Thursday, April 1, 2010

Walkin' and Ridin' on Wilson Tonight 7PM-8PM


Please join your neighbors tonight at Wilson and Magnolia at 7pm for a CAPS-sponsored "Walk and Bike along Wilson". Bicyclists are highly encouraged to join, as we will be strolling/biking to Broadway and back. Several Bicycle Patrol officers from the 23rd District will be joining us for the ride. Come out, come out........wherever you are!

Update: Looks like there will be press coverage at the event tonight. A source tells us that WGN and CBS2 both have news trucks there.

41 comments:

  1. Will they be closing Wilson to vehicular traffic along that stretch? I may just bike on it just so I can say I showed my community support.

    -Brian

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  2. I hope people come out for this. Let's not wait until the middle of the summer and many incidents later to decide enough is enough.

    Plus, its a nice night! Perhaps come and commit to meeting 1-2 other Uptown residents and discuss what SPECIFIC ACTIONS we ALL will take to make our community better.

    At the risk of sounding a little corporate - Actionable Items People!

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  3. I'll be there. Let's clean up the streets!

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  4. I wish I would have known about this a little earlier. Is this going to be something they do on a regular basis?

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  5. This was a great experience! Granted, we walked through some areas I would never frequent, but this is a great way to let everyone know that this OUR neighborhood - its belongs to all of us, no matter your walk of life.

    When the next one is scheduled, I enocurage more people to attend. We shouldn't be scared to walk around and show a presence in the neighborhood.

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  6. Nice turnout tonite. I doubt the bangers will be intimidated, but its nice to meet some of my neighbors...hope to see you around!

    Anyone else want to make this a weekly event?

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  7. Will

    YES! Tonight was good times. It's great actually talking with people that care enough to walk around their own hood. A weekly "meet-up" would be cool. Possible future initiatives could be to have signs or pass out flyers for future walks/bike rides and engage some of the people that were staring at us, probably wondering what we were doing.

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  8. Unfortunately, I found out about this too late also. I'd like to suggest one on Lawrence/Sheridan as well. Great idea!

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  9. I hope they do this again as I am out of town.

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  10. http://nnssls.blogspot.com/2010/04/uptown-update.html

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  11. nnssls, you are such a little poseur. You've lived here since 2008 and you have the nerve to lecture people on how to live here. (Read up.. that article about Helen being elected in 1988? You know? I voted in that election! Whee! Does that rock your world? 20 whole years ago!) Listen, toots, some of us have lived here since before you were in gleam in your parents' eyes, and find you too precious for words. Happy Easter. Enjoy all that class warfare you enjoy inventing, and realize that there are people who can show YOU some things about the neighborhood you've so recently adopted. One thing we have in common is that we love it. (Oh, and the "overpriced condo" verbiage... not here. You want overpriced condos? Walk south of Irving Park. Uptown is affordable. But that reality doesn't fit in with your worldview, now, does it? Sorry. I realize that it's "everyone else" who looks down their nose at their neighbors, not you. **cough**)

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  12. Nnssls, well you might not be "that young" but you sure seem naive.

    Thanks for verbalizing your own stereotypes while attacking others for what you feel are theirs. How about everyone just avoid violent felony crimes for a start. When you figure out a way to get everyone who lives in the neighborhood on board with that goal I will be happy to read more about your thoughts. Until then I have read enough. How many Felony Crimes took place when one of those silly public loitering events was going on? Yea I thought so, NONE.

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  13. First of all, yes, I can be insulting, so I apologize. I try to balance it with a little humor to take off the edge, but at the end of the day, I do see a class warfare, and a lifetime of bottom-of-the-foodchain experiences has led me there. I'm a firm believer in life experiences as influence for personal morality. Also, I didn't say "over priced" condos, I said "new construction" condos, which really is just aesthetically offensive to me, more than anything.

    I realize that you're trying to do a good thing here, but lets look at this realistically: while certainly not completely devoid of ALL crime, how often does a big criminal event really go down across from Starbucks at 7/8 on a Thursday night. You want to stop crimes from being committed? Stand around the Wilson Red Line after midnight, or just hang out outside of my apartment from 10pm-morning... or anytime, really, on the weekend. And not to be additionally judgemental, but is there maybe a divide between the sections of the neighborhood that really need to be kept safer, and the sections where most of you live?

    I understand the point you're trying to make, I just think your energy could be better spent.

