Sheridan Park Neighbors Meeting March 1 Following CAPS

Happy 125th Birthday Sheridan Park!
(immediately following CAPS meeting)
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Courtenay Language Arts School

4420 N Beacon Street

Meeting agenda includes:
•    Sheridan Park 2016 Updates
•    Hear from each Block Clubs
•    Prepare / Sign up for Clean and Green
•    Sign up for Crime Watch
•    Cedar Street Development properties
•    CPC update
•    Upcoming events / calendar
•    New items / issues

Speakers include (not limited to):
•    Aldermans Office
•    Uptown United
•    CAPS
•    Voice of the People
•    Courtenay Language Arts School
•    Parking update
•    Local businesses
•    Neighborhood committee representation: Wilson El Stop, Uptown Chicago Moms, Sunnyside Mall, Block Clubs, Playlot Advisory, Little Free Library

Vote for officer structure, set up by-laws committee.
Sign up to get involved!
If you do would like to speak on behalf of your organization or business in Sheridan Park, email sheridanparkneighbors@gmail.com to get on the agenda. 

CAPS Beat 1913 Meets On Tuesday At Courtenay School

Beat 1913 is the area bordered by Broadway, Montrose, Clark, and Lawrence.

Buy Cookies From Brennemann Girl Scouts This and Next Saturday

Please help support our local Girl Scout troops! Girls who attend Scouts at Brennemann School will be selling boxes of cookies outside of the Montrose/Broadway Jewel this Saturday (February 27) and next (March 5). Cookies are $4 a box.

Girl Scouts are and have always been one of the most inclusive organizations, for more than 100 years. Their goal is to accept and support all girls, not just one kind of girl. We are proud to support them and their mission. Please help them reach their cookie sale goals!

High Wave and Wind Warnings Today

Tom Skilling is predicting lakefront winds of up to 60 mph, along with high waves along Lake Michigan. Not a good day to go to the beach or walk along the shore. Be safe!

Stealers Wheels (Updated)

Monday, a reader wrote and sent in the above photo:

"I was out on Sunday and I noticed a car sitting on rocks with two wheels missing on the 700 W. block of Buena, today I noticed another car sitting on rocks with two wheels missing on the 700 W. block of Hutchinson. Both cars were current model Toyota Corolla's with alloy wheels, although any car can be a target. I suggest buying a full set of wheel locks to help deter theft."

Tuesday, another reader wrote and says:

"3 vehicle's in Buena Park sitting on bricks!! (wheels stolen) Can you post & alert/advise people in the area to invest in wheel locks?"

If this happens to you, be sure to file a police report so that cops can have a record and discern a pattern. (You'll probably also need a police report for your insurance claim.)

Look Out Below!

We've been posting for years that the buildings at the Maryville campus at Clarendon and Montrose are crumbling, and the roof debris is particularly dangerous to passers-by. Due to the ongoing precarious situation and last week's howling winds, the Chicago Fire Department blocked off Clarendon and Montrose on Saturday and went up to the roof to remove debris to keep it from flying off and harming people on the ground.

A reader reports seeing firefighters remove loose rubble and metal utility ducts from the top of the building and toss them into the fenced-off area below. We hope the situation is much safer now.  Our thanks to reader William Schendel for providing the photos.

Missing Man Last Seen In Uptown (Updated)

Update: A very sad note from Langdon's sister, posted 2/22 in the evening:

"It is with deep sadness that I have to let you all know that my one and only brother, Langdon, has passed away. He was found by CPD during a wellness check at around 5:30 this evening. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and everyone who shared my post, wrote an encouraging word, tossed up a prayer, passed out a flyer and gave me a hug. You are an incredible network of people and I am grateful to each of you. We are hoping to do a memorial service this weekend and I will be posting that information as soon as I have it solidified. Again, thank you all so much and hug your siblings a little tighter. They are a blessing."

Original Post:

A worried sister posted to Facebook:

"Today we learned that my brother, Langdon [Hutchinson], has been missing since Thursday night. We got a call from him that night and he was clearly depressed and using and that was our last contact. As many of you know, he has struggled with many demons in his life. He has made a strong effort to right his ship over the last 18 months but is struggling and homeless right now.

He has had no contact with anyone since last Thursday (we know this because we have access to his phone records) and we have reached out to his closest friend, his boss and his sponsor.

Those of you in Chicago, please share his picture with anyone you know in the Uptown/Montrose Harbor area. That is his last known whereabouts. A missing persons report has been filed with CPD. Say a prayer for us, please. It has been a tough day."

