Smart Grid Coming To Uptown

You've probably heard the ads:  "The smart grid is coming."  Well, it's here!  These trucks were spotted at Cullom and Broadway. 

The smart grid is technology that makes it easier for the electric company to find out when there's a power outage and to know where to fix it.  Right now they depend on customers to let them know when the lights are out, which is why you need to call 311 when there's a streetlight outage (and there's been a ton this winter).  For more about the smart grid, here's an article from the Tribune that does a pretty good job of explaining.

Whole Foods Opening In Edgewater Next Year; Mariano's Opens Hiring Center

It looks like a year from now, Uptown will be bookended by two Whole Foods, with today's announcement that the chain will be opening in Edgewater.  This is in addition to the existing Whole Foods in Lakeview, on the 3600 block of Halsted.

Ald. Osterman made this email announcement today, including some news for former Dominick's workers and others who want to work at Uptown/Edgewater's new Mariano's:

"It has been reported by numerous sources, including Crain's and the Sun Times, that Whole Foods will be acquiring the Dominick's store at 6009 N. Broadway (Broadway & Glenlake). I expect Whole Foods to make an official announcement in the next few weeks. This is an exciting development for our community and for the future of Broadway. Whole Foods is a highly reputable company known for quality products, local hiring and community partnerships.

It is my understanding that Whole Foods will be making a significant financial investment in the building and plans to open in early 2015. My office will work closely with them throughout the renovation process, leading up to the opening of the store. We will release more details to you as they become available.

In early December, I announced that Mariano's will open at 5201 N. Sheridan Road. They are planning for a late-March opening. Today they are opening a hiring center across the street from their new location. They will interview candidates and accept applications at this office, which will be open regular business hours. I am working closely with Mariano's to host a job fair at the end of February. I hope to have the details locked in by next Friday so please stay tuned for more information in the weekly newsletter.

The addition of Whole Foods and Mariano's contributes to the already fantastic mix of grocery options in the 48th Ward. Now is a great time to support and explore our ward's local and independent grocers such as True Nature Foods, Edgewater Produce, La Unica Food Mart, Tai Nam and many more. Our community is rich with options and has something for everyone. Read more about our local grocery stores here and please join me in supporting these businesses!"

A reminder that, in addition to the soon-to-open Mariano's, Uptown has Aldi, Target, Jewel, Asian markets on Broadway and Argyle, and various smaller stores, including many neighborhood convenience stores.  And a new produce market at Magnolia and Wilson!

Watch Super Bowl XLVIII At Razon

Two Uptown Actors Star In Local Theater Productions

Two entertainers from an entertainment district.  Besides the wonderful productions we have in Uptown, please consider seeing these two local talents when planning an evening out:

(L-R) Robin DaSilva, Donterrio Johnson, Sharriese Hamilton

Uptown resident Sharriese Hamilton will star in Porchlight Music Theatre’s special Black History Month production of Ain’t Misbehavin’, a Tony-Award winning celebration of music by Thomas “Fats” Waller. The production begins performances starting February 1st.  Sharriese joins the rest of the cast and live band in performing 30 of Waller’s best hits, including "Ain't Misbehavin’," "Honeysuckle Rose," and "This Joint is Jumpin'." It provides a peek into the golden age when the Cotton Club reigned during the height of the Harlem Renaissance and take the audience on a musical journey that reflects the emotions and experiences of African-Americans in the early twentieth century.

Previews are Saturday, February 1, at 8pm, Sunday, February 2, at 2pm and 6pm, and Monday, February 3 at 7:30pm, with reduced ticket prices.  Opening/Press Night is Tuesday, February 4at 7:30pm.  The show runs through March 9th.  For information and tickets, go to porchlightmusictheatre.org.