    So I apologize for my naievity, because I'm sure I seem a little wet behind the ears to a lot of you, and I apologize that I'm insulting -- but I don't apologize for the over-all feeling that big groups of white guys are not, never ever, going to be what saves urban minority neighborhoods.

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  14. How much crime goes on in front of Starbucks?

    Stand at the corner. Look up. See the flashing blue light. Say hello to the very first blue light crime camera to make its appearance in the 46th Ward.

    Chosen to be there. Not at Wilson and Broadway, site of a murder and at least three daytime shootings in recent years. Not at Sheridan and Wilson. Not at Lawrence and Sheridan, where street riots brought nationwide and worldwide attention. When the first decision was made as to what corner needed a crime camera, it was right in front of that Starbucks.

    You do the math.

    BTW, that "evil yuppie" Starbucks was placed there by Magic Johnson as part of his plan to bring much-needed retail to blighted, under-served inner city areas. You hate it being there? Complain to him that he's just done too damn much to bring jobs to Uptown, and that he's been way too successful in creating a retail ripple effect around it.

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  15. Again, I realize that Starbucks is just part of life, and I'm just trying to add a little HUMOR into my argument. You should try it, humor that is, because it will really lighten your load. No, I don't like Starbucks, or most chain restaurants or stores, but from your attempts at clever sarcasm I can see that you do... kind of... but don't want to outright admit it. That's cool, I understand.

    I wonder (prepare for conspiracy theories) if the crime camera has anything to do with the people who live just North and South of it? It might just be my opinion... but maybe the city thought it was more important to protect its higher-investment citizens first and foremost? Oh yeah, I did the math alright, did you?

    Is there a reason you're replying to me on this blog, instead of the blog where I originally gave my opinion? Looking for backup, I guess?

    You might relate to this little tidbit: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/22/73-gentrification/

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  16. Come on people. Quit trying to chastise nnssls for her opinion. She has some valid points. Also, please don't use ageism in you arguments. Even though I would have liked to come to the "walkin' and Ridin'" event, all it does is displace the actual problem (like blue lights). It really does need to be a whole community effort, not just concentrated to certain areas.

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  17. OK. I had to see what all the fuss was about so I read nssls post. She has no valid points. Sorry. It has nothing to do with race. If only I could sell my place right now I would be out of here in one second. Period. Life is way too short to be so miserable in your own home. People screaming at each other in front of your place at all hours of the day and night. Shootings at your front door in the middle of the day. I stop and thank the people of Clean Slate when I see them (about once every month). But I am in front of my building every day picking up bottles with urine, empty cheez its bags in what we tried to make a garden, cigarette packs, beer cans, broken glass, and bags full of bottles thrown in the tree branches behind the fence of our garden area. One full garbage bag A DAY. Every time a narcotics transaction takes place in front of my window, I'm afraid of another drive by like the one on July third at 11:00 AM like we had last year. And the hookers and gangs you're so happy to say hi to? I'm cordial to every one I pass on my street. But I cant walk down my street with a stitch of make up on or dressed in a decent pair of jeans without being surrounded by four or five guys who will literally not let me out of a little circle saying what they will do to me (and I'm talking conservative jeans). Yesterday, a self-proclaimed "pimp" was screaming about his "hoes" as he came barrelling down my sidewalk in a wheelchair as I was picking up trash. As he stopped to talk to me, I said hello (mistake), only to have several sexual epithets thrown my way, and when I said he was being inapropriate, his friend threatened me. I am not safe in this neighborhood, and would like to get the hell out. If worse comes to worse, I will simply have to walk away from my mortgage.

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  18. I would like to thank Magic Johnson Enterprises for taking a chance to make white people feel more comfortable in Uptown. Another great assist from one of the greatest point guards in NBA history.

    Welcome to the blog nnssls. The great thing about Uptown Update is you can read all of its archives for free. The only costs are your time and your patience.

    I anticipate a spirited discussion.

    Cheers.

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  19. TrumanSquareNabr said...

    Stand at the corner. Look up. See the flashing blue light. Say hello to the very first blue light crime camera to make its appearance in the 46th Ward.

    Chosen to be there. Not at Wilson and Broadway, site of a murder and at least three daytime shootings in recent years. Not at Sheridan and Wilson. Not at Lawrence and Sheridan, where street riots brought nationwide and worldwide attention. When the first decision was made as to what corner needed a crime camera, it was right in front of that Starbucks.


