hanging sign. While it was down, the "Green Mill Gardens" sign was visible above the entrance and we had hoped that a new sign would not cover it. No such luck. A new sign was being installed yesterday evening as you can see.

From the News-Star: Shiller Comes Out Fighting

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

Ald. Helen Shiller (46th Ward) charged that an Uptown community group's lawsuit to stop the Wilson Yard development at Montrose and Broadway was politically motivated and a power grab by her opponents to determine who will challenge her in the 2011 aldermanic election.

She also called the lawsuit filed by Fix Wilson Yard against the city and the private partnerships set up by the project's sole developer, Peter Holsten, alleging violations and abuses of state TIF laws in the creation of the Wilson Yard TIF district, "insane."

"I don't think they have a case or read the law," Shiller told News-Star. "The law is not on their side and hopefully all that will be clarified pretty quickly."

Read the entire article here.

A reader writes in:
"I was awaken at 5:10am this morning by the sound of heavy equipment and flood lights and the constant beeping of backing up equipment coming from Wilson Yard. Boy, those jerks start early, usually it is 6 am..but today it is earlier I bet because of the snow..."

We remind our readers to call 911 whenever you spot construction taking place at Wilson Yard outside the hours of 8am and 8pm. Folks in Buena Pointe should keep their eyes (and ears) peeled. Check out a previous post here.

UPDATE: The folks at Fix Wilson Yard are asking our readers to send in any photos or videos (with time stamp) showing construction taking place outside of the 8am-8pm time frame to info@fixwilsonyard.org

UPTOWN - Maryville Academy Site is Latest Development Deal

December 17, 2008, DAVID ROEDER Real estate columnist

Uptown is a North Side neighborhood that has made some developers regret they ever ventured into the place. But still they come, drawn by available property that could turn golden with new construction or just a sprucing up.

The latest development firm to bite the Uptown apple is Sedgwick Properties Development Corp., which has signed a contract to buy the former Maryville Academy property at Montrose and Clarendon. The site consists of buildings north of Montrose and on both sides of Clarendon, just off Lake Shore Drive and Lincoln Park.

The potential of new homes with lake views wasn't lost on Marty Paris, Sedgwick president. At 3½ acres, the property is large enough to do several things, such as adding retail space into the design. So Paris said he's working on a mixed-use concept he hopes to refine after discussions with neighborhood groups. He also said he believes the property can accommodate a high-rise, although he didn't want to get specific.

Perhaps more to the point is why he's behind a large-scale deal with the housing market still falling and the credit spigot cut off for almost anything speculative construction. Paris said he looks forward to an economy stabilizing later next year and hopes to close on the sale by this fall. Moreover, the market for rental housing isn't suffering as much as the for-sale component, he said.

"We'll make a prudent business decision. The closing depends on some things happening on our end and on the seller's end," he said. The seller is a Roman Catholic nuns' order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

With the sale incomplete, Paris declined to say how much he's agreed to pay. Sedgwick has been a quietly effective condo builder, taking its risks in small pieces and handling architectural duties in-house. Just south of Uptown in Wrigleyville, it replaced the shuttered Marigold Bowl at 828 W. Grace with a 140-unit building. Sedgwick has two condo buildings under way in the South Loop, a completed building at 1464 S. Michigan and one under construction at 1935 S. Wabash.

Paris said Uptown's alderman, Helen Shiller (46th), has encouraged him to gather input from the community. Others who have done that have found themselves caught in the Uptown crossfire of rich vs. poor. It took years before developer Peter Holsten to get anything started on the Wilson Yard site at Montrose and Broadway, and now citizens have challenged his zoning deal in a clever lawsuit that alleges the city broke its rules in awarding Wilson Yard tax-increment financing.

A zoning change for housing on the Maryville site would carry a requirement that 10 percent of the units be set at below-market prices or rents. TIF funds could increase that commitment. But Paris said he doesn't expect his site to explode with controversy. The Maryville property is near one of Uptown's wealthiest areas, including the landmark Hutchinson Street district of spacious homes.

Evanston-based Arthur Hill & Co. Realty Services LLC was the broker for the Missionary Sisters.

15-Year-Old Mom Gets Probation, Community Service

CHICAGO (STNG) ― A 15-year-old mother who pleaded guilty to wrapping her newborn in a plastic bag and leaving the baby outside her Uptown apartment building in July was sentenced Tuesday to probation and community service.

The mother -- whose name is being withheld because of her age -- pleaded guilty on Nov. 13 to one count of attempted murder before Cook County Judge Lori Wolfson and was released on electronic monitoring until Tuesday, according to Cook County State's Attorney's office spokeswoman Tandra Simonton. On Tuesday, she was sentenced by Wolfson to five years probation, 60 hours of community service and counseling, Simonton said. The teen is scheduled back in court on March 17 for a progress report. Read the rest of the story here.

The pothole fillers have been busy little elves on this stretch of Magnolia. Wonder if the decision not to plow or salt side streets has anything to do with the pothole erruption, or if it's just winter business as usual?

The bad news keeps on coming: A reader says that the corner of Malden and Leland was Working Girl Central during the weekend's warm(ish) weather. If you happen to see this, call the police to report it. If you can figure out where the ladies are living or hiding when the squad car goes by, include that with your 911 report.

A few years ago, this corner was infamous for its ladies of the evening, and neighborhood activism helped curtail it quite a bit. Calls and vigilance by the community are good ways to keep it from taking over again.

A couple readers also wrote in to say that there've been a lot of car windows broken on their blocks. Hard to say if this is vandalism or theft, but please don't leave anything of value in plain sight in your car. As a cop told a CAPS meeting: "It doesn't cost them anything to break your car window, and even if all they get is a six-pack of pop, they might be able to sell it for a buck or two." Call 911 if you see anyone peering into car windows or attempting to open car doors as they walk down the street.

