Be sure to get a police report if you slip and fall outside of any house/business that doesn't clear their sidewalks. Injuries often times aren't felt immediately. Best way to make sure someone clears their sidewalk is to slap them with a lawsuit for injuries sustained.
On the other extreme, one of the high-rises by Irving Park and Pine Grove has huge chunks of ice/snow flying (or being thrown?) off the roof and onto the road. I saw that the sidewalk is roped off, but the ice is making it much further and hit my car! Scared the hell out of me but luckily no damage to the car. Still, it seemed very dangerous to beware.
School's been out for a week--and that's CPS's property. Check with CPS to see how frequently they clear ice when school is closed for winter break. Really...only here would a slip and fall in the middle of winter, after a huge snow/ice storm be "news" 'cause it happened in front of *gasp* Uplift...
Also, judging from the angle of the photo, I'm not sure that's really Uplift's property--it appears to be public sidewalk in front of the school. Public property, certainly, but not necessarily Uplift/CPS's responsibility.But why try to figure out the facts before casting blame; easier to take another little swipe at Uplift.
The ordinance "requires building owners or tenants to remove the snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their buildings or vacant lots. The ordinance states that if the sidewalk is wider than five feet, only a five foot path is necessary. Snow that accumulates before 4:00 p.m. must be removed within three hours after the snow has fallen. Snow that accumulates after 4:00 p.m. or during the night shall be removed before 10:00 a.m. Non-compliance can result in ticketing and fines.
I guess I missed the part that said schools don't have to comply. Law's the law. I make sure someone is around to shovel the sidewalks in front of my home, if need be, when I'm not around. Likewise, CPS and Uplift need to figure out who's doing the shoveling.
I shovel to make sure kids going to school don't slip and fall. Uplift and CPS are required by law to have the same consideration for pedestrians who aren't students. A few calls to 311 should take care of the situation.
I'd be interested in seeing how far a lawsuit against a homeowner who didn't shovel the CITY'S sidewalk in front of his home went. Fine me for not complying with the ordinance, OK, but sue me for for it? An interesting case to say the least. It almost makes me want to NOT shovel in front of my house. BTW, I always shovel in front of my house. In addition, I also do two neighbors to the east of my home and the two neighbors to the west. But what's next? Should I be required to shovel the street in front of my home as well?
TSN, you must have been my secret Santa, always calling me "sweetie" in that totally non-condescending manner as you do!
Anyway, TSN, I don't know where you read praise for Uplift anywhere in my comment. But, I do feel like there's a tendency to bully Uplift on this site by some of the lovely UU readers, and I do have an inclination to speak up for the little guy--call it the anti-Scrooge in me. I don't doubt the ordinance you "quote"--now good luck in ticketing CPS and/or the city of Chicago.
The school has been closed for a week, and I found it interesting that instead of calling out the "person" responsible for maintaining the sidewalk outside of the school's fence, (i.e., Chicago and/or CPS), this dear reader decided to pin the blame on the good old scapegoat--Uplift.
So yeah, TSN, as long as people continue to pick on the school and try to unfairly portray it as a bad element in the community, then I may pipe up, if the spirits so move me.
Now, see, that's where the internet is a bad conduit of intent. I'm not a condescending person at all. In fact, my friends often mock me for being too starry eyed and trusting. I call everyone "sweetie" when they're folks I don't know the names or genders of... kids, dogs, defenders of Uplift...
What term do you prefer? UW? Comrade? Neighbor? Associate?
Seems like there's a lot of underdogs in Uptown to defend, but I call BS on your claim that that's your only tie to Uplift. What's your connection, anyway? Personally, if I were looking for a random underdog school to defend, I'd choose McCutcheon. Uplift, with its $350K new cafeteria and Shiller-sponsored marching band uniforms, as well as the alderman's unflinching attention and support, doesn't make it an underdog to me. Now, McCutcheon, on the other hand...
I only comment that you ride to the "rescue" of Uplift whenever it's mentioned. Predictable, really.
Just because the school hasn't been ticketed, fined or sued for not shoveling doesn't make it right, legally, ethically OR morally. That's so old-school Chicago thinking. Isn't Uplift always crowing about iots burning desire for social justice? Doesn't quite jibe with "We don't shovel because 'good luck in ticketing CPS and/or the city of Chicago', now, does it?
Thanks for your wonderful wishes for my holiday. Had a good Christmas Eve, better than Christmas actually, but hey, that's life. I continue to wish you the very happiest of Christmases, and I appreciate your warm wishes in return.
Ok, TSN, I'm sorry I doubted your sincerity on the good wishes--same to you. And calling me Uptown Writer is just fine (or UW, if you prefer). Sweetheart can read a little condescending and dismissive if you don't know the intent.
