Where Am I Located?

We'd like this cherub to look a little more "merry." Where does she hang out?

Ald. Shiller Tells Lakefront Condo Owners About Wilson Yard, Or Not

FROM THE ALDERMAN'S OFFICE:

Wilson Yard Project

“In the last newsletter we provided you with some information about the plans for the new Wilson Yard Project. This neighborhood revitalization project will take place from Montrose to Wilson Ave. along Broadway. We are told that the construction on the Target store will begin on May 1 where they will be digging to create a foundation for the underground garage. In addition to Target, there will be 25,000 sq. ft. for another retail store (yet unnamed). There will be other small businesses along Broadway. Also, new residential areas will be created which include approximately 75-85 two-three bedroom rental units and approximately 90-95 senior rental units. This "is a completely green development, with green roofs, and the largest rental building of its kind with a built-in recycling process." Finally, the El station at Wilson Ave will be redeveloped. The proposed deadline for the entire project is early 2010.”

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This “From the Alderman’s Office” announcement appeared this month in a newsletter of a 46th Ward luxury high-rise. It is Alderman Helen Shiller’s update on the progress of the Wilson Yard Project to a condo association that houses many seniors.

When people question how Shiller gets re-elected, one need only look at this example of her Public Relations Machine in action. Notice:

1. While baiting these seniors with promises of future senior housing, she purposely neglects to tell them that this new rental housing is government-subsidized, low-income project housing 100% reserved for the poorest of the poor. They are left to presume that they are getting a new Hallmark when they are really getting a new Cabrini Green. And, she’s certainly not providing them related information on how to get on the subsidized housing waiting list as required to move into these buildings because that might tip her hand.

2. While stressing future proposed development deadlines, she omits to tell them that the project has missed every deadline, is in serious financial trouble, and that nothing has been built in 8 years with $52 million, all of which makes the project’s future questionable. There is no mention that the project has lost its financial backers and the city had to step in and raise the TIF contribution percentage from the standard 20% to 35%, the highest subsidy in the history of the TIF program. In fact, the Target store May 1 construction start date mentioned in the condo newsletter was missed by the newsletter date.

3. The alderman suggests that another 25,000 ft store is committed – just unnamed – and that other retail businesses are locating there. Yet, no evidence of any for-profit business presence has been obtained by any FOIA requests.

4. The alderman stresses her favorite campaign issues “Green, Green, Green” “Recycle, Recycle, Recycle.” These are nice, warm and fuzzy issues that have little downside potential and which allow her to talk about something other than Uptown’s serious, substantive issues such as a student being murdered in front of her Aldermanic Office, kids being shot dead in front of Weiss Hospital, a women being shot in Clarendon Park, cars being stolen all over the neighborhood, attempted child kidnappings, sex offenders, housing ordinance violations, zoning, housing density, and so forth.

5. Notice, the alderman refuses to speak to block clubs, CAPS, and community leaders about crime, zoning, and other serious issues or to update her website with critical information, but she does take the time and effort to send targeted misinformation and omissions to those on the Lakefront and South end of the Ward. It is clear that this is Public Relations correspondence to targeted voters.

Another "Express Chicken" Rave Review

A reader writes:

Hey, UU, I finally got a chance to stop in Express Chicken and Ribs last night. Never would have gone there without your recommendation. Good, good food. I ordered a 4-piece meal, 2 biscuits and a Coke, and it was ten bucks. Ten bucks! I was expecting fast-food-size portions, but it was huge and I ended up having to take half of it home. So I'll get three meals for my ten-spot.

The only thing that bugged me was that the place was empty. I've read on your blog they're having trouble making ends meet. Which is a damn shame, because it's a mom-and-dad restaurant, great food, unbelievable prices, good service. Just what we need more of in Uptown. I'd hate to see this place go under and hope you post this to encourage more folks to get out there and enjoy a really good home-cooked meal for a really low price.

Donate Your Used Towels For Needy Pets

A reader forwarded us a notice about the need for donated towels and light blankets:

GWNA recently learned that many of the animal shelters need towels and small blankets for their orphaned dogs. We are doing a drive for these needed supplies with Soggy Paws. Kevin and Paul have graciously offered to accept donations at their shop from June 1-15.

Towels and Baby Blankets Needed for Orphaned Pets. The city's animal shelters are in desperate need of clean towels and washable baby blankets and other clean small washable lightweight blankets for use in their nurseries, medical department, bathing, and for special needs animals. These items will be distributed to the different shelters according to population and need.

