Friday, April 30, 2010
Anna Green Arrested For 300th Time
Anna Green, who you may remember from her stint at the REST shelter and her one year prison sentence for prostitution in October, must have been paroled in March, as we predicted, because she was arrested on March 22 for prostitution near the intersection of Sheridan and Wilson. What's news to us is that this is Anna's 300th arrest! An article on Medill Reports Chicago explores the revolving door of prison for sex workers:"Harold Pollack, co-director of the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab, said the criminal justice system isn’t well suited for handling people with serious drug problems or mental illness. Violent crimes are straight forward with straight forward consequences – repeat offenders end up in state prisons. 'The system is geared to that,' he said. But a sex worker can have any number of run-ins with the law and never end up in serious trouble."
It would be great if Anna could take advantage of the numerous rehab programs available to her to address her needs.
For those who are interested in attending the case for Anna's latest arrest, we encourage you to join the court advocates. The next hearing is set for May 6th at the Cook County Court House located at 26th and California. Please contact the 23rd District Community Policing office at 312-744-0064 for further information.
UU Note: We aren't the only ones noting Anna's arrest record. So does a national gossip blog.
The Smell Is So Inviting
A reader sends in this video from everyone's favorite street, Clifton, and writes:
"This proves that people do as they smell, as well as see. If only Clifton were lined with portable toilets. Oh wait, dumpsters are good for more than just trash..."
Meanwhile, In An Alternate Universe...Bucktown
"Also on Thursday, Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd, hosted about 75 residents and business owners to discuss ways to prevent crimes in the ward, which includes Bucktown."Read how crime is dealt with in other wards here.
"Chicago's Best" In Uptown
We're hearing that Uptown is featured this week on WGN's new show, Chicago's Best. Tune in on Sunday, May 2nd, at 10pm and see "the BEST way to spend a day in the Uptown neighborhood." Rumor has it the hosts visit the Green Mill, Patisserie P, and Shake Rattle and Read. The show also features Chicago's best rib joints, a nice preview of RibFest in July.
If you miss it on Sunday, you can catch encore presentations on CLTV (May 6th @ 8pm; May 7th @ 1130am and 8pm; May 8th @ 630am, Noon and 7pm; and May 9th @ 630am, Noon and 7pm).
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Broadway & Wilson Bazaar Returns
A reader sends in the following pic and info:"Another sign of Spring (via cell phone camera).....shopping carts over stuffed with white crew socks and other goodies (as well as a little group having a party).
As seen today at about 4pm at Broadway and Wilson.
UU Note: If you are looking for a cheap, knockoff purse be sure to stop under the L tracks on Wilson. There has been a "vendor" there selling for the past couple days (hint, hint CPD).
Foreclosures Auctions Spike
Chicago Public Radio reported on a recent spike in foreclosure auctions in the Chicago Area:The number of homes sold in foreclosure auctions jumped 56 percent in the Chicago area in the first quarter compared with last year. In Chicago, neighborhoods like Uptown and Lincoln Square had much bigger increases.
Read or listen to the story here.
Good Job, Coppers
A reader writes:
"Last night (6pm approx) at our apartment building on the 4200 block of Hazel, two guys who obviously didn’t live in the building managed to get in and were hanging out in the lobby – one of whom was even charging his cellphone via an outlet in the lobby! Cops were called and arrived quickly and were very responsive to neighbors – for which we are very grateful. Please remind your readers to not buzz in anyone they don’t know and likewise, if you don’t know the person behind you trying to come into the building, don’t let them in. No-one I know would ever be offended if asked if we lived in the building – we’d be grateful that someone else was looking out for us all.
Many thanks to the police officers who responded – they were professional, re-assuring, and interested in our welfare and advised us on what to tell management of the building. It must be the season, as this morning an obviously drunk or high (or both) woman was loitering in front trying to get in. We’ve seen her before hassling people in our driveway – please, neighbors, don’t hesitate to call 911. The officers who responded last night were great."
Many thanks to the police officers who responded – they were professional, re-assuring, and interested in our welfare and advised us on what to tell management of the building. It must be the season, as this morning an obviously drunk or high (or both) woman was loitering in front trying to get in. We’ve seen her before hassling people in our driveway – please, neighbors, don’t hesitate to call 911. The officers who responded last night were great."
The Reader Covers LEN
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
He Gone!