Speaking of intent, my "riding to the rescue" of Uplift is no more predictable than the slams it takes from you and other readers. I am familiar with McCutcheon and Arai/Uplift, having been former students of both (Uplfit when Arai), and I thought I had stated some time ago that I had a sibling who attended Uplift--let's call it the UU reader whipping boy-- and I also stated here that I've actually MET the teachers/ administrators at these schools. So no need for the "BS" calling--I never denied having a connection to Uplift that caused my irritation at the "predictable" Uplift bashing.
I have met many of the founding members, know their dedication and commitment to this community and these kids, and know that they and the school don't deserve the constant swipes, and certainly don't deserve to be portrayed as immoral or irresponsible in their relationship with the community.
Mystery solved, TSN?
As for moral obligation, my POINT was that either way this is public property (whether that sidewalk is considered CPS's property or the City of Chicago's property). As such it is unfair to act like Uplift was personally responsible for that sidewalk. Do you see the distinction now, TSN? Same principle would apply to McCutcheon or any public school.
And my "good luck" comment had nothing to do with "old school" Chicago thinking--I just question the applicability of that ordinance to the city/CPS in this situation--but hey, a lawyer focusing on government/muni law could tell you for certain.
"Uplift, with its $350K new cafeteria and Shiller-sponsored marching band uniforms, as well as the alderman's unflinching attention and support, doesn't make it an underdog to me." TSN said...
Oh, and one more thing--really, you begrudge an upgraded cafeteria and marching band uniforms for a school in the heart of Uptown?After several decades, that cafeteria needed an upgrade. And I thought uniforms for a marching band was a GOOD thing...
If you think McCutcheon is not getting proper attention, you should be calling out Alderman Smith.
For me, it's all about common sense. I 'tread lightly' on sidewalks that seem a bit neglected. In Uptown I'd much rather come across a sidewalk that hasn't been shoveled, versus a 'gang' of thugs. (or the 'loaded diapers' that are continually thrown against my Malden alley garage.) There's a few stuck in the garage gutter as we speak......regarding this, I do call the management of the building across the way. "owners" tend to be punished up here.......
Using a school as a political tool against the horrible alderman is low even for people like you Truman.
I tutor kids from this school and they are good kids.
This is what just one of them said about stuff that gets out about this site. The kids are somewhat aware of stuff that gets said about Uplift. How? I don't know.
"We know the people on the lake don't like us or want our school here. We try to get them involved in stuff like the bake sales or whatever but they don't want to deal with us. I think they wanna replace our school with a condo"
That is from a 10 year old student who I mentor. Keep fostering that unity Truman. Stay classy. You want rid of Shiller? We all do. Just leave the school out of your agenda. You should be ashamed of yourself.
This Us vs Them attitude will destroy this neighborhood. Focus on getting rid of the alderbeast. Focus on getting rid of the gangs who threaten these kids lives instead of making them feel like their school is a eyesore. Don't come into this neighborhood and ask "what you can do for me" Ask what can I do for the neighborhood. You got no entitlement.
I said (and go back and read what I said, very carefully) that the school, like every other property owner and tenant in the city, needs to be considerate of its neighbors and make sure they don't fall on their asses because of its failure to comply with the law.
YOU are saying that I foster disunity and call the school an eyesore. I dare you, I absolutely DARE you, to find anywhere on this blog, or on BPN, or Beacon Neighbors, where I said anything of the kind.
As far as the "entitlement" you say I felt when I "came into the neighborhood" -- hah. YOU are a newcomer in comparison to me and many of my neighbors. I've been here longer than Uplift, and I've been here longer than the parents of most Uplift students have been on this earth. I was living in Uptown when Ald. Shiller was still in New York and when she was joined the SDS at college in Wisconsin.
Shame ON YOU for on putting words in my mouth that I never said, and for lecturing me about spreading hatred that I've never felt.
Look up "straw man" in the dictionary. And get down off the cross, someone needs the wood.
As such it is unfair to act like Uplift was personally responsible for that sidewalk.
"Personally"? Yes.
Institutionally? It's highly fair.
Uplift is a part of the CPS. CPS is part of the city. It's the responsibility of the city to maintain clear walkways.
Condo owners aren't the only ones to use that sidewalk, but they probably are better equipped, insurance-wise, to handle the after-effects of any medical needs arising from the mix of ice and gravity.
This has nothing to do with Uplift as a school. It has everything to do with the area around Uplift being maintained in a manner which meets the safety needs of the public.
If Uplift (or any school) wants to be a good community presence - it needs to consistently walk the walk.
And shovel that walk, when need be.
Is it really that difficult?
No.