---

Gail Rastorfer and Christian Gray (as film stars
Natasha Navratilova and Ivor Fish) (credit: D. Rice)

Uptown resident Christian Gray stars as "Ivor Fish" in Tom Stoppard's farce, Rough Crossing, playing at the First Folio Theatre (at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, in Oak Brook).  It's a Jazz Age musical set in the early 1930s aboard the S.S. Italian Castle on its way to New York, where two playwrights struggle to finish their latest musical hit as they maneuver around a jealous composer, the screen star he loves, and her lothario co-star.  Aided by the most inept steward ever to tread the deck of a cruise ship, the trio must save both their show and their stars from disaster.

Christian resides in Uptown with his wife, Lydia Berger Gray, who is also a First Folio Theatre Artistic Associate.

Rough Crossing opens Saturday, February 1 at 8pm, and runs through March 2. You can find out more about it and buy tickets at http://www.firstfolio.org/.

Windows Of Opportunity

A neighbor of the former Hotel Chateau, 3838 N Broadway, writes this morning:

"From my window across the street I can see that windows are now being installed.  THIS is MAJOR.  The look of this building has been a HUGE blemish on the street for decades and now that is about to change."

Janet Cameron Art Show Opens February 14th

Wilson Abbey in Uptown, Chicago is proud to announce its very first art show: CORNERSTONE: A Retrospective of Janet Cameron, Paintings, Prints, Album Covers and More. Over the last 40 years her oils, watercolors, and various prints have illustrated album, book, and magazine covers. In addition, a number of pieces have been exhibited at festivals and public places, yet this will be the first time her work has been collected for a solo show.

The show will offer an artist catalog and a free signed print to the first 100 patrons. The show opens February 14th with a 6pm reception and runs through April 5. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9am-7pm and Sunday 1-5pm at Wilson Abbey, 935 W. Wilson.

Still Fighting A November 26 Street Cleaning Ticket?

From Ald. Cappleman's newsletter:

"If you received a parking ticket last Nov. 26 for not moving your car for street sweeping, and contested the ticket but still lost, let the 46th Ward Office know.

Ald. Cappleman will call the Dept. of Finance and request that the ticket be expunged. Street sweeping that day was canceled."

Contact information is on the 46th Ward's website, here.

Broadway Tavern Liquor License [Finally] Denied

It's official -- the liquor license for the Broadway Tavern proposed for 4001 N Broadway has been denied.  But it took nearly a year in limbo for that to happen.

Uptown Update first posted in November 2012 that neighbors of the site had received notice that a liquor license was being sought for Broadway Tavern, Inc.  A little online research revealed that the proposed licensee was a member of the Menetti family who was named on the foreclosure action for Lawrence House and other family-owned properties.

In December 2012, Ald. Cappleman held a meeting with neighbors about the proposed liquor license, which they overwhelmingly opposed.  Ald. Cappleman wrote to the Liquor Commissioner that same month, citing community disapproval and asking that the license be denied.

It was, with the Liquor Commissioner saying, among other things, "that the issuance of this tavern license would have a deleterious impact on the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding community."  The Commission asked Broadway Tavern, Inc. to file a plan demonstrating how it would alleviate "parking problems, safety concerns for pedestrians, noise, public intoxication, and unruly behavior for patrons of the establishment."

In May 2013, Buena Park Neighbors sent out a letter to residents to let them know that Broadway Tavern, Inc. had appealed the denial.  Rep. Greg Harris sent a letter of opposition, joining Ald. Cappleman.  In court that day, many community members showed up, but the attorney for Broadway Tavern said his clients weren't ready because they hadn't been properly notified.  Another court date was set.

Later that summer, the liquor license application disappeared from the door of 4001 N Broadway, and we thought the matter was settled.  But we recently became aware that it actually wasn't, not until November 19th, 2013 -- nearly a year after the first post we ran about the liquor license application.

When the appeal was denied again, it was not because of the Menettis' mismanagement of their other 46th Ward properties.  It was not because of the family's track record with Green Dolphin Street.  It was denied based on the lack of a plan to avoid problems associated with a tavern at that location, and surprisingly, it cited problems with another tavern, located just north of Irving Park on Broadway, which had closed eight years earlier.  We can't think of what that could be; anyone with a longer memory than ours?

