Griffin Theater prepares for move into old police station
By Adam Prahl
Special to Inside
The gift for a twenty year anniversary is usually fine China. But if all goes according to plan, the Griffin Theatre Company will be getting a new venue in the abandoned police station in Ravenswood instead of new dinnerware.
“We’re just waiting to finalize the letter of intent.” said Tim Czarnecki, aide to Ald. Patrick O’ Conner (40th).
Founded in 1998, the Griffin Theatre Company, currently performing at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., was forced out of the historic Calo Theatre, 5343 N. Clark Street, after the rent “practically tripled” according to artistic director Bill Massolia.
Working closely with Alderman O’Conner, the Griffin Theatre plans to open in the old Ravenswood police station, located at 1940 West Foster Avenue, in fall of 2009.
Upon realizing that the theatre, a non for profit organization, would not be able to afford rent, they looked to the city for help.
“We approached the alderman and said we would love to stay in the neighborhood if you could help us out. He gave us the keys to the old station and we looked around and said hey, this could work.” Massolia recalled of his meeting with O’Conner a little over two years ago.
The lease, purchased for one dollar, will be for ninety nine years with the promise that the theatre will remain a theatre and offer community outreach programs. “No paperwork is signed yet, it’s going, but it still needs some ironing out.” Massolia said of the ongoing process.
Rehabbing costs are estimated to be around $2 million. The theatre has a three to five year plan to shore up donors and fund the project.
The new theatre will be designed by John Morris Architects, a Chicago company that specializes in designing performing arts centers. Morris, a UIC Arts and Architecture graduate, has helped design Steppenwolf and the Lookingglass and Raven Theatres.
Besides some difficulties in finalizing the deal with the city, the rehabbing of the old station poses some problems as well. According to head architect Morris “We’re trying to create one big room from many small rooms, that’s the main issue. Rehabs often run into that.” Morris went on to say that the theatre will be “very intimate, with a very decent size stage.”
Although very little of the internal structure of the police station, built in 1936, will remain, two original rooms will be utilized.
“We’re hoping to turn the felony holding cell into a box office or keeping it so that patrons will be able to experience the feeling of being locked up.” Morris also would like to turn the basement gun range into a prop storage locker. Massolia calls the plans an “homage” to the old police station.
This is the former station that houses officers responsible for the infamous Summerdale police scandal when eight officers were found to be operating a large burglary ring.
Plans for shuttered theater modified
By Patrick Butler
Special to Inside
Preservationists and worried local residents both claimed victory recently when M Development dropped plans for a 10-story, 100-room luxury hotel on the site of the old Esquire Theater, 58 W. Oak, at the behest of Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd). In its place will apparently be a three-story retail complex now being reviewed by Reilly’s staff and the city.
“Once we feel comfortable,” Reilly said, “M Development President Jeffrey Shapack, his zoning lawyer and his architect will be invited to discuss their scaled-down plans at a public meeting with a healthy dose of community input.”
Reilly’s demands that the high-rise hotel plan be scrapped were echoed by Gold Coast residents concerned about increased traffic congestion and the impact such a mega-development would have on the “European ambience” of what had been an enclave for the well-heeled since the post-Chicago Fire years.
While many of those 1870s graystone mansions remain, they’re now home to upscale shops like Prada and Harry Winston with their $1,500 handbags and $150,000 baubles.
“Putting a mid-rise hotel in the middle of a retail block of two- and three-story buildings is just poor urban planning,” said Reilly, adding that the alley behind that stretch of Oak Street is “narrow and overtaxed, built at a time when such intense retail and hotel uses were never contemplated.”
While Jonathan Fine of Preservation Chicago heaved a sigh of relief that plans for a skyscraper inn were being dropped, he was still concerned for the future of the historic William Pereira-designed façade, which Fine said could be razed at a developer’s whim because it had been denied local landmark protection back in the 1980s at the request of its owners, the Ruttenberg Family, who at one point even took out a demolition permit to prevent landmarking and eventually carved the 1,400-seat movie palace into a six-plex.
Nevertheless, the Esquire is worth saving, said Fine, who urged Reilly to work with M Development to use the theater’s façade just as the Malisoffs did with the Century Theater 30 years ago.
Fine added there may even be lucrative tax breaks available if the overall design could meat Chicago Landmark Commission criteria.
“I think my track record proved I certainly take Preservation Chicago’s input very seriously, and their input will be considered,” Reilly said.
Plans for the Esquire’s future had been in the air since the theater closed in September, 2006.
