Props To The Cupcake Gallery

A "Cupcake Gallery" fan writes in:
"Just wanted to show some support for a local business. I have visited The Cupcake Gallery three times now in the past three weeks. Their cupcakes are top notch (see above)! Just got done eating one. And the owner is a really friendly guy. If your readers have the time, stop by and grab one. They won't regret it. Key lime, orange creamsicle, red velvet, cookies and cream, etc."

UU Note: We've been told that Darius, owner of the Cupcake Gallery, has been doing some interior remodeling lately and that some sort of display case has been added, along with FREE WIFI. Check it out on Wilson between Malden and Beacon.

"Yeah, Murder One, Murder One"

Two suspects are being held in connection with Thursday's broad daylight shooting steps from Ald. Shiller's office. An accomplice to the shooters fled the scene saying, "Yeah, murder one, murder one."
Read all about it at Lake Effect News.

Update:  More from LEN about charges being filed against the subjects.  "Dontaneous Salley, 22, of the 4400 block of N. Racine and Jeremiah Moore, 20, of the 800 block of W. Sunnyside Ave, were each charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm early Saturday morning."  That can't be possible -- didn't Ald. Shiller say that the "youths" causing trouble in this ward all live elsewhere?

Cornerstone Security Guard Sentenced For Heroin Buy

The 23rd District Court Advocates report that Samuel Dukes, the Cornerstone security guard who was arrested for purchasing heroin in front of the shelter on Clifton last July, was found guilty and sentenced to one year behind bars.  The woman he was buying it from, Wanda Williams, was found guilty of delivery of a controlled substance last November and is serving four years.

Harder To Run For Alderman?

From today's Tribune:  "Here's a sure sign that Chicago aldermen are petrified about next year's City Council election. Their protectors in Springfield are trying to make it much harder for anybody to run against them.

An Illinois House committee this week approved a bill that would greatly increase the number of petition signatures a candidate has to collect to get on the ballot. And if a registered voter signed petitions for two or more candidates, the signatures wouldn't count.  Bottom line: Less competition! How nice for the incumbents."  Read the whole thing here.

The reader who brought this to our attention says, "Would love to get opinions from Harris and Steans on this."

Person Shot At Wilson & Broadway

Lake Effect News has a timeline, details and a photo.

According to a reader with a police scanner, at 4:27pm: 

"Person Shot Wilson and Broadway.  Possibly one person shot; other reports are saying that there are two people down at Sheridan and Wilson. Confirmed one female shot in the leg."

Update:  More from the scanner.  "Another person shot in the leg on the 4600 block of Racine. They were picked up by a black SUV. Police are at the hospitals looking for them. Crowd control being implemented at Broadway and Wilson and at Wilson and Sheridan. Possibly more victims based on citizen reports, but police cannot find any more victims.  Shell casings found on the east side of the street 4601 Broadway."

Update 2:  "The victim is stable and 21 years old. She was taken to Illinois Masonic."

Update 3:  ABC7Chicago has a story and photo.

Men Charged In Uptown Hate Crime

Last month UU ran an item about a Rogers Park resident -- a friend of several UU readers -- who was beaten up on the Red Line by three men who are alleged to have called him anti-gay names while the beating occurred. The incident started around the Wilson stop, and the three men exited at Argyle, where they were arrested.

Well, there's more.... "Three Evanston men who allegedly shouted anti-gay slurs as they beat a good Samaritan trying to stop them from bullying another CTA Red Line rider now face felony hate crime and aggravated battery charges."  Check it out at Chicago Breaking News.

LEN: "Town Hall Picks Up The Pieces"

Lake Effect News interviewed the officers at the 23rd District to get their reactions to the death of Sgt. Alan Haymaker.  Read Lorraine Swanson's story here.

Reminder:  Visitation is today, and the services are Friday.