Using a school as a political tool against the horrible alderman is low
Indeed; but, consider who is the one using the school as a tool to defend curious policies and expenditures.
Did that $350k for the cafeteria come from the TIF, as has been stated as a reason to expand WYTIF, or did the state pick up the tab?
I guess it depends on who you ask, now doesn't it?
Who are going to be the recipients of the products of the proposed agroponics center?
When challenged with uses of TIF dollars, what's the first place everyone hears mentioned?
Look, no one besmirches the use of public funds for schools.
No one is targeting the kids at Uplift (neighborhood kids, or those bussed in).
And no one is saying that Uplift is bad place.
But when the alderman decides to use the place for political justification, she also exposes it to higher scrutiny.
We try to get them involved in stuff like the bake sales or whatever but they don't want to deal with us. I think they wanna replace our school with a condo"
1 - I live next to Uplift. I have yet to be contacted about any bake sale, or any other activity.
So, please feel free to elaborate on how the school has reached out to the public since I must have missed something.
2) The anti-condo meme running amok around here is childish and ignorant and is eerily reminiscent of the bigoted mentality of white folk when minorities were becoming more upwardly mobile, socio-economically speaking, and moving into their neighborhoods.
Think about that one for a little while.
I would like to know if you responded to that child's condo fears with the same fairness fervor you directed towards Truman?
Speaking of tired rhetoric:
Don't come into this neighborhood and ask "what you can do for me" Ask what can I do for the neighborhood. You got no entitlement.
Really?
While I do notice the protectionist pile-on with certain posted subjects - complete with calls for more positive community involvement, what I don't notice is input from UW, or legend, or any of those calling for more positive involvement when they get exactly what they are requesting.
UW, legend .. no comment on people trying to spruce up the neighborhood w/holiday lights?
US Census jobs posting? Lost pet/Burglary alerts?
What about the person handing out 100's of dollars worth of gift cards, anonymously?
Yo, what is it with you always trying to tell me what to comment on? I don't see you commenting on every "positive" post either, and sometimes you comment just to tell me and others how totally wrong we are in opinions that don't jibe with yours--just like I comment when I don't agree with something. Last I checked, I'm free to comment on whatever I like, on whatever moves me--and you continue to do the same.
As for the slipping-- Uplift was closed for the week. There's snow right now built up by McCutcheon, also closed for another week. If I slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in front of either school, I would not blame either school personally. So you're part right, Yo--CPS or whatever public entity that owns the Uplift building and/or is responsible for the public sidewalk in front of it, should shovel it. But you and I know that's not at all what was intended to be implied. This person wanted to say that Uplift was doing something wrong--not CPS, not the institution. Stop trying so hard to totally miss the point.
And Yo, you say: "But when the alderman decides to use the place for political justification, she also exposes it to higher scrutiny."
What does that even mean? You mean she's pointing to Uplift as something successful she accomplished? Ok, IF that's what you mean, this suggests to me that you are therefore holding Uplift to some higher standard than any other public school in this community. I wonder: if it were now Cappleman's ward, which would encompass Uplift, would you regard Uplift differently?
I think the legend fellow (who I don't know) makes a decent point that you ignore: regardless of Shiller and how you perceive her relationship to Uplift, this is a school with kids in our community who are being taught by teachers who care. Hate Shiller, but stop constantly throwing the kids in the middle. That sucks. It's not right--and if in fact these kids are getting wind of it, now you know that some of these kids may be taking these things to heart. Hate Shiller on her own "merits" if you will--stop using the kids as proxy. It's cowardly.
If Uplift is truly doing something bad or wrong, by all means, talk about it. But constantly putting out innuendo about it, blaming the school for things it's not even responsible for, because of your perception that it's got extra-special Shiller powers--sorry Yo. That does not fly.
Uplift was made something of a banner for school reform...decentralized, more autonomy, local control, etc. I do believe the local schools have some authority over their budgets. It is entirely possible, common even, to contract for snow removal, landscaping, etc. when school is not in session. Granted, being a good neighbor isn't as glamorous as shiny new things. Of course, budgets are somewhat constrained in part because of the all the money diverted to wealthy sububurban developers through TIFs at the rate of approximately $500 million per year. Schools receive about 2/3 of my property taxes which would mean that over $300 million each year are withheld from the schools. Our dear alderman was central to this, she politicised the school (and by extension, the students). It's obvious from lengends anticdote the students have been indoctrinated with the divisive hate for the unpoor by the dear alderman's supporters.
as long as people continue to pick on the school and try to unfairly portray it as a bad element in the community, then I may pipe up, if the spirits so move me.
Replace "school" with "evil, greedy, racist condo-owners" and you'll see that we're pulling on the same rope from opposite ends.
I actually find a majority of your comments quite valid and thought provoking, on the whole.
