We must admit, our curiosity is piqued by the news that, among other construction at the family apartments and senior housing at 920 W Wilson, the building permit also lists "Conversion of 355 dwelling units to 317 SRO units." If one of our many JPUSA readers can enlighten us, we'd love to know the skinny.
(click to enlarge)
Just what Uptown needs: another ware house
ReplyDeleteSounds like another attempt to stockpile votes from other areas where SRO's have been closing. Bring them all, and Helen will make sure they find the voting booth and are told how to cast their ballots. (just my opinion)
ReplyDeleteyeah, we are stock-piling votes by decreasing the rooms. You guys are so bright!
ReplyDeleteSo, Otto, instead of trying to post insulting comments, why not tell us what's going on?
ReplyDeleteThis is a golden opportunity. We're politely asking for information. You can work with the community and let us know, or you can continue to be snarky. Your choice.
Generally speaking:
ReplyDeleteA "dwelling unit" includes a bathroom and a kitchen.
A "SRO unit" does not, and can only be occupied by a single person.
That is according to a HUD document I found, not sure if it is completely up to date, or if it wholly applies in this case.
While the general definitions make sense, I'm not sure why the owners of any building would eliminate kitchens and bathrooms if it didn't mean there would at least be more units in the building. So, maybe the definitions from the HUD document don't exactly apply.
This could just be a move to make the paperwork for the building more accurately reflect the way it is being used...that is just a random guess though.
Hey Otto and/or JPUSA folks a few questions for you guys:
ReplyDeleteDo you plan on operating this building as a SRO with monthly, weekly, and/or daily rentals? Or are you just converting the building for apartments with monthly rentals? Could you clarify if the average apartment or room will be larger or smaller after the changes? Will each finished apartment be minimally habitable, that is, to include safe functioning kitchens and a complete in-unit private bathroom?
Does this property have proper zoning for a SRO use? Has there been a rezone of this parcel from a use (between 1990 and 2002) which would have allowed SROs but now only allows a SRO as a qualified "grandfathered" use? Did JPUSA's failure to operate this property as a SRO open to the general public for a year or more extinguish any "grandfathered" SRO rights?
I don't know that Otto will answer. He took offense at some of his previous comments (that were insulting to certain individuals) not being published, and said he would have answered had his voice not been stifled.
ReplyDeleteHe also said the rezone was good enough for the city, so why should he share it with the community?
Incidentally, we've also not put through posts on this thread that insult individuals at JPUSA.
If you have strong opinions about the personalities behind the comments, we suggest that discussion go to the UU Forum, but we're trying to keep the threads on topic as much as possible.
"He also said the rezone was good enough for the city, so why should he share it with the community?"
ReplyDeleteO-kay.
Maybe because it would be a good way to build goodwill with your neighbors?
Maybe because you have nothing to hide and you are excited about the changes (i.e., it better fits the way JPUSA is running these days with visitors who are interested in shorter term service rather than living there indefinitely? - just a guess on my part)
Maybe because we should have all had enough with the suspicion and the rumors about darn near everything and that the only way to solve that problem is to deal with issues head-on before they morph into something nasty?
Just my thoughts...
Where did the link to Uptown Update Forum get moved to?
ReplyDeleteMark, apparently Uptown Updater did some spring rearranging recently! It's under "Links."
ReplyDeleteThe UU has an unfair reputation for being anti-poor by some, but please note that this is an example of where you are unquestionably wearing the "white hat" for the poor among us. Highlighting the possible new construction of a housing type (SRO without en-suite bathrooms and/or kitchens) which historically has not contained all required elements of habitability is appreciated and a true community service.
ReplyDeletePeople with housing insecurity issues need options where they can realistically build a PERMANENT home. That's what they want and need after all. No one would choose to live in a SRO if given a choice. If they are doing all this work, why not create a solution by going a few small steps further to fix the issue for 250 or so people?
Whether or not the city said the zoning was ok is irrelevant as to whether the zoning change or current use is illegal. Abandonment of a prior existing use would be a reason for a court to rule that the city acted improperly and to rule that the property cannot be used as SRO. A court can also rule that the SRO use is limited if the abandonment is partial. My recent experiences with the bad effects of most SROs in the Winthrop-Kenmore corridor makes me think preventing further SRO use is the moral thing to do to PROTECT the poor from simply having another bad option. The only people who benefit from creation of an intermediate housing solution are those dependent on referral fees who don't care about the poor they serve.