Last week's edition of the News-Star included several letters regarding Uptown issues:

Concentrated poverty doesn't work: It doesn't help anyone to pitch the Wilson Yard project ["Caught in the crossfire," Nov. 26] as the haves (property owners) vs. the have-nots (low-income Uptown residents). As a condo owner in Uptown and a case manager for the homeless, it may seem, based on this article, that I'm on both sides of the issue. But that's not the issue. The problem with the Wilson Yard project is that it's not mixed income. I want more affordable housing in every ward in Chicago and every suburb of Chicago, but I don't want it concentrated. The mixed-income model works, concentrated poverty doesn't. That's why some residents of Uptown are fighting the Wilson Yard project, not because they want to deny Ms. Espinoza or Mr. Hernandez access to affordable housing.
David Wengert, Uptown

Other wards need to share social burden: Could this article ["Caught in the crossfire," Nov. 26] possibly be more editorialized and slanted towards pro-Cabrini Green style housing? Perhaps if the reporter bothered to research even 3 minutes more, he would see there are huge and fundamental changes to the original plans by Wilson Yard. And that the new low-income housing is costing taxpayers in excess of $400,000 per unit as it is presently approved.
Uptown currently has a disproportional amount of low to no-income housing on the North Side. No one in Uptown is advocating displacing what is already here. We do, however, have a fundamental issue with continuing to add more.
There are communities up and down the lake - and to our west -with little to no low-income housing. Perhaps those aldermen could step up to take some of the social burdens off of Uptown.
And, just as an FYI, my condo is my home too. My entire life savings went toward its down payment. I resent the fact that some say this is an investment property. And I can assure you, the vast majority of home and condo owners here in Uptown are in the same situation.
Jon Williams, Uptown

Just the facts: The Loyola University Center for Urban Learning study cited in the News-Star article "Caught in the crossfire" (Nov. 26) actually shows there was no significant drop in Uptown's subsidized housing stock as a result of condominium growth.
I have a copy of the report which clearly shows Uptown housing stock (U.S. Census figures):
1990 - 23,712 renter units
2000 - 23,279 or renter units, 72-percent of all housing units
Uptown still lags far behind the average of 40 percent homeownership across the city which helps stabilize neighborhoods. Most of Uptown's condos were built on vacant land with minimal displacement.
The story also failed to uncover the fact that the majority of the 5,700 subsidized housing units are concentrated between Montrose and Argyle in an area about the same size as Cabrini Green - a housing development that only provided 3,500 units.
The most glaring planning mistake that no one speaks about is the fact that the corner of Broadway and Montrose is prime commercial real estate. This corner should be the hub for a thriving retail street bustling with restaurants, retail and entertainment venues that give Uptown residents the same opportunity to shop and stay in their own neighborhood.
Katharine Boyda, Uptown

Seems we've got a robbery spree going on in the neighborhood. A "Breaking News" story in the Tribune about a shooting near Water Tower makes reference to a bank robbery in Uptown:

An FBI agent apparently shot a bank robbery suspect near the landmark Chicago Water Tower on North Michigan Avenue and East Pearson Street this morning. [...] Authorities could not say immediately how the incidents were related, but the FBI said the shooting stemmed from an earlier bank robbery in the 4300 block of North Sheridan Road. continue reading here.

The Southtown Star adds: "The suspect had robbed a bank earlier Monday morning in the 4300 block of North Sheridan Road and was tracked to the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue, according to the FBI. "

The only bank we can think of on that block is the TCF inside Jewel-Osco. If anyone has any more information, please post it in the comments.

Update: It was TCF that got robbed. From the Sun-Times story: "A man suspected of robbing a bank in the Uptown neighborhood Monday morning was shot and seriously wounded by an FBI agent downtown near Loyola University's campus just off of Michigan Avenue when he tried to run over another FBI agent. [...] The suspect had robbed a TCF Bank branch earlier Monday morning in the 4300 block of North Sheridan Road and was tracked to the 800 block of North Michigan Avenue, according to the FBI."

Business seems good for Viet Bowl on Wilson. A reader spotted an expansion of some sort taking place between Viet Bowl and the Chinese restaurant next door. We know both restaurants share the same owner. Maybe this will allow easier access to both? If you have not had a chance to check out Viet Bowl's Pho (Vietnamese soup) you are missing out.

The following story was written by Northwestern student journalist Jen Thomas. Once again, journalism students and News-Star are running circles around the Sun-Times and Tribune.

By Jen Thomas, Medill Journalism Student

Hi UU,

Thanks to the readers who let us know that Alma Pita and Agnes Cleaners on Wilson were broken into last night. When people passed there this morning, both doors were smashed and police were present. We hear a few things were taken from the dry cleaners; no information yet on Alma Pita.

This looks like the same thing that happened to Chinese Connection a few days ago, and rumor has it this is the eighth time businesses in Uptown have had their glass smashed in a robbery attempt.

We hope Agnes and Robert, and Alma and Harjit, can clean up the messes quickly, and hope they can reopen soon. What a pity for this to happen to some of our oldest - and best - mom-and-pop Uptown stores.

Ald. Shiller said there would be a "compromise," promising: "The Cubs get to use the lot for parking 20 percent of the year. During the rest of the year, the area will have four half-court basketball courts, soccer fields, and, in the winter, an ice skating rink."

Last June, we went back to check out the cough basketball courts and soccer fields. You can see what we found by clicking here. So last week, when the city's streets were sheets of ice and the wind chill was below zero, we thought we'd go back over to see how those skating rinks were working out.

Hasn't it become obvious by now that Ald. Shiller will promise anything to get her campaign donors' pet projects pushed through, and she'll deliver absolutely nothing that she promised to the community's residents in exchange?

Think of the Wilson Yard movie theaters and mixed-income housing. Think about the Wilson Yard "Crate & Barrel" store. Think of the architects' drawings that showed Aldi customers entering the store from the street, rather than building a bass-ackward store. Think of the movie theatres at Lawrence & Winthrop. Think of the never-seen Target "letter of intent" that she's said has been in her possession for years. Think of the soccer fields. The skating rink. The four half-court basketball courts.