Thanks, GWNA, and thanks, Soggy Paws!

They Call This ... 'Construction?'

Wilson Yard Developer Peter Holsten must be hearing two things in his head: "Tick, tock" (the sound of our Wilson Yard countdown meter), and his own voice telling the Sun-Times: "Now, construction is scheduled to start by June 1."

How else to explain the addition of not one, but two, new signs at the corner of Montrose and Broadway?

First, let's take a look at the newest sign: "Future Site." When, Mr Holsten? June 1st of what year? Do you just pull dates out of the air while you plot ways to get more money out of the city for what is, and has been for a very long time, a big vacant lot whose original plan crumbled long ago?

This is what the "under construction" site looked like at 5:00 today:

Second, the number on the sign for more information about this "Mixed Use Development" is listed to the Industrial Street and Alley Vacation Program at the Department of Planning and Development. (Granted, the phone number may have more than one program using it as a contact number, and we're willing to stand corrected. When we called it tonight, the DPD was already closed.)

Wouldn't a program that encompasses retail, or mixed-use housing, or any other "vibrant development" be more appropriate than a program that's for "the owner of an operating industrial firm"?

Third, where's the Target sign? After all, Montrose and Broadway is now sign-happy. A year ago, Mr Holsten said: "(Target's) policies on this side are absurd. We'll put up a rendering and to hell with them." So where's the rendering that Macho Peter Holsten said he'd put up to prove Target was on board?

Now, onto the Baum Realty sign, which appeared nearly two months ago. All fine to the casual observer. But when a search is done on Baum's website for any properties for lease in the 60640 area code, this is what comes up:

The Uptown Broadway Building. Period. There's nothing at all for lease listed on the Baum website. Certainly nothing at Wilson Yard.

UPDATE: Thanks to a commenter, we found out there actually is a listing for "Wilson Yards" [sic] under zip code 60613. Status: "Under Construction/Proposed." Promising delivery by "3/1/2010." Check out the flyer, which mentions the new housing, but neglects to mention it's 100% low-income and very low-income. Oh, and it shows a Target store. Dream big!

So we have real signs ... promoting promised-for-years-and-still-unstarted construction, and non-existent properties for lease.

We guess that's what Peter Holsten and Helen Shiller call "progress." We guess they qualify posting signs as "construction."

We just call it "deceptive."

Meanwhile, Over In The 48th Ward...

... where there's actual development ...

The Annoyance Theatre & Bar is bringing back its signature show, Co-Ed Prison Sluts, which is wildly funny and wildly un-PC. Enjoy!

Hook, Line And Sinkhole

A reader reports that the sinkhole at Magnolia and Leland that burst last month has finally been filled in (after a week of being open, as pictured above).

It now boasts a concrete base that should (we hope) hold back "the bubbling crude" that came shooting out of the street in April.

Rally Publicity

The Uptown Anti-Crime Rally is just eight days away. Let's make sure there's a huge turnout of Uptown residents to get the message across that we're sick and tired of all the gunfire, gang warfare and violence -- and now murder -- that have plagued our streets this year.

Please spread the word. If you want to use one of the four flyers which have been posted on Uptown Update, they're all posted here, both in .jpg format (for email and web posting) and in .pdf format (for printing out).

If you have more flyers you've designed and would like added to the page, please send them to uptownupdate@hotmail.com.

We'd also like to add posters that people can print out and display at the rally. Please send us yours!

World's Largest "Velvis" On Display Friday

The Tattoo Factory has opened an annex that's an art gallery, and tonight it will unveil ... drum roll ... for one night only ... The World's Largest Velvet Elvis. (Folks, could we make stuff like this up?)

Show up at 4443 N Broadway between 7 pm and midnight to see Record-Setting Vel-El and enjoy a musical performance by Ilsabe O'Connell.

For more information, click on the link in the first paragraph for the Tattoo Factory Gallery's myspace page.

Wilson Club Hotel Back In Court On August 14th

This is what we're hearing from people who were at Housing Court for the Wilson Club Hotel today:

Approximately ten court advocates showed up, as well as many representatives from Community Policing. Jay Bomberg, owner of the Wilson Club Hotel, was there with legal counsel and 7-8 residents of the hotel. It was a crowded courtroom.

In a nutshell, conditions for cleaning up the hotel were imposed. Mr. Bomberg must return to court on August 14th to demonstrate that he's complied with court's directions.

Were you there? Got more details? Please post in the comments.

