Hugo Espino, owner of Golden House Restaurant on Racine just next door to the Riviera, has been having some issues with the project manager for the new Bank of America.
Basically, the new bank needs a parking lot to do additional outside work. Several weeks ago, Hugo was approached by the project manager to see if he would allow them to use the [Golden House parking] lot. The project manager told Hugo they would pay him $300 a day.
Hugo said that he would have to charge the bank $2000 a day for the 5 days (a total of $10,000) they needed the parking lot because he would lose lots of customers.
The project manager took this information back to the owner of the building, who then called Hugo. The owner told Hugo he was being ridiculous. Hugo then told the owner that the project manager told him that the city wanted to charge the bank $150,000 to use the alley and part of the street to do the work. Not to mention that it would take several weeks longer to finish the job if they had to use the street and alley.
Hugo said to the owner, why not just pay me the money I need and you can have the lot? But the owner refused. A few weeks later, an inspector shows up at Golden House. The inspector told Hugo that someone "nearby" called on the restaurant, saying the food was horrible. Hugo is not sure, but believes that it was probably someone from the bank job site.
This past Tuesday, Yvonne Odell and George Atkins from Helen's office show up at Golden House. They ask Hugo if he would reconsider allowing the bank to use the lot because the construction company was supposed to begin work on the 9th of June to meet deadline opening.
Hugo said to them that he was fairly certain that one of the workers called the city inspectors on him. Both Yvonne and George guaranteed Hugo that the inspectors would not be back. Hugo asked them how they could guarantee that. Yvonne told Hugo that he had "her word".
Hugo then asked George and Yvonne if the bank did not pay him the $10,000, would they???? George said "NO". Hugo told them at that point that he would prefer to work with the owners of the building on his own.
Of course Hugo is very upset by all of this. He feels as if he is being bullied. At this point, he does not want to allow the bank to use his lot at all. He said that the bank could have just paid the $10,000 and the lot would have been theirs but, instead, they had to run to the Alderman's office like children to try and get what they want. He said he "WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED."
A reader sent the following article to us and said it was with the knowledge and approval of the owner of the storied Golden House pancake restaurant near the Riviera. Are the alleged facts true? We suggest you talk to the restaurant owner for any further details or clarifications.
This kind of post worries me because you publish it without attribution (an unidentified reader with alleged permission from Jugo is not a credible attribution) or first checking the facts yourself; in fact, you tell your readers to check the facts out for you.
ReplyDeleteI love the Golden House Restaurant and if this is true, I do not find Jugo's demands unreasonable; his parking lot is always jammed and for many of his customers, it's the only way they can get there.
The reader who sent it to us is well-known to us and is someone who's always sent us credible stories before. The reader asked not to be identified because of feared retribution. We questioned whether or not running this would cause trouble for the owner of the Golden House, and got word that the owner wants it to run.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, we did not interview Mr Espino personally, so the facts are necessarily "alleged."
I understand where you're coming from, Caring Neighbor, but as a reader I have no idea who your Deep Throat source is or which news items he/she might have given you in the past by which to judge the validity of this item.
ReplyDeleteIf you're not going to reveal the source, you owe your readers the courtesy of verifying the facts yourself. Why should I, or any reader, have to answer your question "are the alleged facts true?"
I would not be surprised if the story is true, but without even a bit of support it's only gossip, not news.
Perhaps it's time to allow a few more trusted individuals that you feel provide credible stories a true voice on your blog and let them post directly? (With aliases, of course.) Then we can say, ah, this story comes from so and so...
IF you assume this as posted is true then here is a solution and some thoughts.
ReplyDelete1. Restaurant rents lot to construction company at more reasonable rate. I wonder how much the restaurant grosses in a day. $2000 seems excessive to rent that lot.
2. Construction company posts sign that patrons of the restaurant can park across the street at the bank lot for free and reimburses the bank for the number of parkers or hands out parking vouchers.
3. Aldermanic aides trying to work out some solution seems reasonable to me. Now the calling in inspectors seems problematic, but there is no indication the aides to the alderbeast did this. If the alderbeast or her aides did call the inspectors then that would be an issue. Of course since aldermanic aides allegedly are armed with baseball bats one should be careful who one accuses.
4. Can't we all just hold hands and sing Kumbaya?
"it's only gossip, not news."
ReplyDelete... hence all of the question marks, the use of the word "alleged" and the suggestion that if readers want more info, we should go to the source.
I hear what you're saying, watchdog, but this is a blog, not a news outlet - and I think readers understand that.
I'm fine with this sort of post as UU properly represented the context and the nature of the source.
Which they did.
Having said all of that, I have no love for Bank of America and their exploitive ways (credit cards for people with no SSN#, piss poor customer service, etc), and I'd be much happier if they weren't even here.
This is the best breakfast place in Uptown. The owners are hardworking immagrants from Mexico. Please don't screw it up.