Considering that the community can sue to get the SRO use extinguished and fight to eliminate your sources of revenue, continual discussions with the community and those who you may have fought with in the past is in JPUSAs vital interests. Transparency and input from the community protects your business model. You may even learn that community input and accommodation may lead to ideas to help provide better services. In the alternative, you can give the community the finger and spend your energies (and money) fighting and angry - I think you are familiar with REST. Your choice.
To whom it may concern,
ReplyDeleteJPUSA is renovating the lobby. Some rooms are being converted hence the decrease of SRO units available in the building. I hope this satisfies those who were dying of curiosity.
JPUSA is a community of people that live together, it's their private home. I know TRANSPARENCY is the new and hip word, but it’s a little ridiculous that UU felt it was their right to know what renovation was going on INSIDE of 920 W. Wilson.
When you paint your living room a new color or take down a wall in your house, it's really none of my business or anyone else's.
I would understand if you were curious about work being done at one of JP's shelters, but your curiosity of JPUSA’s private building renovations is just borderline creepy.
If my private house had a few hundred people living in it I would not call my neighbors interest in any renovations creepy.
ReplyDeleteIt's a legitimate public question. I live just north of The Friendly Tower and any changes there potentially will impact the overall neighborhood. There are also other reasons involving building permits/codes and life safety issues.
If it was just a question of paint then it would be of no legitimate interest.
At least in terms of the appearance of their buildings JPUSA is not a good neighbor and people legitimately question any building changes that go on there. JPUSA lacks credibility with the neighbors because of their lack of concern for and lack of maintenance on their properties.
I haven't walked down Wilson for a few days. Is that graffiti still up on the awning?
Regarding Gerald's comment about property upkeep.
ReplyDeleteI've been by JPUSA on many, many occasions and don't see any thing wrong with the exterior upkeep. Having never seen the interior I can't commnet there. If the exterior of this building as it currently stands offends anyone's sensibilities than why do we stand for Gigio's Pizza? Or the florist next door? Or Jakes Chicken on Montrose? How about the architect on Broadway with the caved in ceiling? It's looked like this for months and bothers no one? When I walk by JPUSA in the late spring through early fall I see flowers in flower boxes and the sidewalk is always free of trash. I've been greeted with friendly smiles and hellos on several occasions and have never been accosted in any way.
As for the changes they are doing inside, they may or may not affect the community, I don't know and won't speculate. While I realize that they may not need to be open about their goings on and should, I can't say I blame them for keeping quiet. They get talked about enough already. Are they really any worse a neighbor or religious organization than any other? Are they molesting your children like the more popular and accepted "other" organization? Are they pushing their ideals and crazy morals on you from far-away lands and trying to blackmail your politicians with damnations to hell? I'd venture to say no. They're a quiet group that is slightly bohemian.
"If my private house had a few hundred people living in it I would not call my neighbors interest in any renovations creepy."
ReplyDeleteGregory,
Well, I do think it's creepy, difference of opinion. Going on the internet and finding building codes of other peoples homes and than posting it on internet is creepy. And I wouldn't worry that the changes being made will effect the neighbors. Like I said, they are renovating the lobby.
Jpusa has tried to improve relations with the neighbors and has also tried to fix up the outside and inside of the building to make it look nicer. Believe it or not there are alot of people who like things to look nice that live there. It can be hard when you live with so many people. But they do try.
Thanks Chuck. I would have to agree with you. I was almost moved to tears by your kindness.
ReplyDeleteI don't care what the interior of Friendly Towers looks like. They can decorate it with the stations of the cross, or a collection of Jon Trott's running shorts, or skateboard wallpaper, for all I care.
ReplyDeleteWhat I DO care about, as a member of the community, is the conversion of family "dwelling units" to single person "SRO rooms." That affects the community and we deserve to know if we're getting yet another SRO to add to the roster.
Uptown Girl,
ReplyDeleteyou are moved to tears easily.
Chuck,
if Gigio's or any of the other businesses set the standard for appearances then that sucks for the community. We should not have to accept the lowest common denominator as our new standard. I don't patronize Gigio's because of the way they look. Perhaps the pizza is great. I'll never know.
I walk by the JPUSA building frequently and it looks run down to me. That is not uncommon for other buildings in Uptown also.
As for you comment regarding the more accepted denominations and sexual abuse that was a low blow. Pun intended.
JPUSA has had their issues with abuse also. So has any other organization. From government to business, to religious organization, to non profits etc etc. It is part of the human condition. The real question is how does the organization involved deal with the issues. With that there has been failure all around.
My limited interaction with people from JPUSA has been favorable. I personally find their lifestyle rather strange. That does not matter. It is their business and until something they do impacts others they are free to live their lives as they choose.
