tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post8977323385052089812..comments2024-03-23T09:42:36.833-05:00Comments on Uptown Update: Meeting To Discuss New Sedgwick ProposalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-69339827128873886132011-11-30T17:18:11.315-06:002011-11-30T17:18:11.315-06:00Long time reader, 1st time poster. Howdy!
@Just a...Long time reader, 1st time poster. Howdy!<br /><br />@Just asking<br /><br />What document are you quoting when you say 'Reject the Developer completely'? <br /><br />Studying up on the issue, want to put that in context.askmeoncehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16912631519685901249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-68739398865406272392011-11-29T08:35:15.704-06:002011-11-29T08:35:15.704-06:00TIF stuff: If you’re interested in reading the FOI...TIF stuff: If you’re interested in reading the FOIA’d minutes from JRB and CDC meetings reviewing and approving the Maryville/Columbus TIF in 2010 check out the transcripts, now posted on the UCRD tumblr site:<br /><br />http://uptownresponsibledevelopment.tumblr.com/<br /><br />The JRB transcripts are interesting, particularly in terms of issues raised and dismissed during the TIF approval process. Note that TIF financing is being rushed thru before a particular project is in place or approved because of a supposed ‘deadline to close on a very expensive piece of land by July 2010.’ <br /><br />The CDC transcript also contains testimony from former Alderman Schiller and hard hitting comments from another neighbor including this one: <br /><br />‘There’s one person here who’s going to make out like a bandit, and that’s the people who are going to sell their property on this TIF. By the way they have never tried to rent the properties, and they’re claiming it’s vacant. They’ve never tried to sell the property, and they’re claiming it’s vacant. Yet they’re relying upon vacancy as the reason why the taxpayers should fork over $52 million for them in the TIF.’<br /><br />The sisters even turned down an offer to purchase the property for close to the current agreement about 2 years prior to the Sedgwick deal. <br /><br />Note: The TIF Report author and presenter is Mike Laube who’s a registered lobbyist for Sedgwick.J-Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13524729190522879465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-79203850757577255692011-11-27T16:47:55.123-06:002011-11-27T16:47:55.123-06:00Wanted to include the address for the Uptown Coali...Wanted to include the address for the Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development's site: <br /><br />http://uptownresponsibledevelopment.tumblr.com/<br /><br />We've been adding documents, history, and other links as we get them. <br /><br />See you at the Community Meeting this Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7pm- at the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse.Uptown Coalition for Responsible Developmenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16235780798891191833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-37595718993054113152011-11-26T09:46:07.124-06:002011-11-26T09:46:07.124-06:00With all of the resources and time Sedgewick spent...With all of the resources and time Sedgewick spent on that video presentation....there is just ONE street level perspective view.<br /><br />The view is from the SW corner of Clarendon and Montrose.<br /><br />But what will it look like from say the front door of the fieldhouse where the meeting will be held next week, or along Agatite? There is enough information in the presentation to render a perspective image. <br /><br />The street level view is the most important for the average Uptowner as that is how they will experience, not from a helicopter.<br /><br />And getting back to the street level view they did include.<br /><br />Why is there a see-through/diaphanous white block on the NW corner instead of what is actually being proposed?<br /><br />I can understand from a design standpoint the intention. However the PURPOSE should have been to render how this proposal WILL actually look.<br /><br />This is deception by design, very slick. <br /><br />I think a local artist, if he or she has time, should do a rendering using Sedgwick's information from some alternative street-view angles. Pen and ink with watercolour maybe?<br /><br />I can visualize it, it is not a pleasant view, and it would explain why such a perspective was not included in this presentation. <br /><br />Any thoughts?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11678683729454882322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-55631614185279243522011-11-24T21:30:13.252-06:002011-11-24T21:30:13.252-06:00If the infrastructure under Maryville is painfully...If the infrastructure under Maryville is painfully complicated and on the verge of collapse, then designating TIF funds solely to cover updating all that critical stuff is an *excellent* idea.BikeManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05536828766576784025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-83130006269928120972011-11-24T11:12:53.421-06:002011-11-24T11:12:53.421-06:00That's MISTER IP'ster to YOU.