If you know anything or see him, please call 9-1-1 or the Area North Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266.

Monday Is National Margarita Day

It's a holiday we hold dear: National Margarita Day, on February 22nd. Luckily, there are a plethora of Mexican restaurants in Uptown at which to celebrate. The ones with asterisks after their names actually serve margaritas. We've eaten at most and intend to try them all. Enjoy!

• Cantina 1910,* 5025 N Clark, open for brunch, lunch and dinner. Throw back a couple margaritas during Happy Hour, 5pm-7pm
• Carmela's Taqueria, 1206 W Lawrence
• El Gallo Bravo #5, 1429 W Montrose. In Rayan Plaza, and open until 2am.
• El Palmar,* 1008 W Irving Park. Another late night stand-by.
• Fiesta Mexicana,* 4806 N Broadway
• La Ciudad,* 4515 N Sheridan -- a BYOB, but you can bring your own tequila and they'll whip you up a great pitcher of margaritas. On the wagon? Just order the pitcher.
• Lindo Guadalajara, 4761 N Clark. No booze, but open 24 hours, and very friendly.
• Rique's Cocina Mexicana, 5004 N Sheridan -- sadly, not open on Mondays, but show up Tuesday through Sunday and BYOB.
• Taqueria El Ranchito,* 4651 N Clark, open long hours, cheap food, reasonably priced margaritas, what's not to love?
• Taqueria Mr. Salsa, 1025 W Montrose
• Tiztal Cafe, 4631 N Clark -- no liquor license, but great Mexican food for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Try an oatmeal shake
• Tolotzin Mexican Cuisine,* 4431 N Broadway. Lunch specials 11am-3pm, and delicious dinners. BYOB, so bring your tequila and they'll whip you up some margaritas.

Sarah's Circle Winter Walk On Sunday

Want to shake off the winter cobwebs and get out and do something active? Tomorrow is a charity walk for Sarah's Circle, a place for women to gain hope and skills to change their lives. From Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown:

Sunday, February 21, 1-3pm

Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave. 

Lunch will be provided by Vienna Beef

We hope you will join us for Sarah's Circle's 24th annual Winter Walk! We will walk "a mile in her shoes" through the Uptown neighborhood, increasing awareness about homelessness in our city and raising critical funds for Sarah's Circle.

We ask that participants be ready at 1pm at Truman College to listen to a client share her story of facing homelessness and how she rebuilt her life with help from Sarah's Circle. Then, we will brave the winter cold together as we walk a mile through Uptown, stopping along the way to hear more real-life stories of how women have overcome homelessness thanks to Sarah's Circle's support.

We will meet back at Truman College where we will enjoy a lunch generously provided by Vienna Beef, consisting of Chicago style hot dogs, soup, salad, and dessert. We will also be joined by Illinois State Senator Heather Steans, who will speak about the need for services for the homeless population. There will also be time for Q&A where you may ask Sarah's Circle staff questions about the women we serve and our programs.

The Winter Walk is a wonderful opportunity to better understand homelessness through the eyes of those who personally struggle with it. This is a family friendly event with special children's activities, including tips on how to talk to children about homelessness, and a shortened Winter Walk route.

How You Can Help: Participants may create their own fundraising teams or else join an existing team by using our FirstGiving Event Page. Please share your fundraising page on social media and invite your friends, family, church, and colleagues to attend. If you cannot attend the Winter Walk but would like to be part of this cause, you can sponsor a team or individual who is walking by being a supporter.

On behalf of the women we serve, thank you for supporting our cause. We cannot wait to see you at the Winter Walk!

CTA Building Stairs to New Platform; Wilson Ave Closed To Vehicles 9am-4pm Monday To Wednesday

As the CTA enters the last part of Phase 1 of Wilson L construction, we can see how the finishing touches are shaping up. If all goes according the schedule, the trains will be rolling on the new tracks by the end of March or beginning of April.

This Monday through Wednesday (February 22 through 24), Wilson Avenue between Broadway and Clifton will be closed to vehicular traffic 9am-4pm for... drum roll... installation of new stairs to the new platform.

Pedestrians will still be able to pass on Wilson. Commuters will be able to use the same exits and entrances.

We don't know what Phase 2 of the project will be. We are guessing it will involve knocking down the existing set of metal tracks that date back to 1908 and replacing them with another set of new tracks. We'll let you know as soon as the CTA lets us know.

Considering that ten months ago, there were heavy concrete trestles in place, it's amazing that they've been able to demolish and rebuild it in such a short time, especially considering they did it without shutting down the Red Line service. We can't wait to see the trains roll along the newly rebuilt, and faster, tracks.