The ruling, from last November, concludes:

"The issue of whether there is already noise, crime, and vehicular congestion was not addressed by the applicant in his testimony. He did speak of steps to alleviate problems but did not dispute the problems exist. Much of his testimony dealt with his plans for an upscale restaurant but this application is for a tavern license and the lease is for a tavern with carryout and delivery.

On this theory, the City did prove the issuance of this tavern license would cause a deleterious impact on the health, welfare and safety of the surrounding community. ... The denial of the tavern license is affirmed."

While another appeal was available to Broadway Tavern, Inc., the fact that the currency exchange currently located at the SE corner of Broadway and Irving Park will be moving into the space at 4001 Broadway makes us think the issue of the liquor license is finally dead.  Took long enough, but community opinion held.  Well done.

Pivot Arts Presents Pop Up! Performances

For more information visit www.pivotarts.org or "like" https://www.facebook.com/PivotArts

2nd Annual DANSTOCK On February 6th

click to enlarge

2013 was the inaugural year for DANSTOCK – a showcase featuring four local bands named after Dan Stock, a sound engineer at Uptown Recording who lost his battle with melanoma last year.

The benefits from this event go toward melanoma research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Last year we raised $35,000 and we are looking to increase that donation this year.

The benefit is back and stronger than ever this year. The band lineup is solid and many Uptown business have donated items to the raffle and silent auction, such as Demera, Lao Sze Chuan, and Fat Cat.

You can find out more and purchase tickets at: http://danstockbenefit.blogspot.com

Dearborn Wholesale Building For Lease

Know anyone looking for a large retail space for their business?

Long-time tenant Dearborn Wholesale is apparently leaving the location at 918 West Montrose, according to Mid-America Real Estate Group, which deals exclusively with retail spaces.

According to the flyer, which you can download here, the building is 12,500 sq. ft. and the adjoining parking lot holds up to 50 cars.

Interested parties can reach out to agents Paul Bryant (pbryant@midamericagrp.com) or Dan Tausk (dtausk@midamericagrp.com).

CTA Seeks Public Feedback On Wilson Station Overhaul

The CTA is having an informational meeting about the redesign of the Wilson Red Line station next month, in preparation for an environmental assessment report.  It'll be at Uplift High School, 900 West Wilson, at 6pm on Tuesday, February 18th.

They say they are looking for feedback from the community about the new station.  In our experience, the CTA never wants to hear feedback from its patrons (ridden the 144 or 145 buses lately?), so we suspect getting feedback is something they're required to do.  It still sounds like a good opportunity to find out the latest, and when construction will start.

Thanks to Tracy Swartz and RedEye for letting us know.

Information & Parking Restrictions For "Year of the Horse" Parade

This Saturday at 1pm, the Lunar New Year Parade will make its way through Uptown.  Ald. Osterman offers more information about the route and the parking restrictions below. 

Uptown United is still looking for volunteers to march with them and pass out envelopes filled with coupons and promotional materials from local businesses.  Please email info@uptownbusinesspartners.com if you are interested.

From Ald. Osterman:

"Next Saturday, February 1st, Argyle Street and the surrounding 48th Ward community will celebrate the Asian Lunar New Year and the year of the "horse!" These festivities will include the annual Argyle Street Parade, which kicks off at 1:00pm sharp, in front of Hip Sing, located at 1121 W. Argyle.

The parade route is as follows:

• Kick off at 1121 W. Argyle, and travel east on Argyle to Sheridan.
• Go south on Sheridan, west side of street only, to Ainslie Street.
• Go west on Ainslie to Broadway.
• Go south on Broadway, east side of street only, to the Broadway Supermarket Shopping Plaza.
• Parade will proceed through the shopping plaza's parking lot and exit onto Broadway.
• Go north on Broadway, east side of the street only, to Argyle Street.
• Go east on Argyle back to 1121 W. Argyle.