Once one of the city’s most elegant movie venues, the Esquire didn’t even begin selling popcorn until the 1950s. In its heyday, it hosted US premieres for such films as “Dr. Strangelove,” “The Haunting,” and the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night.” During the 1970s, the Esquire was first to screen future classics like “One Flew Over the Cockoo ’s Nest,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “All the President’s Men.”
Alderman, city seek to expand park
Land acquisition in process would replace condo development
By Miriam Y. Cintron
Special to Inside
The Ravenswood Manor community may soon be getting a larger park instead of more condo developments. The office of Ald. Richard Mel (33rd) is working with the Department of Planning and Development to acquire a 1.6 acre lot on Lawrence Avenue just east of Sacramento in order to increase the size of Ronan Park, 2945 W. Lawrence Ave.
A planned condo development had, until recently, been in the works, but the developer’s finance issues forced him to scrap the plan. The development had already been given the community’s input throughout several meetings and the design finalized, but the cost of steel and the developer’s difficulty to sell 50 percent of the units before construction ended the plan, said Ald. Mell during a heated community meeting Wednesday, June 25.
Ald. Mell then had the idea to acquire the land and increase Ronan Park in order to add green space in a densely populated area.
“I think it’s a win-win situation,” Mell said.
Albany Park does not have enough green space for the 120,000 people who live in the neighborhood, and acquiring green space anywhere in the city is increasingly difficult to do, explained Nelson Chueng, coordinating planner for the Department of Planning and Development.
Cheung explained that the property is estimated to be worth $6 million to $7 million, a figure that will be clearer once the appraisal process is completed.
In response to residents’ concerns about just how much taxpayers would have to pay, Ald. Mell said the goal is to pay fair market value. Cheung added that because of the desirable location along the river and size of the property, they understand it will not be cheap.
Some of the funding for the property will come from the Lawrence/Kedzie Tax Increment Financing District, one of the city’s healthiest TIFs since in the 33rd ward TIF funds have only gone to fund schools and similar projects and not condo developments, explained Jaime Andrade of Ald. Mell’s office. The Department of Planning and Development is also applying for a $1.5 million Open Space Land Acquisition grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Though in its very preliminary stage, the addition to the park would include re-routed bike paths which would lead bicyclists away from dangerous intersections.
Chueng said they are focusing on acquiring the land this year, and will engage the community in the design phase next year.
CITY BEAT: FBI seeking information about suspected spree killer
$25,000 reward offered
The FBI is seeking information about Nicholas T. Sheley, 28, a fugitive from Rock Falls, Illinois, thought to possibly have visited Chicago recently.
He was said to have driven to Chicago last Wednesday with another man to “dispose of evidence in a dumpster.”
Sheley is wanted for a home invasion in Sterling, Illinois, and on federal charges for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He is also suspected in eight homicides, including the murder of an elderly man in Whiteside County, Illinois, the murder of two individuals in Festus, Missouri, the murder of an individual in Galesburg, Illinois and the murder of three adults and one child in Rock Falls, Illinois. All eight victims appear to have been killed by blunt force trauma to the head.
“Nicholas T. Sheley is suspected of violently taking eight lives in the span of a few days. The FBI will bring to bear all of its investigative resources to assist the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police in bringing Sheley to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Grant, FBI Chicago Division.
“We ask that citizens remain alert and report any suspicious activity that may lead to Sheley’s location and arrest. With the vigilance of the public, we can end Sheley’s violent killing spree,” said Sheriff Roger Schipper, Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
“Sheley should be considered violent and extremely dangerous, and we are working diligently with our partners, the FBI and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office, to apprehend him,” said Director Larry G. Trent, Illinois State Police.
Nicholas T. Sheley is described as a white male, 28 years of age, 5’11”, approximately 165 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his arms, chest, and shoulders.
He has a criminal history of armed violence and resisting arrest. Sheley should be considered armed and dangerous. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for any information leading directly to the arrest of Nicholas T. Sheley. He is tied to “at least five homicides” and up to eight. Some of his relatives are believed to be aiding him.
He was last spotted near a ditched car by a cornfield near Harmon, Ill. where officials dispatched a massive manhunt including a helicopter to track him down. His wife spoke several days ago saying he is a good man with two children, but has problems with drugs such as crack cocaine and alcohol. He has worked as a day laborer. He is believed to have a “very-short buzz hair style” and was also spotted in St. Louis.
