Yikes! This car - more orange than yellow - parked on Leland the other day makes this announcement from Ald. Gene Schulter's email blast of January 30th very timely indeed:
"The City of Chicago is currently offering:
- 50% off penalties for tickets issued before January 1, 2007 when you pay your tickets in full.
- Fee waivers on boot, tow, and storage fees on a previously booted vehicle if your vehicle is no longer in the City's possession.
- Default fee waiver if you previously defaulted on a payment plan.
These offers end on February 14, 2009. If you can't pay in full, the City of Chicago also offers payment plans including a hardship plan. For more information, please visit the Department of Revenue website."
News from WAMA:
Just wanted to send a brief note to the Uptown community to let them know what WAMA has been up to lately. WAMA has been working with Lakeshore Payments, a company that focuses on transparent card processing fees for merchants. WAMA members will get even better rates!
Julie Sondgerath and Rob Davis will be touching base with business owners in the next couple weeks. We understand that saving money is a serious issue right now, especially for small businesses!
In March, WAMA will be hosting an event at Uptown Recording. Date and time TBD.
We’ll discuss the logistics of payment processing and how all businesses can benefit from Lakeshore Payments, no matter if you use credit/debit, cash, and/or checks. We’re thrilled to bring this opportunity to Uptown through WAMA. Please share with the community! www.lakeshorepayments.com
A concerned reader writes in:
"Would you please spread the word on this?
The lights were out on Magnolia again tonight. It seems like this happens every first of the month, like clockwork. When I mentioned this to the 311 dispatcher, she said that the Bureau of Electricity has had a real problem over the last year with tampering. She said that crowbars are being used, in many cases, to open the locked circuit boxes to shut off the lights for particular blocks.
The dispatcher suggested that when you call 311 to report lights out that if it seems to be a pattern or you otherwise suspect tampering to also request that they note that on the file, as well. The Bureau of Electricity is considering putting the circuits high on the poles to keep this from happening, but that they need to know where to focus their efforts.
Of course, if you see tampering as it is happening, call 911 immediately."
(click to enlarge)
With so many dog owners in the area, we thought it wise to point out that every Saturday, between 3-6pm, Wild Pug welcomes all well-behaved dogs (along with, presumably, their equally well-behaved owners). Dogs get free treats, owners need to pony up for theirs. Click here for some photos from past events.
A reader writes in:
"I came home early from work today to see if I could catch ER on the set. I was able to snap a pic from my back balcony. I thought I'd share it."
Information sought on 2 Uptown blogs
The attorney representing Wilson Yard developer Peter Holsten in the lawsuit filed against him by Fix Wilson Yard has subpoenaed Google seeking information about two Uptown blogs.
News-Star learned that the blogs in question are Uptown Update and What the Helen. Each blog was notified by e-mail that they had been subpoenaed as third parties through Google and that they have until Feb. 4 to file a motion to quash the subpoena. Both blogs are maintained anonymously and neither is affiliated with Fix Wilson Yard.
In December, the Uptown community group Fix Wilson Yard, which claims to represent more than 2,000 Chicago residents, filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago and Holsten Real Estate Development.
The residents' lawsuit alleges numerous abuses on the city's part in the creation, planning, implementation and funding of the Wilson Yard TIF district and the corresponding Wilson Yard Redevelopment Plan.
Although News-Star was not able to get a copy of the subpoena at press time, Holsten's attorney, Tom Johnson, confirmed on Monday that Google was served with a subpoena asking for the names of the blogs' account holders. "We did issue a subpoena to Google," Johnson said. "The subpoena asks for all the information for two particular sites that Google has."
Both blogs are on the Web through Blogger, the hosting service of Google, the Internet giant known best for its search service. Johnson said the subpoena asks for ownership information of the blogs. Uptown Update is an active blog that has gained popularity as a clearinghouse for information about the neighborhood. What the Helen was active during the 2007 aldermanic election and has not been updated in over a year.
Both blogs have been highly critical of 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller. Shiller's supporters and detractors often debate the alderman's policies and neighborhood issues in both blogs' comments sections.
Johnson said the subpoena is not asking for the e-mail addresses or personal information of those who leave comments on the sites.
Holsten said that he was not aware that Google had been subpoenaed by his defense attorney for information about the blogs. "I tend to stay off the blogs," Holsten said "They can get pretty nasty."
Andrew Pederson, a spokesman for Google in Mountain View, Calif., said that he was not familiar with this particular subpoena. Google regularly receives subpoenas seeking information for a variety of reasons related to blogs hosted on Blogger.com.
Pederson said that unless third parties notify Google that they plan to quash subpoenas, Google must comply with subpoenas and turn over the information sought.
As a condition of using Google's services, bloggers must agree to the terms of Google's privacy policies, which include the disclosure personal information and the content of communications. Google is required to do so "in order to comply with any valid legal process or government request," according to Google's privacy policy. Such conditions include search warrants, subpoenas, statutes and court orders.
Attorneys for Fix Wilson Yard plan to file a motion to quash the subpoena before the Feb. 4 deadline.