UU Note: StreetsBlog Chicago has a short article on the renovations: Uptown Chunk: The Wilson Station Overhaul Is Moving Along Nicely

Primary Crossfit Open On Sheridan

Please welcome Primary Crossfit & Yoga to Uptown! It opened in January and is located at 5050 North Sheridan, in the Uptown Regency, in a brand-new facility. According to its website, "CrossFit is a combination of training principles including cardiovascular, strength, agility, balance, flexibility, coordination and more."

Classes are offered each day; the schedule is here. Even better, the first class you take is free and there are free partner workouts at 9am on Saturdays.

Check them out on Facebook and the web.

An Argument Leads To A "Self-Inflicted" Hallway Shooting

Crazy goings-on tonight on the 800 block of Ainslie, near Marine Drive. Neighbors report hearing a loud argument and struggle inside a "problem unit" in the building, followed by a gunshot, followed by a fight in the building's hallway. When it was over, a trail of blood led out the door and down the street. Police were called, and what a surprise, the tenant involved in the fight wasn't cooperative.

According to our source, "30 seconds of fighting, gunshot... Then another 15 -30 seconds of fighting.. Then the tenant was trying to mop up blood when the cops arrived... He never contacted police."

A follow-up of sorts in the Sun-Times says that a 16-year-old male, an admitted gang member, showed up at Weiss Hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand. Not-a-surprise number 2 of the evening: he wasn't cooperating with the police, either.

Police say that the wound was most likely self-inflicted.

We really hope that the 20th District Police and Ald. Osterman's office put some pressure on the landlord and/or management company about whoever is living in the unit. We're sure the rest of the tenants don't appreciate the possibility of a bullet going through the walls into their homes.

UU Note: From everything we've heard, this is a wonderful complex, and even the residents we spoke to last night about the incident spoke highly about how the place was run. Obviously this one tenant had a guest who caused trouble. This is one unit and one guest -- an isolated incident -- not an indictment of the entire building or the vast majority of the people who live there. We are told that measures are being taken to ensure it doesn't happen again.

BPN's General Meeting To Focus On Business In Buena Park

The Buena Park Neighbors Association will hold its next General Meeting on Monday, February 29, at 7pm. The theme will be "Focus On Buena Park Business," with plenty of guest speakers to expand on the topic. The meeting will be held in Thorek Hospital's cafeteria, on the lower level, at 850 West Irving Park Road.

Thorek Hospital will start off the meeting with a welcoming address, followed by BPN president Lisa von Drehle, who will provide a neighborhood update, details on the Matthew Hoffman public art project, and introduce the following guest speakers:

• Sara Dinges – Uptown Chamber of Commerce
• Jenny Tola – State Farm Insurance agency on Broadway
• Mark Zipperer – This former Buena Park Neighbors board member will discuss area real estate
• Zach Trowbridge – All Strength Training facility on Broadway
• Sarah Bowen on diamonds
• Dominic Irpino – Irpino Real Estate on Broadway
• Nicole Vasquez will introduce The Shift 2.0
• Tressa Feher of the 46th Ward aldermanic office will update attendees and take questions on ward matters.

Bring a friend! Membership packages are available and include a photo book on the history of Buena Park, Sweet Home Buena Park by Gene Tenner.

Buena Park Neighbors is a 46th Ward neighborhood association of more than 200 residents, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in the nationally registered Buena Park Historic District. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone in Buena Park.

Chili Cook-Off and Daily Specials at Max's, Where Friends Meet Friends

Max's Place, the legendary dive bar located at 4621 North Clark, has been "Where Friends Meet Friends" for over 40 years. Max's will be holding its annual Chili Cookoff on Friday, February 26, starting at 7pm and says, "We need more judges and more chili contestants. You can join the contest and/or you can just simply come in have a drink or two and enjoy chili."

Max's has been promoting its specials on Uptown Update's Facebook page:

• Wednesdays -- $1 steins of PBR or Old Style; $2 bottles of domestic beer
• Thursdays -- Mix & Match, 7pm - 2am, five bottles of any domestic beer for $10
• Sundays -- Pride Sundays, 6pm-2am

100th Day of School "Re-Supply" Drive

The Friends of the 46th Ward Schools write:

"It's time again for our 100th Day of School 'Re-Supply' Drive! We're collecting a list of 10 items for schools in the 46th Ward (Brennemann, Courtenay, Disney, Greeley, McCutcheon, and Uplift). We run this drive every year around the 100th day of school to help replenish supplies that have been used up since school began.