Recovery Dollars In Uptown

Thanks to a cool little government website, it's possible to see exactly where the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are being spent.  In Uptown, nearly $6.5 million's been invested, and 9.53 jobs have been saved/created.  Click here to see the website -- hours of fun!

Holiday Club Owner Sentenced For Tax Evasion

'Tis the season for the IRS to publicize these kinds of stories as warnings to the rest of us.  Read all about it at CBS2Chicago.

Bar Owner Going To Prison For Cheating On Taxes / Timothy Juliusson Failed To Report $321K Of Income

Inside The Old Wilson "L" Auxiliary Entrance

A reader points us to an image (above) up for bid on eBay that shows the interior of the old Wilson L auxiliary entrance on the south side of Wilson Avenue in 1951. A while back we featured the two former entrances as well as the current entrance for reference. Amazingly enough, at one time the station was part of the McJunkin Building with a matching facade. It was demolished sometime in the 1950's so an exit to the parking lot behind the building could be created. One of the doorways to the former stationhouse remains today, which goes to nowhere, just to the left of the entrance to the parking lot.

Cooling Crime Hot Spots?

A reader brought this article to our attention.  "A mathematical model of crime finds that some hot spots can be permanently cleaned up by police, while others will only crop up elsewhere after police move in. The model could help police departments focus on areas where they can effectively fight crime." 

Read about it in Wired Science.  Do you think Uptown can benefit from this?

"Brave New Circus" At Alternatives On Sunday

CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus dare you to come see a Brave New Circus. Inspired by Aldous Huxley, this first ever youth created, directed, and produced circus show addresses ideas of individuality and subverting the dominant paradigm. These lessons are taught by a clown who stumbles through a perfectly ordered world and creates chaos. 

Circus acts include high skilled club juggling, gym wheel, trapeze, trampoline, and acrobatics and are presented by the CircusTeens. These young performers are part of CircEsteem's youth employment in the arts program that hires the most talented and skilled teen performers and teachers. Collectively, they have performed thousands of shows throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, and Argentina and include a Junior World Champion on the Gym Wheel.

Don't miss this great opportunity to support local, grassroots, social circus in action.  Sunday, February 28th at 4pm, at Alternatives Inc. (4730 N Sheridan).  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids.  For more info, please contact CircEsteem at 312-731-HAHA or visit http://www.circesteem.org/.

Services Set For Sgt. Alan Haymaker

From MSNBC:  A wake will be held on Thursday at Bethel Community Church, at 7601 W. Foster, from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.  Haymaker's funeral will be held Friday at the church.  A public viewing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. with a church service to follow at 11 a.m.

Block Clean-Up On Winthrop This Saturday

Gang Idiocy At Sheridan/Leland: 2010 Edition

A warmish day and the idiots come out to play.  Time to get your cameras and video cameras ready!

A reader writes:  "One..two...three...four...five Police cars and one paddy wagon...this follows more screaming youths running north on Sheridan around 4:40pm - one of them appears to have been apprehended in front of Alternatives after he was ordered by an officer to stop and he bolted...notice how oncoming traffic was stopped."

Urban Decay

We wonder how long it will be before this CTA viaduct at Broadway and Leland completely crumbles? The internal re-bar is even more visible than last time we checked in November 2007. How about throwin' some TIF money at that? This is what greets people as they enter the 46th Ward. Lovely.

Bridgeview Bank Building Free At Last

A reader sent us a photo noting that the scaffolding that's surrounded the Bridgeview Bank Building at Lawrence and Broadway has been taken down after several months.

Wilson Stop Rehab?

Well, now we know why the CTA had this item on its Board agenda.  Again, we question why this information is getting to the community that's paying for it via blogs.  And please pass us a large shaker of salt, because it is less than a year until the aldermanic election....

From CTA Tattler:

"The CTA will use up to $3 million in tax increment financing to rehabilitate the Red Line's Wilson station -- long considered one of the worst stations.