Comment away, my good man - but, let's all eat our own dog food, shall we?
If you want to chastise the UU-readership for being close-minded and firing off quick assumptions, fine.
But, we should all be looking at community issues from a wider perspective and be mindful of not becoming what we behold.
Wouldn't you agree?
If you read the part of my post to which you're referring, you might notice that I wasn't telling you what to comment on, I was simply asking why there were no comments to the good that UU and its readership do.
Kinda' like you're concerns of how Uplift is targeted.
Legend noted an Uplift student's fear of condos. How does that NOT portray those who buy the condos, or drive the market from not being perceived as villainous?
And what steps are being taken to tear down that perception that condo owners are bad?
Probably the same number of steps being taken to change the perception of Uplift, I'd assume.
Now, how are we really going to have a peaceful bit of "diversity" when there's so much polarization going on?
The issue of the positive comments being: criticize and attack UU and its readership when you believe they've done wrong.
But don't shy away from complimenting them when they've done well.
Heck, I've even commented on the alderman when something positive has been accomplished.
It's just that it happens so rarely ... ;)
What does that even mean? IF that's what you mean, this suggests to me that you are therefore holding Uplift to some higher standard than any other public school in this community.
What I meant by that was Uplift is being used as an example of the alderman's accomplishments with regards to her use of TIF money.
Fine. If her claims hold up, then I'll be more than happy to shut my pie hole and sit down.
But they don't.
That's not Uplift's fault (I never said it was). And I'll grant you that they have taken unnecessary grief due to their being shoved into conversational traffic; but, ask yourself: how did Uplift garner this attention?
I live next door to Uplift and until the WYTIF amendment meeting, I could have cared less about them.
Then I found out that the alderman is holding them up as justification for her TIF abuse, that's when I took a closer look.
And the numbers didn't add up.
Again, not Uplift's fault.
Alderman's fault.
Where is your criticism towards her for turning your school into a political pawn?
As for throwing kids into the middle ... if the kids are being attacked, I agree with you: unseemly.
Almost as unseemly as making generalizations about the desire and moral construct of some of Uptown's residents, dontcha' think?
I don't see the kids being attacked, here.
But constantly putting out innuendo about it, blaming the school for things it's not even responsible for, because of your perception that it's got extra-special Shiller powers--sorry Yo. That does not fly.
Ducks fly, UW.
The way the alderman uses (in some respects, sacrifices) Uplift's reputation for political purposes looks and acts like a duck.
Sad, but true.
And yes, Cappleman would be held to the same standards.
However, there is no innuendo in this instance: shovel the damned walk. The elderly and handicapped use that walkway, do they not?
Okay, here's the deal on my comment about an upgraded cafeteria and band uniforms.
Uptown Writer said s/he always comes to Uplift's defense because it's an "underdog." I pointed out that $350K in Tif or state funds (unclear who is providing them, since both Ald. Shiller and Rep. Harris claim to be) make Uplifts anything but an "underdog." IN MY OPINION.
In comparison, I said that I feel a school like McCutcheon (or, upon further consideration, Stewart) might be more considered an underdog. They have horribly outdated textbooks and Stewart is in a building over 100 years old. The list of what they need is extensive and depressing.
That's it. Okay? Can you find anything bad about new band uniforms or cafeterias in that? Is it somehow an insult to be called "not an underdog" now?
I understand wanting the best for a school you're involved with. But Uplift is as much an underdog as the New York Yankees. Compared with the Latin School, maybe. Compared with other Uptown schools, not so much.
As for the slipping-- Uplift was closed for the week. There's snow right now built up by McCutcheon, also closed for another week. If I slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in front of either school, I would not blame either school personally.
Just for the record, I have a friend who is an engineer for CPS and they are responsible for maintaining the grounds around the schools regardless of whether students are on vacation or not. He's had to report to the school he's assigned to on weekends to clear snow, de-ice sidewalks, etc.
Be sure to get a police report if you slip and fall outside of any house/business that doesn't clear their sidewalks. Injuries often times aren't felt immediately. Best way to make sure someone clears their sidewalk is to slap them with a lawsuit for injuries sustained.
ReplyDeleteOn the other extreme, one of the high-rises by Irving Park and Pine Grove has huge chunks of ice/snow flying (or being thrown?) off the roof and onto the road. I saw that the sidewalk is roped off, but the ice is making it much further and hit my car! Scared the hell out of me but luckily no damage to the car. Still, it seemed very dangerous to beware.
ReplyDeleteSchool's been out for a week--and that's CPS's property. Check with CPS to see how frequently they clear ice when school is closed for winter break. Really...only here would a slip and fall in the middle of winter, after a huge snow/ice storm be "news" 'cause it happened in front of *gasp* Uplift...