Approx. length of parade - 1 hour

Parking restrictions are as follows:

• Argyle St., Broadway to Sheridan, no parking both sides of street, 11:00am - 3:00pm
• Ainslie St., Broadway to Sheridan, no parking on both sides of street, 9:00am - 3:00pm
• Sheridan Rd., Argyle to Ainslie, no parking on west side of street only, 9:00am - 3:00pm
• Broadway, Gunnison to Argyle, both sides of street, 9:00am - 3:00pm

All parking restrictions will be strictly enforced, per city ordinance.  All vehicles parked on race route will be ticketed and towed, at owner's expense, starting at 9:00am

PLEASE MOVE YOUR VEHICLE FROM THE PARADE ROUTE AT THE ABOVE STREETS & TIMES

C.T.A. buses #36 & #151 will have reroutes starting at approx. 12:30pm through 3:00pm.  All bus stops along route will have posted instructions with info on re-routes.   Traffic Management Aides (T.M.A.'s) will begin in area starting at 10:00am through 3:00pm

After the parade is over, please stop by one of the many wonderful and delicious restaurants on Argyle, Broadway, and Sheridan and continue to celebrate with a great meal from the Argyle Street area."

The Rainbow Connection

Yes, it's frigid, but the weather comes with its own beauty.  Gene Tenner sent in this photo he took this morning of a rainbow over the lake.  Further west, it showed up as a "sun dog," which made it look like three suns were in the sky at the same time.  According to the Trib, these factors are necessary -- sunlight, ice crystals, cirrus clouds and bitterly cold temperatures.  We qualify.  Keep your eyes out, particularly when the sun is low in the sky.

Monday's Zoning Committee Meeting Postponed

In anticipation of the polar air that's coming in early next week, the Zoning & Development meeting/information session scheduled for Monday night at Weiss Hospital has been postponed.

A notice from Abby Sullivan at the 46th Ward aldermanic office reads, in part:

"Monday is supposed to be high of -2, so we will not be meeting Monday night. Stay safe and warm, and please send me any questions you have regarding the JDL Maryville proposal or the proposal for the 3800 block of Broadway."

Here's to less frigid evenings ahead.

The Heat Is On (Well, Eventually)

The Tribune has an article about the heat -- more specifically, the lack thereof -- in the Uptown Theater.  Boiler repairs are scheduled to start on Monday.  The judge said he'd like to see the theater out of Housing Court by the end of the year.  (Wouldn't we all, your honor, wouldn't we all.)  The article is here. 

Next court date is February 28th, with two inspections scheduled between now and then.  Sadly, there was no mention of the giant mutant basement icicle in the article.

As commenter Irish Pirate noticed, the theater owners' attorney is Patrick Daley Thompson, of the Bridgeport Daleys.  Also of the "Daley Center" Daleys, which is where this particular courtroom happens to be located.

There's a brief video of a round-table discussion that includes Chris Jones, the Tribune's theatre critic, with the article.  It's cheerfully entitled "Nothing ever changes at the Uptown Theater."  It's here, and the sound quality is really bad, so be prepared to turn up the volume.

BPN Annual Meeting Rescheduled; Zoning & Development Meeting Postponed

Update:  The Zoning Committee meeting has been postponed as well.

Due to a conflict between the timing of the scheduled Buena Park Neighbors general meeting on Monday and the meeting of the 46th Ward's Z&D Committee, BPN has rescheduled. Per their email earlier today:

The BPN general meeting is being rescheduled so that neighbors can attend the 46th Ward zoning and development committee meeting.

The new date is Monday, February 10, 7pm.  Place to be announced.

Speakers:  Alderman James Cappleman.  Other speakers will be announced as we get confirmation

After each presentation, there will be ample time for questions.

---

The 46th Ward Zoning and Development Committee meeting.  The zoning and development committee meeting will be held on Monday, January 27th at 7pm at Weiss Hospital auditorium.  The public is invited to attend this meeting.  If you have any questions or comments that you would like discussed, email Bill Petty, who is the representative for Buena Park.