Now we'll see even less of Ron. A reader clued us in to this Tribune story: "Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Ron Huberman and his partner have paid $898,000 for a five-bedroom house on the North Side. ... That same day, he also closed on the sale of his longtime nine-room vintage condo in Uptown for $405,000." We can't help wondering if his new place is closer to a modern el station with great retail.
Teacher Supply Drive Needs Your Support
News from State Senator Heather Steans:As you may know, the week of Monday, May 3 is “National Teacher Appreciation Week.” Though their efforts should be acknowledged and applauded year-round, this upcoming week provides us all with the opportunity to pay tribute to the hard-work and dedication our local teachers. In recognition of this special week for teachers in our community and throughout the country, State Sen. Heather Steans, Ald. Mary Ann Smith and State Rep. Harry Osterman are sponsoring a Teacher Supply Drive now through Sunday May 9 (though donations will be accepted throughout the year). We are asking that our community participate in this drive and help offset the, on average, $500 each teacher spends each year of their own money on supplies needed to run a classroom.
The teacher wish list works just like a gift registry. Choose an item that you would like to donate by visiting www.senatorsteans.com/teacherwishlist and e-mail that line to jen@heathersteans.com. Within one business day, we’ll send you instructions on where to drop the item off and remove the item from the wishlist, if applicable. We will accept new and gently used items.
Check out the list at www.senatorsteans.com/teacherwishlist.
New Playlot At 920 Lakeside
Thanks to a reader for sending in photos of the new 2nd floor outdoor playlot that's being put together at 920 Lakeside.
Before....
... and nearly done. (Looks like the soft ground cover is ready to be put down.)
Progress On Clifton
A reader sends in this photo and info:
"I wanted to share with your readers this photo taken this morning at Clifton and Wilson. It looks like 4 floodlights have been placed down the side of the building housing 7-Eleven. This is a great development. I remember reading that lighting on Clifton was an issue. Kudos to whomever got this done! I would imagine that the loiterers will not like a bright light shining on them while they are drinking and urinating here."
Streetscape Ground-Breaking
Clark, between Montrose and Ainslie, has begun streetscaping. Alds. Shiller and Schulter were at the groundbreaking. Clark, between Montrose and Lawrence, is in Ward 47 (Schulter); between Lawrence and Ainslie, it's in Ward 46 (Shiller).
New Ba Le Cafe Opens Today
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hypothetical Landlord Shiller
A reader sends in the following link and info:"Interesting that Shiller is on the right side of the issue .. ish. Either amendment is pure bull. The ordinance should put the onus on the landlord to provide the tenant with their deposit within x number of days, with no need for anyone to generate any sort of documentation.
Of course, this is Helen, so any possible way to overly complicate an issue is good by her.
However, the interesting point being that I was unaware that Helen is a landlord with 100 units.
Where are these units, and ... yes - are they subsidized with any tax dollars?
Readers want to know."
Read more at True/Slant and Megan Cottrell here
Update: A savvy reader points out that being a landlord with 100 units is NOT something mentioned on Ald. Shiller's "statement of financial interests." Surely she bought these AFTER that document was filed just about a year ago, right?
Update #2: Looks like according to someone in attendance at the meeting, Ald. Shiller was possibly speaking "hypothetically" when she mentioned owning 100 units.
Update #3: Megan Cottrell has issued a correction on her original story. Apparently the room of 150 people were just as confused by Ald. Shiller's commentary.
No "Uptown Chicken Salad" In Uptown
A reader sends in this photo from an advertisement on the L:
"I noticed this ad on the red line today from Potbelly that mentions a new "Uptown" chicken salad. It seems odd that Chicago-based Potbelly would name a salad "Uptown" yet have no location here. I would love to have one here! We have plenty of empty storefronts. Maybe we can get UU readers to flood Potbelly with emails suggesting they open a store in Uptown?"
Canines and Kids & Kites (Oh, My!)
Lots going on at Montrose Harbor on Saturday:- Bark in the Park, the Anti-Cruelty Society's 16th annual fundraiser, begins registration at 7am and the walk begins at 9am. If you want to sponsor a walker or join yourself, click here for more information.
- The Kids & Kites Festival begins at 10am, and lasts until 4pm. This is a beautiful thing to see, as evidenced by photos and video from last year.
Dine Out For Life On Thursday
Restaurants in Uptown which are participating are Anna Maria Pasteria (dinner); Crew (lunch and dinner); and Magnolia Cafe (dinner).