In a comment filed to News-Star by e-mail Tuesday, members of Fix Wilson Yard said, "The First Amendment protects our freedom of expression against suppression by the government. It is this right which has allowed for America's most liberating movements and social change. How dare they harass individual citizens for providing forums where people can voice their opinions. This is an absolute outrage. We are confident that our motion to quash the subpoenas will be successful and the judge will see right through this. It is just unfortunate that we have to spend money on frivolous actions by the defendants when our resources are so limited."
Update: Gapers Block has picked up on the story: "Uptown Throwdown, By Ken Green. Uptown Update, the highly popular blog that has become a thorn in the side of Ald. Helen Shiller, particularly over the fate of the Wilson Yard Project, has been subpoenaed by the attorney for the yard's developer, Peter Holsten. Holsten is being sued by a group called Fix Wilson Yard, which opposes the project in its current state. Another area blog, the apparently defunct What The Helen, has also been subpoenaed."
Update #2: The WindyPundit also has a story on this: "Free Speech Department:
Google Subpoenaed Over Anonymous Blogs In Connection With Controversial Chicago TIF Project"
Update #3: The Marathon Pundit is now following this saga.
Update #4: Tom Mannis at The Chicago News Bench has an analysis of the events unfolding. Check it out here.
Update #5: And Chicagoist joins in, too.
Well, that didn't take long, did it?
Questions plague plans for Uptown's Wilson Yard: Project has moved slowly, amid lawsuits that say its funding is illegal and questions over whether it will help community
Read the story here. Comments are open.
Wilson Yard lawsuit goes to court on May 5
By Ellen Thompson, Contributing Reporter
Activists hoping to shape the future of the largest undeveloped tract on the North Side learned last week that their suit has been scheduled for trial in May.
Real estate attorney Thomas Ramsdell and co-counsel Champ Davis, representing the grassroots community organization Fix Wilson Yard, told a group of more than 100 Uptown residents gathered for a benefit at the Annoyance Theater on Jan. 19 that their landmark suit will go before a judge on May 5. At that time, the Fix Wilson Yard attorneys will also seek a preliminary injunction to halt construction at the Wilson Yard redevelopment site.
Read the entire article here, including Holsten's admission that the retail component of Wilson Yard (i.e., the businesses that are going to turn around Uptown's fortunes) are Subway, AT&T Cellular, a game store and nail salon. Wow! Dream big, Peter.
News from Unique So Chique at Wilson and Magnolia:
Unique So Chique will be having a massive retail sale on all non-food items for this Sunday, February 1st only. Receive 60% off many great items including baby, jewelry, candles, bedding etc. This is a cash only sale due to the rising costs of credit card terminal fees. We will accept credit cards for all other purchases. We look forward to seeing you.
Here is a great view from 1923 looking north on Sheridan towards Wilson. The only buildings that remain today are the Uptown Baptist Church on the left and the Sheridan Plaza Hotel building on the right. The building that stood where McDonald's now stands housed a bowling alley, drugstore and cafeteria. (photo: Library of Congress)
From Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association:
"The meeting has been scheduled with the Maryville developer. At this meeting they will present their initial design ideas, and explain their construction schedule and proposed uses for the site. The community will have an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns. The meeting will take place next Wednesday, February 4th, 7pm at the Clarendon Park fieldhouse. The fieldhouse is located at Sunnyside and Clarendon. It is imperative we have a strong neighborhood showing for this event if we want the developer to take our concerns seriously. Please take the time to attend."
A reader directs us to the Uptown page of the Chicago Housing Bubble website, which includes this gem: "[Wilson Yard] has become the biggest government blunder in the history of government blunders (well, not really, but it's still pretty big)."
We were interested to read the figures on Uptown condo sales figures, which seem to be holding their own. No gains, but small losses, unlike the double-digit figures reported in other parts of the country. Uptown single-family homes and 2-4 flats, on the other hand... not such good reading.
We'd be interested in knowing how Uptown's percentages stack up against other parts of the city.
Celebrate the Year of the Ox in Uptown this weekend: Saturday, January 31, noon - 1 p.m.
From Metromix: "Annual celebration of the Lunar Chinese New Year starts with traditional dragon and lion dances and Kung Fu demonstrations. Floats and bands proceed through the neighborhood from Argyle Street to Sheridan Road, south to Lawrence Avenue and north on Broadway to Argyle Street." In past years, the parade has started at the el station on Argyle.
"This is Vee on behalf of Kahawa House Coffee Lounge inviting the Uptown neighborhood to our bi-monthly Kahawa Creative Espressions Night. It's free. We want Uptown to showcase its artistic skills on the open mic and to start enjoying their Thursdays. It is BYOB as well.
We have sandwiches and drinks and encourage people to try the Barack o' Caramel; it's delicious. The event itself is on Thursday, January 29th, 2009. Our address is : 838 W. Montrose. The number is 773-275-3700. The past events have been successful and we want to keep them coming.
We also have a tax specialist who will do taxes at the coffee shop!! She has been doing them for over 20 years and will get you your money!! Call or come in for more information."
Many who attended the Crime Safety meeting last summer were impressed by Alternatives, Inc., whose representative spoke of the need to help area kids to keep them out of gangs. If you're someone who wants to help in that effort, Alternatives is seeking a few Uptown citizens to commit to becoming a tutor for this pilot program. Click on the flyer for a larger version.