ReplyDeleteAlso, judging from the angle of the photo, I'm not sure that's really Uplift's property--it appears to be public sidewalk in front of the school. Public property, certainly, but not necessarily Uplift/CPS's responsibility.But why try to figure out the facts before casting blame; easier to take another little swipe at Uplift.
ReplyDeleteThree... two... one... someone didn't praise Uplift... here's Uptown Writer!
ReplyDeleteThe ordinance "requires building owners or tenants to remove the snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their buildings or vacant lots. The ordinance states that if the sidewalk is wider than five feet, only a five foot path is necessary. Snow that accumulates before 4:00 p.m. must be removed within three hours after the snow has fallen. Snow that accumulates after 4:00 p.m. or during the night shall be removed before 10:00 a.m. Non-compliance can result in ticketing and fines.
I guess I missed the part that said schools don't have to comply. Law's the law. I make sure someone is around to shovel the sidewalks in front of my home, if need be, when I'm not around. Likewise, CPS and Uplift need to figure out who's doing the shoveling.
I shovel to make sure kids going to school don't slip and fall. Uplift and CPS are required by law to have the same consideration for pedestrians who aren't students. A few calls to 311 should take care of the situation.
Merry Christmas, sweetie.
Public sidewalk in front of a school is the responsibility of CPS to take care of.
ReplyDeleteJust like a public sidewalk in front of a business or a park or a home is the responsibility of the adjoining property owner or lessor.
FYI the sidewalks bordering City Parks have been ignored also.
I do much walking with my reindeer Rudolph and Blitzen and this is hardly the only location that has been ignored by CPS or da Park District.
For that matter plenty of private property owners haven't shoveled either.
Plenty o blame to go around.
........and to all a goodnight.
I'd be interested in seeing how far a lawsuit against a homeowner who didn't shovel the CITY'S sidewalk in front of his home went. Fine me for not complying with the ordinance, OK, but sue me for for it? An interesting case to say the least. It almost makes me want to NOT shovel in front of my house. BTW, I always shovel in front of my house. In addition, I also do two neighbors to the east of my home and the two neighbors to the west. But what's next? Should I be required to shovel the street in front of my home as well?
ReplyDeleteTSN, you must have been my secret Santa, always calling me "sweetie" in that totally non-condescending manner as you do!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, TSN, I don't know where you read praise for Uplift anywhere in my comment. But, I do feel like there's a tendency to bully Uplift on this site by some of the lovely UU readers, and I do have an inclination to speak up for the little guy--call it the anti-Scrooge in me. I don't doubt the ordinance you "quote"--now good luck in ticketing CPS and/or the city of Chicago.
The school has been closed for a week, and I found it interesting that instead of calling out the "person" responsible for maintaining the sidewalk outside of the school's fence, (i.e., Chicago and/or CPS), this dear reader decided to pin the blame on the good old scapegoat--Uplift.
So yeah, TSN, as long as people continue to pick on the school and try to unfairly portray it as a bad element in the community, then I may pipe up, if the spirits so move me.
And a Merry Christmas to you, too, dahling.
Now, see, that's where the internet is a bad conduit of intent. I'm not a condescending person at all. In fact, my friends often mock me for being too starry eyed and trusting. I call everyone "sweetie" when they're folks I don't know the names or genders of... kids, dogs, defenders of Uplift...
ReplyDeleteWhat term do you prefer? UW? Comrade? Neighbor? Associate?
Seems like there's a lot of underdogs in Uptown to defend, but I call BS on your claim that that's your only tie to Uplift. What's your connection, anyway? Personally, if I were looking for a random underdog school to defend, I'd choose McCutcheon. Uplift, with its $350K new cafeteria and Shiller-sponsored marching band uniforms, as well as the alderman's unflinching attention and support, doesn't make it an underdog to me. Now, McCutcheon, on the other hand...
I only comment that you ride to the "rescue" of Uplift whenever it's mentioned. Predictable, really.
Just because the school hasn't been ticketed, fined or sued for not shoveling doesn't make it right, legally, ethically OR morally. That's so old-school Chicago thinking. Isn't Uplift always crowing about iots burning desire for social justice? Doesn't quite jibe with "We don't shovel because 'good luck in ticketing CPS and/or the city of Chicago', now, does it?
Thanks for your wonderful wishes for my holiday. Had a good Christmas Eve, better than Christmas actually, but hey, that's life. I continue to wish you the very happiest of Christmases, and I appreciate your warm wishes in return.