We also hear that Alderman Shiller and her henchman devoted aide Maggie Marystone showed up at the courthouse to defend Jay Bomberg and his business practices from the nasty, vindictive "bad apples" (that is, court advocates and community members) who believe people down on their luck shouldn't have to live in kennel-like, dangerous conditions, and who believe that illegal activities taking place inside and in front of a business shouldn't be tolerated.

However, the alderman and her aide showed up too late to actually make it into the courtroom.

Once again, the alderman hears what the community wants and demands, and comes down squarely on the opposite side. We have never heard of a "public servant" being at war with the people she supposedly represents like this. Clearly, the people who pay her salary (through taxes, not campaign contributions) and fund her TIFs are "the enemy" when it comes to throwing around her aldermanic clout. On more time, Uptown Update is outraged and disappointed in the behavior and allegiances of our paid representative.

Heerrrrre's Johnny! Public Enemies (And Parking Restrictions) Back In Uptown

Courtesy of the latest email alert from Business Partners:

Public Enemies is scheduled to shoot Tuesday (6/3) & Wednesday (6/4) at the Aragon Ballroom. They'll begin prep this Saturday (5/31). The proposed parking restrictions are as follows:

May 31, June 1, Sat & Sun (5am-10pm)

• Both sides of Winthrop: Lawrence north for ½ block
• East side of Winthrop: Lawrence south for ½ block
• Both sides of Lawrence: Kenmore to Clifton

June 2-4, Monday (2pm) thru Wednesday (11pm)

• Both sides of Winthrop: Leland to Ainslie
• Both sides of Lawrence: Kenmore to Broadway
• Both sides of Clifton: Lawrence to Broadway
• East side of Broadway: Lawrence to Clifton

Wednesday night, they may shoot an exterior of the Aragon which would require closing Lawrence. There is a chance, however, that today and tomorrow's weather may change their schedule for next week.

Uptown Cleans Up

We noticed a lot of power-washing going on along Wilson Avenue today. We stopped to chat with one of the workers, who told us he was working along our retail corridors at the request of the SSA. We're glad to see a winter's worth of grime, gunk and gum being removed from Uptown's sidewalks.

They Passed

According to "EveryBlock" both "Express Corner" and "Popeyes" passed restaurant inspections on May 27 after both failing recently. Let's hope this was a wake up call to both to keep their establishments clean and tidy.

News-Star: "Staff And Faculty In Shock"

Truman student slain in gang crossfire

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

Faculty and staff at Uptown's Truman College are still reeling at the news of a student who was slain on the 4500 block of North Broadway on May 21, across the street from Alderman Helen Shiller's 46th Ward Service Office.

Francis Oduro, 22, of the 9800 block of South Marquette Ave., was shot twice around 9:15 p.m. by another male described as being in his late teens. Another 22-year-old male who was walking near Oduro on the sidewalk, was also shot in the back, and is listed in stable condition at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.

"We're saddened that this happened," Truman College-spokesman Clifton Truman Daniel said. "Everyone is upset. Teachers and staff are in shock."

Read the rest of the story here.

Tick...Tick...Tick...

From this week's News-Star "Cityside" column:

Countdown Clock

Like the vigil for Our Lady of Medjegorje, Uptown's neighborhood blog "Uptown Update" is featuring a "countdown clock" ticking down the moments to June 1, when groundbreaking for Wilson Yard is expected to take place.

We know that special silver ceremonial shovel is being shined as we speak. Or maybe it's that pair of giant scissors left over from last year's ribbon cutting for the new Aldi's Supermarket. At any rate, Uptown residents can't wait for the shovel to hit the lead-contaminated dirt.

Mayor Daley's Block Club University, June 7 At McCormick Place

Mayor Daley and Police Superintendent Jody Weis invite you and your group to the 2008 Block Club University and Neighborhood Assembly at McCormick Place, on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 7:30 am until 1:00 pm.

Free transportation will be provided, along with free breakfast and lunch. Register your group quickly, as space is limited. Learn from professionals and each other how to create and sustain safer communities. Workshop topics will include:

What Is Mayor Daley’s Block Club University?
How to Beautify your Neighborhood
Tackling Community Problems
Creating New Community Organizations
Battling Problem Buildings on your Block
How Block Clubs and Faith Institutions can make Safer Streets
Safeguarding our Senior Citizens
Preventing Foreclosure in your Community
Youth Safety Programs that Your Child Should Not Miss

To register call the CAPS Office at (312) 744 4742 or send an e-mail to

Irma.Perres@chicagopolice.org

~ Sponsored by ~
The Chicago Police Department, the CAPS Implementation Office, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and 311/City Services

Richard M. Daley, Mayor Jody Weis, Department of Police Superintendent

In A Distant, Far Off Ward...