In the 46th Ward, it seems promises don't translate into much reality.

By C.W. Nevius, San Francisco Chronicle
Last Saturday, we told you the story of Adam Jackson, who pointed a Web camera out the window of his Tenderloin (San Francisco neighborhood) apartment and created a hot Internet site.

Today, we tell you how it all went wrong, from a flurry of death threats to being targeted by cyberbullies. But just when it looked like the thugs had bullied Jackson into taking down his site, the community rallied behind the concept of neighborhood cameras. In fact, the interest may be stronger than ever.

There are lots of lessons here. For starters, Jackson has learned about privacy on the Internet: There isn't any. Second, neighborhood cameras work - for better or worse, they focus attention on life on the street.

And third, did you ever wonder why it is so difficult to get people to step up and try to make things better in troubled neighborhoods? It's because there are always some self-appointed guardians of the status quo who make it as difficult as possible. Continue Reading

Huh?

Given all the recent publicity surrounding Wilson Yard, we thought this video was well worth another look.

The News-Star has put out a Web Extra about the Wilson Yard TRO denial:

Temporary stop-work order for Wilson Yard denied

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mary Rochford denied an Uptown community group's request to temporarily halt construction of the Wilson Yard development in a hearing that lasted four hours Thursday afternoon.

The Uptown community group, Fix Wilson Yard, claims to represent more than 2,000 Chicago residents. Members filed a lawsuit Dec. 3 against the city of Chicago and private developers stating that both had violated state laws in the creation, planning and implementation of the Wilson Yard TIF District. At the heart of the lawsuit is the Wilson Yard mixed-use development that would include a Target store and affordable rental housing at Broadway and Montrose.

Ald. Helen Shiller (46th Ward) and developer Peter Holsten attended the hearing in support of the city and various entities set up by Holsten Real Estate Development that are financing the Wilson Yard development.

The lawsuit claims that the site did not need an infusion of $50 million in public funds because the area was already in economic recovery when the Wilson Yard TIF ordinance was created in 2001. The residents' attorney, Tom Ramsdell, argued that a city-funded study by a private consultant was flawed when it determine that a 34-block area comprising the Wilson Yard TIF District was eligible for public funding. Ramsdell said because of the flawed study, the Wilson Yard TIF district was invalid.

"There are a group of losers out there called taxpayers who are being asked to put in $62 million for an invalid TIF," Ramsdell said.

Chicago Corporation Counsel attorney Mike Dolich told the judge that that the plaintiffs failed to prove how they were being harmed, thus negating their call for a restraining order. Dolich said that if a temporary restraining order was issued, he would ask the plaintiffs to put up a bond to cover financial losses.

"It doesn't state how the plaintiffs will be damaged by the project, except for vague statements about diminished property values," Dolich said. "They have not presented why this project is bad."

Holsten's attorney Tom Johnson said that his client would lose about $50,000 a day if work at the site was temporarily shut down.

Rochford said the plaintiffs' claims had merit, but in the end ruled against issuing a temporary stop-work order.

"There are too many things in place for a temporary restraining order," Rochford said. "Other partners are involved. There is a business here before me [Target] who has purchased the land and construction employees. I think there were would be significant harm if we stopped the job for 60 to 90 days."

By Lorraine Swanson, Editor
News-Star
After months of fundraising and building its case, an Uptown community group made good on its vow to sue the City of Chicago and private developers involved in the Wilson Yard redevelopment project.

Fix Wilson Yard, which claims to represent more than 2,000 Chicago residents, announced at a press conference in front of the Daley Center that it had filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court on Dec. 3. The group maintains that significant abuses and violations of state laws took place in the creation of the Wilson Yard TIF District.

Central to the lawsuit is the Wilson Yard redevelopment on the site of an old CTA bus barn at Montrose and Broadway. Plans for the 6-acre parcel include more than 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, and two residential mid-rise buildings of low-income family and senior rental housing. The first phase of the project, an Aldi's supermarket, was completed last year. Construction started on the family and senior housing this fall and work is expected to get underway on the Target sometime in 2009.

The lawsuit also names the various limited liability companies set up by the project's sole developer, Holsten Real Estate Development. The firm's president, Peter Holsten, said he believed the residents' concerns were about the project's affordable housing component.

"This group has been very vocal for quite a few years," Holsten said. "They're primarily homeowners and condo owners who've convinced themselves that any affordable housing will decrease their property values." Continue Reading

News on Uptown's Beautiful Dog Contestant:

Ben Joravsky of The Reader can be heard on the "Mr Radio" podcast discussing the Fix Wilson Yard lawsuit and his opinion on Chicago TIFs in general. Interesting stuff: listen here. (The entire thing is less than seven minutes long.)

While we're on the subject, does anyone know where all the reader comments on Ben's story about the lawsuit went? There were quite a few posted, and now -- poof!

Update: The Reader points out another newsworthy example of bad TIF spending, where the taxpayers are, as always, left holding the bag: Republic Windows.

Another Update: The comments are back on Ben's story about the lawsuit.

The Mayor's Guy, by Lorraine Swanson

The fact that Fix Wilson Yard selected attorney Tom Ramsdell to represent them in Uptown residents' lawsuit against the city and private developers involved with Wilson Yard is no accident. Ramsdell is experienced at fighting city hall. His self-named law firm, Ramsdell and Associates, successfully represented Lincoln Park residents in their lawsuit to prevent Latin School from building an artificial turf soccer field on a prime piece of Lincoln Park parkland.

Which leads to this question: When the City of Chicago is named as a defendant in a lawsuit, does Mayor Daley get served?

"We fought the city a lot and every time our process server goes over he tries to find the mayor," Ramsdell said at last week's Fix Wilson Yard press conference in front of the Daley Center. "There is actually a clerk whose job it is to accept service. It is in the mayor's office."