Magnolia-Malden Neighbors Need You
News from Magnolia-Malden Neighbors Block Club:The Magnolia-Malden Neighbors Block Club (Wilson to Lawrence, Malden to Broadway), is interested in starting to meet on a more routine basis (perhaps monthly) to discuss community issues. We are looking for people to represent each block of the block club in each of our meetings. We currently already have representatives for the 4600 blocks of Magnolia and Racine (Kathy Cook and Kyle Munoz). If anyone is interested in being the representative for the following blocks, please express your interest on the MM Neighbors Facebook page.
4600 Malden
4600 Clifton
4700 Malden
4700 Magnolia
4700 Racine
Also, we are looking for someone who is interested in being our beat 2311 CAPS correspondent. This person would be responsible for attending the monthly CAPS meetings (next meeting is May 4th) at Truman College, and reporting a summary of the important details of the meeting on our Facebook page each month. This will benefit all community members who are not able to attend the meetings.
We look forward to hearing from you. And please encourage all neighbors who are not part of the Facebook group to join MM Neighbors.
Thanks,
The Magnolia Malden Neighbors Block Club
UU Note: It is wonderful to see new energy being pumped into our local block clubs. We need them NOW more than ever. We ask our readers to contact their local block club and get involved. Does anyone have an update on the proposed Beacon Block Club?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Beating In Broad Daylight
A reader sends in this info:"Since moving to Uptown one month ago, I look at your website everyday! It's great!
I thought I would send you an email after what I saw today. On the corner of Malden and Wilson around 7:45 pm, there was a group of teenage boys (at least 10 or so) beating another boy with their belts. I called 911 twice and did see police cars come out, but of course the fight had broken up and the people had dispersed by that point.
There is always shady activity going on over here, especially in front of Godfather Pizza, but this was just ridiculous! They were beating this kid in the middle of the street in broad daylight!
Anyway, just thought it may help to get the word out there so people can be aware."
Court Advocates Meeting Time Change
If you can spare a morning a month, or even a morning every other month, to be a court advocate and to represent our community, please attend the training to find out more about what you can do to help demonstrate that crime is not tolerated where we live.
Another TIF In The Making
The only drawback -- having to hide everything from those annoying property owners who are footing the bill for all your fun. Buzz-kills, the lot of 'em. Why don't they just pay up and shut up?
Since TIFs are so much fun, it is any wonder that Ald. Shiller's asking for another to call her own?
A reader writes: "Noticed in today's Sun-Times classifieds the legal notice for the CDC hearing on the proposed new TIF district at Montrose & Clarendon (Columbus-Maryville). Hearing is May 11 at 1pm in Council chambers. More info about procedure; statement of objective is vanilla: 'to redevelop the ... site ...' "
MaryvilleTifLegalAd
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Caretaker Of The Uptown Theatre
The Sun-Times has an article today about the Chicago beat cop who's been the caretaker of the Uptown Theatre for more than a decade. Read about David Syfczak and what's going on with the theatre here: "Uptown Theatre: A Glorious Sanctuary for Some"
Safe Bikes / Safe Biking
- "Just wanted to remind everyone that with spring comes bicycle riding, and unfortunately, bicycle theft. This morning (Sunday 4/25) around 10:30am, I witnessed an attempted bike theft from my balcony, on the east side of Beacon St, about 100 ft north of Leland and Beacon. The guy was a white male, gray beard, approximately 50-60 years old, ~5'10. He was wearing a blue zip-up hoodie and had a blue baseball cap on. He was carrying around what looked like an open house flyer, pretending to look at properties. He circled around the bicycles (locked to a street sign), walked up to them, pretended to drop his flyer and then proceeded to start yanking on the front tire and trying to remove it. After I yelled at him twice and threatened to call the police, he walked off, heading east down Leland. Please be on the lookout for this guy, and watch where and how your bicycles are locked up."
- "As the warmer weather is getting here and more and more people are out enjoying it. People are bringing the bikes out of storage (those of us that are just warm weather riders) and riding about town. This might be a great time to remind riders that they need to obey the same rules of the road as car drivers. I can't begin to tell you how many cyclists are blowing through stop signs, stop lights, illegally crossing intersections and almost causing accidents. Here is a link that cyclists can use, not only to find out the laws but also find lakefront trail maps, biking events, theft prevention and much more: http://www.chicagobikes.org/. Lets keep our Uptown cyclists safe this spring, summer and year round."
