Maryville Development To Move Forward As Planned, NE Parcel To Return To Park District

UU Note:  The JDL plan is still moving forward as planned. The parcel on the NE corner of Montrose and Clarendon (outlined in the dotted line in the site plan below) will be returned to the park district per the Zoning Committee's vote. The info below pertains to the NE parcel at Montrose & Clarendon only.

via Abby Sullivan at Ald. Cappleman's office:

The Maryville Development Proposal (click to enlarge)

"At our April 22 meeting, the committee endorsed taking 30 days for further exploration of the potential preservation and adaptive reuse of the Cuneo hospital building at the Maryville site.

The for-profit model that was discussed for the first time at the April 22 meeting was explored by JDL and Baum Realty, and is not moving forward.

The sisters (property owners) are firm that they are not going to allow access to the building to anyone for any reason other than necessary inspections and emergency services due to liability issues, so any agreement would have to move forward site unseen.

I have attempted to contact David Baum personally several times and have gotten no response. I spoke with his assistant and requested that she send any information regarding a financing plan or other plans and have heard nothing further.

Therefore, Ald. Cappleman will endorse the committee's original position of demolition of the building (on the NE corner of Montrose and Clarendon) and turning the property over to the Park District." 

Chicago's Bike Ambassadors Come To Uptown

Still Room On The Cruise Trolley

Fenced Out! Join Lakeside Neighbors On Saturday

Lakeside Neighbors block club is looking for some help to gain access to a community asset that has been blocked off from neighbors' use:

"In September 2012, Uplift Community High School fenced and locked the Arai School Campus Park, denying neighborhood residents access to this little park in the 800-900 block of West Leland Avenue. A fence was built around most of the park and the gates have been padlocked 24/7 since it was completed. Community members have appealed to the school administrators repeatedly, with no result, and are now concerned that the park will remain locked throughout the summer vacation months.

Lakeside Area Neighbors Association is hosting a gathering at the park between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, 1 June. The group is hoping to gather support for a stronger effort to get the locks removed from the gate.

THE BACKGROUND:  In September 2012, Uplift Community High School fenced and locked the Arai School Campus Park, denying neighborhood residents access to this little park in the 800 block of West Leland Avenue.  This school campus park was created in 2002 through a program between the City, the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Public Schools.  Under this program, the Chicago Park District provides funds to improve school lots, thereby creating spaces which can be used and enjoyed by the broader community during the hours when there are no conflicting school activities.  As former Mayor Daley described in a July 31, 2001, keynote address to The Urban Park Institute:

"One of our most successful efforts has been our campus park program. Some years ago, the people in charge of the Chicago Public Schools decided to pave over most of the school yards with black asphalt. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it doesn’t make a very attractive, or usable, space. So we are tearing out the asphalt; planting grass, trees and shrubbery; adding benches and playground equipment when appropriate; and turning these areas into campus parks. The school children use them on weekdays; neighborhood residents use them in the evenings and on weekends.

This has brought community residents closer to the schools, both literally and figuratively – and that’s vitally important when you’re trying to generate support for the public schools. We’ve already built 80 campus parks, which added 200 acres of open space, and we’ll complete 20 more campus parks by next spring."

THE EFFORTS TO DATE:  Members of LANA (Lakeside Area Neighbors Association) have met several times with Uplift school adminstration and its local advisory council, seeking to have the park's gates left open when school is not in session.  They have refused.  Their stated position centers on student safety.  No one takes issue with student safety, however, student safety is not an issue after school hours, on weekends, and over school holidays, including the summer months.

Stephanie Moore, Uplift Principal, insists that she will do as she pleases to keep the "athletic field" safe.  Through personal observation we know that the school campus park is not often used by the student body.  Last fall, some track and football practices and marching band rehearsals occurred in the park.  They were infrequent events.

46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman and his staff have met with Principal Moore regarding this issue.  It was his "understanding that residents would have access to the park when students were not in school and were not using the space."

Still the park is padlocked.

OTHER AREA SCHOOL CAMPUS PARKS:  There are 3 other area school campus parks, none of which have been fenced and locked:

• Uptown:       Goudy Elementary School
• Edgewater:   Senn High School
• Lake View:    Lake View High School

So we are left to wonder, what makes Uplift so different?

THE REQUEST:  Please send notes to the following government representatives requesting that the park be re-opened to neighborhood residents when there are no conflicting school activities.