Anyone else remember the Truman Parking meeting in March 2008 when CTA President and Uptown resident Ron Huberman thrilled the crowd by admitting the Wilson L is a disgrace, and promised renewed retail and rehab? The following news item makes us wonder if we'll ever see it now....
"Chicago Transit Authority President Ron Huberman will be appointed the new head of Chicago Public Schools, a source close to the matter is reporting. A formal announcement is to come as soon as Tuesday, by Mayor Richard M. Daley, sources reported."
Read the entire story here.
A reader sent in these photos. Brrr! "Saw this scene at the end of my block. It's at Lakeside Place and Clarendon, in front of the Walgreens. Not sure exactly what happened, must have been a water pipe break of some sort, but I have no idea what these car owners are going to do. Spring is a long time away!"
The next 23rd District Court Advocates monthly meeting is Tuesday, January 27 (fourth Tuesday of every month) from 6-6:30 pm. If you're interested in becoming, or learning more about being, a court advocate, please plan to attend. It's in the James O'Connor Community Room, 3608 Halsted (just north of Addison).
Court advocates attend a variety of cases, sometimes at the request of individual police commanders. Your silent presence is there to represent community interest in the case. The judge is aware when court advocates are present. Cases the court advocates are currently following include the murder trial of victim Du Doan, the Vietnamese fisherman who was killed when he was allegedly pushed into the water at Montrose Harbor in September 2007, and a murder trial in which the victim was the daughter of a long-time crossing guard in the 23rd District.
Court is during the day: morning and afternoon cases. If you have a non-traditional work schedule or can spare a day or two a month, you might want to look into becoming a court advocate. For more information, call 312-744-0064 (23rd District Community Policing).
If you want to see Ald. Shiller's campaign finance reports over the years, go to Helen's Money, where it's all laid out for you. A reader reports that the latest D-2s are now public, and he found some fun stuff there.
"Ald. Shiller's campaign finance report for June - December 2008 just hit the state campaign disclosure website. If you search for her report and click on itemized contributions, there are a couple fun donations:
Target, 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
$1,000.00, 12/3/2008 Individual Contribution
Citizens for Shiller
That was probably the $1000 they meant to use for a 'Coming Soon' sign.
Walsh Construction, 929 W Adams, Chicago, IL 60607
$1,000.00, 1/20/2008 Individual Contribution
Citizens for Shiller
Wonder how they felt about this when they pulled their equipment from Wilson Yard because they weren't getting paid.
Also of note as I skimmed the thing:
Nick's Uptown (Kimmick Corp), 4015-17 N Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60613
$500.00, 11/24/2008 Individual Contribution
Citizens for Shiller
I guess you can host Fix Wilson Yard fundraisers, and have your aldermanic cake too.
And the most curious contribution:
Quick Turnaround Services - a crisis management firm
http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_qy8rv7
Quick Turnaround Services Inc, , 2246 W 24th St, Chicago, IL 60608
$200.00, 11/21/2008 Individual Contribution
Citizens for Shiller"
A reader writes:
"I have been watching and waiting to see what was going to happen to the buildings on the west side of the street at Foster and Broadway for many, many years. This property contains an apartment building (1310 W. Foster) and the large site of the old Piser Funeral home across from the CVS.Foster-Broadway LLC has been paying the taxes on this empty eyesore and now these buildings have been vandalized and tagged with gang symbols, but similar to your "4621 N. Broadway article," no one cleans it up. After all these years of looking at this abandoned building, the business community, Uptown Chamber, and Alderman need to force a clean-up or development of this property.
Why is this being neglected? Is Chicago willing to let it sit as long as the taxes are being paid?After some research with the Cook County Assessor and Treasurer, there are 8 parcels owned by Foster-Broadway LLC which is a combination of buildings and parking lots. Even with the absence of good parking in Uptown, I would think the owner could make some money even renting the spaces.
In any case, I am interested if anyone in your reading audience knows what is going on with this site and hopefully by posting these concerns, perhaps we can raise some awareness that some one needs to do something about this real eyesore in our community."
Update: "I was able to locate the following information on this property at 5206-44 N. Broadway. It looks to be newly listed on the market for 76 days advertised as 18.5 lots for $469,900 each or total of $18.5 million, listed by Jameson Realty."
There’s a new online game with an Uptown theme, on… http://mmneighbors.com/. (Look on the top right corner for the button.)
The Uptown Chicago Mistake Hunter Game : Compare identical Uptown Chicago pictures to see if you can find the mistakes in the copy. (If you look closely, Alderman Shiller can be spotted in one of the photos.)
Thanks, Magnolia Malden Neighbors!
Outside the Loop radio gives Uptown Update and "passionate" Uptowners a tip of the hat this week for "so much participation that it's crazy!" Give it a listen here. It's all interesting; the Uptown segment starts around the 19:30 mark.
We give reciprocal kudos to Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann for covering our neighborhood and the Wilson Yard controversy without ever dragging it down to a classist/us-versus-them level. They've had guests like Marc Kaplan of Couraj and Molly Phelan from Fix Wilson Yard, each explaining their take on it.
If anyone's new to the Wilson Yard issue, or wondering about the history of the project, you can click on the "All Wilson Yard Stories" link under Hot Topics on the sidebar.