Earlier this month the CTA board approved the agreement with the city to tap funds from the Wilson Yard TIF District. Planned station improvements include replacing flooring, walls, windows and railings inside the station, said a CTA spokesperson.  Other enhancements would include replacing the roof, electrical system, plumbing and heating/cooling units and improving the concession spaces in the Gerber building -- the Wilson stationhouse built in 1923. The improvements are targeted to preserving the historic building.

No word yet on when construction will start. But this is really great news."

Perhaps They Were Looking For A Better Interest Rate?

A reader listening to a police scanner writes in:
"Sounds like a group of the local P Stone gangbangers went into the Harris Bank near Broadway and Wilson (across from Ald. Shiller's office) and then decided to fight with someone. They showed a gun and threatened to use it. Police gave chase and caught a number of them who were identified by the bank security. They are also on the cctv footage from the bank.
They caught them by Truman at Racine and you guessed it...Sunnyside."

Judge May Let Aldermen Testify In Bribery Trial

Heh:

"Dow said he would not order the aldermen to be interviewed by the defense but said it might be beneficial to the city officials if they want to avoid having to come to court."

Double Heh:

"City lawyer Karen Coppa said some aldermen may not submit to a voluntary interview to avoid a 'perception they are somehow cooperating with the defense.'"

Read all about it at Chicago Breaking News

Police Officer Dies In Crash At Irving Park & Lake Shore

Read more at Chicago Breaking News

Guess They're Called Vice Lords For A Reason

We're hearing that the 23rd District police had a very successful night a couple Saturdays ago.  There was a party in a second floor apartment at 4639 North Broadway (above the location of the former "Da Spot" clothing store) with lots of  Vice Lords in attendance. Numerous arrests, and they recovered weed, crack and a couple of guns.

Here's to you, men (and women) in blue!

We'll ask the court advocates to keep us up to date on this when it starts going through the court system.

CTA Incident - Can You Help?

A reader who wants to remain anonymous for his own safety wrote us about an incident on the CTA last week. If you can help identify the people involved or were a witness, please write to uptownupdate@hotmail.com or contact the 23rd District Police. This is our reader's account of what happened:

Around 8:45 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, a man on the northbound Red Line train (third car from the front) started a very loud and lengthy cell phone conversation with his service provider, Sprint, telling them about his lousy service. The train was fairly crowded. The guy was acting like a clown and using colorful language to tell the customer service rep just how unhappy he was - over and over again. This conversation lasted from the time the train came out of the tunnel after North Avenue until the man was preparing to get off the train at Wilson.

I was also going to get off at Wilson and when I told the man he should save his cell phone conversations for when he isn't on the train, he became threatening and ultimately pulled a hunting knife and threatened to kill me. The man was African American, about 30, 6'1" and 175 lbs. He was wearing Middle Eastern clothing with a long white tunic that went down to his ankles. He was accompanied by a short, plump woman who appeared to be Middle Eastern and was also wearing Middle Eastern clothing. They both got off at Wilson. If anyone is familar with these people, please pass along any leads about where they live. He is a menace to society.

Lions, And Tigers, And Dragons, Oh My!

Scenes from Argyle Street yesterday:

Update: Lake Effect News has a great and extensive photo slide show of the parade and the faces in the crowd. "I Love A Parade"

Fire Explosion At Sheridan & Eastwood

Shortly after 2pm, there was apparently a diesel generator explosion at Sheridan and Eastwood, in a six-flat building just east of the the senior center.  Chicago Fire Department responded quickly and has closed Sheridan between Wilson and Lawrence.  Please leave any further details in the comments.

Update:  Some clarification from a reader:  "I just walked over and spoke to a fire department commander.  It wasn't the senior home OR the 6-flat.  The senior home started their generator in between the two buildings for the first time in 5 years, and it malfunctioned.  This would explain a loud bang (like a cherry bomb) we heard a few minutes earlier.  There was no actual fire, and there is no real visible damage.  ComEd is now on site also.  It happened on Eastwood, across the street from the music school.  No residents were displaced, it appears."

