Call To Action: Write The Park District About A Safer Location For Homeless Encampments

Earlier this week, Puptown Dog Park (4921 North Clarendon) posted on Facebook to ask for some help from the community.

"Friends,

We recently found several bags of heroin in the space just east of Puptown (very near the pollinator garden). A resident in the encampment informed us that it was brought in last night by another individual.

We have notified the Alder (Clay) and will file a police incident report.

We have communicated with the Alder our increasing concerns about these issues. The encampment has grown, and with it potential threats to dogs and their owners.

The obvious dynamic is that water service attracts more tents. We have suggested to the Alder that establishing a water service at a location away from dog parks, playgrounds and other high use areas might be a wise thing to do. Frankly, it would seem to be a no-brainer.

Please contact the Alder if you are equally concerned about this situation. Many voices are more effective than one voice."

A more direct suggestion:

• Send an email to the Chicago Park District (play@chicagoparkdistrict.com), AND
• Copy 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth in whose district Puptown is located (info@the48thward.org), AND
• Copy 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay, whose district is directly across the street from Puptown (info@46thward.com).

Obviously, moving the encampments to a more remote location with water is a short-term solution. Permanent housing should be the ultimate goal. But in the meantime, we'd love to see the families who use Puptown to be safe, and we encourage you to drop an email to the people who have the power to make it happen.

BET Adds to the Ensemble

Nearly 4 years ago UU HQ received multiple reports that during the debate over the 4511 N. Clark development the developer promised Black Ensemble Theater 'first dibs' on the retail space at the base. 

4513 N. Clark Street

A new sign at the base of the newly christened Harmony Apartments Chicago shows that the developer made good on that promise. We have seen dancers practicing in the space, which is likely a placeholder for the larger BET development to come. See pictures and description of the planned "Free to Be" expansion here.

Things are definitely moving behind the scenes, so expect to hear more after the Dover Street Neighbors Association meeting with Jackie Taylor and BET on September 30. The meeting is scheduled to take place at BET starting 6:30 p.m.

More Changes Coming to Clark as 'La Mexicana Grill' is Arriving Soon

We were sad when Clark Street fixture "Thai on Clark" closed a few years back. Not only was it nice to have another open restaurant on this otherwise quiet strip, but the food was great and the owner (Tanut) was a nice man. 

Future Home of La Mexicana, 4641 N. Clark

When Tanut retired, he sold the building at 4641 N. Clark in 2022 to the owner of La Mexicana Grill, which has a Wrigleyville location across from Metro. We heard through the grapevine that a new restaurant was planned for the location, but have been waiting two years for the next step to occur. 

Needed renovation and demolition work began earlier in September, which confirms the new Uptown location of La Mexicana is now under construction.  

Many of you may be familiar with La Mexicana Grill from pre- or post-Metro show dining. There's some great stuff on the menu and Yelp reviews are good. 

Take a gander at the menu here and keep an eye on the storefront as it undergoes renovation.

You can also follow La Mexicana Grill on Facebook and Instagram.