Calling Uptowners with long memories or a good knowledge of Uptown's history!
"The Nelson Algren Centennial Committee is planning to celebrate the author’s 100th Birthday on March 28th in his old stomping grounds of Bucktown/Wicker Park.
However, we know from our research that this iconic Chicago author lived, worked and socialized in other neighborhoods as well.
That’s where Uptowners (at least those with long memories) come in! We know that somewhere around Broadway and Montrose was a location for a notorious “established permanent floating card game” (props to Guys & Dolls) that attracted cops as well as “characters” including Algren. Anybody who can supply the “inside skinny” on this is welcome to contact us, confidentiality assured.
Also, in 1924 there was something called the “Uptown Arrows” basketball team, for which Nelson was record-keeper. Again, anyone who can clue us in on this is invited to contact us.
For more information about the Committee and the man we celebrate, contact http://www.nelsonalgren.org/."
We often hear from readers and new residents who want to get involved with CAPS, but don't know when and where their beat's meetings take place. A reader let us know that events schedules, including CAPS meetings, are now online at the Chicago Police website:
- Click here for the 20th District
- Click here for the 23rd District
Although many of Uptown Update's readers felt the recent article about "Two Uptowns" in the News-Star was spot on, Business Partners had a different take on it. They sent a Letter to the Editor that's printed in the current News-Star:
Regarding News-Star's editorial "A Tale of Two Uptowns" (January 15, 2009), we urge you to consider the following developments, all south of Lawrence Avenue: the attractive redevelopment of The Phoenix (Borders Building), the landmark Uptown Bank Building, the newly redeveloped Uptown Broadway building and The Riviera Office Building, MDT's award-winning rehab using green technology, Agami Sushi, Alma Pita, Magnolia Café, Café Too, Pegasus Players, Black Ensemble Theatre, and unique entertainment venues like The Spot and the Tattoo Factory Gallery. Consider also brand new businesses like Fontana Grill, Light Speed: Chicago and Kahawa Coffee House, and the scores of sustainable businesses that have operated in Uptown for decades. We could go on and on.
We acknowledge that there are safety concerns to be actively addressed, and this is happening through CAPS and the newly formed safety committees. Is there a lot to do? Of course. But to divide the community as you describe does not serve any of our businesses or institutions well. We need to build on Uptown's strengths and work together proactively to enrich the business community.
The board and staff of Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown
Sad to say, we've been getting quite a few emails about gunshots early this morning. A reader writes:
"There were 8-9 gunshots fired in the alley next to 1462 W. Leland. The shots occurred after a loud altercation, then the gunshots, followed by screaming. I placed a 911 call and they noted that several people from the neighborhood had also called."
Anyone know any more details?
As in previous years, the City of Chicago is offering free tax preparation for families earning less than $45,000, and individuals earning less than $20,000. There are several Uptown sites:
- Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson
- North Side Credit Union, 1011 W. Lawrence
- McCormick Boys & Girls Club, 4835 N. Sheridan
Check here to find the hours of each site. The program runs January 24 through April 15.
The final episode of the final season of "ER" will have a scene shot in Uptown, on Leland between Winthrop and Broadway. It marks the second time the show has used the beautiful vintage rehabbed Clover Building as a setting. Filming will take place on January 30th, so residents in the surrounding area should be prepared for some traffic and parking disruption from very early in the morning throughout the day.
It's amazing what you can find on Craigslist. Does anyone have an idea of where they are locating specifically? The video above is from the San Lucas Workers Center website.
"The San Lucas Workers Center, a non-profit organization traditionally based in Humboldt Park, is in search of donated/discounted office furniture to furnish our brand new office space in Uptown.
The San Lucas Workers Center’s mission is to develop people from Chicago’s day labor and temporary workforce into skilled leaders that can fight to end industry abuses. San Lucas workers lead direct action, public hearings, media work and negotiations with temporary agencies and their client companies. San Lucas has been unique among Chicago workers centers in organizing both immigrant and U.S.-born workers into a single committee."
http://www.sanlucasworkers.org/
There is some good news on Wilson. A reader sends us a photo of 1228 Wilson (at Magnolia). You may remember this as the spot of the planned "Spotted Pig Market" that never came to fruition. Well, now you can look forward to the "Aardvark Insurance Agency." No other details were given.
FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
Two armed men punched and robbed a man who was delivering a pizza in the Uptown neighborhood early Wednesday on the North Side.
About 2:30 a.m., the deliveryman exited his car and began walking towards a residence on the 4400 block of North Malden Street to deliver a pizza when he was attacked and robbed, Town Hall District police said.
Two black men wearing dark clothing walked up to him, displayed a handgun and punched him in the face before taking his money -- and possibly the pizza -- and running off, police said.
The deliveryman refused medical treatment on the scene and the two suspects are not in police custody as of 4:30 a.m.
Belmont Area detectives are investigating.
The Huffington Post has picked up on the story of the TIF's waste, secrecy and cronyism:
"Change Comes to Washington, Will it Come to Chicago?
On the eve of the inauguration of Barack Obama to be the 44th President of the United States, a group of citizens met in a theater in Uptown, Chicago to demand accountability from their government. The city that gave the United States a leader who called for change is seething with citizen anger over a laundry list of corruption, cronyism and crooked deals. They are wondering if the change that is hopefully coming to Washington can ever take place at their doorstep."