May 28, 2008, Beat 2032 Meeting for tomorrow

Dear 47th Ward Resident,

This is a reminder about the CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Meeting for Thursday, May 29th for Beat 2032. Beat 2032 is bordered by Foster to Lawrence and Leavitt to Clark. The meetings are held the last Thursdays of odd months. They are always held at Ravenswood Evangelical Church at 4900 North Damen Avenue. The meetings begin at 7pm.

Sincerely,

Gene Schulter
Alderman, 47th Ward

Street Safety Seminar May 29 At Truman College

(click to enlarge for more information)

Clarendon Park Dog Park Fundraiser on Friday

Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association reminds us of its fundraiser this Friday in support of building a Dog Park at Clarendon Park: "Please encourage your friends and neighbors to attend. We want to encourage a large turnout and hope you will help to make our kick-off a success. Please also feel free to contact us with any suggestions, questions, or concerns. We value your support and consider it imperative to our success. Thanks.CPNA"

(If you click on the poster above, it will open up into a size suitable for printing and distributing.)

Two Great Dining Options At Clark And Leland

We spotted a new restaurant on Clark just south of Leland. "Tiztal Cafe," at 4631 N. Clark, has a sign advertising breakfast served all day and also a fresh fruit and juice bar. The photo is a bit blurry but we peeked inside and the interior has been totally redone.
While you are over in this area, be sure to check out "Thai On Clark," which is just a bit north of Tiztal Cafe and is sporting a nice, new awning. Prices are reasonable and it has some of the best chicken satay we have ever tasted. Call 773-275-2620 for carryout orders.

Kenmore Christopher House Kaput

The Christopher House location at 4303 North Kenmore that closed last year and was sold to a developer started demolition yesterday.

Christopher House continues to operate at five other locations.

Thanks, as always, to our readers who let us know what's going on in the community and who send in photos.

For Those Living On The Edge...

of Uptown that is, a new crime blotter blog has surfaced, aptly titled the "Edgewater Crime Blotter." They provide info much in the way the Uptown Crime Blotter does, but they focus more on Andersonville, Edgewater, and Rogers Park. Also, the guys at the Uptown Crime Blotter are still on the lookout for someone to help them in their efforts. Send an email to uptowncrimeblotter@gmail.com and let them know why you should be selected to join their team and you will get a FREE POLICE SCANNER! How can you beat that?

Probably A Boo-Boo...

A reader just sent in this pic from the BP at Lawrence and Clarendon. Gas for $1.47 a gallon? We have a feeling the folks at BP have rectified this situation by now.

Positive Loitering Tuesday At Sheridan & Wilson

(Thanks to a reader for taking photos and sending them to us)

Reminder: Wilson Men's Hotel In Housing Court Thursday, May 29, 9am Daley Center Room 1111

Mark your calendars folks. For those of you who happen to have the day off on Thursday, May 29 or maybe you are downtown in the vicinity of the Daley Center, head over to room 1111 of the Daley Center for the housing court hearing of the Wilson Men's Hotel. It starts at 9am and court advocates (concerned residents) are needed to show the judge that this is indeed a serious issue in our neighborhood that needs attention. People who walk down this stretch of Wilson need no reminder of the blight this establishment has brought onto our community, but in case you do, check out these photos. The gentleman with the red arrow is our favorite litter-bug. He loves to chuck whatever he has been drinking down on the sidewalk when he is finished. The shopping cart full of beer cans you see below (which we photographed on Wilson) has since moved around the corner and is on the Clifton side of the Wilson Men's Hotel chained to a street sign.

Where Am I Located?

Name the location of this beautiful building. We will give you one clue, it's on a corner.

Concerts In Buena Circle Park, June 26

CHICAGO - BUENA PARK NEIGHBORS (BPN) is pleased to announce the first of two free concerts in Buena Circle Park. Buena Park neighbors and their families will come together under the stars to listen to blues performed by the Reunion Blues Band. Additionally, Dr. Looney the Clown will be on hand making balloon animals for the children. The free concert takes place on Thursday, June 26th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Buena Circle Park concert series is organized by BPN in conjunction with the Chicago Park District. All neighbors and families are welcome.