• Stephanie Moore, Principal, Uplift Community High School
• James Cappleman, Alderman, 46th Ward
• Rahm Emanuel, Mayor, City of Chicago 
• Michael Kelly, General Superintendent, Chicago Park District
• Sandra Olson, Northside Park Supervisor, Chicago Park District
• Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Superintendent, Chicago Public Schools
• Jadine Chou, Chief Security Officer, Chicago Public Schools"

LANA would love it if you could join them on Saturday morning. But if you can't, please consider dropping a line to the above officials (click on the name for a contact page or email address), and cc Lakeside Neighbors, too, at lakesideneighbors@sbcglobal.net

Windy City Ribfest Lineup Announced

Date: Friday to Sunday, July 5-7

Time: Friday - 5pm to 10pm | Saturday - Noon to 10pm | Sunday - Noon to 9pm

Location: Lawrence & Broadway | Chicago

Finger lickin' slabs from some of the best local and national ribbers will be in the spotlight at this popular summer food/street fest that's celebrating its fifth year in 2013. Even better? A rockin' 3-day music stage lineup featuring some of the hottest local and national rock/pop and classic indie acts as well as local tribute bands!

This "saucy" happening also features arts & crafts, a daytime play area for kids, plus beer and wine. Plus Windy City RibFest in Uptown takes place just steps away from three of Chicago's hippest music venues: the Riviera Theatre, the Green Mill, and the iconic Aragon Ballroom.

A $6 suggested donation benefits the Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown.

Main Stage Entertainment 
Friday
5:30pm - Liquid Soul
7:00pm - Liquid Soul
8:30pm - Trippin Billies
 
Saturday
12:15pm - Velvet Jimis
2:00pm - Velvet Jimis
3:30pm - Fletcher
5:00pm - Paul & Fred from Little Feat
6:15pm - The New Orleans Suspects
8:30pm - Cracker

Sunday
12:15pm - Mike Musikanto
2:00pm - The Right Now
3:30pm - Chicago Afrobeat
5:00pm - Dot Dot Dot
7:00pm - Wedding Banned

A Different Perspective On The Wilson L Rehab

CTA: Rendering looking south on Broadway from Leland

We've all seen the new renderings of the future Wilson L station. What you probably HAVE NOT seen is how having no support columns in the middle of Broadway will affect the streetscape just north of the station. The CTA has been less than transparent when it comes to showing how the rehab will change the face of Broadway and Leland. Check out the grainy rendering above. The "Barry Building," now home to Spoil Me Salon, is visible on the right. We are hearing that nearby businesses are not thrilled with how the columns will be placed on the sidewalks directly in front of their businesses and how this view of the project was never displayed to the community. What do you think of it?

Here's a letter detailing what residents were told, and what the CTA actually plans to do:

Natalie Spears Letter by UptownUpdate

Man, 19, Found in Uptown Possibly Electrocuted

Readers have forwarded the following from the Chicago Tribune:

"A 19-year-old man who police believe was writing graffiti was found unconscious and apparently electrocuted between an electrical transformer, a chain link fence and a telephone pole, authorities said.

He was alive when authorities discovered him in the 1800 block of West Montrose Avenue but died at Advocate Illinois Masonic a short time later, authorities said. He was pronounced dead at 3:56 a.m.

Police said the man may have been tagging because the transformer where he was found was defaced. Firefighters and paramedics brought him down with a ladder, police said.

The man, who the Cook County medical examiner's office has not identified, has been arrested seven times with criminal defacement of property or posession of paint or markers with an intent to deface property, police said."

Our thoughts and prayers are with this young man's family.

Yard Sales - This Weekend!

We've received information from readers regarding two yard sales this weekend.

 

First, Graceland West Community Garage & Yard Sale on Saturday June 1st from 9AM-4PM, Irving Park Road to Montrose Ave, Ashland Ave to Clark Street, multiple families will be holding garage sales. The reader promises lots of great stuff including: Toys, vintage items, art supplies, books, baby clothes, artwork, electronics, sports equipment, adult clothing, antiques, music, videos, plants, household items, furniture and much much more........

 

Then on Sunday, June 2nd: 

Cooking With Real Kitchen

Real Kitchen - "Giardiniera Rollout" from Dustin Puehler on Vimeo.

We love Real Kitchen and so do many of our readers. Today Chicagoist has done an article about them (their giardiniera, to be precise), including a video on how to make it yourself. In the mood for eating, not cooking? Stop by the strip mall at Montrose and Clark and pick some up for 8 bucks.