Given the cutbacks in side-street plowing and the car accidents that are likely to occur from unsalted streets, as well as the corner of Leland and Winthrop where the city has been installing a new curb cut that has no discernable barrier to prevent pedestrians falling into the 5-foot-deep hole that is filling up with snow - it's going to be a busy winter for the mayor's guy.

A matchbook memento of Uptown's past. We're not exactly sure when the Back Stage Burlesk held sway at 935 West Wilson, but you can't beat the combination of air conditioning, shapely gams, and burlesque done "the intimate way."

Now the building is part of the JPUSA-owned properties along that block, most recently known as the site of the now-departed Shiller campaign posters.

Thanks to Chuckman's Collection, Volume 12, for the original scan of this fun piece of Uptownabilia.

Update: The Uptown Chicago History blog adds: "We recently learned that speakeasy type murals were discovered in the basement of 935 Wilson during renovation. No word on whether or not the building's owners plan to preserve them or not."

The Wilson L station has gotten even more TLC from the CTA. We spotted workers installing new, fluorescent lighting under the platform canopy today. These lights are SUPER bright. The new lights were visible tonight on the Lawrence platform (from quite a distance) and they definitely are an improvement. Now, about those loooooong vacant Wilson L storefronts...

Our new hobby of checking the falling gas prices at National Car Wash continues. Prices have dropped a quarter since the beginning of the month, and a whopping $2.45 per gallon since the end of September. Wacky! But we like it.

But, hey, it's more than we've heard from the alderman about Wilson Yard.

Wilson Yard developer answers lawsuit allegations, by Lorraine Swanson

Holsten Real Estate Development is responsible for developing more than $500 million in affordable, market rate, mixed-income, mixed-use housing and commercial developments throughout the city, according to the company's Web site. The firm's president, Peter Holsten, the sole developer of the embattled Wilson Yard project, talked to News-Star after a lawsuit was filed last week against the city and developers Fix Wilson Yard.

Were you aware that a group of Uptown residents opposed to the Wilson Yard development were putting together a lawsuit?

I was aware. They tried to get us to change our plan and tried to impact the various funding sources that went into putting this deal together. Failing that, they're resorting to the court system, which is their right. My opinion is that it's about the affordable housing. We worked long and hard to bring something for everybody. ... I have no idea what will happen in court, but the city was aware of this and feel they did the TIF process properly.

Various limited liability companies are named in the plaintiffs' complaint as defendants, in addition to the city. Do you have partnerships in these LLCs?

We're not hiding anything. We're the sole developer. If they're suing the developer, we're it.

Other developers involved at the beginning of this project dropped out, leaving you as the sole developer. Can you offer any insights why this happened?

My original partner took ill and had to back out of the project. Unfortunately, he's since passed away. At one point we were looking at an assisted senior living facility. We brought in Catholic Charities, but there were issues because there were others around here and HUD wasn't wild about the assisted living facility deal. We decided on an unassisted senior building for adults 55 and over who are capable of independent living. ... That's why Catholic Charities is no longer involved.

Residents opposed to the project have said that the project has changed from mixed-income housing to housing for "low income, very low income and extremely low income." Has the housing component changed?

Those are nomenclatures used by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The most people can make is $55,000 per year. We believe that we'll have a complete balance of folks making [annual incomes] in the $20,000, $30,000 and $40,000 [range]. The cutoff is the $50,000 [range]. We want people working and to be good citizens. ... We're very management intensive. We're in people's faces all the time. We'll screen tenants and do monthly apartment checks for overpopulation, cleanliness, etc.

The lawsuit alleges that an amendment to the Wilson Yard TIF ordinance was passed this fall in which the city allegedly relinquished its rights to any legal recourse to recoup public funding for this project. In other words, you and your partners will get paid regardless of whether the project is finished.

We closed on the financing two or three months ago. Over a year ago, the country got into financial trouble and banks got weird. We sold subscriptions to the TIF in order to bring cash into the deal. Pretty much everyone who bought the TIF notes were small banks and some large banks, too. Oftentimes the city issues the TIF notes after construction, but we needed the TIF notes prior to construction. We're asking the banks to take on construction loans and loaning money against the TIF if something goes wrong. The only way we could get the banks to buy the TIF notes was to take away the construction risk. This has nothing to do with the developer and hasn't taken us off the hook.

Uptown is busy-busy-busy on Thursday -- hope everyone can make one or more of the events:

• Housing Court for Wilson Men's Club & Hotel Chateau/ 9:30am @ Daley Center, Courtroom 1111


• Truman Square Neighbors Holiday Party/ 6-9pm @ Wild Pug, 4810 Broadway


• Buena Park Neighbors Holiday Party/ 7-9pm @ Holiday Club, 4000 N Sheridan (check out the original post for info about their "adoption" of two Buena Park families for the holidays)


• Meeting re purchase & development of Maryville property/ 7pm @ Kahawa House, 838 W Montrose (sponsored by CPNA)

A reader writes in: "Please tell your readers to be extra cautious out there. Since the city has stopped plowing the side streets -- don't even get me started -- Uptown has turned into a big glacier. On my way to work, I saw a very elderly man slip and fall on the ice at Leland and Kenmore. He was okay but very scared."

We've noticed a lot of pedestrians choosing to walk on the icy streets because the sidewalks haven't been shoveled. A reminder to call 311 to report incidents where the residents or businesses haven't bothered to remove the snow (which is rapidly turning into ice). With all the cars spinning out on the slippery side streets, that's the last place a pedestrian needs to be.

Yesenia Sotello from Heartland Alliance writes in with the following info:

"I work with Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights. We're a human rights organization that provides a services for people in need, including affordable housing, health care, financial literacy training, and legal protections. We have a few locations in Uptown, including our community health center at 1015 W. Lawrence.