Mid-Year Supplies Needed for 46th Ward Students:

• copy paper
• facial tissue
• paper towels
• glue sticks
• looseleaf paper
• dry erase markers
• spiral or composition notebooks
• hand sanitizer
• disinfecting wipes

How to donate supplies:

• Drop off supplies at Alderman James Cappleman's office (4544 N. Broadway) during regular business hours
• Shop from our Amazon Wish List. Donations will be shipped to Alderman Cappleman's office.
• Donate directly to Friends of the 46th Ward Schools and your donation will be used to purchase supplies for the schools.

Donations will be accepted through February and are tax deductible. Thank you again for your continued support!"

Missing Person Last Seen At Wilson/Sheridan

Lentern Woods, age 33, was last seen at Wilson and Sheridan on Tuesday. The CPD has issued a missing person notice in hopes of locating him.

He was last seen wearing dark pants and a blue and white jacket. He's 5'7" tall and about 180 pounds. He's frequently seen at this corner, as well as in the area of 1400 South Canal, and 7500 South Vernon. If you see him, please dial 9-1-1 or call the CPD's Area South Detective Division at 312-747-8274.

We apologize for the horrendous quality of the photo, but that's what the CPD supplied.

Gang-Related Shooting Early Tuesday Morning On Leland

A reader informed us Tuesday morning that there were shots fired at the 900 block of Leland around 2:45a.m. According to the police report, a 22-year-old man in a car was driving west on Leland toward Sheridan when he was shot multiple times. The shots came from another car that pulled up next to the car he was driving. According to our witness, "A white car smashed into parked vehicles at the southwest corner of Leland and Sheridan."

The victim was hit several times and was taken to Illinois Masonic, where he was in stable condition. Police say he is a documented gang member.

At last week's CAPS meeting for Beat 1914, the area in which this shooting occurred, the officers said that the gangs' M.O. is changing. According to the CAPS officers, there used to be indications on the street when there were gang tensions, which made it easier for the police to know violence might be imminent. Now the gangs have taken to shooting one another in and from vehicles. It seems that this new way of trying to kill each other over who-knows-what was borne out today.

The gang life is a sad way to live, and we hate to see our community being used as the background for it.

Update: The photo above was taken by a reader, who says, "One of the cars drove into a tree on the sidewalk and the two jumped out and ran off. I know one of the guys was found in Eastwood tower."

Construction Closures For This Week

Construction is ongoing in the area around Wilson and Broadway, as the CTA and the Department of Water Management are pulling out all the stops in their efforts to get everything finished by spring.

• The CTA's goal for the first phase of its reconstruction of the Wilson L Red Line is to have trains running on the newly constructed tracks by March. To that end,

• Wilson will be closed to vehicular traffic 9am-4pm between Broadway and Clifton through Wednesday. Pedestrians will still be able to pass. The project they are working on is the canopy over the new L platform and the construction of a sound wall.

• There will be night work on Broadway between Leland and Wilson 9pm-5am through Wednesday. Broadway will be closed to vehicular traffic in both directions. They are constructing a sound wall on the new tracks.

• The DWM is replacing the century-old sewer pipes along Broadway, so that's why the northbound lanes are closed along the 4600 block. It's also why westbound Leland is closed at Broadway. Depending on the weather, this project could last until the end of March/beginning of April. With the new Broadway streetscape scheduled to go in at some point in 2016, they are replacing the sewer pipes before that project gets underway.

Please remember to patronize businesses in and near the construction zone during this time. Construction isn't fun for anyone, and the locally owned businesses especially need support right now.

We've All Got A Story -- Tell Yours On Tuesday

“Some coaches coach to win;
other coaches coach to save lives.
Coach Webb saved my life.” —Erik

The monthly storytelling series continues on Tuesday, February 16th at Uptown Underground, 4713 North Broadway. It takes place on the third Tuesday of each month.

No experience is necessary for this open mic evening. Bring your stories -- fact or fiction (no poems or stand-up comedy, please). Everyone gets no more than seven minutes to tell their tales. Arrive at 7pm to sign up for a spot, and the storytelling begins at 7:30pm. It won't go past 9:30pm.

All ages are welcome, and it's free.

Want to know more? Visit the website here, and start getting ready to enlighten and entertain.

Ethiopian Market & Restaurant Coming To Broadway

According to permits filed with the city and the sign in the window, Ethopian cuisine will soon be coming to the storefront at 4543 North Broadway. It's the former home of Clippers & Shears hair salon and is located next to the drive-through lanes of BMO Harris Bank. Selam Market and Restaurant is owned by the same gentleman who used to run the Selam meat market on Sheridan.