Mariano's Hiring

A reader noticed this sign at the new Mariano's at Foster and Sheridan.

If you're looking for a customer-oriented job, or if you're a former Dominick's worker, it might be worth checking out.

http://www.marianos.com/Careers.aspx

Chicago PD Films In Uptown

While Chicago PD films on the SE corner of Leland and Broadway,
the folks right across the street are watching on tv ... Chicago PD.

Thank you so much to our reader JM, who braved the cold to get lots of photos of yesterday's filming of Chicago PD at Dalia Food Market, at 4661 N Broadway.  While the store was closed all day, they didn't start bringing equipment over until around 1:45 in the afternoon and didn't begin filming until the evening hours.

"So the apparent story behind today's taping is that there is a bank robbery (at the Bridgeview Bank Building). Most of the day they were inside the Bridgeview Bank Building. Additional footage was filmed at the Fine Food Market.

They didn't start filming at the Fine Food Market until about 8pm.  It is 9pm and they are still filming. Looks like most of the acting is happening around the cash register inside.  They will be wrapping up there shortly and headed to an area behind the Borders Building."

Click on the photos for larger versions.  The episode is tentatively scheduled to air on April 2nd; it is Episode 11 of the season.

News About Maryville Happenings

 

There's an article in today's Trib about "Cuneo Hospital," the former name of Columbus-Maryville Academy at Clarendon and Montrose, and what's going on in its presumptive future:

• a demolition permit has been issued for the existing buildings;
• preservationists would still like to see the buildings saved;
• the City has reduced the TIF amount from $30 million to $14 million;
• the Clarendon Park fieldhouse will not be receiving any up-front funds from the TIF due to the city's reduction of the TIF grant;
• money to restore the fieldhouse will come from money produced by taxes created by whatever gets built on the site (presumably, but not assuredly, the high-rise that JDL proposes)*;
• Abby Sullivan at the 46th Ward aldermanic office says, "We're also looking into possible funding by the state or the infrastructure trust fund" to restore the fieldhouse"; and
• there will be a meeting of the Zoning & Development Committee to review the latest plans on Monday night.

You can read the entire article here.

* The site has not generated any taxes since at least 1957, due to the non-profit status and charity work done by the owners/sellers, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

Landmark Status Sought For Preston Bradley Center

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"My office has received several inquiries regarding the zoning change for the People's Church/Preston Bradley Center that will be introduced to the City's Zoning Committee on January 23. The zoning designation for this building will be changed from RT-4 to B3-5 in order to allow the building to support and expand performing arts tenants, which is not allowed under its current residential "R" zoning.

Due to concerns that this zoning change could make the property more appealing for redevelopment at a future date, my office is working with the Preston Bradley Center and the City Landmarks Commission to pursue Chicago Landmark status for the building. This will ensure that the architectural integrity of the building will be protected and any significant physical changes will require review and approval from the City Landmarks Commission.

I believe that this is the ideal solution to meet everyone's interests. It keeps all the existing uses in the building, and will bring new users to the building, making it a hub of arts and culture in the Uptown Entertainment District. Landmark status for the building will mean that the City and community will work in partnership with the Preston Bradley board to ensure a viable, vibrant future for this Uptown treasure."

UU Note:  The Preston Bradley Center, also sometimes known as the Peoples Church Building, is located at 941 W Lawrence, and is home to the National Pastime Theater, Pegasus Players, the Uptown Arts Center, Two Li'l Fishes, and North Side Housing & Supportive Services, which took over the men's shelter there when REST closed its doors.

Wilson/Sheridan Mickey D's Grand Re-Opening

BPN General Meeting On Monday - POSTPONED

Update:  The new date is February 10th.  See notice here.

BPN is holding a general meeting and everyone is invited.  Come out to hear from your elected officials and meet your neighbors.