Where Am I Located?
Name the location of this beautiful face and win the admiration of your fellow Uptown neighbors.
Tail Waggin' Clean
Puptown held its annual cleaning Saturday, and the best dog park in town just got better. New gravel has been laid down, the entire park was power-washed and then a diluted bleach was sprayed over everything for that "new dog park" smell. Tell your dog owning friends to swing by (and take a membership form) -- $30/year and this is where your money goes.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
"The Raven" Seeks Local Artists & Artisans
If you're a local artist interested in selling your wares at The Raven, contact chaseparkplayground@yahoo.com.
Tattered No More
A reader sends in this pic and info from 4900 N. Broadway:"A couple weeks ago I noticed that the flags atop the uptown car wash were really really tattered. I asked the folks at the Uptown Chamber to ask the car wash people to consider replacing them. Thanks to National Car Wash for making things a little nicer in the neighborhood."
Friday, April 23, 2010
A Leisurely Stroll Down Clifton
A reader sends in this video and writes:
"Lots of stuff going on here. Dope prices being yelled out. Dealers thinking I was the police, and once they saw my camera, they started sending signals to their corner boys to walk around the block. This is broad daylight, in the middle of the week, and only .3 miles from Shiller's office."
"Lots of stuff going on here. Dope prices being yelled out. Dealers thinking I was the police, and once they saw my camera, they started sending signals to their corner boys to walk around the block. This is broad daylight, in the middle of the week, and only .3 miles from Shiller's office."
Spring Has Sprung
A reader sends in the following pic from Lawrence and Sheridan and writes:"Nothing like a mailbox drinking party at 10am."
Helen Wants ANOTHER $4.2Million For Housing
Yes folks, Ald. Shiller wants another $4,265,000 from the Wilson Yard TIF to purchase and renovate 2 buildings, one at 4416-26 N. Clifton and another at 4416-26 N. Magnolia for more affordable housing. She's like a kid in a candy store with our tax money. Where is this info on our "transparent" Alderman's website?Check out the proposal here.
Food for thought: Our poor Wilson L station is only getting $3Million from the Wilson Yard TIF. That is something to share with your friends and neighbors.
From the proposal:
"These two properties, which offer 59 units of project based Section 8 housing for families, are among the few remaining low-income family rental properties in the Uptown community. The properties are at risk of loss to the affordable housing supply because the private investors who developed the properties in the 1980’s have expressed their desire to exit the partnerships and realize the market values that are available in Uptown. If the proposed project does not go forward, it is likely that the ownership entity will opt out of the project based Section 8 contract and convert the buildings to market rate condominium ownership. These buildings are a vital affordable housing resource in the Uptown community. Revitalizing and preserving these 59 units prevents displacement of low-income families and contributes to maintaining a mixed-income community."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Dog-Napped!
"What Kind Of An Animal Steals A Dog In A Home Invasion? Tucker, a cocker spaniel-poodle mix, was taken from his home near the Brown Line Addison stop sometime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, April 19." Tucker weighs about 20 lbs., is black with a white soul patch under his chin, and was wearing a Cubs collar when he was heisted. Read LEN for more information, including the reward.
DUI Leads To Loss Of Job For Homelessness Official
7-Eleven Rolls Out A Store Brand Beer
7-Eleven is rolling out their own store-brand beer called "Game Day." Read all about it here.
We trust that our 7-Eleven at Wilson and Clifton will not sell this beer as it truly would be "game day" with even more residents passed out on Clifton or in front of the struggling businesses on Wilson. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Throw Your Hands Up In The Air...
“Seniors enjoy group exercise, haircuts, manicures and other activities during Weiss Memorial Hospital’s Senior Springfest on April 14.”