If they want to live in a commune, grow beards and talk about Jesus they are welcome to do that. Now when they openly campaign for a political candidate or place dumpsters on their sidewalk for months then I have some issues with them. If they don't clean up graffiti on their properties I have an issue with them.
I was not raised in a religious family and have little use for religion. That being said the Bill of Rights correctly allows Americans the right to worship as they please within certain sane limits. No human sacrifice, no molestation of children, no claiming Jesus hates traffic laws etc.
Elements of the Christian Right are beginning to realize that their direct political involvement might be counterproductive for the long term health of their denominations. One day Alderman Shiller will be gone and JPUSA may realize that their direct involvement with her negatively impacts their future and their relationship to the post Shiller community.
Gerald-
ReplyDeleteI said 'almost' moved to tears, I didn't cry. It was refreshing to hear someone on UU say something neutral almost positive about JPUSA.
I do feel like you need to lighten up. There are a lot of men in this world who have beards, Brad Pitt usually has a beard (he must be an abusive christian). The dumpster that was on the sidewalk across the street last year for the whole summer did not belong to jpusa, the graffiti on the awning will be removed, and not everyone here votes the same (believe it or not).
People like you are the reason JPUSA people don't want to answer questions on UU about private business. You have never been there and you make broad accusations of people you have never met. You make me regret ever trying to be TRANSPARENT. Live and learn.
Instead of calling yourself "Uptown Girl" why not "JPUSA Girl"?
ReplyDeleteMethinks Gerry was trying to be amusing with his "beard" comment. You may have missed that since "Christian" and "sense of humor" mix about as well as a group of lesbians at a Pentecostal tent revival.
If JPUSA was going to take care of the "graff art" on their buildings they have had plenty of time. Better to ignore it as a passive aggressive "FU" to "UU" and the rest of the community.
I don't remember any dumpster out there, but there was a political sign, for Shiller, in the front window of that building prior to the last election. That is a big bozo no no. Politics and religion shouldn't mix. It is bad for everyone involved and the larger society.
Whether you like it or not it is not "creepy" to wonder why a large neighboring building is doing some changes regarding the number of rooms. If it were just lobby changes I doubt anything would have been posted. There is a reason building permits are public information.
You stated that everyone at JPUSA doesn't vote alike. I believe you. I also believe that given the voting data from the last election well over 90 percent of the JPUSA'ers vote the way the their "leadership" wants.
If that little group can't take the heat then stop overtly playing a political role. If the Church I was raised in, Holy Mother the Catholic Church, starts sprouting political signs on every parish door before the next election I will criticize them. In fact I would be critical much sooner than you can expect Jesus to return and condemn gay marriage or the current Pope admits that his love for Prada and designer glasses is more than just a style choice.
GRRRRRRRRRRRR,
The constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion. It does not guarantee the right to be bad neighbors. So clean up the graffiti or have the city graffiti blasters do it. Don't whine and lie about how no one their has the knowledge how to do it, see other post, or claim that perhaps the community should step forward to do it.
Don't cry about people finding the building permit for a renovation in a large building.
As was stated in the graffiti topic if some devil worshipping tag was left on JPUSA property or their van I'm sure Jesus himself would soon impart the knowledge of how to make it disappear.
Then the Almighty would give a lecture on block voting, political involvement and the evils of lesbian sex.
I just spoke to Jesus. He said he is very disappointed in all of you and that after he has his fifth Guinness he is going to kick some butt. Don't worry though. By his fourth Guinness he starts crying over Mary Magdalene and he'll forget all about the butt kicking.
See what happens when I'm outta town. I get ornery and not my usual sweet self.
ARRRRRRRGH.
As was stated in the graffiti topic if some devil worshipping tag was left on JPUSA property or their van I'm sure Jesus himself would soon impart the knowledge of how to make it disappear.
ReplyDeleteThen the Almighty would give a lecture on block voting, political involvement and the evils of lesbian sex.
Come back soon, IP. Your sensibility and humor is missed.
Perhaps Pirate has landed a consulting gig off the coast of Somalia?
ReplyDeleteThat would explain his absence.
Will we see him on CNN as a Subject Matter Expert?
Irish Pirate,
ReplyDeleteYou have already admitted that I have a good sense of humor in previous posts,I'm too lazy to find the comments. Maybe your drunk ass can find them.
As for me, I need to get back to making hot lesbian sex.
Go Iowa!
Actually I'm more of a land pirate than a high seas pirate. I would have to take dramamine for the motion sickness.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Somali pirates I hope President Obama takes a lesson from Thomas Jefferson and blows them all to hell. As Ronald Reagan should have learned you don't trade guns or money for hostages and I hope our current Prez is smart enough to realize that.