    WHY EXACTLY DID A CAMERA GET PUT UP THERE INSTEAD OF ANY OF THE OTHER THREE LOCATIONS ?

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  20. @Emily - Had I read your post prior to the Walk and Ride (which I participated in)...I would not have believed you. But, after walking around and seeing FOR MYSELF exactly what is going on just blocks from my own home, I am disgusted, but not without hope.

    The difference between you walking away from your mortgage and the disrespectful thugs that "control" your block and make your life hell is that you are concerned with the consequences of your actions and appear to have some sense of responsibility, while they don't seem to share your values.

    Until there are true consequences, the anti-social, anti-community behavior is going to continue unabated.

    Speaking of consequences, continue to speak up, report the crime, and hold those responsible for providing services in this community responsible.

    I can't say that NNSSLS has NO valid points, but downplaying the seriousness of what is going on EVERY SINGLE DAY in Uptown under the guise of racism or other is part of what got us here, what slows progress, and what makes parts of Uptown so hopeless.

    Keep doing what you are doing, stay safe, and promote community however you can.

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  21. @ Emily:
    Why did you buy a house in a neighborhood that has, for a loooong time, had so many problems? I'll try not to jump to conclusions, but I think this happens a lot: someone buys a house in a down-and-out neighborhood, hoping it will soon switch to an up-and-coming neighborhood, and then they can sell their house for a higher profit. I'm just confused as to why you would even risk a life that is "miserable", even for a nice real estate profit. Also, before you walk away from your mortgage, maybe you'll let me make an offer? I, for one, would love to own a home, even if it meant cleaning up trash from my yard. I think a lot of people would, but I think many of the houses are being snatched up by people who want to get a great deal and hopefully turn a profit (or just continue with a modest mortgage payment), and the people of this neighborhood continue to rent (yes, I realize there are a lot of factors to why someone rents -- this is just one of them).

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  22. Additionally, about the accusations of me "playing the race card" -- can anyone address why the group I saw gathered on Wilson WAS absolutely made up entirely of white people!? This isn't a racist comment, its a racial observation. I'm sorry you took it offensively, I didn't mean it as an insult, it was merely my observation, one that many of you were quite sensitive about.

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  23. nnssis,anyone moving into any neighborhood should have an expectation that work will be done improve the safety of their neighborhood. Everyone benefits, including renters. Shame on our elected leaders who did little to address crime when mostly poor people lived here.

    As far as only white people going to this, I wonder if anyone should be indicting people of any color (makes no difference to me) for attending an event that promotes public safety?

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  24. It seems so presumptuous to assume that the neighborhood will just be fixed up one day. Its fine to hope for such things, but to expect it...? When it comes down to it, people will take the risk of buying property in a North side neighborhood that they hope will improve, but would those same people ever buy a home, no matter how affordable, in Englewood?

    The reason I'm noting the race of the group is because a large group of black or hispanic people -- and I know I'm going to hear some arguments about this one -- would only frighten many of you, it certainly wouldn't make you feel safer in your neighborhood. They might get loud, or drop a gum wrapper... oh dear.

    The truth is that there is, and unfortunately probably will always be, racism. From all different sides, not just whites. Instead of saying things like "I just don't see color", why don't you take a more honest look at yourself. Of course you see color, everyone does. What would be great is if you made an effort to reach out to the people living in the low-income housing, who may or may not spend their afternoons reading blogs. A lot of them probably had no idea what was going on, and when my boyfriend and I walked by, nothing was said to us about what you were doing out there. You were talking amongst yourselves, and didn't seem to interested in spreading the word about this so-called "community" effort. So whose community is it, really?

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  25. I'm just confused as to why you would even risk a life that is "miserable", even for a nice real
    estate profit.


    Umm...affordable housing? Ever heard of it? Middle class people need a place to live too.

    I think many of the houses are being snatched up by people who want to get a great deal and hopefully turn a profit

    I think many of the apartments here are being "snatched up" by people who need a place to live that costs them no more than 25-30% of their income (i.e. the definition of "affordable.") I think many of the apartments are being "snatched up" by people who need to be near public transportation, their jobs and want to be near the lake.