It's a in-depth look at the whole TIF mess and ends with this: "Who is watching the store when so much tax dollars are being offered to private businesses? Yes, change is coming to Washington. And if the citizens of Uptown who are organizing and supporting Fix Wilson Yard have their way, change will be coming to Chicago. And soon."
Read the entire article here.
The student journalists at Medill have done another story focusing on Uptown and the progress of FixWilsonYard:
Wilson Yard Activists Get Day in Court with City Hall
by Ellen Thompson, Jan 20, 2009
Real estate attorney Thomas Ramsdell and co-counsel Champ Davis, representing the nonprofit Fix Wilson Yard, told a group of more than 100 Uptown residents at the Annoyance Theater Monday night that their landmark suit will go before a judge on May 5. At that time the counsel will also seek a preliminary injunction to halt development at the former Wilson Yard site.
Read the entire story here.
Well, we did it again. As of today, we passed the 1,000,000 visitor mark on Uptown Update and we couldn't have done it without our loyal readers. You have proven that there is a need for information in Uptown...information that is not being made available by the powers-that-be. With your help, we will continue to bring you the latest information on your neighborhood and stories that our mainstream media and elected officials choose to ignore. We've only just begun...
Those of you who were hoping for the supper club from the owners of "Club Lucky" to open in the basement space of the newly renovated Uptown Broadway Building, we have bad news: they have pulled out. The folks who wanted to open a wine bar have also pulled out. We are told there is one restaurant/bar in very early talks for part of the ground level space of the building, but as you know, deals fall through. That's why we are asking for our readers to contact any business they would like to see in these spaces, for example, "Kuma's Corner." All of the info needed is in the spec sheet above (click to enlarge). And just in case any business is leery of opening up here since they assume it's in the 46th Ward, please note this building is in the 48th Ward. We also hope our Uptown Chamber is actively searching for businesses to locate in these spaces as well.
A reader sends in the following photos and writes:
"I walk by 4621 N. Broadway on a regular basis and I love to eat at Thai Uptown, but I've always wondered why there is no accountability for the tenants who live above. I was shocked to see that the tenants, who I assume are named "Timmay" and "Bryan" have written on their door in marker. The side of the door is also covered in some sort of tagging. Earlier this summer when the new alley was poured directly behind this building, I noticed that there were 2 names written in the brand new concrete and guess what it was? Timmay and Bryan. I'm not sure who to contact regarding this but I would think the management company listed as "Malinee Investment 708-275-9285" would be utterly responsible for this blatant lack of respect for the building. I was unable to find a website for the management company. This sure isn't enhancing our bleak retail corridor."
UU Note: If you want Kuma's to locate in Uptown, click here and send them an email.
From Chicagoist:
After turning down offers to venture out to Vegas, Kuma's Corner owner Mike Cain told Time Out Chicago that he does have expansion on the brain. In addition to bringing Kuma's winning blend of minor chord metal and gourmet burgers to other working class towns, Cain is planning a second Kuma's location specializing in Southern cuisine.
"I have this guy here, a cook, Dan, and he’s really awesome at making Southern food... (s)o that’s next. We’re gonna do barbecue, fried chicken, greens, that kind of thing. And come May, there’ll be plenty of empty spots so I’m just keeping my eyes open for the right one. I’ll know it when I see it."
TOC's Heather Shouse says that Cain is eyeing Uptown and Roger's Park as prospective locations for the future Kuma's South, but we think that, given the bees-to-honey drawing power of the Kuma's name, they could set it up in any number of neighborhoods and have folks waiting in line for a couple hours.
A reader sends us her photos from this weekend at Montrose Harbor. Check out the folks in the background snowboarding! How many other neighborhoods in Chicago have that? You can check out more snowy Montrose Harbor photos here.
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From Truman Square Neighbors:
One of the problems that has plagued Uptown for years are buildings that deteriorate. Tenants and the whole community suffers.
As many of you may have noticed, the storefronts located at 1016-1032 W. Leland were severely damaged during the week of December 21-26. The extent of the damage is unknown but it appears that a broken water pipe was the main culprit. The beauty salon ceiling completely caved in on the salon and it is currently unusable. It suffered unbelievable damage. The empty storefronts at 1026-1028 also suffered sever water damage and water was pouring out from under the front door for hours.
It would really benefit the neighborhood to get the Building Department to inspect the current condition of this building. We can do this by calling 311 and reporting what the average citizen can observe from the street. There are people living in the units above these damaged storefronts.
Please call 311 to report these violations. Ask that they be reported to the Building Department. Ask for the tracking report number for your complaint and keep a record of it for future reference. You can be anonymous or leave your name and contact information.
Marc Kaplan of COURAJ fame was interviewed on "Outside the Loop Radio." Listen to the interview at the bottom of the page here.
If this aerial photo from the 1930's doesn't take your breath away, not much will. Click to enlarge and enjoy. Check out a higher resolution version here, suitable for framing. (photo: CTA)
This view has changed quite a bit since 1988. This shot is looking down from the Wilson L platform towards where the infamous currency exchange/strip mall now stands. Does anyone remember this view? It looks like a large parking lot stood on the corner at this time.