As you can imagine, our phones and lobbies are busy with people in need requesting help: help to find a safe and affordable place to live, help accessing health care, help learning how to plan for tough economic times, or even help finding asylum from religious persecution in another country.

It's the season for gift giving and for supporting worthy causes, and I'd like to share an opportunity to do both. Heartland Alliance has launched a gift catalog full of meaningful gifts that you can make in honor of your family and friends. (www.heartlandalliance.org/gifts) For example, you can purchase a wellness check for a homeless newborn or a stocked backpack for a child on behalf of a family member or friend. You can honor your loved ones with a meaningful gift that captures the true spirit of the season.

From a CPNA (Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association) email:

Update: There has been a correction to the proposed developer for the property. Sedgwick Properties is the developer for the site, not Centrum Properties as previously reported.

"A representative from Sedgwick Properties (click link for company info) contacted us today to ask about scheduling a meeting with the community. This process will begin to move fast, and we as a community need to understand and clearly relay our concerns, demands, and questions to the developer and the Alderman's office.

So please come to the meeting Thursday night at 7pm at Kahawa Coffee House, 838 W. Montrose so we can discuss our concerns and questions. This project will have a large impact upon the neighborhood and our quality of life over the next couple of years.

Hope to see you there."

A reader writes in with the following photo and info:

"I thought some people might want to be aware that there was a small loaded semi-automatic handgun found at the intersection of Sunnyside and Magnolia early this morning. I live in a condominium at this intersection and know for certain it was dropped there sometime between 5:30 when I had been out for a walk and 6:20 when I found it on my way to work. I’m glad some little kid didn’t stumble upon it first. Police response time ….25 minutes.

Ald. Mary Ann Smith and her 48th Ward office staff continue to show compassion and common sense as the saga of the REST Shelter and Edgewater's Epworth Baptist Church continues. In the latest mailing to keep the ward's residents aware of what's going on (what a concept), she mentions that there will be three steps taken to deal with the men who will lose their shelter beds after the first of the year:

1. The number of shelter beds at other shelters will be expanded. A van will stay outside the REST shelter at Lawrence & Sheridan when it's at capacity to encourage those who are turned away to be driven to other shelters.

2. "DHS also is committed to having staff repeatedly visit the homeless who are sleeping outdoors during the winter to try to convince them to accept help and go to an indoor shelter."

3. "Alderman Smith's office will work to ensure that relevant laws, such as the 11 p.m. park closing, are enforced and to have boxes, mattresses and clutter removed from the alleys. This is not heartless; it is essential."

It's impressive that Smith includes the ward's residents in this issue, to the extent of setting up a citizen task force on homelessness and creating a Yahoo discussion board. We can only hope that Ald. Shiller is taking notes.

We're glad that there's one Uptown alderman who's considering the needs of the residents along with the needs of the homeless.

Incidentally, a little bird tells us that the 40th Ward is getting a pretty close look when it comes to providing "other possible sites for the shelter ... not in the 48th Ward," as Ald. Smith's letter mentions.

(You can read the entire text of the 48th Ward's letter to the residents here. Thanks, Edgewater Crime Blotter!)

Looks like it was a rough week in court for the 46th Ward's attorney of choice (not to mention its favored son real estate broker):

Wildman Harrold and Lewin & Lewin Win Seventh Circuit Reinstatement of Judgment for Terror Victims: After seven long years of litigation, Wildman Harrold -- and the family of a young man killed in a 1996 drive-by Hamas shooting in Israel -- received a measure of vindication last week, when an en banc panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reinstated a $156 million judgment against two U.S.-based Islamic groups. [...] The two organizations that are subject to the en banc decision are effectively defunct. Brendan Shiller, a sole practitioner who represents the American Muslim Society, says his clients assets were wiped out after the 2004 jury decision.

The Reader's Ben Joravsky -- the local writer most interested in Chicago's TIFs and their abuse -- has written about Fix Wilson Yard's lawsuit. Good stuff.

The Right Fight: Alderman Shiller says Uptown residents are suing to dismantle the Wilson Yard TIF for the wrong reasons. But so what?

By Ben Joravsky, December 11, 2008

For years I’ve been calling on residents to rise up against our city’s tax increment financing program, which siphons hundreds of millions of dollars in property taxes each year into accounts controlled by Mayor Daley.

Well, last week a group of residents in Uptown did just that. Fix Wilson Yard, as the group calls itself, filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court to dismantle the long-controversial Wilson Yard TIF and turn over the roughly $28 million it’s already collected to the Park District, public schools, and other governmental entities.

It’s about time . . . though at the risk of sounding ungrateful, I have to say the fight is against one of the few TIFs that might actually benefit someone other than the mayor and well-connected developers.

Click here to read the entire article.

A reader writes in:
"Many people who live near Lawrence and Broadway already know Kunik. She's often spotted on one of the four corners lounging on her back with her feet in the air, enjoying the scenery, or being goodwill ambassador to the throngs waiting in line at the Aragon or Riv."

Now she is up for "Chicago's Most Beautiful Dog." Place your votes here!

Update: If you can spare an hour or so to be a court advocate/ concerned citizen in housing court, Thursday is the day to get the most cluck for your buck.

Not only will Wilson Men's Hotel be in court that day, Hotel Chateau will have a hearing in the very same courtroom at the very same time.

If you can stick around for another hour, Lakeview's Diplomat Hotel, owned by Jack Gore, who also owns the Chateau, will be in court in Room 1107 at 11am.

Mark your calendars, folks-
Wilson Men's Hotel is back in court on Thursday, December 11, at 9:30am. The hearing will be held at the Daley Center (50 W. Washington), room 1111.

A reader tipped us off to this YoChicago post discussing the James G. Blaine School on Grace, which is one of the city's most acclaimed primary schools. Condos near the school boundaries command a higher price, although being near the Southport Corridor doesn't hurt either. Speaking of Southport, did you know that the Southport Corridor was once part of the 46th Ward? It was divided between the 44th and 47th Wards in 1993, and look what happened. There is a brief history of the Southport Corridor here. Check out the YoChicago post here.