Update 2: Here's a video of the event.


Big smoke. from Joe Gray on Vimeo.

The Good, The Bad, On Local Nursing Homes

From Ald. Smith's office:  "Alderman Smith is asking for community input into the ongoing enforcement actions being taken at Somerset. Please visit http://www.actionuptown.com/ and take a moment to leave your opinion in the comments section. Please also send this along to your block club members."

On the other end of the spectrum, The SelfHelp Home, just down the street from Somerset, has been ranked 5 stars (out of 5) in a study conducted by US News & World Report, for the second year in a row.  Kudos to them!

Where Do You Donate Locally?

A reader writes:  "I know the topic of responsibly managed social service agencies comes up a lot on Uptown Update. I would like to donate used clothing and other items to a non-profit in Uptown, but would like to give to a group that is really doing some good. I have a lot of very nice and very gently worn clothing to donate and I hate just putting it in the green bins since I don't know what really happens to that stuff.  In the past, I have donated professional clothing to Bottomless Closet to help disadvantaged women enter the workforce, but would love to help out a group close to home.  If you or any of the UU readers have any suggestions that would be great."

We've always been partial to Apna Ghar, but with all the social services around, we'd love to hear from readers what ones you recommend.

"Uptown's Evil Spirits Had Better Watch Out"

The Tribune has an article on the Argyle Street Lunar New Year's Parade on Saturday, and the return of firecrackers along the route to chase away the bad spirits.  Read all about it here:  "Lunar Parade Gets Its Bang Back."

Speaking of the parade, we hear that Mare Daley himself will be at Truman College at 11, then will make his way down to Argyle for lunch and parade viewing.

Dumpsters On The Ground...

...dumpsters on the ground...lookin' like a fool with your dumpsters on the ground!

The 4600 block of Clifton between Wilson and Broadway, still sporting sidewalk-blocking dumpsters on the public way.

"Power To The Community"

A reader clued us in on a cool app for your smartphone that allows you to report non-emergency items you see in your community. You can create a profile and upload photos directly from your phone so that items needing attention are fixed. More info can be found on the homepage. It looks like the app is available for iPhones, Android phones, and Blackberries.

Good Jobs Available!

• Excellent starting salary ($110K)
• No pesky Inspector General poking into your bidness (unlimited opportunities!)
• Immediate unquestioning approval of any wacky-ass plan you come up with
• No experience required
• Brown-nosing a plus
• High conviction rate 
• Apply by Friday, here

I'm The Mommy, That's Why

We vaguely remember a promise last summer that nothing, absolutely nothing, would be done regarding Wilson Yard without community input and notice.  Well, we've looked and looked for this on Ald. Shiller's website, and we've been waiting for an email blast, but ... check musta gotten lost in the mail.  Anyone else remember that promise?

If you want to know what's going on with Wilson Yard and its TIF, gotta go to the neighborhood blog.  That's not keeping a promise, Alderman.

Here's the latest with Wilson Yard.  Remember, you read it here first:

• Amendment No. 2 to the WYTIF passed.  Parcels have been removed from the TIF, presumably for the formation of a brand new Maryville TIF for that hard-to-market prime lakefront land on Montrose.  (Our favorite part:  "It is desirable and in the best interest of the citizens of the City for the City to amend the Redevelopment Plan and decrease the Original Area."  Wasn't that exactly what Fix Wilson Yard was saying and what Ald. Shiller and Peter Holsten fought so hard against?)

• "02/04 1:00 pm.  Community leaders from the Leaders from the JUMP UP collaborative to meet with Alderman and Mayors Office regarding community jobs at the Wilson Yard!"  Why is this only appearing on the website of Shiller lockstep toadies, O.N.E.?  Why the secrecy?  Why not shout this from the rooftops?