• Monday, January 27th - 7 pm
• 4101 N. Broadway (just across from Michael's Pizza)
• Speakers:  Alderman James Cappleman,  Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz.

After each presentation, there will be ample time for questions.

Warm Up At Crew's Chili Cookoff On Saturday

The weather outside may be frightful, but things will be hot 'n hopping at Crew (4804 N Broadway) this Saturday when the Ninth Annual Chili Cookoff takes place. 

Just $12 to be a judge of all that the various chili chefs create, guaranteed to be hot and hotter.  Mark your ballot to pick a winner!  The event will be emceed by Wayne Johnson of NBC, and all proceeds will help support Care For Real in Edgewater.

The festivities begin at noon and go on until around 2:30.  For more information, click here.

Buena Park Neighbors Valentine Dinner

To be held Saturday, Feb. 15, “A Night to Remember” promises to be a fun and romantic Valentine’s weekend experience. Great food, tableside serenades, dancing (including tango lessons), roses, wine and an intimate setting that is sure to attract the attention of Cupid and his golden tipped arrows. We’ll leave the rest to the imagination.

A Night to Remember
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014
Razon Restaurant, 4250 Marine Drive (The Imperial Towers)
7 p.m. to midnight.

• Dinner , including appetizer, entree, dessert and wine
• Tableside serenades, dancing, including tango instruction
• Classy silent auction items
• …and more

All for $120 per couple.  Seating for this event is limited, so get your tickets early. Once you have signed up through Paypal, you will receive an email requesting your entree choices. Please return it as soon as possible.  There is a special discount for Buena Park Neighbors members.

Lights, Camera, Snow Shovels!

One advantage to having a network TV show like Chicago PD come to Uptown:

"The trucks are showing up and they are clearing the snow in preparation for tomorrow's filming."

Adopt Unconditional Love For Valentine's Day

Uptown's Tree House Humane Society (1212 W Carmen) is holding an adoption promotion to coincide with Valentine's Day.

Adoption fees will be waived for all cats over ten years old and all cats who've been waiting at least a year for their "forever homes" between February 7th and February 16th.  All adopters will receive a special kitty goodie bag as well.  Prospective adopters will still need to go through the screening process, and you must mention this promotion to have the adoption fee waived.

If you've been wanting to add someone who purrs to your household, this is an excellent opportunity.  More information is here.

You Can Help A Homeless Adult Or Child Get A Free Haircut

If you're a customer of Hair Cuttery, you might want to put off that haircut until Tuesday, February 4th or Wednesday, February 5th, when you'll be "styled for two."  Hair Cuttery is running a promotion those days to help out the homeless in the communities in which it operates.  "For every adult or child who visits any Hair Cuttery salon to purchase a haircut on February 4-5, a free haircut certificate will be donated to a homeless person right in their community through local organizations such as the United Way."  More info here.

Going, Going....

Open windows where the original stained glass was removed
on the north-facing side of the home

The front trees come down

The stained glass window in the front has been removed

Well, it's over.  All that's left is for the wrecking equipment to arrive.

The Victorian home that stood at 4642 North Magnolia for parts of three centuries will be demolished as early as today.  The back fence has been removed; the stained glass windows have been taken out; and the mature trees on the lot have been cut down.

It's hardly a surprise.  From the first notices sent out in October, the specter of demolition was on the table.  The former and current owners repeatedly said the lot would become a "parking lot" if upzoning for a six-flat weren't approved.

In October, Ald. Cappleman said in his newsletter:  "The prospective buyer is only interested in purchasing this home if he is allowed to tear it down in order to build something else on this site.  ... If the Historic Preservation Division does not want to proceed with landmarking this building [which is what happened], the house will be torn down and the new owner will present new building plans to the Magnolia-Malden Block Club. If the new proposal requires an upzone, members of the block club will have a strong say on whether or not this would occur. If the new proposal does not require any zoning change, the new owner does not need community input to build as long as it remains within the current zoning guidelines."