    Why be so polemical about this? Why suppose that it is all some orchestrated agenda by people who are self-centered and culturally bankrupt? I'll grant you that this country has piss-poor housing policy. And its also true that the Daley Administration has done an abysmally bad job of managing CHA and a phenomenally good job of siphoning off tax dollars to feed the democratic machine/Illinois combine. So if all that is true why demonize middle class people (who, BTW, have always lived in Uptown and who helped Helen get elected through many elections)? Developers buy properties to make a profit. Homeowners buy properties to have some place to live. Why not rattle your saber at the suburban developers the city gives money to come and pump & dump real estate? They---and your city government---are the ones behind rapid transformations in neighborhoods. Unlike NYC, for example, Chicago doesn't require developers to prove that they are not displacing people when a conversion happens. When you take all of that into account, it strikes me as ridiculous that anyone should waste any time demonizing the people who come to live in these properties. After all, they are mostly making decisions based on their own financial circumstances.

    When you get right down to it, it seems to me that you have both an economic and a cultural objection to "gentrification" but that you conflate the two. Maybe you find Starbucks-sippin' yuppies repugnant. No one ever said you have to like everyone. On the other hand, long gone are the days when certain groups of people were required to live in certain neighborhoods. Today if you have the money to live somewhere (no matter your race, creed, sexual orientation or how much of a jerk you are) you have a right to live where you want. I am not sure what is to be gained by implying that one group of people has taken something that belongs to another. (Except, perhaps, in moral terms. But then I would still say that you have set your sights too narrowly.) There is no way to prove that poor people living in dangerous poor neighborhoods really want to stay there. Mostly, people make the best life they can but actively try to get out to someplace safer, less crowded with better schools. Now that summer is around the corner, I encourage you to ask around about how many kids are going to be shipped off to relatives. When you live in a city that allows a little girl to be shot as she is kneeling down to tie her blind sister's shoes you should know you've got some deep problems.

    Rather than keeping up with this "bad, bad yuppies" argument, it seems to me that the best course of action is to figure out how to make diverse communities thrive. For, we do have a great deal of diversity here. What is there to say after you acknowledge that every law-abiding SOB who is here has a right to be here? That is a conversation I'd be interested to join.

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  26. Okay, so if you plan on living in a home long-term, and not selling it for a profit, maybe you should be choosy about where that home is. If it's in a neighborhood that makes you feel uncomfortable, don't move there! It's a privilege to own a home, not a right, and a privilege that should be well thought and planned out before making such an investment. I'm sure there is affordable housing all over Chicago, like I said about Englewood, but do middle-class people decide to buy property there? More often than not, they don't. Uptown is on the North side, it's close to Wrigleyville (a neighborhood that used to have a multitude of its own problems, and still does if you don't prefer the company of the drunken mid-20s to 30s crowd it attracts), and has a lot of potential to become a successful gentrified neighborhood. Uptown is, for all intents and purposes, a safe bet for a limited-income home buyer.

    The point that I was trying to make, and probably along the way I got distracted, is that Uptown's problems are NOT going to be solved by a group of white people standing on a corner. The BEST thing you can do for this neighborhood, in my opinion, is support the people who make it the wonderfully diverse place it is. Shop at a corner grocery, eat at a locally-owned "ethnic" restaurant, send your kids to the schools here, try buying your newspaper from the guy on Wilson & Sheridan instead of having it delivered to your front porch, go to a show at the Aragon, buy your books from the Book Box instead of Borders, attend an art opening at Truman College -- help the people who already live and work here to be more successful!

    I am in no way in support of criminals, drug-users, or hooligans. I don't want to encounter these people at 2am, either. But standing on a corner isn't going to solve that problem. I'm sorry, it just isn't. Get the support of your neighbors, ALL of them, and meet once in a while to discuss a neighborhood watch (very different from "positive loitering"), or to organize a block party that encompasses those areas you "wouldn't normally frequent" where you can meet neighbors outside of your race, religious belief, or social rank.

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  27. It seems so presumptuous to assume that the neighborhood will just be fixed up one day. Its fine to hope for such things, but to expect it...? nnssis

    It's not fully presumptuous to expect our elected officials to work with the community to make it safer because we all deserve to be safe in our neighborhood.

    The reason I'm noting the race of the group is because a large group of black or hispanic people -- and I know I'm going to hear some arguments about this one -- would only frighten many of you, it certainly wouldn't make you feel safer in your neighborhood. They might get loud, or drop a gum wrapper... oh dear. nnssis

    For God's sake, this was a group of residents coming together to promote public safety in the neighborhood. It was not publicized to be only for white people.

    nnssis, you're so busy promoting a class war that you forget that public safety is something we should all be striving for. If this positive loitering was held on the Southside, the aldermen and churches would be marching with the residents. Here, they point fingers and promote a class war.