Ok, TSN, I'm sorry I doubted your sincerity on the good wishes--same to you. And calling me Uptown Writer is just fine (or UW, if you prefer). Sweetheart can read a little condescending and dismissive if you don't know the intent.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of intent, my "riding to the rescue" of Uplift is no more predictable than the slams it takes from you and other readers. I am familiar with McCutcheon and Arai/Uplift, having been former students of both (Uplfit when Arai), and I thought I had stated some time ago that I had a sibling who attended Uplift--let's call it the UU reader whipping boy-- and I also stated here that I've actually MET the teachers/ administrators at these schools. So no need for the "BS" calling--I never denied having a connection to Uplift that caused my irritation at the "predictable" Uplift bashing.
I have met many of the founding members, know their dedication and commitment to this community and these kids, and know that they and the school don't deserve the constant swipes, and certainly don't deserve to be portrayed as immoral or irresponsible in their relationship with the community.
Mystery solved, TSN?
As for moral obligation, my POINT was that either way this is public property (whether that sidewalk is considered CPS's property or the City of Chicago's property). As such it is unfair to act like Uplift was personally responsible for that sidewalk. Do you see the distinction now, TSN? Same principle would apply to McCutcheon or any public school.
And my "good luck" comment had nothing to do with "old school" Chicago thinking--I just question the applicability of that ordinance to the city/CPS in this situation--but hey, a lawyer focusing on government/muni law could tell you for certain.
"Uplift, with its $350K new cafeteria and Shiller-sponsored marching band uniforms, as well as the alderman's unflinching attention and support, doesn't make it an underdog to me." TSN said...
ReplyDeleteOh, and one more thing--really, you begrudge an upgraded cafeteria and marching band uniforms for a school in the heart of Uptown?After several decades, that cafeteria needed an upgrade. And I thought uniforms for a marching band was a GOOD thing...
If you think McCutcheon is not getting proper attention, you should be calling out Alderman Smith.
For me, it's all about common sense. I 'tread lightly' on sidewalks that seem a bit neglected.
ReplyDeleteIn Uptown I'd much rather come across a sidewalk that hasn't been shoveled, versus a 'gang' of thugs.
(or the 'loaded diapers' that are continually thrown against my Malden alley garage.)
There's a few stuck in the garage gutter as we speak......regarding this, I do call the management of the building across the way.
"owners" tend to be punished up here.......
Using a school as a political tool against the horrible alderman is low even for people like you Truman.
ReplyDeleteI tutor kids from this school and they are good kids.
This is what just one of them said about stuff that gets out about this site. The kids are somewhat aware of stuff that gets said about Uplift. How? I don't know.
"We know the people on the lake don't like us or want our school here. We try to get them involved in stuff like the bake sales or whatever but they don't want to deal with us. I think they wanna replace our school with a condo"
That is from a 10 year old student who I mentor. Keep fostering that unity Truman. Stay classy. You want rid of Shiller? We all do. Just leave the school out of your agenda. You should be ashamed of yourself.
This Us vs Them attitude will destroy this neighborhood. Focus on getting rid of the alderbeast. Focus on getting rid of the gangs who threaten these kids lives instead of making them feel like their school is a eyesore. Don't come into this neighborhood and ask "what you can do for me" Ask what can I do for the neighborhood. You got no entitlement.
Project much, legend?
ReplyDeleteI said (and go back and read what I said, very carefully) that the school, like every other property owner and tenant in the city, needs to be considerate of its neighbors and make sure they don't fall on their asses because of its failure to comply with the law.
YOU are saying that I foster disunity and call the school an eyesore. I dare you, I absolutely DARE you, to find anywhere on this blog, or on BPN, or Beacon Neighbors, where I said anything of the kind.
As far as the "entitlement" you say I felt when I "came into the neighborhood" -- hah. YOU are a newcomer in comparison to me and many of my neighbors. I've been here longer than Uplift, and I've been here longer than the parents of most Uplift students have been on this earth. I was living in Uptown when Ald. Shiller was still in New York and when she was joined the SDS at college in Wisconsin.
Shame ON YOU for on putting words in my mouth that I never said, and for lecturing me about spreading hatred that I've never felt.
Look up "straw man" in the dictionary. And get down off the cross, someone needs the wood.
As such it is unfair to act like Uplift was personally responsible for that sidewalk.
ReplyDelete"Personally"? Yes.
Institutionally? It's highly fair.
Uplift is a part of the CPS. CPS is part of the city. It's the responsibility of the city to maintain clear walkways.
Condo owners aren't the only ones to use that sidewalk, but they probably are better equipped, insurance-wise, to handle the after-effects of any medical needs arising from the mix of ice and gravity.
This has nothing to do with Uplift as a school. It has everything to do with the area around Uplift being maintained in a manner which meets the safety needs of the public.
If Uplift (or any school) wants to be a good community presence - it needs to consistently walk the walk.
And shovel that walk, when need be.