ReplyDeleteWhy is the Alderman office even involved in private business? When Shiller rezoned Borders why couldn't she include Golden House?
While I like Irishpirate, "$2000 seems excessive to rent that lot", Um then dont rent it and be on your way. No matter how much he was charging doesn't give anyone the right to try and muscle him.
I can't wait to move out of Uptown. You people forget the Government should be working for you in Chicago.
Uptown Dad,
ReplyDeleteyou seem to like to say you are moving in every post. Well move then.
As for the aides to the alderbeast trying to work out a solution that seems like proper involvement to me.
Calling inspectors: wrong.
Trying to solve a problem that ultimately benefits everyone: right.
A couple of years ago, our building's condo association netted a $1,800 for a few hours. The midrise to the north of us needed space / access for a large crane that was delivering a new elevator. We didn't even ask for the dough; a smart project manager just showed up with it.
ReplyDeleteHugo is well within his rights to ask for premium rent for short-term usage given the fact that he has had to absorb the long-term hassles of B of A construction.
B of A is all about the fees. Seems kind of stinky for them to complain about paying up this minor bit now. Pay the man, shake his hand and ask for a pancake breakfast. Done.
i love the restaurant and the family that runs it. as far as i am concerned, it is consistantly the best basic breakfast in chicago.
ReplyDeleteall i know is that if they would be driven out of uptown by corruption or intimidation, i would be frequenting that stretch (borders, etc.) a lot less often.
i think calling inspectors seems shady and that jugo should continue negotiations for use of his lot. if it's his, it seems to me that he should be able to call the shots on it.
Maybe it's because I am still a bit drunk from a night of experiencing one of the greatest rock shows I have ever seen, (Swervedriver @ the Metro), but why would the Bank press so hard for the Golden House's lot (which is tiny) when the Buddhist house/facility has a massive, often vacant, lot just feet from the GH's? Is it a freedom of religion thing or is there something else to the story?
ReplyDeleteI have to say there has been a "lot" of activity in that alley lately, construction to the road and electrical wire lines is frequent (my block lost power the other day for 3 hours and I noticed the Golden House had to turn on an outside generator during the outage).
The funny/sad thing is I have called 311 several times on the graffiti all over the walls, dumpsters, Riviera wall/doors, and still it is there.
Wherever direction the money is flowing back there, it is definitely a strange current.
I personally feel the owners of Golden House are extremely shortsighted. Do they not realize that there will be new customers next door? That the reason for positive development is that it brings new people into the area, thus new customers?
ReplyDeleteI personally will not go back to Golden House. Whereas it is their right to get whatever he wants, it is detrimental to the neighborhood as a whole to make redevelopment a pain in the ass.
It is their right to ask for what he wants, it is my right to spend my money elsewhere, and I will...
redevelopment???
ReplyDeleteIt's a bank. We need another bank in Uptown like we need another crack head.
Irish pirate, your such a lawyer and you have now fallen out of my good graces.
How about I come park my car in your front yard. Then you can charge me a "fair" amount and then I can say "up yours" call in my mob buddies, and pay what I want. Sounds like a plan, see you around noon?
Think before you type, this is America, free enterprise.
On that note I am off to the Golden House for a fathers day breakfast. Hope there is parking.
LOL Uptown Dad, are you REALLY that naive to think a bank is a bad thing? When you actually move out of Uptown, which you mention in almost every post, please let me know. I would be happy to help you pack...
ReplyDeleteI am indeed the person who spoke to Hugo directly. This is ALL true and Hugo was angry enough that he had no problem with me providing this information to Uptown Update. Bottom line is, Hugo is completely within his right to charge whatever he wants for "HIS" parking lot. As for Uptown Superhero, if you feel the need to take your business elsewhere because a small independent business owner is standing up for his rights, then by all means please do so.However, you would be doing a great disservice to this community by not patronizing local busineses. More than likely Bank of America will get what they want anyway. The Alderman's office did not get involved to intermediate, they became involved to bully....and in return "guarantee" that he would not get inspected if he did what the Alderman's office and the Bank wanted. Do you call that "Free Enterprise"? I don't.
ReplyDeleteUptownStttuperhero and Pirate,
ReplyDeleteStick to the issues. When I relocate for my family and work it will be my choice. As far as posting, I said it twice on two differnt post within a few minutes of each other. That was my train of thought to the moment. It's not a "threat", this is an open forum for thought, yet you two ladies feel the need to veer of the issues and worry about that? You know who else commented on that? BillyJoe. Nice that you all are on the same thought wave.
I do all my banking, investing online. Also, I could care less for Bank of America. And I really don't think you could help me lift boxes. Oh, wait you said packing.. eeer.
I can hear it now.."Honey it's Sunday morning and Im starving."
"Oh I know dear, that wonderfull new Bank of America just opened up next to where the Golden House used to be, lets go there!"
I had a great Breakfast at the GH this morning. Talked with Bronco and Hugo to get insite on this issue. I will take their side over a politition any day.