Former Uptown Slum Owner Runs Siblings Bar Into The Ground

Interior of "Mosa Building," now in receivership

Right as the owners of Lawrence House try to get a liquor license, there's another story about a former Uptown slumlord who got one:

WEST ROGERS PARK — As neighborhood dive Siblings poured its last drink early Tuesday, the building's owners worked on plans to sell the building.

Siblings had come under pressure from both Chicago's alderman, Evanston's nearby alderman and the cities' police forces after neighbors complained about violence, noise and other unseemly behavior emanating from the bar.

[...] Jettner added that the bar's tenant, Sunil Mosa, had been eight months behind on rent, to the tune of $30,000.  "I think he just left the place to go to hell," he said.

Sunil Mosa ..... Mosa ..... where have we heard that name before?

Why, yes, he's the former owner of the "Mosa Building," at 1014-1036 West Leland.  The one that was illegally converted to condos.  The one that had two disastrous floods, forcing out retail tenants and endangering pedestrians.  The one that was taken over by a receiver and took a year of rehab and construction to become viable again.  You can read more about this years-long nightmare here.

Stories like this why we are so strongly against the Menettis getting another chance at a liquor license.  There is no crystal ball into the future.  But when an owner/landlord lets a property get so bad that the city, the aldermen, and receivers get involved, it's bad news for everyone.  It's a lot of time and money spent to turn around a building (in a city that is broke to begin with).  Can anyone point to any success stories in any Menetti-owned properties?  Does Uptown need another Siblings or Green Dolphin Street, both of which closed due to neighborhood complaints and violence?  Can a slumlord ever change his spots?

Sad News (Again) At Lakeview Towers

We've heard from many readers that there was heavy police activity this morning around 6am at Wilson and Clarendon, including helicopters and news crews on the scene.

Sadly, the information we have gotten is that someone jumped or fell from the building at 4550 N Clarendon and passed away from injuries sustained.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the person's friends and family, who will forever feel the loss.

Update:  CBS News reports that "An Uptown neighborhood man fell to his death from a high-rise building early Tuesday.  Joseph Aning, 66, apparently fell from the 13th floor of a building in the 800 block of West Wilson Street, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.  Authorities responded about 5:25 a.m., and believe he may have jumped out of a window, police News Affairs Officer Ron Gaines said."

A Reminder About The Liquor Commission Meeting Today

We're asking you, if you have some time or can re-arrange your lunch hour, to show up at the meeting of the Liquor Commission today at 1:30 to testify about your feelings about the Menettis' (owners of Lawrence House and several other foreclosed property in Uptown) appeal for a liquor license at Irving Park and Broadway.

The City attorney said in her letter to the community:  "It is by no means a foregone conclusion that the denial of the license will be upheld. It is very likely that the liquor license will be granted if there are not enough community members at the hearing who are opposed to the license."

See our previous post here.

License Appeal Commission Hearing: Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.

Directions to Room LL 02 (Lower Level) of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street:

1. Enter the Daley Center from Clark Street and take the escalator down to the Concourse Level.  Expect to go through metal detectors.

2. Upon exiting the escalator on the Concourse Level, take the stairs directly in front down to the Lower Level.

3. Proceed through security and exit to the hallway to your right (the only way you can exit).

4. Take the first hallway on the left.  Room LL 02 will be near the end of the hall on the left.
 
For questions or additional information, please contact Rachel L. Berger, Assistant Corporation Counsel, (312) 744-4030.

It's Yard Sale Time For WFCW Neighbors

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

What a difference a year and a half makes!  The western half of the St. Boniface wall along Lawrence is finished, with the green tarp taken away and the gaps in the wrought iron topper filled in.  A huge difference from the graffiti-ridden, deteriorating "Ol' Pocky," as shown in the top photo on the St. Boniface website.

Not only is the new fence more attractive, but it doesn't act as a forbidding, impenetrable divider along Lawrence anymore.   A massive improvement; St. Boniface is to be commended.

Memorial Day Mass On Monday

For those wishing to remember service members who gave their lives while in the military, there will be a Memorial Day Field Mass at St. Boniface Cemetery, 4901  N Clark, Monday at 10:30am.

Father Lou Cameli of Holy Name Cathedral will be the celebrant.

There's A Light....Light In The Darkness

Pie Hole Pizza Joint, Uptown Edition's opening was indeed "really soon," like the sign promised.  If we're reading our hashtags properly, Saturday night was the soft opening, taking advantage of the crowds attending a couple gay weekend events downtown.  The photo above was posted to Pie Hole's Facebook page Saturday night, with the caption "Donky Kong. #onlite  #phpj2 #softopen #iml #bearpride #sofo"  If you're in the area of Clark and Argyle, stop on by and let us know how you liked it.