The Changing Of The Guard

Although Ch'ava closed over a year ago, its sign had been nearby in storage. Bella'Mbriana is proving itself to be a worthy successor in taking over the space at 4656 North Clark. On Friday, the last vestiges of Ch'ava got taken away on the back of a truck.

(We have to give a special mention to the beignets at Bella! Sooooo good. Highly recommended!)

Deadline To Register To Vote Is Coming Up

If you want to vote in the March 15th primary election, and you aren't registered to vote under your current name and/or address, or if you aren't registered at all, but want to be... the deadline for registration is 11:59pm on Tuesday, February 16th. You can register online here.

After the deadline, there will be grace period registration, where you can register and vote on the spot. Early voting starts February 29th.

Celebrate Dia de San Valentin At La Ciudad

La Ciudad says, "Join us Valentine's Day weekend for a romantic candlelight date with your special someone.  Special entree and dessert options available all weekend long. Feliz Dia del Amor y la Amistad!"

La Ciudad is located at 4515 North Sheridan. Reservations can be made here.

Valentine's Day Revelry At Uptown Underground

Saturday evening, February 13th, 11:59pm:  Pervesk' Presents - Last Kiss.  "Ready to twist the sentiment of the treasured romantic holiday, Pervesk Presents "Last Kiss" a tribute to love and tragedy. We're packed to the gullet with grim valentines that will inspire you to hold your darling a little closer! Performances by Red Rum, Miss Vine, Lucy Stoole, Maya Sinstress and MORE! Hosted by Reverend Chicagodom. Advance ticket purchases will receive a fine art Valentine courtesy of the Pervesk Producers." More here.

Sunday evening, February 14th, 9pm: The Big Red Show - LOVEFEST!  "A brassy, bawdy, boozy good time with sexy songstress Meghan "Big Red" Murphy. From pop to jazz, blues to showtunes, oldies to brand new hits, Big Red will sing 'em all! With the imcomparable Jimmy Morehead on keys, special guest stars and more sequins than you can count, this one woman show is sure to make you laugh, cry, and HAVE IT ALL!! Come witness the sexy shenanigans! Cheers!" More here.

Tickets for these and all other shows can be purchased at the Uptown Underground's website.

Anti-Valentine's Day Bash At Driftwood

Driftwood is located at 1021 West Montrose.

Pilot For 'Superior Donuts' TV Series Set In Uptown Being Filmed For CBS

How cool is this? A TV pilot based on the successful play "Superior Donuts" set in an Uptown donut shop is slated to film for CBS soon. In case you never had the chance to see "Superior Donuts" on stage, here is a brief synopsis via Deadline Hollywood:

"Based on the play by Tracy Letts, Superior Donuts follows the relationship between the owner of a donut shop, Arthur, his new young employee, Franco ([Jermaine] Fowler), and their patrons in a gentrifying neighborhood of Chicago. [Maz] Jobrani plays Maz — a character written for him — who is a high-energy, over-caffeinated businessman, capitalism personified and living the American dream. Maz has been buying up buildings and investing in businesses in the Uptown neighborhood, waiting for gentrification to come and make him rich, and he’s constantly after Arthur to sell him the donut shop so he can control the entire block."

*UU Note: The donut shop featured in Superior Donuts was likely based on the "Wilson Donut Shop" that stood at 4620 N. Broadway in the Wilson L station.

Fish Fry Friday, Half-Price Happy Hour, and Other Daily Specials At Crew

Crew is bringing back daily specials. If you haven't checked out their "back to the future" menu that brings some old favorites back to your table, this is the time to do it.  And introducing Happy Hour on weekdays: half-priced cocktails between 4pm and 7pm.

"Crew Bar + Grill has rolled out some great new weekday food specials.  Monday we feature Fried Chicken for $9.  Wednesday, $5 gets you a burger on a fresh Baker & Nosh bun, with a side of fries.  And Friday, is Fish Fryday, just in time for Lent.  Of course, Tuesday remains Taco Tuesday." Crew is located at 4804 North Broadway, near the historic Uptown Theater.

La Ciudad Brings Music To Your Dining Experience With Strolling Mariachis

How do you make one of Uptown's favorite restaurants even better? Add mariachi music! On the second Saturday of each month, starting tomorrow, the mariachis will bring the sounds of Mexico to La Ciudad, located at 4515 North Sheridan. BYOB and enjoy the music, delicious food and warm hospitality!