As most of us know, the block club voted unanimously against upzoning, a sale did take place, and now the owners are making good on their often-stated intention to tear down the home.  We hate to see another part of Sheridan Park's history disappear, but they bought that right.

We do find it perplexing that developers are purposely creating a long-term vacant lot.  Owner Michael Finan told Chicago Magazine:  “I’ll knock it down and it will be another vacant lot in Uptown... I’m going to demo it and let that vacant lot sit there.”  Like Thorek Hospital's vast real estate holdings of empty space, we call that land-banking, not developing.

Chicago Magazine has a story published January 20th that includes interviews with many involved in this issue, called "This Old House Will Soon be a Vacant Lot."  It includes a photo slideshow of the interior of the house in its last days as well.

For 118 years, there was something beautiful there.  Let's remember it this way:

First The Trees And Fencing....

Quite a few readers are telling us that heavy-equipment work has been going on at the 1896 Victorian home at 4642 N Magnolia.  Since around 8am, four mature trees and the back fence have been removed.  "It looks like the property is getting prepped from demolition. I don’t think there’s a glimmer of hope for anything but an empty lot for the foreseeable future."

Language Stars Grand Opening Festivities Begin Today

Language Stars, a full-immersion foreign language school for children ages 1-12, is opening at 4846 North Clark this week, with festivities beginning today.  It all culminates on Thursday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a raffle, the main prize being a free year of tuition for your child.

You can check out the schedule of events here.  There's some fun stuff, including a performance by the Lycée Français children's choir, a discussion in Mandarin of the upcoming Lunar New Year, and a showing of Despicable Me in French.

Language Stars teaches Italian, Mandarin, French, Spanish and German.  You can find out more about their programming and methods at http://www.languagestars.com.

Last Weekend For Pegasus's "Young Playwrights Festival"

This Friday and Saturday are the last chances to celebrate the return of Pegasus Players to a new home (the Preston Bradley Center) in their old stomping grounds (Uptown).  Come get a glimpse of the future with three shows written by gifted young playwrights from local high schools:  The Diner, Senioritis, and Fears For Fairy Tales. Details about the shows are here.

If you've ever been to a Pegasus performance, you'll know that they're always top-notch and always affordable.  This should be no exception.  To purchase tickets for the closing weekend, click here.

A Glimmer Of Hope For 4642 Magnolia

This has certainly been a roller coaster ride for sure. We are hearing from blog ArchitectureChicago PLUS that the owners who recently closed on the purchase of 4642 N. Magnolia are willing to entertain offers on the home...if certain conditions are met. We are not sure of what the conditions are, but interested parties should contact Liz Finan at finandevelopment@gmail.com
This home has not been actively marketed in the past, so please spread the word and let's save it from the wrecking ball if possible!

Three-Minute History Of The Uptown Theater

A primer for those not familiar with its history. The coolest part is at the end, with old black-and-white photos fading into color versions of what it looks like now. Thanks to Chicagoist for featuring this as the "Friday Morning Diversion" yesterday.

No photos of the giant icicle in the basement, unfortunately.

First Bus Tracker, Then SnowPlow Tracker, Now ... Pothole Tracker!

Apparently Mayor Rahm was showing the CDOT workers on Marine Drive
how the app works (Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago)

Last week's Uptown potholes-no-more

If you've ridden in a car or bus the last couple weeks, you'll know it's pothole season.  Or, as we like to think of it, Black Friday for the tire stores and auto shops.  Something to do with the snow freezing, then thawing, then freezing again, and in the process turning our streets into the surface of the moon.

The city says it's patched more than 50,000 potholes in 2014, each one a request from a resident through the City website or a 311 call.  The city's come up with an app that shows the past seven days of pothole repairs.

If you go to http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/dataset/potholetracker.html, you can hover over each blue dot to get information showing the service request number, the date of the completed work and the total number of potholes repaired on each block.

If you have a particular nemesis amongst the potholes -- and Lord knows there are plenty to choose from -- report it to 311 and see how much time it takes to be filled.  With the temps set to drop below zero again next week, what else do you have going?