VOX 3 Presents Free Concert At People's Music School Tonight

Kick off the long weekend with a free concert at People's Music School tonight, at 7pm.

VOX 3 Collective Inc. NFP is presenting a performance called "COMEDY TONIGHT," a concert of classical music works based on the traditional Italian commedia dell'arte: a style of humorous improvised theatre.

Young professional musicians will be singing art song, opera arias and scenes, madrigals, and even some musical theatre numbers representing the various stock characters that make up the commedia. From Debussy songs to opera excerpts to a nine-voice Italian madrigal featuring nine characters talking at once, this concert combines vibrant theatricality with gorgeous musicianship. The concert is a great (free) opportunity to listen to some great music and learn a bit while doing so.

Performers include: Brian Hoffman, tenor | Gretchen Adams, mezzo-soprano | Meghan Guse, soprano | Laura Perkett, soprano | Ian Hosack, baritone | Michael Orlinsky, baritone | Laura Perkett, soprano | Rebecca Prescott, soprano | Christopher Buckler, flute | James Morehead, musical direction & piano

More information is available on the VOX 3 website: http://www.vox3.org/commedia.html

There is also a Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/106491636223450/

Pie Hole Pizza Joint: Almost Ready

 The brown paper is still up on the door....

 ... the sassy signs are up on the windows....

... and promises are made...

...but Pie Hole Pizza Joint's owner is playing it close to the vest exactly what day Pie Hole Pizza Joint, Uptown Edition, will open.

We know from PHPJ's Twitter account that the place has passed inspection, has received its business license, and the crew has been pizza-practicing this week.  Gonna be soon!  Keep an eyes open if you're in the area of 5001 N Clark.

Why Did The 7/11 Cross The Road?

A reader asked today, "Has there been information published about development on the site of the former KFC @ Bway & Buena? It appears that construction fencing was installed yesterday and didn't see anything on UU, but was wondering if this is this the same 8-unit development that was shelved a few years ago."

It's been rumored, on and off, that the 7/11 store across the street wants to move in to the former KFC site, and today it was confirmed that it is indeed happening.  They hope to have the new store move-in ready sometime around September.  While construction is going on, they'll stay open at the current location.

This place has been empty since at least 2007, maybe longer.  At one point, pre-bubble burst, the property was listed for $1,999,500.  By March 2012, it was listed for $820,000.  We don't know what it went for in 2013, but it's good to see a long-time community eyesore get some life once again.

Update:  Forgot to answer our own question in the headline.  We thought the space on the southwest corner of Buena and Broadway (the future 7/11) was attractive to 7/11 because of the parking lot, and that may very well be true.  But a savvy reader told us a couple months ago that the current store is located in a dry precinct (southeast corner), and the new location, while just across the street, is not.  Of course, we don't know if that's why 7/11 chose to move.  Can't blame them if they request a package liquor license after the move, since every other 7/11 in the area has one.

Ward Night In The 46th Ward Tonight

From Ald. Cappleman's email update, sent today:

Neighborhood Nights in the Ward's parks and playlots returns on Wednesday evenings. These events will allow any resident to meet with Ald. Cappleman and discuss any issue or just come to chat. Call Chris Jessup with any questions: 773-878-4646 or email at Chris@James46.org.

• When: May 22 from 5pm - 7pm
• Where: Gill Park at 825 W Sheridan

Menetti Family Really, Really Wants To Open A Club In Uptown -- Residents Requested To Attend Hearing

As some may remember, last November notice of a proposed liquor license/ tavern was sent to neighbors of 4001 N Broadway, the site of the former Arnold's.  A little Internet detective work revealed that it was the Menetti family who were behind the license request.

That would be the same Menetti family whose properties in Uptown (and other parts of the city) ended up in foreclosure, and whose poor management of Lawrence House and 4526 N Sheridan landed them in Housing Court and eventually led to a court-appointed receiver taking over the management of the properties.  They are also the former owners of Green Dolphin Street, a club which Ald. Scott Waguespack worked to have closed due to several violent incidents.

In December, Ald. Cappleman held a community meeting with neighbors of the property at Irving Park and Broadway, who overwhelmingly voted against the idea of issuing a liquor license.  Ald. Cappleman requested that the liquor commission deny the license request, based on the feedback from that meeting.