I'm gla...That's MISTER IP'ster to YOU.<br /><br />I'm glad some people want to see big and dense at that site.<br /><br />Ask anyone who knows me and they will say, "Yeah, he's big and dense".<br /><br />I also suspect Sedgwick is barkin' up the wrong neighborhood if they think substantial TIF money is in their future. <br /><br />Perhaps they can hire Ellen Barkin to do their PR next. <br /><br /><br />They certainly need help on that front.<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving Day folks.IrishPiratehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11339255909419333238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-73269224680389520862011-11-24T07:44:42.304-06:002011-11-24T07:44:42.304-06:00Response to the IPster.
IP, it’s actually not NI...Response to the IPster.<br /> <br />IP, it’s actually not NIMBYs against density, it’s NIMBYs against poorly designed, TIF-subsidized, ill-conceived density being proposed by a developer whose last two crappy, poor quality buildings are currently in foreclosure, has 90% vacant retail and who relies not on good developing but rather on politically connected individuals and PR firms to influence the city and push his schlock through (oops -- that would never happen in Chicago, right IP?). <br /><br />Last go around it was Senator Cullerton and this time it’s Resolute Consulting and former Alderman William Banks (Wikipedia him or Google the Tribune’s "Neighborhoods for Sale"). JC said that Senator Cullerton dropped out when told by the city he would have to register as a lobbyist for Sedgwick. JC also said that the city now admits that they never liked the first plan, and he wishes they had spoken up before.<br /> <br />UCRD <i>supports</i> development of the site and is <i>not</i> against density per se or a high-rise or lots of shiny new Uptown residents. We have faith and trust in JC and are working closely with him to help make sure that what gets built is well designed, well planned, of high quality construction materials and details. And Jeez, don’t just look at the pretty pictures, drive over to 1454 S. Michigan and look at their crappy Marquee building up and close.J-Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13524729190522879465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-40731973653661917912011-11-23T22:28:10.019-06:002011-11-23T22:28:10.019-06:00IratePirate
I would be the first in line to join...IratePirate <br /><br />I would be the first in line to join your "group". I am 100% for high-density. <br /><br />High-density in my front yard and back yard, that is how a hood gets a high-density of businesses, vibrancy, and to top it off high-density is greener, eco-friendly and well.....urban.<br /><br />However.....<br /><br />That doesn't mean Uptown needs to behave like a forlorn low-self-esteem teenager hoping to be asked to the prom.<br /><br />Uptown can do better then this, much better, With the LAST large lakefront parcel...and yes it is lakefront... no matter what Alek says...and with a TIF sweetener to boot why settle for a sub-standard developer.<br /><br />Like a desperate and slightly drunk prom date.<br /><br />That would be silly. <br /><br />Over and out.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11678683729454882322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-90038616523414796792011-11-23T22:03:33.141-06:002011-11-23T22:03:33.141-06:00I'm going to create a group of Uptown resident...I'm going to create a group of Uptown residents to support high density development at this site to counter the nimby silliness I see all around me.<br /><br />Uptown<br />People<br />United<br />for<br />Responsible<br />Sustainability<br /><br />Or as I prefer:<br /><br />--------------UP--URS-------------<br /><br /><br />Nimbys to right of them,<br />Nimbys to left of them,<br />Nimbys behind them.<br /><br />Into the endless meetings rode the 600 hundred.IrishPiratehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11339255909419333238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-34019006890552375682011-11-23T18:00:06.779-06:002011-11-23T18:00:06.779-06:00The Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development i...The Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development is looking forward to seeing you all at the Community Meeting on December 1st at 7pm. The UCRD is strongly pro-development; we believe that we have one chance for this site to be developed, and we know that community input is essential in this process. <br /><br />It has been difficult to get specifics about this plan, despite a number of meetings at the Alderman's office, and we continue to have significant concerns about the TIF request and the foreclosures on Sedgwick's two most recent developments. <br /><br />You can "like" the Uptown Coalition for Responsible Development on Facebook, or check out our Tumblr for more images and documents as we get them. Please come to the meeting on December 1, 7pm, at the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse to discuss this proposal.Uptown Coalition for Responsible Developmenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16235780798891191833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-22574741623130616772011-11-23T10:50:42.415-06:002011-11-23T10:50:42.415-06:00Regarding the TIF...to be fair.