How to deal with pirates.
As for where I am or what I am doing it's best I keep that quiet. Best for my amusement that is.
I still check in here daily whether I am in Chicago or somewhere warmer. No, I'm not typing away from Hell. Ain't dead yet.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOh,
ReplyDeleteUptown Girl surprises me with her hot lesbian sex comment. Well UG we both may enjoy the company of women so we have that in common. Of course with you I doubt money is exchanged, but I digress.
That surprises me. I kind of pictured you as the wife of Chip Douglas, but now I see that wouldn't work. After all you both wouldn't want to be fighting over who gets to bed Sarah Palin. Chipster doesn't strike me as the sharing type.
Now back to my Murphy's Stout. All this hot talk has made me lighten up and I've temporarily replaced my Guinness with the lighter taste of a Murphy's.
IP.
ReplyDeleteChipster and I had a brief affair after we realized his son and I shared the same birthday. I guess it made us bond in a weird way. It didn't work out because I kept getting migraines.
BTW. I don't want to call myself Jpusa Girl. I grew up there but don't always share the same beliefs. (Great...I just threw Mark Shreiderer some bait).
You all attack JPUSA as though they were the only religious organization in the country that backed a politician. Have you forgotten all the religious leaders that spoke up for GW or do you just like to pick on JPUSA? Have you forgotten the catholic church demanding catholic poloticians be pro-life or nix ever taking communion and damning them to hell?
ReplyDeleteYou may think that my exposing the catholic organization as NAMBLA in drag is a low blow, but you all seem ok with still giving them carte blanche on their activities while blasting JPUSA for simply living in this very diverse neighborhood. You think that JPUSA followers should abandon their religion because the leader is odd yet many still follow the pope and his pedophilic minions like Francis George. So until most religions are full of empty seats I'll continue with my low blows. Though let it be known that as for pirating, I'm of the butt variety.
Chuck,
ReplyDeletecalm down. Criticizing the Catholic Church for their response(which was largely criminal) to sexual abuse is fair game.
Calling Cardinal George a pedophile aint'. There's no indication he is anything but a rule bound old man who badly mishandled the Father McCormick case because of his emphasis on "process". Even he admitted he screwed up.
Criticizing some Church "leaders" for their involvement in politics is fair game.
Uptown Girl,
I'm sorry it didn't work out for you and Chipster. Then again wearing that Sarah Palin mask around the condo would probably get annoying after awhile.
Uptown Girl -
ReplyDeleteI'll pass on the bait, in spite of the fact that Lent is over.
Just one of the things that angers people about JPUSA - whether they live in Uptown, or whether they live in other parts of the U.S. as I do - is that they are bilking the local, state, and FEDERAL governments out of money. That gives Uptown residents and any other U.S. citizen cause to gripe and scrutinize, since OUR money is being used and abused by the JPUSA leadership.
I think I've got your e-mail address. I'm going to forward on to you an e-mail I got from a recent ex-JPUSA ( they left in the past year ) in which they give a long list of people that have left and the state of some of the elders' children. It's heartbreaking, maddening and sickening.
Mark
Whatever Mark.
ReplyDeleteIP-
ReplyDeleteThe mask was what gave me those awful migraines!
And Mark, you passing the bait was a joke. What was up with the dramatic sermon after you so called passed the bait? I call that taking a huge bite and getting caught (in a lie)!
IP, George is more than fair game. Not only is he the NAMBLA high priest here in Chicago he's hosted one of the guilty in his own home knowingly. So while he may not have touched one of the innocents physically, there is a so, so, SO strong guilt by association. In my book I'd call it advocating and endorsing the activity.
ReplyDeleteAnd Mark, the fact that the godless catholics pay no taxes in this country yet feel they have a moral responsibility to legislate my existence to second class and oppress my First Amendment rights in the name of a religious organization that is immoral makes them theives of tax revenue in my book. And to level the playing field here, I think any religious group that doesn't pay taxes yet gets involved in politics should be forced to pay them for the privilege of joining in the debates.
Chuckles,
ReplyDeleteyou really need to calm down a bit. Go ride a bike. Get a craigslist hookup. Take a walk. Spank your Dick Cheney.
You get the idea. That much anger is bad. It leads to the dark side. The dark side is powerful it is. Just ask former independent alderman Shiller that.
Ommmm. Ommmm. Inhale. Exhale. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Hold it. Hold it.
ReplyDeleteThanks IP. I feel much better. Now on with the lesbian sex!