One Week Left In Library Amnesty

Return overdue items to any CPL branch and see your fines disappear! One more week to take advantage.

New Mid-Rise Proposed For Empty Site Just Outside Uptown

Rendering of proposed mid-rise at Broadway and West Sheridan Road

A block from Uptown's southern border, the site of a closed gas station that lies kittycorner from the former Hotel Chateau may be the future home of a 100-unit midrise building after several previous plans by developers were shot down. In his email newsletter, Ald. Cappleman says:

"3901 North Broadway.  East Lake View Neighbors reviewed and approved a new proposal for the former gas station located at the corner of N. Broadway & W. Sheridan (close to Gill Park) on February 9. This development is expected to cost over $20M. Click here to review the plans.

Next step is for this to go before the 46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee on February 29. If you do not know who your representative is on this committee, please call the 46th Ward Office. Your representative needs to hear from you."

At previous meetings, the 46th Ward's Zoning & Development Committee objected to the 18-story and 15-story heights of developments proposed by Sedgwick Properties, not wanting the building to exceed the height of the former Hotel Chateau across the street. This proposed building is eight stories tall and is being presented by Vermilion Development.

For detailed information and renderings, go to the Zoning page of the 46th Ward website and click on the links for this property.

Smoking Popes To Appear At Paper Machete On Saturday

Paper Machete, the live entertainment magazine that plays weekly at the Green Mill, is always fun, free and fabulous. But this week has a little sumthin' extra -- musical guests are the legendary Chicago punk band The Smoking Popes. Paper Machete founder and performer Christopher Piatt says, "It's a huge honor for us to have them on the bill."

Others appearing with Paper Machete this week are JC Aevaliotis, John Patrick Coan, Ali Klingler, Laura McKenzie, and Abbi Rajasehkar. It all begins at 3pm, but if you've been to the Green Mill, you know seating is limited, so you'll want to get there early. The Green Mill is located at 4802 North Broadway. The Facebook event page is here.

Maryville Gets City Council Zoning Okay, Nearing Final Steps of Approval Process

It's been a big week for the proposed Maryville development plan. Yesterday the City Council's Zoning Committee gave its approval to allow redevelopment of the site, and today the full City Council approved the same. This is the farthest any plan has come in the years-long attempts to get it done, and we're thrilled.

The next -- and final -- steps toward actually seeing something happen are getting the approval of the City Council's Finance Committee (because it's a TIF area) and then the approval of the full Council.

We've been waiting for years to see something besides abandoned buildings at this site, which have sat empty since 2005. Ever since 2008, when Sedgwick Properties Development Corp. first entered into a sale agreement with the owners, and since 2010, when former alderman Helen Shiller created the Montrose-Clarendon TIF to enable them to buy it, we've been waiting to see it begin generating taxes and adding to Uptown's tax base. Ms. Shiller must be thrilled to see one of her last big accomplishments as alderman finally approaching fruition.

This enormous 3.5-acre property hasn't been on the the tax rolls since 1939, when the tax-exempt Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus became the owners. That's the year Gone With The Wind and The Wizard of Oz premiered in theaters. That was before the U.S. entered World World II. It was before the Cubs' last pennant in 1945. Total revenue the city has collected from this property during all the years since: $0.00.

It's 2016. The buyers want to buy. The sellers want to sell.

• A sale will enable the property to pull its weight and start generating taxes. You know, the things that pay for city services. 
• It will create 20 new units of affordable housing in the first building, and more units when the second building is built.
• It will generate sales taxes from the 30,000sf of planned retail and commercial space.
• It will ensure that within eight months of construction beginning, $4.6 million will go toward saving the deteriorating Clarendon Park Fieldhouse (which is $4.6 million more than the Park Department is able to provide). 
• It will ensure that $5.8 million goes into the Low Income Housing Trust Fund to help Chicagoans earning 30% or less of the area's median income to remain in their neighborhoods and homes.
• It will create jobs, as well as housing and shopping opportunities for Uptowners, and bring more residents to our community.

Let's get it done. It's time.

Presto Change-o -- Firehouse By Design

Before (via Google Streetview)

Now

The empty firehouse on the 1200 block of Gunnison was certainly undistinguished. We never even noticed it across from the Bezazian Library. When the developer Cedar Street announced in November 2014 that it was seeking a zoning change to rehab the firehouse into apartments, it was the first time we ever really took a look.

And now, the firehouse is done and ready for tenants. It's quite a turn-around in a short time from a board-up to a funky rehab. You can see its transformation here in previous Uptown Update posts. The official webpage is here.

