News-Star: "Loitering Positively"

Uptown residents vow to keep gangs from taking over 'hood

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

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

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

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

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

Read the entire article here.

The Fun Never Stops At Dearborn Wholesale

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

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

You Can Help! Wilson Mens Hotel In Housing Court

The Wilson Club Hotel will have its day in Housing Court on May 29th, downtown at the Daley Center. This is a chance to do something to help clean up this blight.

1. Court advocates are requested to attend! If you can take some time off, or schedule a break around the hearing, your presence will be appreciated and can make a difference. The judges in housing court really do appreciate and pay attention to community members who show up to express concern about conditions in their neighborhoods.

This is from Meg Gillman of Community Policing:

I just found out from Judy Dever, Chief Corporation Counsel of the Drug and Gang House Enforcement Section, that the Gang and Drug court case against the Wilson Men's Club is up on Thursday, 29 May at the Daley Center in Room 1111 at 9am. I plan to be there. Will you be able to attend as a court advocate? If you know of other community members who would like to participate, that would be great. Court advocates do not have to say anything, just show with their silent presence that they are very concerned. Judges know how busy the community is, so your presence will show that the building is a big problem. If you or others would like to give information to Judy Dever, please let me know.

2. If you've seen activity at the hotel, fill out a Gang & Drug House form, linked to the right.

Meg again: And please encourage other concerned neighbors to fill out the form and send it to me. I will forward it to Judy.

3. Join the 23rd District's Court Advocate Program. If you want to learn more about being a court advocate and the important role they play in the court system, please come to the James O'Connor Community Room, 3608 N Halsted, on May 6th at 6 pm. You can attend as many, or as few, cases as fit your schedule. Call 312-744-0064 (Officer Ron Tanaka) for more information.

Health Fair May 2nd

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

Looking North From The Wilson L Tracks

This is the view looking north from the Wilson L platform in the early 1950s. Notice the McJunkin Building visible on the right, even one of the light poles perched on top the ornamental clock "parapet" of the main station entrance below.  CTA Collection

Notorious Uptown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other nearby Dillinger sites:

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

Joining The Circus Pays Off For Uptown Teen

Read all about it at the Chicago Tribune here:

Reminder: Lawrence/Wilson Viaduct Meeting Tonight

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

'The Helen Shiller Memorial Caucus'

By Paul Smith, Gapers Block

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

Dog Lovers Of Uptown Unite!

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

Where Am I Located?

Community Reaches Out For Peace

courtesy CBS 2 Chicago
Read all about it here.

CPNA Safety Seminar And Neighborhood Watch

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

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

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

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

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

Water, Water Everywhere

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

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

More Killer Potholes

The corner of Hazel and Windsor has been plagued not only by gang warfare (the most recent shooting happening just last night), but it's also home to two, count 'em, two of the

biggest ...

... deepest ...

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

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

Meet-N-Greet At Sunnyside Mall

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

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

Loiterer's Paradise Returns

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

Question Of The Day

A reader writes in:

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

Check out the 2005 press release from the CTA here.

The Transformation Of Uptown

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

Windows Coming Soon

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

Green Mill Getting A Facelift

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

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

Start Spreadin' The News...

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

Poster 1
Poster 2

Dangerous Conditions?

UPDATE: The owner of the building wrote us:

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

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

Saturday: Uptown Rocks!

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

Fun Facts For The Day

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

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

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

WBEZ Program on "Guns and Street Gangs"

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

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

Uptown Zoning Changes Passed By City Council

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One More Week In The Graffiti Challenge

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

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

"Uptown Raises $20,000 For Labor Ready Litigation"

News-Star: "Residents getting ready to rumble"

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor, April 23, 2008

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

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

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

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

Reporting Gang And Drug Activity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flyers For The Meet-N-Greet At Sunnyside Mall

If you want to help, tonight is your chance.

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

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

Official Reaction To The Violence

Starting Friday, April 18th, Uptown has had

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

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

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

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

Sunnyside Mall Neighbors Meet-n-Greet

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

Where: Sunnyside and Malden

When: 1-3pm Saturday, April 26

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

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