Buena Circle Park is located at the intersection of North Kenmore Ave and West Buena Ave (1000 block West and 4200 block North). The Reunion Blues Band concert is sponsored by Nick Novich, of Nick’s Uptown Chicago - 4015 N. Sheridan, Nick’s on Wilson - 1140 W. Wilson Ave. and Nick’s Beer Garden - 1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.

BUENA PARK NEIGHBORS was founded in 1997 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit resident-based organization. BPN is dedicated to bringing together residents and working together to improve the quality of life in the area generally bounded by Montrose Avenue on the north, Irving Park Road on the south, Clark Street on the west and Marine Drive on the east.
For more info contact BPN at general@buenaparkneighbors.org

Violence And Where It Happens In Chicago

A reader writes in:
"Attached are two maps, each tells a different story - one shows the location of low-income housing by neighborhood, the other shows the violence over one weekend in April of this year (dubbed bloody weekend). When they are compared it is evident that the violence clusters around the neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of low-income housing. Unfortunately, Uptown with nearly 6000 units of low-income housing is one of those neighborhoods. Studies show it's not the low-income housing in itself but the concentrations that increase the likelihood that a neighborhood will experience more crime."
(map credit:Sun-Times)

More Anti-Crime Rally Posters For Your Consideration

Two readers just sent in their own designs for the June 7 Anti-Crime Rally. Some had mentioned wanting posters with more design and color, so here you go (as always, click the poster to enlarge). We think you could head to Staples or Kinko's and print these off relatively inexpensively.

Update: For those uncomfortable with the flyer showing the face of Francis Oduro, another version of the poster has been added.

Where Old Meets New

We were wondering how the folks doing the rehab on the Uptown Broadway Building were going to deal with the black wrought-iron detailing around the street level windows. Much had crumbled and fallen off over the years. Looks like they made exact replicas and workers were seen installing the new gray colored iron next to the older, black iron yesterday. Impressive!

New Trees At Challenger Park

A reader sent us pics today of the newly planted trees in Challenger Park. He also caught a few Uptown residents enjoying the beautiful weather with their dogs. Looks like the dogs approve of the improvements.

Shiller: 90% Of What We Do Is Responding To People On A Day-To-Day Basis

In light of the recent shootings and Shiller’s refusal to speak out, let’s not forget Shiller’s quote from one year ago featured in this Pioneer-Local story:

Her Quote:
"It's going to be different," said Alderman Helen Shiller, 46th, but not with the kind of fireworks some observers have predicted. While the new crop of aldermen are raising different issues, "they're serious about learning their jobs and being effective. And 90 percent of what we do is responding to people on a day-to-day basis.

"I think it's going to be more my kind of thoughtfulness," said Shiller, a 20-year council veteran.

State Senator Carol Ronen Gets 'Golden Parachute'

When politicians leave office they can do it the honorable way. They can just retire and let their seat get filled by the electorate.

Or, as seems to be the case with former State Senator Carol Ronen, they can sell out their constituents and make money to boot.

Read all about it at the Chicago Tribune:

'Fontana Grill' Coming To Wilson And Beacon

Checking out "EveryBlock" we came across a liquor license application for "Fontana Grill," the upcoming restaurant right on the corner of Wilson and Beacon at 1329 W. Wilson. We had heard they would specialize in Italian food, but that still remains to be seen. We look forward to welcoming "Fontana Grill" to the neighborhood this summer.

Uptown Residents Plan Anti-Crime Rally For Saturday, June 7 At 10am At Ald. Shiller's Office

After much debate and discussion, it appears the consensus for the Uptown Neighborhood Crime Rally will be Saturday, June 7 in front of Alderman Shiller's office at 4544 N. Broadway. Be in front of the Alderman Shiller's office at 10am. We need residents to step forward for planning purposes. We already have someone willing to design flyers for the rally. Now is the time for block club presidents and organizations such as UCC, UNC, and WAMA to step forward and help in the planning process.
Update: A reader just sent in a flyer (below) that you can click to enlarge, then print and pass out to your neighbors and post in businesses in your neighborhood to get the word out.

Someone REALLY Wanted That Bike

A reader writes in:
"Last night I had locked my bike up to a street sign outside of my place at 747 Buena. I typically take it into my place, but I had a lot of other things to carry. Then this morning when I walk out the front door I am greeted with the attached picture. They had actually removed the street sign from the ground in order to steal my bike. Just infuriating."