To Our Community

A Resolution For 2009?

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

Suburban Prosecutors Sue Gang Members For Money

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

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

Tiztal Cafe Robbed?

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

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

'Helen's Money' Website Surfaces

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

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

New Gift Store Opens

We welcome LightSpeed: Chicago, Uptown's newest gift store, which opened its doors yesterday, at 4238 N Broadway (between Cullom and Buena).
"To welcome in the New Year, the newest gift store in the Uptown neighborhood is having a one-of-kind blowout sale. Light Speed: Chicago will have almost its entire merchandise 25-50 percent off and if you present this coupon, take an additional 10 percent off already marked-down merchandise. The new store, 4238 N. Broadway, offers a unique selection of handmade crafts from Chicago artists, stationery, journals, artful greeting cards, green bags, political buttons and earrings. In addition, the store offers several computer stations to browse the Internet. You can also check us out online at http://www.lightspeedchi.com/ or call (773) 549-7776. Hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Nathan Miller (President)"

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night....

A reader writes: Our Uptown neighborhood has literally been pitch-black every night for almost 2 weeks. All the street lights on the 4400 block of Clifton and Sunnyside from Clifton to Magnolia are not working. The lights have been out since December 19 and make it especially dangerous for anyone walking after dark. We believe the construction at Truman has knocked out the lights.

We've contacted Truman yesterday after numerous 311 calls have done nothing and they have asked the construction foreman to look into it. This could be a very eerie New Year's Eve.

Christmas Day Shooting Victim Expected To Recover

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Shootings In A Week And A Half

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

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

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

Breaking News: Shooting At Magnolia & Sunnyside

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

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

UPDATE: From CBS 2:
CHICAGO (STNG) ―

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

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

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

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

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

Belmont Area detectives are investigating.

Call To Action: Help Homeless Living At Wilson L

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

Windsor Sinkholes Need Attention ASAP

Hi UU,
I thought you might find a use on your site for these photos (attached) of the 800 block of W. Windsor. I took them today. The city said they were going to replace the sewer on our street beginning in June. In reality, they started around the beginning of November. (Seems unwise, but who am I to say?) Since the start of work, the street has been a wreck. The workers have piled various supplies (see "stuff piled on sidewalk" photo) wood and big gravel piles on the sidewalks at both ends of the street, making them unusable in certain areas. During work hours, pedestrians use this narrow street at their own risk. Depending on where the workers have the big equipment, one might find themselves within a couple of feet of earthmovers that are in use. The workers don't seem concerned, but I have been wondering how safe/legal it is that I have to walk out my door and into a working construction site (without a hard hat) everyday just to get to the bus stop. Now, (yesterday) with all of the melting snow and ice, the street has developed sizable sink-holes...in a lot of places. These are dangerous for cars and pedestrians...and if it snows, it will be even worse. The street has been unpaved since the start of work. It is surfaced in mud, finely crushed gravel, and sand. On a wet day it is messy. With ice, it is even more treacherous than regular pavement. I'm going to contact the Alderman tomorrow. In the meantime, I've seen some good sink-hole photos on your site...I hope you like these! Thanks for your work on UU. It makes our neighborhood better.

Windsor Resident

7-Eleven On Wilson Has Booze

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

Good Samaritans On Castlewood

Dear UU,

I was wondering if you could please post a thank you for me for two individuals that live on Castlewood and literally saved my Christmas. I have no idea if these two gentlemen read Uptown Update, but because I don't have their names or where they live, this is the best option I have to express my gratitude.

I live in Uptown and had my car parked on Castlewood. I was unfortunately out of town during the huge snow and ice storms that hit the Chicago area during the week of December 15. I returned to the BITTER temperatures that gripped the City last weekend and turned what was snow into giant bricks of solid ice. I went to my car on Monday to try to dig it out in order to ensure that I would be able to get home for Christmas. Unfortunately, I arrived at my car to find that it had been plowed in and was sitting on giant blocks of ice. After an hour and a half of trying desperately to dig it out, I was still unsuccessful and decided to give up for the night because I knew it was supposed to warm up a little the next day.