(photo: Genial23 Flickr)
The folks from Fix Wilson Yard want to remind residents that you can still reserve a seat for the presentation by the FWY attorneys at the Annoyance Theater on January 19. Doors open at 7pm for cocktails and conversation. A $10 donation reserves your seat. The Annoyance Theater is located at 4830 N. Broadway. More info at www.fixwilsonyard.org
Check out how the view has changed at Lawrence and Broadway from the early 90's (above) to today. We sure don't miss that blue siding covering the now beautifully restored Riviera Building.
(bottom photo: Strannik45 Flickr)
Wow! An email alert from Ald. Shiller's office that doesn't have to do with Cubs parking or movies on Cricket Hill.
Unfortunately, it does mean even less parking for residents and businesses:
"Chelsea Pictures will be filming scenes for a commercial in the area. Please look out for No Parking signs.
No Parking: Friday & Saturday, January 16 & 17 from 5am to 10pm
If you have any special needs or concerns, please call the Location Manager, Al Cohn, at 773.991.9021."
News-Star Our Views
Uptown is a neighborhood of many gems. Filled with vintage architecture and perched on a jewel of a lakefront, it is home to a lively activist community.
One of those jewels is Argyle's Pan-Asian corridor, tucked away between Sheridan Road and Broadway. This stretch of Argyle has a proud heritage as a point of entry for a century of immigrants from all over the world.
Since the 1960s and 1970s, Argyle has opened its arms to a resettlement of Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Thai and Korean immigrants who have built new lives and businesses along its bustling blocks.
Recently, a volunteer panel comprised of experts in their fields, completed a draft copy of a report designed to unleash Argyle Street's potential as a community center for local residents and visitors' destination.
Sponsored by the Urban Land Institute and Metropolitan Planning Council, the report was thoughtful and unbiased. Included in the report were a series of recommendations designed to revitalize the shopping district.
Among the goals set forth in the draft report were connecting Argyle to Uptown's entertainment district at Lawrence and Broadway. At a recent gathering of business, community and elected officials, suggestions were made to utilize the new student parking garage currently under construction at Truman College, as a stopping off point for visitors to Argyle a half-mile north.
Experienced urban pioneers are familiar with the invisible line that separates Uptown into two parts along Lawrence Avenue, roughly the boundary between the 46th and 48th wards.
South of Lawrence, Uptown stretches like East Berlin. One must traverse multiple gang territories and blocks of urban blight to reach West Berlin on the other side of Lawrence. There, one finds a welcoming mix of retail, theater, night clubs, shops and restaurants that have turned this part of Uptown's fortunes around.
Some of the goals for revitalizing the Argyle business district are immediately attainable. But before connecting the two Uptowns can be accomplished, one must first address the disturbing trend of criminal activity in East Berlin: three shootings near Wilson and Broadway within the span of one week in December, public drunkenness, substance abuse and other activities best reserved for a private restroom.
We urge stakeholders to honestly address these issues and to hold their elected officials accountable. The two Uptowns need to be connected, despite ward boundaries.
This week's News-Star has a great story on an Urban Land Institute study that was done on Uptown's gem, Argyle Street. The study looks to tap into Argyle Street's hidden potential. Read the entire article here.
It features another great Shiller quote:
"When we do these kinds of studies, it doesn't always correlate to the real world," Shiller said. "As we talk about broadening Argyle Street, we need to look at the critical mass that will be created at Truman College and by Target [in the Wilson Yard redevelopment]."
Gotta love critical mass.
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From Chicago Real Estate Daily:
North Community Bank has sued to collect nearly $1.3 million allegedly owed on the landmark former Immaculata High School, 600-40 W. Irving Park Road. Built about 1922 and designed by Barry Byrne, a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, the building is now owned by the American Islamic College. A college employee who declined to identify himself says there is a dispute over who obtained the loan, but declined further comment. The school is not holding classes this semester.
The view here hasn't changed much in 24 years. We wish the original globe lighting above the entrance (visible in the photo) was still in use around the outside of the station. Occupied storefronts would be a plus too.
If you haven't checked out "The Windy Citizen," you should. It's a great site that links to some of the best local bloggers in Chicago and it puts it all in one nicely laid out page. According to the site, it's a "crowd powered front page for Chicago." We will be adding a link off on the left. They even linked to our lively street peddler posting.
By Michael Brush, MSN Money
One of the discount retailer's biggest investors is pushing a plan to spin off its land, saving Target huge sums in taxes and boosting its stock price. Will the company go along? Read On
We have to look on the bright side often times in Uptown. A foot + of snow can be a major headache, but it is a great deterrent to the illegal peddlers who set up shop in front of the world famous currency exchange at Broadway and Wilson. We are sure that "sock man" and "soap lady" will be back again once the weather improves, but in the meantime, residents can enjoy relatively clear sidewalks. We would also like to remind residents that YOU must get a permit to have a yard sale and are subject to a fine, but evidently this is not enforced on this corner as most of these peddlers operate without a license, or simply pass one license around to whomever is peddling that day. Someone is protecting them from being ticketed. On a related note, we find it interesting that some of the most blighted businesses and buildings in Uptown are owned by individuals that live far, far away.
From Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association:
The next meeting to discuss the development of the Maryville property will take place next Tuesday, January 20th at 7pm. The meeting will again be held at the Kahawa Coffee House, 838 W. Montrose.
This will be our second and last meeting in advance of our meeting with the Sedgwick Properties, the proposed developer. We will again use this time to make sure we address questions and concerns from neighbors and the community at large. The meeting with the developer may take place by the middle of February at the latest. We will let you know when that meeting is scheduled.
We will also update everyone on the last meeting, and any answers we have been able to track down. This meeting is a chance to ask questions and voice concerns. Please come out and support your neighborhood block club.
If you have questions or concerns in the meantime, please email them to us at this address. Thanks.
Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association
A reader writes in wondering:
"Temporary no parking signs have sprung up on Racine between Montrose and Sunnyside indicating that there is to be no parking between 1/14 - 2/28 on both sides of the street. I imagine it has something to do with the construction on the Truman College parking garage, however a call to the Alderman's office proved fruitless. Can you see if anyone has any idea what this is about, and where the heck is everyone who lives on Racine supposed to park for the next six weeks? Montrose has snow restrictions, so that pretty much leaves nowhere to park. I wonder if cars left parked on the 14th waiting for a thaw are going to get ticketed..."
BUSINESS SAFETY SEMINAR
January 14th, 12:00-1:30pm
Join your business peers and the Chicago Police for a Business Safety Seminar. As crime rates jump, we will learn how to safeguard both our businesses and ourselves.
What: Business Safety Seminar
When: Wednesday, January 14th, 12:00 - 1:30pm
Where: Wilde, 3130 N Broadway
Hope to see you there!
Christie Hahn
Executive Director
Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown
(773) 878-1184
By Jon Hilkevitch, Tribune Breaking News
Eleven more CTA bus routes will be added to the Bus Tracker Web-based service starting Jan. 26, transit officials said today. A total of 86 of the CTA's 153 bus routes will be included in Bus Tracker, which provides riders with the locations and estimated bus arrival times at bus stops via a program that uses the global positioning system.
The routes that will be added to the Bus Tracker Web site, www.ctabustracker.com, on Jan. 26 are No. 3 King Drive, X3 King Drive Express, 4 Cottage Grove, X4 Cottage Grove Express, 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 49B North Western, 82 Kimball/Homan, 93 California/Dodge, 96 Lunt and 97 Skokie.
The Bus Tracker Web site provides a route map where icons indicate the location and direction of buses currently in service, an alarm feature that alerts riders when a bus is approaching a selected bus stop and the estimated arrival times at bus stops.
The CTA Bus Tracker Web site is accessible from computers and Web-enabled wireless devices.
In case you weren't downtown for the Fix Wilson Yard press conference on December 3, here is a great video recap.
Update: OpenIllinois.org has picked up on our Wilson Yard TIF battle. Check out their "Time To Throw a TIF" and nod to the Wilson Yard video we posted earlier today.
Here we are just finishing the first full week of the new year and sadly we have a lot of tagging to report. We spotted much more than the 5 photos shown here. As if the Wilson L needed any help to look more blighted, taggers have struck with a vengeance on all sides of the station.
Thankfully the woman who has been living in this urine filled CTA vestibule has moved out for the time being and hopefully to a shelter. Taggers have left their scribbles in her place. We dream of the day when it is a priority of Uptown Business Partners and the CTA to clean up and rent out these long vacant storefronts. Maybe Suellen Long of UBP will note the long standing condition of our station and these storefronts when she passes by on her way from Bridgeview Bank to the UBP Luncheon with Ald. Shiller. Maybe she will drive and avoid the situation altogether. We fear the latter.
Taggers also hit Alma Pita and the condo building directly to the west at Wilson and Malden. We urge our readers to call these tags in and any others you might see when you are out in the neighborhood.
There also appears to be Latin Kings graffiti on the former Express Chicken and Ribs at 1319 W. Wilson.
From ABC7:
A new $2 million home for the homeless who are living with HIV and/or AIDS opened Saturday on Chicago's North Side.
Mayor Daley, joined by 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller, cut a ribbon to officially open the Chicago House Fred Woods home (in the 4600 block of Beacon), equipped with two computer rooms for residents and their children. In addition to offering living quarters, the home will provide tutoring and after-school programs.
In 1992, Mayor Daley also opened a Chicago House residence that was the first in the Midwest for people with AIDS.
Update: A reader sends us a photo of the Fred Woods Home as seen today. The section on the left is the new addition christened yesterday by Mayor Daley and Ald. Shiller.
On December 3, 2008, thanks to concerned citizens like you, the groundbreaking Fix Wilson Yard lawsuit was filed against the City of Chicago and developer. Many are asking--what lies ahead on this monumental lawsuit over the coming months and how can I help? Fix Wilson Yard attorneys, Thomas Ramsdell and Champ Davis, will give us an update on the lawsuit and personally answer your questions at this very special event.
* Monday, January 19
* Annoyance Theater, 4830 N. Broadway
* Doors open at 7pm for cocktails and conversation
* Presentation at 7:30pm
* Fundraising Drive 8:00
* Conversation and cocktails follow presentation
Seating is limited, and we expect a full house, so please reply early. If you plan on attending, please reserve your seat with a $10 donation through paypal or google checkout. Click HERE to go directly to our donation page.