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Renovated Sheridan Plaza Apartments Impress
A reader out searching for a new apartment in Uptown writes in:"I have been following the progress of the Sheridan Plaza on your site, through the foreclosure and so on. I am in the market for a new rental and was wanting something decent, which is hard to find in Uptown. I have found that apartments are either on the run-down side, or a condo with not much in between. You can imagine my surprise when I toured the Sheridan Plaza Apartments at Sheridan and Wilson. The second I stepped in, I could tell the entire lobby and entry way had been renovated. My jaw dropped. I was greeted by very friendly salespeople that took me all over the building. They mentioned there are 140 units total and around 130 have already rented out! I saw one and two bedroom units (there are duplexes in the building that have already rented), totally renovated with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, brand new hardwood floors and cable & internet included! I was only able to get a pic of the lobby but the website has 3 pages of photos and info. The gym was amazing too. The salesperson also mentioned that a new coffeeshop called "Michelangelo's" will be opening to the right of the Sheridan side entrance. The convenience store in the building will also be connected to the building so residents can enter from the inside. I also asked about the scaffolding that has been up forever and they mentioned it will be down this summer as long as the weather permits more repairs to be done. Overall, I was very impressed. Prices ranged from around $900 to $1200 for the one bedrooms if I remember right which is a bit steep, but for what you get it is worth it. Hopefully I will call this place "home" soon. Hope you can share this with your readers. I encourage everyone to take a tour of this building, at least the lobby!"
See Yourself In Red
A reader sends in the following pic and info:"Passed by this temporary looking Target employment office at Wilson and Clifton in one of Jay Bomberg's vacant spaces. It looks like they are accepting applications and doing interviews inside for Target at Wilson Yard.
As usual, nothing on Shiller's site or the self-proclaimed keepers of the jobs at Target, O.N.E. I noticed that the window of this space facing Clifton has new shades installed to shield the Target employees a bit from what goes on on Clifton...you know all the loitering that DOES NOT come from Cornerstone or the Wilson Men's Hotel."
It Has Everything! (Except What Was Promised)
Brochures currently available at Ald. Shiller's service office (click to enlarge):
Another Perspective Of "Friday Morning Fisticuffs"
Will John Walsh Visit Uptown?
"America's Most Wanted" is coming to Chicago to show how citizens are fighting back against crime and violence. We all know we've had more than our fair share in Uptown and our residents are fighting back. Read all about it here.
Activities For The Kiddies
Upcoming events at Smart Love Preschool located at 800 W. Buena:While the Preschool is not set to open until Fall, the Toddler Explorations! room is bustling with play for children ages 6 months – 4 years and caregivers of all ages. The play-based classes include:
* Music and Play on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
* Yoga and Play on Wednesday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
* Open Play on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
* Art and Play on Tuesday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Children are invited to attend one class for $23 or enroll in the entire session which will continue through June 10, 2010.
More info on the Smart Love Preschool website here.
Tribune: Wilson Yard "Green Roof" Not So Green
The Trib's Blair Kamin doesn't seem too impressed by our "green" AlderwomanRead the full article on green roofs in Chicago
From page 2 of the article:
"They're not all created equal. Media accounts of green roofs in Chicago invariably focus on the sprawling, lushly planted City Hall roof, or Millennium Park, which is built over working commuter railroad tracks and outfitted with grass and trees. These are the Rolls-Royces of the genre. More typical is a tiny green roof atop an Aldi supermarket at 4450 N. Broadway Ave., visible from the CTA's Red Line. It resembles a postage stamp. Green roofs, it shows, can comply with the law without adding much beauty to the cityscape."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Uptown Theatre on "Most Endangered" Historic Places List
"The long-shuttered Uptown Theatre has landed on Landmarks Illinois’ top 10 list of endangered historic places. The North Side theater at 4816 N. Broadway makes the list for the third time; it was previously listed in 1996 and 2001, according to the historic preservation group, which announced its annual list Tuesday. Landmarks Illinois says the "economic climate" had made it difficult for the theater’s new owners, a group led by Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions, to get the $40 million required for a restoration."
Also see the Tribune for a stunning photo of the theatre's lobby. Breathtaking!
Photo from Balaban & Katz Historical Foundation website.
Uptown Local School Council Elections April 21
Just wanted to remind you that we have local school council elections coming up this Wednesday, April 21 (6am to 7pm) for elementary schools. In the immediate Buena Park area they are:
- Brenneman Elementary School at 4251 N. Clarendon
- Stewart Elementary School at 4525 N. Kenmore
- Walt Disney Magnet School: 4140 N. Marine Dr
LSCs are comprised of ten members, with two community members elected from the general attendance area around the school (generally a mile and a half around the school). Anyone in the community can vote for the two community representatives. I am a candidate for one of the two community representative positions at Brenneman. Turnout for the last LSC elections in this area was very low.
UU Note: Does Uplift School have an LSC?
Somerset Owners Surrender License
Update: For more about Somerset Place, read Lake Effect News's "Advocates Search For Alternatives To Transition Mentally Ill To New Residences."
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