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  28. The reason I'm noting the race of the group is because a large group of black or hispanic people -- and I know I'm going to hear some arguments about this one -- would only frighten many of you..

    I think you're a poquita loca en la cabeza.

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  29. For dose of you who aren't el flutente in LA Espanolravoli like me UPtown refugee's comment means:

    That's Spanish for "a little crazy in the head."

    I'm getting increasing troll vibes off NNSSLS. I picture her hanging out with the Catholic workers and wearing an oversized skirt while lecturing people about the evils of tuckpointing or gardening.

    I choose to ignore her because I am a virtually fully self actualized human being. That and in the end what is the point of engaging her.

    One thing the Dalai Lama taught me is the virtue of not engaging every discussion. As many of you know I saved DL from a raging Yeti and at one time we were close buds. Then he found out I was getting "frisky" with most of his female family members. Man, DL has a temper.

    Anyhoo, just let it go and enjoy the beginning of Spring.

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  30. NN, if you'd bothered to come with us on the walk rather than counting demographics, you may have seen 311 calls being made about broken streetlights. You would have seen the police and citizens' concern about the children who were playing at Broncho Billy Playlot in the dark, and calls being made to change that situation. You could have spoken directly to the commander of the 23rd District about your concerns.

    What have YOU done to improve Uptown? At least the people on the walk were trying.

    As for "everyone notices race," sorry, sweets. I was on the walk and I couldn't tell you how many people were what color and ethnicity. Projection, anyone?

    You've done a real good job of pointing out how Uptowners are different from one another. Where most of us come together is that we want a safe and clean neighborhood. Care to join us?

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  31. Just a question, but nnssls, why are you here and not renting in Englewood?

    And I would like to note this moment as evidence that Uptown is indeed our college campus now sweetie.

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  32. Okay, I'm ready to get out of this discussion now, mostly because I feel like a lot of the points I AM trying to make about how to improve our neighborhood are being ignored, and then when I get mad about a big group of white people everyone notices and points that out. Figures.

    Anyway, I'll say it again -- shop locally, support your neighbors, la-dee-da. That's what I'm doing, you keep calling in the broken street lights, and hopefully one day we'll all meet in the middle. Thanks for the fun, folks, 'til next time. ;)

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  33. You know, I've REALLY had enough of the condescending terms like "sweetie" and "toots". You're not being cute.

    I rent in Uptown because I LIKE Uptown! I'm close to my school, my job, the Lake, the Red Line, and many of my favorite restaurants and grocers. I was living in Andersonville, and was tired of the same condescending, "do-good" (but don't really, just talk about doing it and especially in large crowds), martyr for the everyman attitude, and a friend from school suggested Uptown, where he also lives. I have loved it since the day I signed my lease. I don't want to see Uptown turn into another Andersoville, and I think that if you DO want that, there may be a better neighborhood for you. I PREFER to shop at the Hispanic grocery, eat Vietnamese food, and laugh with the African cabbies who are playing soccer and talking loudly into the night. I fear that cleaning Uptown up too much will cause it to lose its soul, and that would make me sad. I like soul, thank-you-very-much.

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  34. First of all, I come in peace! Points of information only:

    - Source of "This Ain't Your College Campus, Sweetie" phrase

    - Most of us who've chosen to live here do so because we like it, love it, even. We may disagree on many things, including our vision for Uptown, but many of us chose the neighborhood because there was something here that spoke to us.

    - Topic, please! This is turning into many things, and I'd like to return it to its topic, which is "Walkin' and Ridin' on Wilson Tonight."

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  35. nnssls: I am not trying to insult you. I'm trying to introduce you to arguments that you will eventually confront.

    You could just read the UU history. All the discussions are out there waiting to be read again. There's adventure, drama, comedy, tragedy, triumph and defeat. It's rather rich, despite the generally poor nature of the discourse between in the elected and the electorate.