From the 48th Ward's newsletter:

"Snow that accumulates before 4:00 p.m. must be removed within three hours after the snow has fallen. Snow that accumulates after 4:00 p.m. or during the night shall be removed before 10:00 a.m. Non-compliance can result in ticketing and fines. Violations can be reported to 311."

From "The Swamp"

“A Chicago native and longtime friend and aide to Barack Obama is being named chief of staff to Valerie Jarrett...

“Like Obama, Strautmanis grew up an African-American child in a predominantly white world, connected to the immigrant experience through his father and admitted early to the corridors of privilege through financial aid at a prestigious local prep school.

In Strautmanis' case that was the Uptown neighborhood on Chicago's North Side, where he and his mother moved from the South Side after she married a Latvian immigrant. The school was the Jesuit-run St. Ignatius College Prep, one of Chicago's power Catholic schools.”

This week's edition of the News-Star included several letters regarding Uptown issues:

News-Star out of touch with reality: Having resided in Uptown and Edgewater, I have experienced the homeless issue in both wards ["Our Views," News-Star, Nov. 6]. To me, to comment on Ald. Mary Ann Smith and Ald. Helen Shiller's response to the homeless in the same paragraph in your editorial shows you are completely out of touch with reality.
I am very impressed with Mary Ann Smith's earnest, open attitude toward helping those in need. Her sensitivity to the impact of bringing the homeless into a neighborhood is refreshing compared to the 46th Ward where the alderman checks with the paid organizers in the area, who have much to gain from "Over-concentrating of the North East." They never consider that over-concentrating mentally ill people with substance abuse problems is detrimental to a neighborhood.
Until you can tell me you don't mind parking in the alley while men are urinating. Until you can tell me you don't mind picking up empty beer cans, whiskey bottles and walking by piles of human excrement as well as having your garbage strewn everywhere, not to mention the daily missing newspaper. I don't feel you should make any of your naïve comments. Furthermore, I would think as someone who has covered the political scene in Chicago, you would understand how having a lot of obedient homeless people in your ward on election day is a frightened politician's dream.
Remember, even a lifeboat has its limitations if it doesn't want to sink and so does a community dealing with the homeless and other housing issues, especially Uptown.
Judy Pier, Edgewater

Who you callin' NIMBY?: Rather than accuse residents of being NIMBYs ["Our Views," News-Star, Nov. 6] homeless providers might be taken more seriously if they focused on being better neighbors in the community. A good start would be a commitment to work with residents at their local CAPS beat meetings each month.
James Cappleman, Uptown

Labor Ready would have served a niche: I work in Uptown assisting people in finding employment ["Labor Ready delays opening in Uptown," Nov. 6]. A sizable number of the people I work with would benefit from Labor Ready being in our neighborhood. The fears of people loitering around the Labor Ready office are pretty weak because there are already people hanging around there. At least they could get some work. Why sex offenders would flock to a day labor office is unclear.
Employment is crucial for addressing the very social problems the opposition is concerned about. Day labor is not the best solution for employment, but it serves a niche.
Karen Harlander, MA, Vocational Counselor, Mercy Housing Lakefront, Uptown

We realize it's just advertising, but we really like the Chase Bank logo that's projected onto the sidewalk outside the branch at Lawrence and Winthrop. Festive!

(Thanks to CircEsteem for providing the photo)

Oops. Uptown Update said that Ald. Shiller voted in favor of raising the parking meter fees. We were wrong.

A reader informs us, based on the roll call, that Ald. Shiller actually abstained from voting on the issue, just as she did the first time the "living wage"/big box vote came up in the City Council.

Once again, the 46th Ward wasn't represented in what happens in the city. The person we are paying to do so, like Bartleby the Scrivener, simply "preferred not to."

How many of us would love to have a job where we could simply "abstain" from doing what's in our job description?

Today the Tribune has a very nice article about the good works performed by Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries in Uptown, which helps refugee families acclimate to life in the United States after leaving their troubled homelands.

During its 25 years, Interfaith has introduced refugee families from all over the world to their new lives in the U.S., helping them learn English, find jobs or simply figure out how to use a stove. Its annual budget is $2.6 million. Trips to the circus, Wrigley Field or elsewhere are rare treats that help lift the spirits of immigrants often suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, war-related disabilities or extreme hunger, said Greg Wangerin, Interfaith's executive director." Having come from strife-torn regions, having run, in some cases, for their lives, this is a good way to relax, enjoy themselves and forget their troubles," he said.

Read the entire article here.

There was still paper on the windows Thursday, but it looks like the new "A+ Store" at Broadway and Agatite (in the old Pizza Factory space) is about to open any minute now. According to the sign, they'll feature food and general merchandise. Good luck, A+!

Another Uptown business is the victim of vandalism. According to a reader on his commute to work early this morning, "Chinese Connection" at 4449 N. Broadway has had one of its two windows broken out. A police car was seen in front of the restaurant at about 5:15 this morning.

This restaurant is relatively new to Uptown and this blighted stretch of Broadway, so we wish them a speedy reopening.

If your budget is being stretched to the limit, or you're going to have a houseful of visitors for the holidays, Uptown Baptist and Angel Food Ministries thought a festive, affordable packed meal that can serve 6 or 7 folks might come in handy:

Just trying to help our neighbors out ;) We have just been notified of a high quality package of food for Christmas made available for $35 (see attached flier). Orders need to be placed by Friday, December 5th and picked up on Saturday, December 20th. PayPal orders may be placed online, LINK & cash orders must be placed in person at the Rivers of Living Water Church site (Bryn Mawr & Kedzie).

Each month we have begun participating with this church in the AngelFood program. Its high quality food (mainly meats) at wholesale prices are available in different boxes. (We would like to be a site to take orders & distribute the food to make it more convenient for Uptowners, but we don't have the amount of orders needed yet.)