The site used to ...Regarding the TIF...to be fair.<br /><br />The site used to be a pumping station, there is a lot going on below the surface. We are talking about century old infrastructure that has to be redone, it basically the junction box for that area. <br /><br />The TIF is partially meant to address that, I think that is fair enough.<br /><br />However....keep in mind re-routing and rebuilding that rusty and corroded mess is anybodys guess in cost or time. Whatever happens it will have to be tied into an equally corroded and antiquated network, there WILL be unforseen issues.<br /><br />I just have a feeling its going to be messy, nothing is getting built on the surface until it gets resolved. It will be a major public works project 1st like it or not. And Sedgewick doesn't have the resources to sweat out the cost over-runs and delays...so it seems.<br /><br />There are more red flags in this scheme then a May Day parade.<br /><br />I agree with waiting for a better deal to come along and it will, sooner then later.<br /><br />See ya at the meeting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11678683729454882322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-23441467461437901762011-11-23T10:04:41.554-06:002011-11-23T10:04:41.554-06:00It may be in a TIF district, but we DO NOT HAVE TO...It may be in a TIF district, but we DO NOT HAVE TO use TIF funds that will benefit this private developer. TIF funds should be used for projects that will benefit the neighborhood at large-parks,plazas, infastructure in mho. I'd rather wait for a private developer to purchase the property and not need TIF funds. It is prime lakefront property with specatular views right on the park. It can be done.lakefrontbikerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17136602737220807353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-14211355547191038092011-11-22T18:14:44.748-06:002011-11-22T18:14:44.748-06:00I understand people's concerns about the misus...I understand people's concerns about the misuse of TIFS. So am I.<br /><br />The boundaries of this particular TIF is entirely located at the Columbus Maryville site which has never paid any property taxes. If nothing gets developed there, it remains a piece of property that contributes nothing to the tax base. Money from this TIF pays for the complete rehab of the Clarendon Park Fieldhouse. <br /><br />TIFS have their issues, but there are some benefits.holy moleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18006600794546900502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-65487216522199791172011-11-22T17:53:49.480-06:002011-11-22T17:53:49.480-06:00Look at all their other development they aren'...Look at all their other development they aren't high on design aesthetics. <br /><br />I don't think they are credible.Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08874891340143658307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-89142066350428675232011-11-22T17:40:27.846-06:002011-11-22T17:40:27.846-06:00IP,
What about the dude who broke into Kenny Wi...IP, <br /><br />What about the dude who broke into Kenny Williams' place? That guy knows how to roll...It's Obama's Faulthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02471177475479988262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-90592989967910911152011-11-22T17:01:25.133-06:002011-11-22T17:01:25.133-06:00Perhaps Sedgwick should hire this local Cubs fan t...Perhaps Sedgwick should hire <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-cops-man-who-broke-into-sox-gms-home-was-wearing-his-clothes-20111122,0,3656917.story" rel="nofollow">this local Cubs fan</a> to do their PR.<br /><br />They could also hire <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/11/21/dna-on-cigarette-butt-leads-police-to-burglar-in-evanston/" rel="nofollow">this upstanding</a> Uptown resident to assist. According to the Sun Times he lives at 915 Wilson so he is close to IrishPirate Sedgwick tower.IrishPiratehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11339255909419333238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-9649396469855002092011-11-22T17:00:39.528-06:002011-11-22T17:00:39.528-06:00@Ray,