Is it really that difficult?
No.
Using a school as a political tool against the horrible alderman is low
Indeed; but, consider who is the one using the school as a tool to defend curious policies and expenditures.
Did that $350k for the cafeteria come from the TIF, as has been stated as a reason to expand WYTIF, or did the state pick up the tab?
I guess it depends on who you ask, now doesn't it?
Who are going to be the recipients of the products of the proposed agroponics center?
When challenged with uses of TIF dollars, what's the first place everyone hears mentioned?
Look, no one besmirches the use of public funds for schools.
No one is targeting the kids at Uplift (neighborhood kids, or those bussed in).
And no one is saying that Uplift is bad place.
But when the alderman decides to use the place for political justification, she also exposes it to higher scrutiny.
We try to get them involved in stuff like the bake sales or whatever but they don't want to deal with us. I think they wanna replace our school with a condo"
1 - I live next to Uplift. I have yet to be contacted about any bake sale, or any other activity.
So, please feel free to elaborate on how the school has reached out to the public since I must have missed something.
2) The anti-condo meme running amok around here is childish and ignorant and is eerily reminiscent of the bigoted mentality of white folk when minorities were becoming more upwardly mobile, socio-economically speaking, and moving into their neighborhoods.
Think about that one for a little while.
I would like to know if you responded to that child's condo fears with the same fairness fervor you directed towards Truman?
Speaking of tired rhetoric:
Don't come into this neighborhood and ask "what you can do for me" Ask what can I do for the neighborhood. You got no entitlement.
Really?
While I do notice the protectionist pile-on with certain posted subjects - complete with calls for more positive community involvement, what I don't notice is input from UW, or legend, or any of those calling for more positive involvement when they get exactly what they are requesting.
UW, legend .. no comment on people trying to spruce up the neighborhood w/holiday lights?
US Census jobs posting? Lost pet/Burglary alerts?
What about the person handing out 100's of dollars worth of gift cards, anonymously?
No comments on any of that, huh?
Yep.
Stay classy, y'all.
Yo, what is it with you always trying to tell me what to comment on? I don't see you commenting on every "positive" post either, and sometimes you comment just to tell me and others how totally wrong we are in opinions that don't jibe with yours--just like I comment when I don't agree with something. Last I checked, I'm free to comment on whatever I like, on whatever moves me--and you continue to do the same.
ReplyDeleteAs for the slipping-- Uplift was closed for the week. There's snow right now built up by McCutcheon, also closed for another week. If I slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in front of either school, I would not blame either school personally. So you're part right, Yo--CPS or whatever public entity that owns the Uplift building and/or is responsible for the public sidewalk in front of it, should shovel it. But you and I know that's not at all what was intended to be implied. This person wanted to say that Uplift was doing something wrong--not CPS, not the institution. Stop trying so hard to totally miss the point.
And Yo, you say: "But when the alderman decides to use the place for political justification, she also exposes it to higher scrutiny."
What does that even mean? You mean she's pointing to Uplift as something successful she accomplished? Ok, IF that's what you mean, this suggests to me that you are therefore holding Uplift to some higher standard than any other public school in this community. I wonder: if it were now Cappleman's ward, which would encompass Uplift, would you regard Uplift differently?
I think the legend fellow (who I don't know) makes a decent point that you ignore: regardless of Shiller and how you perceive her relationship to Uplift, this is a school with kids in our community who are being taught by teachers who care. Hate Shiller, but stop constantly throwing the kids in the middle. That sucks. It's not right--and if in fact these kids are getting wind of it, now you know that some of these kids may be taking these things to heart. Hate Shiller on her own "merits" if you will--stop using the kids as proxy. It's cowardly.
If Uplift is truly doing something bad or wrong, by all means, talk about it. But constantly putting out innuendo about it, blaming the school for things it's not even responsible for, because of your perception that it's got extra-special Shiller powers--sorry Yo. That does not fly.
Just a couple of points...
ReplyDeleteUplift was made something of a banner for school reform...decentralized, more autonomy, local control, etc. I do believe the local schools have some authority over their budgets. It is entirely possible, common even, to contract for snow removal, landscaping, etc. when school is not in session. Granted, being a good neighbor isn't as glamorous as shiny new things. Of course, budgets are somewhat constrained in part because of the all the money diverted to wealthy sububurban developers through TIFs at the rate of approximately $500 million per year. Schools receive about 2/3 of my property taxes which would mean that over $300 million each year are withheld from the schools. Our dear alderman was central to this, she politicised the school (and by extension, the students). It's obvious from lengends anticdote the students have been indoctrinated with the divisive hate for the unpoor by the dear alderman's supporters.