During these tough economic times, it's nice to have quality affordable options for food. I know it's definitely helped me stretch my disappearing grocery budget. Here's the link: http://www.rlwcc.org/pages.asp?pageid=50257

A reader writes in:

Regarding today's 40-5 (5 abstaining) City Council vote to increase parking meter fees, which Ald. Shiller voted "yes" to:

"A sad day in Chicago as we allow the bobbleheads to sell away our assets because no one in city government knows what they're doing.

If ever there were a strong case to be made for TiF reform, that time is now.

Remember, the Mayor has the better part of a billion (that's with a "B") dollars stashed in the TiF coffers.

Schools, police, snow removal, the poor, the needy, the tax payers ... everyone suffers, and Shiller stands mum because she made a sweet deal with Mayor.

It's not my kind of town anymore."

Seems like Peter Holsten has been taking his Helen Lessons seriously!

We particularly appreciate this lob, served up by someone whose many subsidiary companies are making millions and millions of dollars from Wilson Yard. Does the phrase "poverty pimp" spring to mind?

"This group [Fix Wilson Yard] has been very vocal for quite a few years," Holsten said. "They're primarily homeowners and condo owners who've convinced themselves that any affordable housing will decrease their property values and they're scared."

The News-Star has come out with a Web Extra about the Fix Wilson Yard lawsuit and, as usual, Lorraine Swanson writes circles around the dailies. Check it out! You can also check out the coverage Fix Wilson Yard has received in the past day or so by clicking here.

This story is from a few weeks back, but a reader alerted us to the fact that according to this ABC7 story, the 23rd District, which includes Uptown, ranks number 2 for overall increase in crime in the city. Check out the whole story here, along with video.

A reader writes:

"I am so steamed about the explanation from the alderman's office about parking permits and how they get in the hands of Truman students. My BS meter is way off the charts.

There is a building that was rezoned (without community notification) at the corner of Leland and Kenmore. The owners of the restaurant at this corner are regularly given permit parking stickers from the alderman's office for their customers, while the residents who paid for their permanent stickers have to battle for space."

Like Sam the Snowman, the holiday-happy narrator in his favorite Claymation Christmas special "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," Rob Davis wasn't going to let the holidays pass without decking the Wilson Avenue business district.

After receiving word that Special Service Area #34 was suspending Christmas decorations along Broadway in Uptown because of the gloomy economy, Davis got busy. He quickly galvanized the dozen members of WAMA and began soliciting Uptown residents for donations. Enough money was raised to buy reflective beaded chains and ornamental balls to string in the trees along Wilson Avenue between Broadway and Beacon.

"This is something I enjoyed doing since I was a kid," Davis said. "It's about bringing happiness to the community and some sense that it's Christmas."

Davis said that WAMA will continue accepting donations for Christmas decorations through tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 5. After that, any extra money will go into a special fund to promote and improve Wilson Avenue businesses. (For more info, call Davis at 773-561-0324.)

Davis is the founder of WAMA and owns the Unique So Chique Tea and Chocolate Room at 4600 N. Magnolia. He does not resemble the late Burl Ives in either girth or size. Some of our more advanced readers will remember the portly Ives as the performer who voiced Sam the Snowman in Rudolph.

The CTA is installing new signs on their rail system (seen here on the left). Are they too harsh? Join the conversation at "Chicago Carless."

We're aware of a few stories that are already running about the lawsuit filed earlier today by Fix Wilson Yard on behalf of Uptown's residents/taxpayers. We also know that Fox Chicago and WGN were at the press conference at the Daley Center.

We'll keep adding links as we become aware of them. If you know about something we've missed, please add it to the comments or drop us a line.

WBEZ Chicago Public Radio:
Chicago Residents Sue City Over Alleged Misuse of TIF Funds

Capitol Fax:
Comments about the day's stories include comments about the lawsuit

Gapers Block:
Fix Wilson Yard Sues City

Chicago Real Estate Daily:
Residents sue to stop Wilson Yard project, claim TIF abuse

Crain's Chicago Business:
Residents sue to stop Wilson Yard project, claim TIF abuse (with comments section)

Chicago Tribune:
Uptown residents sue Chicago over funding for redevelopment

CBS2Chicago:
Uptown Group Sues City Over Wilson Yard TIF

Progress Illinois:
Taking On TIFs

News-Star:
Uptown Residents Sue City Over Wilson Yard

Chicagoist:
Uptown’s Wilson Yard Continues to Get No Love

Marathon Pundit:
Chicago TIF Tiff

Chicago Reader:
The Right Fight

Did you know..... that Uptown residents have until December 5th to call or mail feedback to the City about the proposed liquor license for the 7-11 at 1138 West Wilson Avenue?

A reader writes: "Shortly after Thanksgiving, I and some neighbors who live nearby got postcard notices from the Department of Business Affairs and Licensing (postmarked November 23rd for an application filed on November 5th - can't imagine why it takes 18 days to get out some computer generated postcards!) saying that we have 30 days for public comment on the liquor license application.

Whether neighbors are for or against, I think everyone agrees that they should be required to take extra security measures like a security camera and/or a security guard for nighttime hours. With a front-row view of the block, there's never been a shortage of alcohol-related problems in the (now fenced) Truman courtyard or at the bus stop across from the new store. Some letters asking the City to require 7-11 take extra steps to help prevent more of those problems would be great.

Per the postcard notice from the City, comments should be mailed to:

MaryLou Eisenhauer
Department of Business Affairs & Licensing
Local Liquor Control Commission
121 North LaSalle, Room 805
Chicago, Illinois 60602

I also called to share my request that more security be required before 7-11 gets a liquor license, but the operator said only letters would be considered (how 1998). But the phone number for Miss Eisenhauer's office was 312-744-6249."