Update On 5026-5030 Sheridan

From Ald. Osterman's latest newsletter:

"My office has been focused on the vacant property at 5026 N. Sheridan Road as it is a key location with great potential, especially with its close proximity to Argyle Street, the Somerset, the new Mariano's and Big Chicks/Tweet.

The property has been in transition for a while - with a foreclosure case pending - and our office had not been able to make contact with the owner. In December 2013, I introduced an ordinance to down zone the property from B3-5 to B3-2, requiring any future owner to build within the B3-2 zoning. Anything above that would need to go to the surrounding community for support and approval.

We have made contact with the new owner, Safeguard Storage, and plan to meet with them next week to hear exact plans. We will continue to move the zoning change forward and will keep the community informed of their plans and any new information.

If you have any questions regarding development, contact Sara Dinges at 773-784-5277 or at Sara@48thward.org."

Winter Clothing Drive For Uplift Students

click for a larger version of the flyer

Immanuel Anglican Church, which meets on Sundays in the Uplift High School building, is holding a winter clothing drive for the students who attend there.  If you have coats or warm clothing to donate, please contact the church or drop them off by Sunday, January 26th.

New Grocery Option Now Open In Sheridan Park

Those looking for a closer option when shopping for vegetables and basic household items now have something to check out. Uptown Produce is now open at Wilson and Magnolia. We stopped by recently and found the store to be inviting and easy to navigate. Prices on produce were very reasonable and we spotted a deal on apples, 5 for $1. Hard to beat.
The meat counter was not open yet but we can assume that will be arriving any day now. A decent sized frozen food section and an impressive assortment of household cleaning products and laundry detergent is available, all reasonably priced.
If you live nearby, it is definitely worth checking out.
We welcome Uptown Produce to Sheridan Park and wish them much success.

Lunar New Year Parade Planned For February 1

via Uptown Business Partners:

Saturday, February 1, Parade step off at 1pm

Parade begins in front of the sponsoring Hip Sing Association, 1121 W Argyle

The parade will begin just east of the Red Line after firecrackers explode to ring in the new year. Parade floats, marchers, and lion and dragon dancers will head East down Argyle and complete a square via Sheridan, Ainslie, and Broadway back to Argyle. Please join us for this celebration of a long-standing tradition in our community. 

Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to help us pass out Red Envelopes during the parade filled with coupons, specials, and promotions from local businesses.  Please email info@uptownbusinesspartners.com if you are interested in marching with us.

Irving Park Speed Camera Becomes Operational On Sunday

And ... the other shoe drops.

The city has announced that the speed camera "for the children" located at 1142 W Irving Park Road will begin issuing tickets beginning this Sunday.

It joins the two on the 4400 block of Broadway, which have been issuing tickets for a couple weeks now.

What is particularly egregious about the Irving Park camera is that it purportedly "protects" children walking to Challenger Park, which is accessible at that point only through a narrow, two-block-long parking lot that the Cubs lease from the city.  Seems to us that if protecting children were the real priority, a better place to start would be eliminating a park entrance that requires kids to walk through a parking lot that either has vehicles exiting/ entering, or is poorly lit and deserted, depending on the season.

Vehicles traveling 6-10mph over the posted speed limit will get dinged with a $35 fine, and going 11mph or more over the speed limit will cost you $100.  The cameras will start out targeting only those going 10mph or more over the speed limit, and gradually become more strict as time goes on.

Well, the best we can do is to warn residents not to exceed 30mph in that stretch of Irving.  But we have no doubt that the Irving Park speed camera will be a cash cow for the city, with all those Cubs fans traveling in and out of the neighborhood.  Remember to stay at 30mph or below, and let the other folks pay into the city coffers.

For what it's worth, all three of Uptown's aldermen voted no on the issue of speed cameras, but it passed the City Council 33-14.

For more on the Broadway speed cameras and a map, click here.