Pay-to-play, secrets, favoritism.  In other words, business as usual, not to be known by the people who are paying for your follies.  Where's that promised transparency, Ald. Shiller?

CPD Home Security Assessment

In light of recent burglaries and attempted break-ins, did you know that the Chicago Police will come to your home and show you how to make it more secure?  An officer will point out vulnerable entry points, take a look at your door locks, and give lighting recommendations, among other things.

This overall security assessment is an example of your tax dollars at work -- in other words, no fee.  Call your local CAPS office to set it up:

23rd District: 312-744-0064

20th District: 312-742-8770

NIU Music Dept. Serenades Weiss Patients

A cardiac rehabilitation patient at Weiss Memorial Hospital sings a love song with Valentine Serenaders from Northern Illinois University’s music department as they visited with more than 50 patients at the hospital Feb. 12.

Cricket Hill's Thrills

We might be tired of winter snows, but kids of all ages were having a great time recently at Montrose Harbor’s Cricket Hill.

The Way We Were

A reader clued us in to an eBay auction for matchbooks celebrating the Sheridan Plaza Hotel (which you can almost see behind all the ever-present scaffolding these days), back when smoking was suave, matchbooks were art, and the Sheridan Plaza was one of Chicago's finest all-amenities residential hotels.  Read about its heyday here and some of its history here.

Attempted Break-In On 4600 Block of Winthrop

A reader writes in:
"On Sunday night, around 9:30 PM, I saw four guys outside a condo building on the 4600 block of Winthrop, trying to break into the door that leads to the garage. One guy held a flashlight on the door, another one was tampering with the lock, while the other two were standing look out. I startled them, but kept walking my dog and acted like nothing happened. When I got around the corner to Kenmore, I called 911 and the police arrived within 2 minutes. I pointed the officer in the direction of the door, but when we got there, all four men had already dispersed. The officer then left to scour the neighborhood to see if they could find the men.

I got a call back and they asked if one was in a camouflage jacket. Unfortunately, I couldn't remember. It all happened so quickly and I just wanted to get the heck out of the situation when I saw it happening, I couldn't confirm. I told them everything I could remember, but not sure if they were able to do anything. I am writing to you, UU, to maybe help others in the future. If I could go back in time, I would have paid closer attention to what the men were wearing and what they looked like."

Note from UU: We encourage all Uptown residents to call 911 if they see this type of activity, but readers should not put themselves at risk of any potential danger. Any information you provide to the police will help. We also encourage our readers to attend CAPS meetings. The meeting for this beat is held tonight at 7 PM at the Inspiration Cafe Engagement Center at 4715 N Sheridan. The "Upcoming Uptown Events" calendar on the right-hand sidebar maintains information about all of the local CAPS meetings for those outside of Beat 2312.

Bus Shelter Removed At Sheridan & Lawrence

The bus shelter in front of the ICA Building (Institute of Cultural Affairs) at Sheridan and Lawrence has been removed (permanently?). This bus shelter had been a popular loitering spot for folks who used any of the many social services in this neighboring building. We hope this cuts down on the rampant loitering near this corner and in turn helps out the struggling businesses in this retail corridor.

Good Things To Come

A reader sent us this photo and commented:

"City workers survey Sheridan Road for a street paving and sidewalk improvement project scheduled for later this year. "

Imperial Towers Restaurant Stalled

By Jeff Borgardt, News-Star

A planned new café and 35-table restaurant Maraschino at 4250 N. Marine Drive has stalled despite four months of renovations.

Milan Romic, 39, of Southeast Chicago, has been working to develop a 4,248 sq. ft. site for several years. However, a falling out with business partner Sloeaen Pavlovic, 79, and the International Bank of Suburban Stone Park has led to a stalemate.

Romic says the dispute centers on a joint partnership agreement. He is now looking for new fiscal partners.