I agree that there's a difference, in t...@Ray,<br /><br />I agree that there's a difference, in theory. <br /><br />I am a Capp supporter and agree with you about the zoning control/leverage idea. What I'm concerned about is his giving us an option to 'Reject the Developer completely' and their ability to come back. Over 500 voted that way. <br /><br />I've also heard the others when they say the Alderman can't block a developer from trying to do business.. So if that's true, why was there such an option presented to us?<br /><br />Something's doesn't fit.Just askinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01118238831960239879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-29497794353777666672011-11-22T16:53:50.869-06:002011-11-22T16:53:50.869-06:00I don't know what neighborhood you guys live i...I don't know what neighborhood you guys live in, but I love Uptown and live in a very desirable area. People who don't agree are fools.I can walk to entertainment, fine dining, coffee, the el, the lake; I have everything.<br /><br />It takes me less than 15 minutes to drive to work in the morning, I have a decent place, my neighbors are all long term residents who are pretty normal. I get alot of bang for my buck here, and can still walk two blocks for sushi or any ethnic foods. I have never been mugged or threatened in ten years here. I have never heard a gunshot. Only one time did I hear someone screaming for help down the block. <br /><br />Yes, I run into the occasional douchebag, like the kid today at 711 who paid for his two glazed donuts on his link card, then ask the cashier to heat them up in the microwave, then stole the pennies out of the spare pennies cup while she did it but what the heck, that happens all over the City. (That guy really pissed me off because he acted like he was doing nothing wrong and he was entitled to his pennies, but I digress.)<br /><br />Not to say that things can't be better, we need to get rid of some of the public housing in some concentrated areas (the 4400-4500 block of North Magnolia comes to mind), we need to improve that crappy Uplift school, and get more business and market rate housing in here. <br /><br />Uptown is on the brink of a boom and I am tired of people bashing it!It's Obama's Faulthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02471177475479988262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-15707058317203978312011-11-22T16:39:18.336-06:002011-11-22T16:39:18.336-06:00Jeffo ... you're not retaining from previous d...Jeffo ... you're not retaining from previous discussions. The Uptown Theater has had a TIF in place for ten years. That is primarily in the 48th Ward although Shiller managed to leech some money out of it for the Heartland property on Leland in the 46th. This Maryville TIF was put in place in 2010 and is in the 46th Ward. It was Helen's farewell gift to those of us who pay taxes in Uptown.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-12571860081082088222011-11-22T16:13:36.219-06:002011-11-22T16:13:36.219-06:00@JustAsking: There is a difference here. Schille...@JustAsking: There is a difference here. Schiller would have never got in the way of anything to do with the Wilson Yard development. She helped grease the wheels. <br /><br />Cappleman, in my opinion, will do what is necessary to get a desirable type of development in that location. Now I'm no city government expert, but I believe the local alderman can have a pretty big influence on zoning changes. And without a zoning change, I don't think any high rise can be built. <br /><br />Somebody please correct me if I am off base.Rayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09703058816729352495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-12475540627421454442011-11-22T15:37:03.742-06:002011-11-22T15:37:03.742-06:00I agree Sedgewick deserves a fair hearing and that...I agree Sedgewick deserves a fair hearing and that they are getting. <br /><br />Keep in mind...if it was up to them the "fair hearing" would be held in a condo laundry room with a PR firm as anyone following this story will remember.<br /><br />And what was up with that big drop-deadline last time...remember? It was just last summer...right before they filed for bankruptcy on another property. What a sham.<br /><br />Very true it is not up to me who builds there. I believe Alek is dead wrong about the valuation of that location, nor do I share the view that Uptown is the "south-side", that is self-defeating/loathing at best.<br /><br />I'm proud of Uptown, now more then ever. We can do better then this mediocre scheme. <br /><br />Here is one way the whole project will go to hell in a hand-basket.<br /><br />When we break open that 100 year old junction box and go through a painfully too long "discovery phase" Sedgewick is going to miss a payment, default or something because they are so damn marginal financially and the project will stall...cue the diesel pumps and lawyers.<br /><br />And don't think it will stop there. The junctions and the connecting system are of the same vintage, it will unravel like a wicker basket in all directions for years to come. maybe we need to address long-term infrastructure issues but is this the way to do it? With Sedgewick as a crucial partner?