Red & Purple Line Massive Modernization Project Gets A Little More Real

For years, we've been hearing about ambitious plans to completely rehab the Red Line tracks and stations north of Wilson. Today Mayor Emanuel, Sen. Durbin and the CTA announced that some major funding had been delegated toward Phase 1, which includes the Uptown portion.

According to the press release, "Phase 1 of the project includes four station reconstructions (Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr), reconstruction of track structure and viaducts (including some that are more than 100 years old), and the construction of a rail bypass north of Belmont station to increase rail capacity and alleviate train congestion."

Today, Pres. Obama's proposed 2017 federal budget allocated $125 million for Phase 1, and the USDOT allocated a separate $156 million. Phase 1 will cost (brace yourself) $2.131 billion.

The press release also says, "The CTA intends to move forward with its promise to encourage redevelopment in the Red and Purple corridor as part of Phase 1. The CTA will seek a consultant in 2016 to work with local communities and elected officials to develop a Transit Oriented Development Plan for parcels located in the Lawrence-Bryn Mawr and Red-Purple Bypass project areas."

You can read more about the project here, and the Lawrence-Bryn Mawr portion (Phase 1) here.

We don't think they'll make their goal of beginning construction by 2017, so don't hold your breath. But the wheels are turning to make it happen... eventually.

Sarah's Circle Plans 7-Story Expansion at 4830-34 N. Sheridan

Proposal showing the plans for Sarah's Circle expansion with 7 story addition (Sarah's Circle)

Current view of the vintage storefront at 4830-34 N. Sheridan (Google)

1936 view of this same stretch of Sheridan with proposed building site (CDOT)

Sarah's Circle, which provides shelter, training, and job placement for homeless women, has presented plans for a 7 story addition just south of their current building at 4838 N. Sheridan that underwent a significant rehab from how it looked in 2009. The plans were presented to the Argyle-Winmore Block Club which is in support of the project and has sent a letter of support to Ald. Cappleman. Sarah's Circle entered into a "good neighbor" agreement in 2011 and according to neighboring block clubs, has been a responsible neighbor. Plans appear to call for the demolition of a vintage one story storefront (pictured above). You might remember this as the site of a proposed day labor agency by former Ald. Shiller that did not pan out after community objections. This old storefront at 4830-34 N. Sheridan has been around for a while and it would be wonderful to see it somehow integrated into the new, modern design.

Tree-mendous Changes At Buena Park Circle

The infestation of the emerald ash borer has come to Buena Park Circle (Buena and Kenmore). Sadly, most of the trees there are dead or too badly diseased to be saved, so the city has been removing them. According to reader Jeffrey Hamrick, who took this photo, the honey locust trees on the north side of the park will likely survive, but the rest must come down.

The emerald ash borer epidemic has hit the Midwest hard. Nearly 20% of all the trees in Chicago are susceptible to the tiny beetle, which was first discovered in Illinois in 2006. Thousands of trees have died or had to be removed.

It's similar to when Dutch Elm Disease swept through Chicago. If anyone remembers, St. Boniface Cemetery and portions of Sheridan Park were stripped of most of their trees during that devastation. The good news is that other trees have taken the place of the elms, and eventually the same will happen with the ash trees.

Photo courtesy of
City of Elgin Public Works

How destructive is the beetle? Well, once the eggs are in the tree, that's pretty much it. Treatment is expensive and not always successful. Even wood used from downed trees can carry the disease, so it can't be used for firewood or mulch.

According to Jeffrey, a Parks District worker told him that 60% of the trees in Chicago's parks are ash, which does not bode well for the future. He says, "I predict we'll see very different trees in the city in the coming decades, most likely trees from further south, such as the Kentucky coffee tree." Hopefully Buena Park Circle will be reforested very soon.

Uptown's Original Starbucks Scheduled To Close Next Month

Sadly, the rumors we've been hearing for the past year are true and we'll have to get our Tall Non-Fat Lattes With Caramel Drizzle somewhere else. A reader writes:

"The Starbucks at Wilson and Magnolia recently got word from Corporate that it will be closing on March 7. The manager confirmed as much in a conversation this afternoon. All the employees will be given opportunities to transfer to other Starbucks. The manager told me that there was a possibility Starbucks will re-open in the Wilson Station when it is ready."

We confirmed the closing with a representative of Cedar Street, the building's owner, who said Starbucks had been a great tenant and they were sorry to be losing them.

