Tuesday, January 31, 2012

You Can Ring My Bell (Ring My Bell) ...

... but don't expect an answer.  All that's left of the vintage apartment building that was on the 4000 block of Sheridan, next to Nick's, for nearly 100 years is the capricious wrought iron fence and the doorbells connected to nothing, in front of an empty lot.

Update:  The February newsletter from Buena Park Neighbors says, regarding the January quarterly meeting--

"Lot Limbo.  Morgan Murphy, Thorek's compliance officer, disappointed many in attendance when he reported that 'there's nothing on the drawing board' at this time for the vacant lots at Irving Park and Sheridan, which are owned by the hospital. However, Thorek has every intention of building on that site in the future. The big question is when, and according to BPN President Bill Petty, the estimated time could be anywhere from two to five years.

On the plus side, Morgan said the hospital is considering BPN's proposal for a temporary community garden on the site. Bill told attendees that 30 to 50 raised bed plots with wood frames could be constructed on the lot for less than $10,000, with some of that cost recovered by renting the plots to the community. 'Irving and Sheridan is our front door,' Bill said. 'It's the gateway to Buena Park. To let it sit empty and become infested with weeds and garbage is unacceptable both to us and Thorek Hospital.'"

8 comments:

  1. oh no you didn't... are you TRYING to get me started again about what a crappy neighbor (and property manager) Thorek is and always has been. they're a land bank, not a hospital.

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  2. Say more, that's an intriguing comment...everybody has an angle in Chicago....

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  3. Hmm, WHAT neighborhood group took a $5,000 donation from Thorek.. which soon after demolished some great buildings with out ANY protest from that very same neighborhood block club?...I wonder...

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  4. Hmmmm...and what neighborhood group would be stupid enough NOT to accept a $5000 donation...I wonder?

    Hmmmm...and what neighborhood group has a say in the demolition permitting process...I wonder?

    Answer.....Zero.

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  5. Hey ChiChris, say what you will about their land-managing skills - or lack thereof - Thorek is first and foremost a health facility. They gave exceptional care to my then-8-month-old son on Christmas of 2010 when had his first asthma attack, and on 2 other late-night ER visits as well. I'm very thankful to have them so close by. Complain about what they do with their property all you want, but lay off the healthcare providers!

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  6. Jeffrey, God Bless you. I know if you do not comment at least 8 times a day on UU, you probably feel some withdraw pains... but your comment was completely ignorant.

    If you do not think a neighbor block club can hold a LOT of sway, I suggest you talk to the folks at Sedgewick... Your comment JL, was just 100% completely wrong...LOL

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  7. Uptown SuperHero! We're still waiting for your explanation on how a neighborhood club is able to influence the sale of property from one private party to another. Or a demolition permit. I'd also love to see a examples of block clubs so flush with cash they routinely turn down donations from local businesses. Still waiting...

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  8. Has anyone taken note of the tax issue here? Previously, there was a building, on which an owner paid property taxes. Now, there is an empty lot. Not only is it worth less as undeveloped property, but it is now owned by an entity that does not pay taxes (as a not-for-profit).

    Insult to injury? Take a look at this report, pages 6 & 7:

    http://www.ctbaonline.org/All%20Links%20to%20Research%20Areas%20and%20Reports/Health%20Care/Executive%20Summary%20and%20Charts_Final.pdf

    Thorek received $7.0million in total tax benefits (including $3.1million in property tax exemptions), and provided a whopping $1.2million in charity care.

    I understand that they are not the only hospital receiving property tax exemptions, but how many are going around acquiring land, demolishing viable properties, and then not planning any redevelopment for "2-5 years"?

    A wonderful neighbor they are indeed!

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