So far, he has invested $350,000 and the space is 75 percent rehabbed, he said Jan. 14. Construction crews worked four months on the space last year which has been vacant for about a decade.

“In the restaurant business, if you have great food and good service but there is not a good ownership partnership, then the place won’t be open for long,” Romic said.

Maraschino is envisioned as a coffee and sandwich café plus a 35-table dining area. The eatery would also offer room service to the 864-unit, 29-story twin tower high rise Imperial Towers.

The space was previously a pharmacy and coffee shop about 12 years ago. Then, the owner of the grocery store in the building bought the space and left it vacant until Romic 'finally' bought it.

Romic says offers have been made between him and Pavlovic for each to buy one another out but those have been rebuffed. Now, Romic is facing possible foreclosure and bankruptcy.

He says if the eatery opens it would be good for the local economy. He estimated about 40 new jobs would be created. These would be servers and kitchen staff. The eatery would have a hearth stove, lunch and dinner Mediterranean menus and offer catering.

There is bad blood between the former partners.

“I’ve got people breathing down my back for bills but he [Pavlovic] doesn’t care. He is trying to run it into foreclosure and not giving it a chance whatsoever,” Romic said, adding the dispute is threatening his dream and his life savings.

Pavlovic has a restaurant on the 5200 block of N. Broadway, Romic said.

Although the restaurant business is tough in a down economy, Romic still has his fingers crossed. He was set to meet with another possible investor Tuesday. In Aug., Romic said the eatery has been planned to open in six months.

Construction crew work included mechanical, duct work, electrical, plumbing and new doors, according to permits.

Celebrate The Year Of The Tiger On Argyle

From Yelp:

Lunar New Year Parade, Hosted and sponsored by Hip Sing and Area Merchants, Saturday, February 20, 11:30am-1pm, 1121 W. Argyle

This parade is a visual delight with parade floats, two lion dance teams, a dragon dance team, martial arts demonstrations, and two sections of the Rickover Naval Academy marching band!  The parade steps off at noon from Broadway & Argyle, heading East on Argyle, South on Sheridan, West on Ainslie and then north on Broadway, ending in the Tai Nam parking lot (4925 N. Broadway).  A traditional firecracker display will take place at Hip Sing - 1121 W. Argyle St.  Come early or stay after the parade to enjoy a fabulous meal at one of the many Argyle Street Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai restaurants, and browse the many shops for unique gift items!

Who Needs Farmed Fish?

These intrepid ice fishermen at Montrose Harbor prove that the lakefront can be enjoyed year-round.

Work Resumes On Leland & Broadway Rehab

At last! Remodeling work has resumed at the 4664-68 North Broadway building. This eyesore and hooker hangout, located at the Broadway and Leland/Clifton intersection, has been subject to a work stop order and building code violation proceedings for months. Contractors confirmed that the building is still owned by the same owner and that the remodeling plans remain the same. The building is being converted to condos (rentals?) with first floor level retail space. Does anyone know of other developments by Mr. Krueger?

"Hit Squad" Comes To Uptown

We have absolutely no idea what this is, but TV's "Hit Squad" was filming on the east side of Broadway from Montrose to Sunnyside on January 23-23 and 29-30. Anyone know what it's all about?

Update:  "On a recent Friday night at Uptown’s Tattoo Factory (4441 N Broadway, 773-989-4077), everybody—and every body—had a story. Tattoo guns buzzed incessantly as a camera crew rolled tape for a late-night TV show that will air on My50 and WGN in March."  Read more at Time Out Chicago.

Look Out Below!

Rail Tie Falls Off, Crashes Into Car Parked Below

RED LINE / 'Somebody could have been walking there'

When Audra Adomenas heard that a CTA rail tie had fallen onto her fiance's parked car near the Sheridan Red Line station, she hoped it had just glanced off the side. But when she got to the alley, she found that the tie had crashed right through the roof and totaled the 2000 white Crown Victoria.