<br /><br />The design is a joke, outdated and recycled...but not in an eco-friendly way. Architecture is an art and architects are supposed to be artists! <br /><br />A living breathing art, more important then the 2-dimensional eye candy I play around with. Architecture affects the quality of life, the enviroment, and the culture of the community at large for decades to come. This is hack work.<br /><br />I challenge the architect to a public design debate. <br /><br />I can organize at no cost to Sedgewick a venue in Uptown that meets all public access criteria for 200 or better in a week. The architect can have all of the advisers he wants behind him. I need none. It would still be a fair fight. <br /><br />In one corner...Mercy Housing resident and local artist J. Littleton....for the love of Uptown.<br /><br />In the other..... corner...Sedgewick...for the love of money.<br /><br />Ding..ding...ding...<br /><br /><br />A notable and respected architect can pick and chose, even in this economy, who to work for. Why would they chose Sedgewick...not a chance...so they are stuck hiring blog-savvy PR firms. We are not stuck with Sedgewick...lets keep it that way.<br /><br />This isn't how great art or architecture gets done. This is a scheme. Nothing more, nothing less.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11678683729454882322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-53210417603160891522011-11-22T15:33:47.423-06:002011-11-22T15:33:47.423-06:00One more thing, the main impact is going to be fro...One more thing, the main impact is going to be from the <b>rental apartment</b> tower and its commercial/parking podium, so I think taking issue with the ups/downs of the condo sales market is moot anyway.The Public Square Bearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04884576056661685183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-21693621086364524222011-11-22T15:31:25.138-06:002011-11-22T15:31:25.138-06:00@Alek: A sale in Uptown is a sale in Uptown, so th...@Alek: A sale in Uptown is a sale in Uptown, so that does not change the fact that people are willing to pay a premium to live here vs. Edgewater.<br /><br />Yes, sales are down, that's irrelevant to the point I'm making, which is that if Uptown is considered a "down and out" and "undesirable" neighborhood (and Edgewater most certainly is not) then it's very hard to explain the premium spread.<br /><br />Your reference to "a couple luxury units down around Irving" throwing off the spread doesn't hold, unless you are confusing the boundaries of the 46th Ward as being co-terminus with Uptown.<br /><br />The ward extends south of Irving Park Road, Uptown does not. There are few (if any!) condos in Uptown that are close to Irving Park Road which would qualify "luxury."The Public Square Bearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04884576056661685183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-25768488330135326632011-11-22T14:01:20.695-06:002011-11-22T14:01:20.695-06:00"I hardly think there will be an uproar if an..."I hardly think there will be an uproar if and when this is built.<br />No one could stop Wilson Yard. I hardly think anyone would mobilize any major effort to that extent for a nice market rate building."<br /><br />Jeffo, Really? There's already been an uproar from over 500 mobilized people that voted against these guys. <br /><br />We're not opposed to 'nice market rate buildings' we're opposed to shady developers that need TIF funds for they're projects. This thread would be mostly silent if Sedgwick came back with a proposal that didn't include the TIF money.Just askinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01118238831960239879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1957537260422450632.post-82179634873572636452011-11-22T13:50:28.087-06:002011-11-22T13:50:28.087-06:00(Reposted not using my work account)
Sorry, I did...(Reposted not using my work account)<br /><br />Sorry, I didn't mean to cause a fuss with the "gentrification" comment. I was using the term more in the sense of "enhancing the economic viability of an area," as you put it, than in any pejorative sense. Both candidates in the runoff were promising to do that. It was clear as soon as Helen announced her retirement that we would get an alderman who was more concerned with economic development and attracting middle class residents. Again, not meant as a dig at James or any of his supporters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com