From FixWilsonYard.org:

December 3, 2008 -- BREAKING NEWS: WE HAVE FILED THE LAWSUIT. The day has finally arrived. Fix Wilson Yard issued the following press release this morning: click here.

For more information, please visit our new press materials page where you can find PDF files of two press releases we have issued today, as well as other materials.

And don't forget to come to our party tonight at Nick's Uptown where you can learn more details about our lawsuit and what's ahead. Nick's Uptown, 4015 N Sheridan, Wednesday, December 3rd, 7:30pm - 9:30pm ($30 cover, open bar).

Now more than ever we need your help. You can make an online donation here or email us about volunteer opportunities. Thank you.

Learn More: Please visit http://www.fixwilsonyard.org/ to learn more about the project and how you can get involved. To learn more about the history and community's efforts visit http://www.uncchicago.org/ and click on the Wilson Yard link. Thank you again for your interest and participation in the efforts to Fix Wilson Yard.

Update: Molly Phelan of FixWilsonYard appeared on "Outside The Loop" radio during November for a nice in-depth follow-up to her September appearance. Listen to it here (Molly's segment starts just prior to the 7:00 minute mark).

A reader clued us in to this bucolic scene from yesteryear. Who knew that the area of Sheridan just north of Wilson ever looked like this? The scene seems to show what was there prior to Uptown's previous gentrification, around 100 years ago, when the first retail buildings started to appear at that corner.

In the continuing tradition of the Buena Park Neighbors during this holiday season, please join your neighbors for holiday cocktails and good cheer.

Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan Road - Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 7PM - 9PM

In the spirit of the season, we have adopted two Buena Park families and are asking for your help to make their holiday wishes come true.

Please check the Buena Park Neighbors TARGET LIST later this week for their holiday wishes if you're interested in donating an item to our collection (do an advanced search for organization list - Buena Park Neighbors).

Please either bring an unwrapped item from their list or to save you from the additional hustle and bustle of the season, the committee will do the shopping for you! Donations that are collected will also go towards purchasing Jewel, ComEd, and People's Gas gift certificates for a holiday meal or other necessities.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us at bpnmembership@hotmail.com noting "Adopt a Family" in the subject line.

This evening will also be a Membership Event complete with refreshments and snacks. Please come to find out about Buena Park Neighbors and our plans for 2009!

Please visit our website, for more information about Buena Park Neighbors and all activities. Thank you for your support!!

Readers are letting us know that Uptown is being hit hard by taggers. If you see new tags, please call 311 and request that Graffiti Blasters make an appearance. This may be one of the fastest city services we've got at the moment. The former Tom Seay Center was tagged over the weekend, and the graf was removed even before we were able to get a photo. Thanks to all who've been making the calls; we hope everyone who sees new graffiti will dial 311. Let's show these "artists" that this is our neighborhood, not a canvas for their spraypaint.

Update: A resident contacted the alderman's office and has already gotten a response. The alderman's staff said there were instances they neglected to ask for proof of residency when selling daily permit parking passes, and that they will do so in the future. Readers, let us know if the situation improves!

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We're hearing from readers who live around Truman College that their permit-only parking has become difficult since work began on the TIF-funded parking structure:

"We have had a major issue finding parking each night because of the Truman students parking on our street, plus the workers for the nursing home. We worked with Alderman Shiller's office to make the street residential only 24 hours a day...

This passed about 8-10 months ago, but we then started to find that the exact same students now all had parking permits (daily), as did all the workers for the nursing home.

This morning a nice guy in a beater (clearly parks by Braille, bumping all the cars to get a 10' car into a 10' parking spot) parked in front of our house, hitting our car a few times in the process.

I politely asked him if he lived on the street, knowing he does not, and asked where he got the parking permits... He replied "the alderman's office".

They need to start checking ID's before selling these books of permits which I believe is the law for distributing those. Her office knows these students do not live on our block and yet they continue to sell without ID. We wrote Alderman Shiller's office with no reply."

Just a reminder that FixWilsonYard.org is having a "Big Night - Big News" fundraiser at Nick's Uptown Wednesday.

$30 gets you an open bar and the opportunity to be one of the first in Uptown to hear the latest in the community's quest to bring sanity to the Wilson Yard development.

Details are here.

Remember the possibly gang-related beating death not too long ago on Cuyler? The third murder in Uptown this year? The building it occurred in - 820-826 W. Cuyler - has been in housing court for quite some time, and another hearing is coming up on Thursday, December 4th. If you can make it downtown for an hour or so, your presence would be greatly appreciated in court. Your appearance as a court advocate is powerful because it symbolizes community concern.

Meg Gillman, the Area 3 CAPS Building Coordinator, says: "For anyone wanting to get more involved with the community, here would be a great start. More than one murder has taken place around or in this building in the past two years. People need to go to court and get involved if the owner is going to be held accountable for the problems in and around it! Or if you have specific examples of concerns please call Meg (312-742-0991) and leave your contact info.

From Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association:

On Thursday, December 11th, CPNA will hold a meeting at Kahawa Coffee House at 7pm. The main agenda item will be the sale and development of the Maryville property. The Alderman's office contacted us last week to say the developer would be scheduling community meetings in the near future. We will have an opportunity to discuss the proposed development and spell out our concerns to the developer.

The meeting on December 11th will give us an opportunity to discuss what we know, and what we can expect. It will give us an opportunity to get organized with our concerns and questions. Your attendance and participation is greatly appreciated.

We will also discuss the CPNA holiday drive for Inspiration Cafe. This year, CPNA will help Inspiration Cafe fill the wish list of adults who are working to get back to self-sufficiency. We will be looking to help 10-15 adults get the items they need to find a job, keep a home, and fully integrate back into society. A separate email will be forthcoming shortly explaining this project in more detail.

We will also provide updates on the Dog Park and allow time for neighbors to ask questions or address concerns on neighborhood topics. Please come out for an hour and lend a hand in making our neighborhood a better place.