But the Menetti family apparently doesn't like to take no for an answer.  Here is an announcement sent out Tuesday night by Buena Park Neighbors block club:

"Tavern license appeal hearing for 4001 N. Broadway is set for May 28th.  Several months ago a group of Buena Park Neighbors met with Alderman Cappleman to raise their concerns about an application being made to the city to obtain a tavern license for the vacant space at 4001 N. Broadway.  Based on the input from this meeting, Alderman Cappleman requested that the liquor control commissioner deny the requested license. Since then, the corporation that originally applied for the license has appealed the denial and have been given a hearing date of May 28th.

We are letting know about this hearing as a public service to all residents of Buena Park and we encourage you, whether for or against, to attend this hearing to make your views known. If you would like more information on this, contact Alderman Cappleman and/or Buena Park Neighbors.

Below is a copy of the letter sent by the city about the hearing:

May 14, 2013

RE:     13 LA 6, Broadway Tavern, Inc.

This letter concerns your written objection to the granting of a liquor license for the business located at 4001 N. Broadway.  The business wants a license to obtain a Tavern license. 

I am an attorney for the City of Chicago, representing the Local Liquor Control Commissioner, Gregory J. Steadman, in this matter.  I am contacting you because you wrote a letter to the Commissioner or signed a petition asking that the liquor license be denied  because of the harmful effects that it would have on the community. 

As you may be aware, the Commissioner has in fact denied the license application, and one of the bases is that the sale of liquor at this location would tend to create a deleterious impact on the surrounding community.  However, the applicant corporation has appealed the denial to the License Appeal Commission for the City of Chicago. 

The law requires that the License Appeal Commission hold a hearing to review the denial of the license.  At this hearing, I will present evidence and testimony regarding problems in your community that are expected to arise if the license is granted. 

The hearing to review the denial of the packaged goods liquor license is set for Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in Room LL 02 (Lower Level) of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street in downtown Chicago. Your attendance is requested to demonstrate to the License Appeal Commission that your community is definitely opposed to this license.  The License Appeals Commission is strongly influenced by the number of community members who attend the hearing and testify as to why they are either in favor or against the issuance of a particular license. 

It is by no means a foregone conclusion that the denial of the license will be upheld.  It is very likely that the liquor license will be granted if there are not enough community members at the hearing who are opposed to the license.

I ask that you contact me as soon as possible if you plan to attend the hearing and would be willing to testify in front of the Commission.  My telephone number is (312) 744-4030.  If I am not available at the time you call, please leave your telephone number and the best time to reach you.

Sincerely,

Rachel L. Berger, Assistant Corporation Counsel

P.S.  If you know of other members in your community who also object to this license, please let them know about the hearing date, and give them my phone number.  Every witness is very important!" (emphases added by UU)

We're not against new clubs filling empty storefronts, and we're not against liquor licenses being issued. However, we have serious doubts about this one. We have to look at the track record of the applicants, and in this case, that look takes us no farther than Lawrence House, which generated more 911 calls than any other address in the 20th Police District while it was under the management of the Menetti family.

We look at the stabbings and shootings outside the Green Dolphin Street club while it was under the management of the Menetti family and ask ourselves if a club like that is a good fit for Uptown. We look at the many Housing Court appearances regarding the properties owned by the Menettis, and we look at the fact that the buildings began to improve only after the court took away the family's right to control their own properties.

We know many of our readers work in the Loop, and ask that you consider going to Daley Center during your lunch hour on Tuesday, May 28th, to let the Liquor Commission know what you think about the proposed liquor license requested by the Menetti family for the "Broadway Tavern."

Update:  Rep. Greg Harris sent UU a copy of this letter weighing in on the liquor license request:

click to enlarge

Dying Squirrels On Dover

A reader writes in:
"Has anyone noticed dead squirrels in the parkway/sidewalk area? If so, where?
We found TWO in our front yard this morning north end, west side 4700 block of Dover Street. Also saw a dead squirrel on the east side, midway up the 4700 block last week and one on the 4600 block within last two weeks. Squirrels can carry and succumb to West Nile Virus. The city does not do testing. On request they only come and dispose of the bodies. This is probably caused by poison, not illness. Dog owners be careful. People have poisoned peanuts and other items dogs will eat to kill squirrels. Parents may want to keep a sharp eye on toddlers at the put anything in their mouth stage."

Marking Territory?