We don't know the reason for corporate's decision to close this location, but there's a glut of coffee shops in the immediate vicinity, which may have led to caffeine overload. There's Heritage Outpost and Baker & Nosh, both within a block of the store; Everybody's Coffee a few blocks east on Wilson; and two other Starbucks a short walk away, at Lawrence/Broadway and inside Target at Sunnyside/Broadway. That's a lot of competition for the same target market.

Starbucks on Wilson was controversial when it opened in 1999 as a Magic Johnson-owned franchise with the goal to "create economic activity in historically underserved ethnic communities." Johnson Development Corporation sold the store back to Starbucks corporate in 2010. You can read more about the history of the franchise here.

We're sad to see this closing, and sad to see that the entire retail building will be vacant as of March 7th. Having all the spaces empty will give Cedar Street plenty of options for reconfiguring the storefronts if they so choose.

We hear that Baker & Nosh will be expanding its seating area in the near future, a move that will benefit Starbucks' former clientele. Pass the madeleine cookies, put on a compilation CD, and let's sit back and see how it all shakes out.

Update: A former manager of Starbucks posted on Uptown Update's Facebook page: "There are several reasons for the closure. It was starbucks decision to close. the upkeep from the previous owner (not cedar) was terrible, the store needed an expensive full remodel and when the decision was introduced there had been several shootings in the area. I believe they looked into relocating nearby, not sure where that went. It had nothing to do with homeless."

'Snack 4 Less' Gang Loitering & Flavored Tobacco Issue

Snack 4 Less Convenience Store at 1144 W. Wilson

A reader writes in:
"I have noticed, as well as many of my neighbors, that the area outside Snack 4 Less (on Wilson between Racine and Clifton) has really gone downhill. I call 911 regularly on gangbangers openly making drug deals in front of this store. I try to give my business to 7-Eleven because of this. I mentioned all of the loitering and drug issues to the 7-Eleven cashier and they told me that Snack 4 Less is also selling flavored tobacco, which according to the BACP (Business Affairs and Consumer Protection) is not allowed within 500 feet of an elementary, middle or secondary school. Not many people realize that Truman College has a secondary school inside of it and that would make selling flavored tobacco illegal. The worker I spoke with in 7-Eleven mentioned that they wanted to sell flavored tobacco if Snack 4 Less was. They said the clerk in Snack 4 Less keeps it behind the counter and overhead so if an inspector comes in, it is not visible. I realize this is only part of the problem with the loitering but I wanted to make sure your readers are calling 911 for drug deals and gang loitering in this new hotspot and hopefully the inspectors get on this."

Suspect Arrested In Battering Death Of Uptown Man

A homeless woman has been arrested and charged with the beating death of a 63-year-old Uptown man last December. This week, the police arrested Sabrina Shaffer, age 45, at a Gold Coast donut shop.

Keith West was found severely beaten in his apartment on the 4500 block of Sheridan Road on December 26th after a friend asked the police to do a well-being check. He was taken to Illinois Masonic, where he passed away on December 28th.

The police classified his death as a homicide investigation a week or so later. They said that they did not have anyone in custody, but kept quiet that Sabrina Shaffer, who uses the address of the Pacific Garden Mission downtown, had been seen leaving Mr. West's home with some of his belongings shortly before he was found critically injured. The relationship between the two is unclear.

This past Wednesday, Ms. Shaffer caused a disruption in the Dunkin Donuts store at Chicago and State, and the police were called. When they ran her name, the information came up that she was a person of interest in the death of Mr. West.

Ms. Shaffer appeared in bond court at 26th & Cal on Saturday and was charged with first-degree murder. Her bond was set at $750,000. According to the Tribune, Ms. Shaffer told the court she suffers from mental illness. The court records show that she has a long rap sheet going back to the 1980s, and was once sentenced to a seven-year prison term for robbing and battering a senior citizen.

Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of Keith West.

"Big Game" Happenings

We're sure just about every place in Uptown that's open on Sunday will be tuned to football. Here are what some of them have let us know:

• Sonic (1022 Wilson) will offer 1/2 Price Wings all day Sunday.
• Crew (4802 Broadway) will be serving brunch with bottomless mimosas and suggests you get there early to secure a seat for the game.
• Driftwood (1021 Montrose) will open at 3pm and will have a chili cook-off along with football.
• Papa Ray's (4757 Sheridan) is already accepting orders for Sunday. "Now accepting orders for Super Bowl. Order today to guarantee kick off delivery. Only 5000 wings on hand for Super Bowl, place your order early. Call 773-754-0394"

Did we miss your spot? Let us know, either in the comments or by emailing uptowndate@hotmail.com and we'll add it to the post.