Thanks for the update Intheknow.
Sorry guys I typed "ladies" in my post. I am sure you two are very much men.
ReplyDeleteYes, the building that looked like crap for 20 years is a much better neighbor than a Bank of America..lol... right Dad and Intheknow?
ReplyDeleteAnd Dad I am not a misogynist,,, so I do not look at you calling me a lady and insult. Thanks, though, for an insight into your character..lol
Uptown Dad,
ReplyDeleteyou are a legend in your own mind.
Let us know when you are leaving so we can arrange a going away party at the Golden House. Perhaps Billy Joe can find the remnants of an old Hillbilly Band to play a farewell gig.
IF, and that is a big IF, what was originally posted is completely true AND a threat of inspection was made or suggested by the aldercreature's aides then that is wrong.
Now Hugo can attempt to charge whatever he wants. Why not 10,000 per day and two hookers to go? In the end if this plays out as described he will get no cash, as is his businessman like right, the contractor will fork out more money to the city, and the neighborhood will be inconvenienced by construction blocking access and taking longer than necessary. Sounds like a Milton Friedman wet dream.
If in fact the contractor has to pay the city $150,000 that is a short term benefit for the taxpayers. What the long term consequences of such gouging are I could only speculate.
In the real world, which apparently you only inhabit physically and not mentally, parties try to come to mutually beneficial agreements.
Now you can go change your adult diaper. I'm sure since you refer to "snake" in your profile and your flexibility in the bedroom that it won't be an issue.
hey uptown superhero! I find insight into your character from the fact that you cand read this UU post and somehow turn it into grounds for a personal boycott of Golden House Pancakes.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBTW, who is "the owner" in this story?
ReplyDeleteSo the owner of a local restaurant gets bullied by a bank, and some people stick up for the bank? WTF? The guy can charge whatever he wants for the use of his property.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the Pancake House located in the 48th Ward?
ReplyDeleteSuzanne--No that sliver of land is in the 46th ward, though the opposite side of the street (Racine) is the 48th ward (the side that has back side of Borders, Soggy Paws).
ReplyDeleteThe business intimidation/bullying tactics by alderman Shiller are well known in this part of the ward. A few years back during the election year she bullied Agnes of Agnes Cleaners on Wilson with what Agnes perceived to be veiled threats by both her office staff and the alderman herself and it was discussed at length on the Buena Park Neighbors board at that time.
So who is the owner of the Riv Building(?) who is said to have called the owner of GH?
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't ever been to this place read the reviews on yelp. It seems to me that Helen Shiller's office should be interested in helping and not hurting this locally owned business that caters to a wide range of Uptowners---especially since the Uptown Snack Shop is gone now too.
What does anyone involved in the issue want patrons and residents to do?
Thanks, tjm. The ward boundaries are confusing. The last remap moved me from the 48th to 46th. Intimidating tactics are not the sole province of Ald. Shiller though. During this last primary, we had business owners in the 47th and the 48th threatened with all sorts of stuff---licensing, streets and san, building inspectors, you name it---just for displaying my campaign signs. People were also hassled if their names appeared on an A1 report. The only nonsense that occurred in 46, though, was a silly little man who showed up at our office with a box cutter but he was about as threatening as Danny Partridge.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an open and shut case, right? It has all the makings of a reasonable proposition. GH has parking. GH has customers that use the parking. BofA needs temporary parking. BofA pays GH for exclusive use of temporary parking.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the problem?
They forgot to scratch a few backs or the backs show up out of nowhere looking to be scratched?
a new bank may is not a bad thing...but ANOTHER bank is completely unnecessary.
ReplyDeletewe should have a group discussion about this down in wicker park...we can meet at swank frank and then go to filter for coffee....oh, wait...
the guy can charge whatever he wants for his land.
My partner and I love Golden House and the people that own and work there. I just hope that there's no more trouble considering that Bank of America has plenty of money to pay for it.
ReplyDeleteSo I missed Swervedriver???! I missed them the first time around back in the early '90's. Did they play Duel? I'm getting old...
i think i will put on mezcal head in honor of two swervedriver mentions in one post.
ReplyDeletewho knew there were so many late 20's - early 30's guys on here...
Lets not blame Bank of America for this incident. Chances are very high that the project manager and construction company do NOT work for BofA, but are contracted to do the work.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I agree that GH can charge whatever they want -- and I think $10k is a fair deal considering their other option is to pay the city $150k AND it would take the project extra time if they went this route.
I sure hope that BoA construction stops using the streets, as cement has gotten into the already clogged sewers on Lawrence, thus exacerbating the "lake" effect water pooling that the recent heavy rains have caused.
ReplyDeleteI also think that if Jugo is calculating correctly about offsetting the lost business he would face is the parking lot was unavailable, then he is prefectly within his rights to charge that. The city inspectors have pretty much lost any credibility they otherwise might have had.