I returned to my car on Tuesday determined to get it out. After beginning to try to dig out, I quickly realized that it was probably not going to happen. I called my family in tears because I knew that I would not be able to get home for the holiday if I could not get the car out that evening. I was not ready to give up, so I continued to try to break up the ice and dig out, shattering my new shovel in the process (I was again trying to dig out for over an hour). I made a little progress, but was still FAR from getting out of my spot. A nice gentleman was snowblowing the sidewalk across the street from my car. He saw me struggling and came over. He used his snow blower to clear some of the snow and ice that I had broken up from in front of my car. (This was not a quick process, he was helping me for at least 15 or 20 minutes before we were able to clear away enough to try to move the car). Another gentleman then came out of his house to help. They helped push my car while I tried to steer out of my spot. Thankfully, this was successful. I was so happy that thanks to these two good Samaritans, I would be able to be home with my family for Christmas. I am still so touched by their kindness and so grateful for their generosity, there are not enough words to truly express my gratitude.

I would appreciate if you could post at least part of this message in hopes that one or both of these gentlemen or their families read it so they have an idea of how grateful I am. It's really great to know that there are these kinds of generous people in our community.

Thanks,
M

Ice Ice Baby

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

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

Bridgeview Bank Gets Federal Bailout

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

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

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

Letters To The Editor

From the News-Star:

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

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

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

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

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

More Info On Abandoned Newborn

Breaking News:Christmas Shooting At Wilson & Broadway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Holidays From Uptown Update

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

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

News Star: Uptown Family Finds Baby Abandoned In Vestibule

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

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

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

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

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

Drug Rehabilitation Or Revolving Door?

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

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

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

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

Another Abandoned Baby In Uptown

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

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

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

We Are Surrounded...

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

Foreclosures A'Plenty In Uptown

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

Uptown Christmas Bragging Rights

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

Baby, It's Cold Outside

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

Clean Slate Keeps Uptown Sidewalks, Streets Clear

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

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

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

St. Mary Of The Lake Photos & History

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

Another Statistic: Uptown Gang Member Profiled

By Annie Sweeney, Sun-Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Then There Was Light, And It Was Good

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

Uptown Year In Review 2008

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

How Would You Like THIS Job?

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

Letters To The Editor

From the News-Star:

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

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

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

Get Your Slurpee Fix On!

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

WAMA Holiday Cheer Spreads Down Magnolia

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

Baby NOT On Board

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

Hello Fiesta Mexicana, Goodbye Green Mill Gardens

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

Where Am I Located?

Shiller: FixWilsonYard Suit "Insane," Blames Group For Uptown's Polarization

From the News-Star: Shiller Comes Out Fighting

By LORRAINE SWANSON, Editor

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

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

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

Read the entire article here.

Reminder: Call 911 To Report Construction Violations

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

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

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

Sun-Times: "Another Chance On The N. Side's Money Pit"

UPTOWN - Maryville Academy Site is Latest Development Deal

December 17, 2008, DAVID ROEDER Real estate columnist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baby Wilson Case Update

15-Year-Old Mom Gets Probation, Community Service

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

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

It's Pothole Time!

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

Quick Fix, Bad Sitch

A reader writes: "I made a point of going to Alma Pita for lunch today to show them some love after their break-ins. I was glad to see that the doors to both Alma Pita and Agnes Cleaners had been replaced. Both businesses had to pay for new cash registers since the ones they had -- past-tense -- were ruined by being thrown around the stores. They also had to pay for new doors and board-up service.

"Harjit and Alma told me they were devastated, as was Agnes, because they saw the neighborhood getting so much better lately. Plus, it's slow season, and the money they had to pay out-of-pocket is going to take quite a while to replace. Harjit confirmed that Three Harmony, across the street, had been robbed the same way Saturday night, and Mr. Salsa, too, so he suspects it's a couple thieves making the rounds.

"He will speak to a detective in the next day or so to see what evidence the police were able to collect. Harjit asked me to call the CAPS office and ask about getting a task force together since so many businesses have been robbed in the past few weeks. I was really sad to see this happen to two businesses that have been in Uptown for so long, true Wilson Avenue pioneers."

Water And Ice And Everything Nice

A reader writes about the Bezazian Library at Ainslie and Magnolia: "A water pipe burst in the library parking lot last Monday. City workers came a couple of days ago to inspect it, but nobody since... Gallons of water have been pouring out of the ground for 8 days."

With the cold temps, we hope no one slips and falls on the ice slick that's been forming there. Be careful, folks!

Very Local Holiday Pub Crawl Tuesday Night

A pub crawl ... all the way from Crew to Wild Pug. Drink local!

Uptown Got Its Hustlers

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

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

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

Letters To The Editor

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

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

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

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