A reader living near Sunnyside Mall writes in:
"Sunday night from my residence, I noticed a black male in a long sleeve (plaid?) shirt and dark jeans walk through the Sunnyside mall heading east from Beacon towards Malden.  At one point, he stopped, pulled out a white cloth from a bag, and threw it onto the ground next to a pine tree.  He then kept walking east.  I've seen white cloths laying around in this exact spot before.  Was this a signal for a drug buy?  I've seen people making secretive transactions in this area before in unrelated instances.  I called the cops who told me that if I see this again or if I see these white cloths laying around to call 911 immediately.  Pass this onto the readers that if they see these white cloths laying around to call the police."

Craft Beer Week In Chicago Includes Trolley Tour

 The eleven-day Craft Beer "Week" is going on right now in Chicago, with a daily "tap takeover" at Crew and one coming up Friday night at Bar On Buena.  There's also a trolley tour on Wednesday through Uptown, Andersonville and Lincoln Square:

European and Asian Craft Brewers Trolley Tour (Lincoln Square/ Andersonville/ Uptown) tours European- and Asian-style craft brewers in Lincoln Square, Andersonville, and Uptown. The tour starts at Fountainhead (1970 W. Montrose Ave., 773-697-8204) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a beer sample at each bar. Reservations are required.

There are over 300 events planned, so take a look at the schedule if you want to find out more.

Longer Nights For The Argyle Night Market

A Night Market in Taiwan

According to the City's website, the new Argyle Night Markets will run longer in the evening (5pm-9pm), but have a shorter season (through September 5th) than previously announced.

It says it will "include some vendors from the City’s other farmers markets, as well as having live performances and arts & crafts, with local artisans and local restaurants participating."

We'll take it! We're looking forward to some enjoyable Thursdays.

Bike Safety Event

Graceland Wilson Block Club came out with a newsletter this week, including a workshop to make your bike trips safer for you and the people you ride near.

Join GWNA on Saturday, June 1st when the City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors give a bicycle safety program.  The event will take place at Sunnyside Mall (Sunnyside between Magnolia and Malden) from 10 am to noon.  Learn more about cycling safety in the city, practice with some drills and even have your helmet fitted.  This event is free and all ages are welcome.  Learn more about the Bicycling Ambassadors here.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on other events, including Concerts in the Park scheduled this summer in Uptown!

"Hey Sailor" Pub Crawl On June 1

Join your neighbors and kick off Pride Month with a pub crawl sponsored by Business Partners - The Chamber for Uptown, The Chicago Reader and 312 beer.

"The official Uptown kickoff to Pride Month - HEY SAILOR, is a bar cruise featuring six of the neighborhood's finest watering holes.

Join us for an afternoon of cocktails, camaraderie, and costumes!
Prizes awarded to the finest sailor garb in the crew.

Participants include: Crew Bar & Grill, SoFo Tap, Reservoir, Nick's Uptown, Uptown Lounge, and Fat Cat."

More details are here.  Sounds like a great time.

Stop, Thieves!

Sounds like some of the same crew who stole a bike tire earlier this month and were caught by the cops have returned to their thieving ways.  A reader had an experience tonight that sounds similar to one reported a couple weeks ago.  Be alert if you park your bike in Uptown.  The previous post has some good tips in the comments.  Here's tonight's story:

"I just had a scary and fortunate situation at Buena and Sheridan with two bike thieves that have been seen in the area before. My bike was parked on the street for a few hours at Sheridan and Buena and when I left my house I saw two Hispanic guys walking with a really nice bike wheel in their hand. My wheel.

I grabbed it back out of their hands and they ran off. I called the police but the guys were gone, heading north on Broadway towards Montrose.

Be on the lookout for these two guys: 2 Hispanic men, one small, the other very large. The large guy has a shaved head and thin goatee. He has broad shoulders and was wearing a brown zip-up hooded sweatshirt and shorts. The smaller guy had short greasy hair, a white shirt with stripes and pants. Be on the lookout for this bastard odd couple."

Uptown & Its Future In The Spotlight

Wednesday night reporter Randi Belisomo of WGN presented more of her series on the Uptown Theater and the proposed Uptown Entertainment District, and there's a lot to take in:

• Will Uptown's Music District Find A Rhythm in Uptown? was on the WGN News At Nine.  A transcript and the video are here.
• At 10pm, CLTV did a half-hour live special called Creating a Music District, with Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions (owner of the Uptown Theater), Dave Jemilo of the Green Mill, and 46th Ward alderman James Cappleman.  It's split into several segments online:  Part One, Viewer Questions & Comments, and Closing Thoughts.
• There's an interview with the Mayor about the creation of the Entertainment District and the Uptown music scene.  He mentions the Truman Parking Garage, the lighting that will come with the modernized Wilson L station, the Broadway and Argyle streetscaping, and the Entertainment District, and how he believes these will all come together to spur development, such as more restaurants and businesses.  The entire interview is about nine minutes long.
• There's an interview with Ric Addy called A Peek Inside Shake Rattle & Read.
• All the stories, from Tuesday and Wednesday, and the extras, can be found on one page:  http://wgntv.com/news/stories/chicagos-music-district/
• In addition, there will be a discussion open to the public later this month:

Pooches In The Garden At Baker & Nosh This Weekend

Bring your cocker spaniel to go with your coffee, or enjoy your scones with your scottie.  Baker & Nosh (1303 W Wilson) announced on Facebook today that Saturday is Doggie Day In The Garden:

Bring on the dogs!!  We are trying something new this weekend. This Saturday morning, we will be having Doggie Days in our garden. From 9-12, you can bring the pooch, grab a cup of coffee and a tasty treat while spending time in the garden meeting neighbors, talking with your local pet supply stores/pet photographer and letting your dog make new friends!

46th Ward Holds Ward Night At Broncho Billy Playlot Tonight

From Ald. Cappleman's email update, sent today:

Neighborhood Nights in the Ward's parks and playlots returns on Wednesday evenings. These events will allow any resident to meet with Ald. Cappleman and discuss any issue or just come to chat. Call Chris Jessup with any questions: 773-878-4646 or email at Chris@James46.org.

• When: May 15 from 5pm - 7pm
• Where: Broncho Billy Playlot at 4437 N. Magnolia Avenue

Demera Deals On Groupon

Demera Restaurant (4801 N Broadway) is featured on Groupon today, with your choice of five different dining deals at half off, starting at $14.

The deal will be available for the next four days, and can be used between May 20 and December 11th.  Take a look here for details.

WGN News Visits The Uptown Theater

In case you missed the WGN News at Nine on Tuesday, here's a link to the story. The text portion has a little more than what was shown on the air.  The direct link to the video, as shown on WGN, is here.

Remember that there will be more Wednesday night on the WGN News At Nine regarding the formation of an Entertainment District, followed by a half-hour live show on CLTV, at 10pm.

The WGN page also features a history of the Uptown in photos, from its heyday to the present, linked here.

"Night Out in the Parks" Entertainment Schedule

Today Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District, and DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) announced a summer-long program of evening events in the city's parks.  Here's what's on the agenda for Uptown* (the entire schedule is here):

• Thursday, July 11, 6:30pm:  Concert in the Park, Aster Playlot, 4639 N Kenmore
• Sunday, July 14th, 5pm & 8pm:  Modern interpretation of Romeo & Juliet by The Hypocrites, Margate Park, 4921 N Marine
• Monday, July 15th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Shane), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Thursday, July 18th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Gooseberry Playlot, 4648 N Malden
• Friday, July 19th, 6:30pm:  Concert in the Park (Mixed Company), Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland
• Friday, July 19th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Annie), Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland
• Thursday, July 25th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Broncho Billy Park, 4437 N Magnolia
• Tuesday, July 30th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (The Sandlot), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Thursday, August 1st, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Aster Playlot, 4639 N Kenmore
• Thursday, August 8th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Gooseberry Playlot, 4648 N Malden
• Monday, August 12th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Wednesday, August 14th, 8pm:  Movie in the Park (Jack the Giant Slayer), Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N Clarendon
• Saturday, October 19th, no time given:  Circus in the Park, Margate Park, 4921 N Marine

* There are no listings for Gill Park, at least as of today.

"Finding Faith," Erik Estrada At Uptown Baptist Church

On Friday, May 24, at 6:30pm, Uptown Baptist Church (1011 W Wilson) will present a free screening of the movie "FINDING FAITH."  Based on a true story, it highlights the task force efforts to rescue children from internet predators.

Erik Estrada, who stars in the movie, will be available to sign autographs following the movie screening. There's an interview with him here that explains his involvement and why he is going around the country showing this film.  The Facebook page for the movie is here.

Montrose & Greenview New Construction Nears Completion

Just over a year ago, construction started on a residential building in the weed-covered lot at Greenview and Montrose, which had been sitting empty for many years.  Now construction is substantially finished.  In our post of May 31, 2012, we said:

We're not thrilled that there won't be ground-floor retail on one of our main thoroughfares, but there are plenty of vacant storefronts in the area already.  We are excited about something being built there at long last.  Empty lots don't contribute to a healthy community, and let's face it, Chicago can use the real estate taxes.  It will be fun to take a look at the finished building and see how it compares to the artist's vision.