UW,
ReplyDeleteas long as people continue to pick on the school and try to unfairly portray it as a bad element in the community, then I may pipe up, if the spirits so move me.
Replace "school" with "evil, greedy, racist condo-owners" and you'll see that we're pulling on the same rope from opposite ends.
I actually find a majority of your comments quite valid and thought provoking, on the whole.
Comment away, my good man - but, let's all eat our own dog food, shall we?
If you want to chastise the UU-readership for being close-minded and firing off quick assumptions, fine.
But, we should all be looking at community issues from a wider perspective and be mindful of not becoming what we behold.
Wouldn't you agree?
If you read the part of my post to which you're referring, you might notice that I wasn't telling you what to comment on, I was simply asking why there were no comments to the good that UU and its readership do.
Kinda' like you're concerns of how Uplift is targeted.
Legend noted an Uplift student's fear of condos. How does that NOT portray those who buy the condos, or drive the market from not being perceived as villainous?
And what steps are being taken to tear down that perception that condo owners are bad?
Probably the same number of steps being taken to change the perception of Uplift, I'd assume.
Now, how are we really going to have a peaceful bit of "diversity" when there's so much polarization going on?
The issue of the positive comments being: criticize and attack UU and its readership when you believe they've done wrong.
But don't shy away from complimenting them when they've done well.
Heck, I've even commented on the alderman when something positive has been accomplished.
It's just that it happens so rarely ... ;)
What does that even mean? IF that's what you mean, this suggests to me that you are therefore holding Uplift to some higher standard than any other public school in this community.
What I meant by that was Uplift is being used as an example of the alderman's accomplishments with regards to her use of TIF money.
Fine. If her claims hold up, then I'll be more than happy to shut my pie hole and sit down.
But they don't.
That's not Uplift's fault (I never said it was). And I'll grant you that they have taken unnecessary grief due to their being shoved into conversational traffic; but, ask yourself: how did Uplift garner this attention?
I live next door to Uplift and until the WYTIF amendment meeting, I could have cared less about them.
Then I found out that the alderman is holding them up as justification for her TIF abuse, that's when I took a closer look.
And the numbers didn't add up.
Again, not Uplift's fault.
Alderman's fault.
Where is your criticism towards her for turning your school into a political pawn?
As for throwing kids into the middle ... if the kids are being attacked, I agree with you: unseemly.
Almost as unseemly as making generalizations about the desire and moral construct of some of Uptown's residents, dontcha' think?
I don't see the kids being attacked, here.
But constantly putting out innuendo about it, blaming the school for things it's not even responsible for, because of your perception that it's got extra-special Shiller powers--sorry Yo. That does not fly.
Ducks fly, UW.
The way the alderman uses (in some respects, sacrifices) Uplift's reputation for political purposes looks and acts like a duck.
Sad, but true.
And yes, Cappleman would be held to the same standards.
However, there is no innuendo in this instance: shovel the damned walk. The elderly and handicapped use that walkway, do they not?
UGH. Happy holidays everyone!
ReplyDeleteI guess I just don't get it, what is the big deal in upgrading a school cafeteria? What is wrong with band uniforms for a school?
Also a follow-up - what is the big deal about Uplift anyway? What is it, some kind of school for satan-worshipers?
Many of the shots taken at Uplift on this blog seem just plain mean to me....
Okay, here's the deal on my comment about an upgraded cafeteria and band uniforms.
ReplyDeleteUptown Writer said s/he always comes to Uplift's defense because it's an "underdog." I pointed out that $350K in Tif or state funds (unclear who is providing them, since both Ald. Shiller and Rep. Harris claim to be) make Uplifts anything but an "underdog." IN MY OPINION.
In comparison, I said that I feel a school like McCutcheon (or, upon further consideration, Stewart) might be more considered an underdog. They have horribly outdated textbooks and Stewart is in a building over 100 years old. The list of what they need is extensive and depressing.
That's it. Okay? Can you find anything bad about new band uniforms or cafeterias in that? Is it somehow an insult to be called "not an underdog" now?
I understand wanting the best for a school you're involved with. But Uplift is as much an underdog as the New York Yankees. Compared with the Latin School, maybe. Compared with other Uptown schools, not so much.
Uplift has now shoveled, incidentally.
As for the slipping-- Uplift was closed for the week. There's snow right now built up by McCutcheon, also closed for another week. If I slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in front of either school, I would not blame either school personally.
ReplyDeleteJust for the record, I have a friend who is an engineer for CPS and they are responsible for maintaining the grounds around the schools regardless of whether students are on vacation or not. He's had to report to the school he's assigned to on weekends to clear snow, de-ice sidewalks, etc.
Lazy Chicagoans. Lazay Chicagoans. Nothing more needs to be said.
ReplyDelete