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  36. nssls. You are quite presumptuous aren't you? I checked out my street before I purchased.Iloved the place, but I knew there were some problems with gangs in Uptown.The only activity that I witnessed in front of my building was some homeless activity, which didn't bother me, as I had been exposed to the homeless plight in my prior job (before losing my job).I cam by the area in the day, and in the evening. I got to know some of the neighbors. Both BLACK and WHITE. Some condo owners, and some in income assisted housing. Good people.This place had what I needed, and was what I could afford based on MY budget (not what the bank said I could afford--which was a lot more). Thank goodness--b/c I'de really be screwed now that Ive been out of work for some time. I liked the location. I didn't feel scared. The first summer I was here--no gang problems in front of my place. No screaming, horrific shouts until all hours of the night. There were some problems with trash--but usually it ws a result of blowing winds bfore garbage was collected. The problems started the following year. (Spring of 2009). You need to watch your assumptions about condo owners wanting to "turn a profit". By no means am I now, or did I ever think, or was I ever interested in that type of "business". If you are seriously interested in purchasing a place--plese let me know, and I will get you my contact info. My property is worth FAR LESS the I initially purchased--and with teh rates as low as they are now--your mortgage will be at least 1/2 of what mine is.

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  37. Also nssls--who said that we're not supporting our local businesses? I shop at the local bodegas and grocers wherever/whenever possible. I don't take the red-line anymore, however, due to the recent stabbing and mugging of my male neighbor across my hall. That was the last straw for me. I didn't feel safe approaching it before, and I certainly don't now. Last week, a fight broke out between two gang members while I was in my favorite small dollar store. I was smashed up against a counter by the duo engaged in the fight, while the proprietors tried to get them out. This was in the middle of the afternoon. As I noted, I no longer walk anywhere, unless I purposely dress grungily, for feer of being acosted (EVERY SINGLE TIME--in broad daylight). I've taken to driving 500 feet to my favorite small grocers on Sheridan just so I'm not bothered. That is a crying shame! And I'm not talking about bothered by panhandlers--I'm talking about leaving the store and having 5 punkasses surrounding you and not letting you go.

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  38. @Emily

    I appreciate and respect the situation you feel you are in. Honestly, and I know this will come off as "naive", I feel like we live in two different neighborhoods! Once I was outside of my apartment with an out-of-town friend, dressed up to go out, and we had to ride the bus to get there... and yes, there were comments made by ONE person, and I told him (as my friend fondly remembers) to leave me alone, because I could get "nasty real quick, M***** F*****". That pretty much put an end to that. I have never, outside of that one event, had anything inappropriate said to me, or had my path blocked by anyone. I am a (I think) attractive 28-year-old, and I look younger than that, but I don't feel like I have to dress grungy to avoid attention. I'm not saying that I don't believe you, I'm saying that either you look like a Victoria's Secret model walking down the street (wind-blown hair and all), or that you and I have, for whatever reason, had COMPLETELY different experiences. I don't know why this is, it just seems to be HOW it is.

    Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it, because its becoming arduous to navigate this one particular blog entry over and over again... my info should be on my own blog or on my profile.

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  39. lol--No--I'm not a victoria's secret model. I'm just I guess your average attractive single girl who works part-time out of my home since Ive been laid off--and god forbid I leave my house--which has been surrounded by gang activity since 2008. --let me correct the prior post--these events have been occuring since 2008 (Spring). I purchased in 2007. When one is a female who leaves on their own, and their front door is surrounded by 15 men--and the feet away is another group of 15 men--believe me--they'll do what they want. And, I've tried the old--"Leave me the f alone"--when it was only one or two guys--to have my life threatened by not only these punks--but their mothers--When I was with my boyfriend once--10 of them went on the attck, and it took everything he had not to get himself killed by going ballistic. Ive had the neighborhood police have to put me under protection for trying to stand up for myself and questioning me as to why I would ever move here in the first place. But I've got it all on video--and they've seen it now--and I have seen an increase of police activity on my street. Which is great. Again--you can probably get a mortgage on this place for 700 a month. (Less than half of what I pay.) I don't have time to argue with you re: the facts of what I am stating. I have lived it, and so have some of my neighbors. I have video of it. If you are serious about purchasing, however, let me know. I will be more than happy to contact you.

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  40. I'm sorry you're having to experience that, I really am. I'm still wondering why so many people in Uptown seem to be having such a negative experience, while I'm having a great one. Anyway... I wish I could take your mortgage off your hands, but I don't really want to buy until I can get an actual HOUSE (I'm not into condos)... I want a vegetable garden, and some chickens. ;) Do you mind me asking where you live?

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