 So here's the comparison, the artist's rendering and the actual building:

Condo/Townhome Owner Programs Offered

Two educational programs are being offered for condo associations.

• The first program is on Tuesday, June 4 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.   It will be "A Primer on Condominium Law and Practices."  Attorney Denise DeBelle and Harry Benjamin on Condo Serve Corporation are the speakers. The program will be at Bridgeview Bank, 4753 N. Broadway in Chicago.
• The other program is Thursday, June 13 and is on "Owner Rights and Board Member Responsibilities/Duties."  It will be from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown Public Library, 929 Buena in Chicago. It will feature Attorney Sima Kirsch and Michael Rutkowski of First Community Management.

Both programs are being hosted by the Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations (ACTHA), a non-profit organization. ACTHA is the largest statewide organization representing community association owners. Its mission is to provide education and information to help associations run more efficiently and effectively.

For program details and registration information, call 312-987-1906 or email gael@actha.org. Pre-registration is requested.

Free Hep-B Shots Tuesday

Welcome To The 21st Century, Bag Plaza

Photo courtesy of Google Streetview

Since last October, the Bag Plaza Corp. building at 4533 N Clark has been hidden behind scaffolding while it got a facelift and became more structurally sound.  This past week, the scaffolding came down, revealing a sleeker, more modern building.  We'll miss some of the vintage decorations, but that glass brick.... never!

WGN & CLTV Visit The Uptown Theater This Week

"Downstaging Uptown" by Eric Holubow

Curious about what the Uptown Theater looks like and what its future is?  WGN and CLTV are taking an in-depth look this week:

• "The doors of the historic Uptown Theater were shuttered for the final time in 1981. Since then the majestic theater has sat dark and boarded up, a skeleton of the crowned jewel on Chicago's North Side that once boasted "an acre of seats in a magic city." Watch WGN-TV's News at Nine this Tuesday at 9pm as Randi Belisomo takes our cameras inside the theater to show you what it looks like now. Find out what is waiting to come back to life.
• Then tune in Wednesday for the News at Nine at 9pm as Randi reports about the plans for a music district in Uptown which would center around the Uptown Theater.
• Will it become a reality? We will take a closer look at that question during a LIVE half-hour special "Creating a Music District" on CLTV Wednesday, May 15th at 10pm. Uptown Theater owner Jerry Mickelson, Alderman James Cappleman and The Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo will join Randi Belisomo to discuss the plans and take viewers' questions. Tune in to CLTV or watch live on the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live).

You can submit questions to the CLTV Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cltvnews?ref=tn_tnmn) or call 877-358-CLTV (2588) with your questions or comments. You can also follow the discussion on Twitter with @CLTVNews and using the hashtag #Uptown.

If you miss it, all of the stories will be posted on our web sites at www.wgntv.com and www.cltv.com."

If you haven't seen this inside of this magnificent theater, check out the slide show here, by undercity.org. And check out the documentary Uptown: Portrait of a Palace, which is on Vimeo, and may still be available on DVD from Compass Rose.

Uptown Carnival Is A Go

Uptown Update ran a post in January about some very ambitious plans for a Chicago Uptown Lakefront Carnival and Entertainment Festival, to run for 18 days in June and July.  Many readers expressed doubts that an event of that magnitude would be able to take place, especially during a very busy time for Uptown, with the Pride Parade taking place at the same time.

We heard back this week from the organizers of the Carnival, Uptowners who've been cutting through municipal red tape right and left, dealing with various city departments, and the Carnival will take place, on a smaller scale and in August.  It sounds like a lot of fun, and the organizers have a ten-year contract, so look for it to get bigger and better as time goes on.

The new dates are Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th.  It will happen at the lakefront, between Wilson and Lawrence, from Lake Shore Drive to the lake.  There will be free admission, as well as entertainment, carnival rides, food and music. There will be a DJ/dance area, an entertainment stage, and two beer gardens.

The non-profit overseeing the Carnival is "Saluting Our Heroes."  The website says:  "Portions of proceeds will go to the Chicago Police and Fire foundations, the Goldstar Families Memorial, as well as local churches, schools and various non-profits."

They are looking for vendors for food, art, and entertainment.  They are also seeking non-profits to sell event wristbands to make money for the organizations.

You can read more details about the Carnival itself and how to be part of it, here.

Stuck In The Middle With You

As of 4pm, Lawrence is closed between Broadway and Winthrop, as a truck turned into an convertible by getting wedged under the Lawrence underpass.  Gonna be some slow going in the area while everything gets un-jammed.