By Ofelia Cassilas & Deanease Williams-Harris Chicago Tribune Breaking News
Some of our readers might not be aware of "Pete's Weather," a site that shows the current weather conditions in Uptown at Lawrence and Kenmore. We have had the link off on the right for a while now, but a reader alerted us to the fact that the site has been revamped. Check out http://www.petesweather.com/
From the News-Star:
"Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th Ward) this afternoon announced a new space-sharing agreement for Edgewater's last remaining emergency homeless shelter.
In an e-mail to Edgewater residents, Smith announced that Epworth United Methodist Church has agreed to keep the shelter in the church's gym at 5253 N. Kenmore, "with changes to reflect the expressed concerns of our office, the church congregation and the community."
Smith also announced that a new service provider would supervise and manage the shelter. Today, the Chicago Department of Human Services fired the Uptown group Residents for Effective Shelter Transitions (REST) as shelter manager." Continue Reading
The Tribune is looking for Chicago's Best Blogs again. As you may remember, Uptown Update was recognized last year. (Thanks to you, readers!)
So...if you know of any local blogs that you'd like to nominate...ahem...any at all...feel free to visit this link to learn more. We're not sure if you know of any local blogs that you'd like to nominate...ahem...
Thanks to a reader for forwarding on the following:
"Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown Member Luncheon with Special Guest Speaker 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller
Wednesday, February 4, 2009,
Noon-1:30pm Inspiration Corporation,
4554 North Broadway, Suite 207
$25, Includes lunch and soft drinks
RSVP No Later Than 1/28/09 to:rsvp@uptownbusinesspartners.com or call (773) 878-1184"
A reader writes in:
Dear UU,
Thought you'd like to see what's going on with Wilson Yard construction. The photo was taken this past weekend (click to enlarge).
As you can see, they're furiously working and the construction goes all the way up to the Aldi's driveway.
The BIG question that remains a mystery since we have the Howard Hughes version of an alderman:
- Is Target really coming? Target bought the land but has never signed a single document stating Target is coming to Wilson Yard
It's a shame we have an alderman who abuses her power to serve her own purpose and not what's good for the community.
By David Roeder, Sun-Times
"I was wondering if anything had been reported about the blocked sidewalks on Montrose.
It's because the Graceland Cemetery wall is leaning, but no work has started on fixing the wall in over a month."
Anyone out there know what is going on with this delayed project?
FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
The body of a partially clothed woman was found dead in an alley in the Edgewater neighborhood on the North Side Monday morning.
A tow truck driver found the woman’s body about 3:20 a.m. in an alley on the 5200 block of North Kenmore Avenue, according to police, who said the woman appears to be white and there was some blood on the scene.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said the still unidentified woman appears to be in her 20s and their office remained on the scene at 6 a.m.
Though the cause of death was not known immediately police were probing the possibility the woman, who may be in her early 20s, fell from a building nearby.
Authorities said the woman was partially clothed.
Police officers were canvassing the neighborhood and searching inside the surroundings buildings as of 5:30 a.m., according to police, who indicated a suicide note had not been found.
Lincoln District Police Sgt. Patrick Barker said Belmont Area detectives are conducting a death investigation.
For coverage from CBS 2 click here.
A reader writes in:
Hey UU,
I was wondering if you can do a post to try and drum up some business for Kahawa House Coffee at 838 W. Montrose. Ajay (the owner) says business has slowed considerably and he's trying to get all the neighborhood support he can get. While the economy is obviously in a recession, everyone can stop by and grab a drink one night this week to try and help out a wonderful Uptown business. It would be a shame to have it falter -- our community is much better with them in it. Also, and especially helpful in this economy, is their book exchange -- great titles available, and all you have to do is drop off one of your own. Also, they are having a "Kahawa Espression Night" on January 15th at 6:30pm. It has been a great success the last few times, and it promises to be a good time.
A reader writes in:
I wanted to share pictures of torn up sidewalks and street corners at Kenmore and Buena in the Buena Park Neighborhood of Uptown.
The work has gone on unfinished for quite a while now (early October) and not only is it an eye sore but it’s a mess for residents in the area. When we have wintry weather it is treacherous. Also look at how that one building has 2x4’s as their entry way.
I hope the city or whomever is outsourced to this project to redo the sidewalks here and street corners gets this work done ASAP while the weather is “decent.”
Thank you,
Concerned resident
Rob Davis, director of WAMA and owner of Unique So Chique at Wilson and Magnolia writes in:
"Just wanted to let you know that I have had 5 inspections in the last 3 to 4 months months. Most of the inspections were supposed community individuals who made bogus calls on the business (rats, no license, etc.) none at all which were true. Of course when the inspectors arrived they found other things to ticket the business for. One for example was because the inspector could see about a 1/4 of an inch of light through the back door. That was $500. The list goes on and I can explain more. It is almost laughable. I can forward you the complaints we received too. I want EVERYONE to know. I am not suggesting they came from the Alderman and her cronies, but seems kind of suspicious! Over $3,000 in fines! We need to make the public and businesses aware of this and I don't mind taking the lead."