Sheley’s picture is featured on digital billboards across the country. Individuals with information should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office call center at 1-866-219-8333 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI toll-free. Tips can also be submitted online. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Chicago police are referring questions to other jurisdiuctions.For more information, visit www.fbi.gov. The FBI issued a statement July 1.
Fire damages Ravenswood loft
More than 100 firefighters responded to an extra-alarm fire at 3201 N. Ravenswood on the afternoon of June 27. While no humans or pets are reported to have been hurt, the blaze significantly damaged the roof of the building and some of the units also suffered significant fire and water damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Park District to study Winnemac Park
The Chicago Park District recently received funding from Chicago Wilderness for $15,000 to study the amount of carbon two nature areas sequester after conversion from turf grass and to quantify the areas species diversity.
The Park District is collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory and University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Biological Sciences. This project is a case study of two Chicago Park District nature areas, Winnemac Park, 5100 N. Leavitt St. and McCormick Bird Sanctuary, 2400 S. Lake Shore Dr., taking into account the different management practices required to sustain the nature areas and the adjacent turf grass.
“The main purpose of this study aims to provide more support for nature area conservation, restoration and ecological management practices,” said Zhanna Yermakov, Principle Investigator and Chicago Park District Natural Areas Manger. “This would further support our best management practices, such as enhancement of biodiversity and controlling the spread of invasive species.”
The investigators hypothesize that the established prairies in this study would have higher biodiversity than the comparable adjacent turf grass these prairies replaced, and thus should sequester more carbon. Should the study’s result show higher carbon retention in the established prairies, land managers would have another tool to promote nature areas and native landscaping.
In addition to developing a protocol for carbon sequestration measurements in managed landscapes, the information obtained from this study could be used to determine mitigation strategies for carbon emissions and to model carbon sequestration potential under various land management scenarios. This baseline information will be used to further advance the scientific basis for ecological management and strengthen the justification for promoting and increasing natural areas.
Sex workers push for reform at library talk
By Patrick Butler
Special to Inside
The United States may be the most advanced country in the world in many other ways, but it’s one of the worst places to be a prostitute, two sex worker organizers and reporter Kari Lyderson said recently.
Even Bangladesh has better working conditions, they agreed.
“While the sex industry will eventually be decriminalized and unionized, its workers will first have to get the basic human rights taken for granted by everyone else in this country,” says Jasmine, a prostitute and Sex Worker Outreach organizer.
Speaking at a Thursday, June 26 forum at the Lincoln Park Library, 1150 W. Fullerton, sponsored by the University of the Left, the three agreed that attitudes against prostitution have made some sex workers reluctant to report beatings or rapes by clients.
“If I get mistreated by a customer in what we call a ‘bad date’ I personally would go to the police because I’m what they call an ‘indoor whore’ but streetwalkers get treated differently,” Jasmine said.
“There’s a term some police use in such cases, NHI or ‘No Humans Involved’,” added another hooker and Sex Worker Outreach organizer and reporter for CAN-TV’s Red Light District Chicago talk and feature show.
“It’s easier if you don’t acknowledge that the people being hurt are human beings,” said Jasmine.
Of course, the “classism” that permeates the industry can be a major barrier to effective grass-roots organizing, Jasmine and Kitten agreed.
“Elliot Spitzer (former New York Governor) pushed through some of the toughest anti-prostitution laws anywhere. He was willing to patronize a $4,000 whore, but not a $50 hooker,” Jasmine said.
“When I go to Belmont and Clark to pass out condoms (to streetwalkers), the point isn’t that I’m better than them, or they’re better than me. The point is we’re all sex workers who should be working together,” she added.
Girls working the streets tend to be minorities, while those with escort services are more likely to be “white, blond, blue-eyed and English speaking,” creating yet another division among sex workers, Kitten said.
Because sex workers must often keep a low profile, there aren’t any reliable figures on the number of prostitutes working in Chicago, how long they last in the business, or what their average life span is, said Lyderson, a Midwest staff writer for the Washington Post and contributor to local publications like In These Times and the Reader, as well as the Progressive magazine. She’s also the author of “Out of the Sea and Into the Fire: Latin American-US Immigration in the Global Age” and co-author of a forthcoming book on the anti-Iraq War movement.
Most of the statistics being tossed around come from anti-prostitution groups with a vested interest in painting as bad a picture of “the life” as possible, said Jasmine, adding “I’m 47 and plan to be in this business for at least a few more years.”
Despite all the studies on why men – and some women – hire prostitutes, “I can’t tell you why everyone else does it, but I can tall you why my customers do it. They can’t get what they want at home,” Jasmine said.
Nevertheless, there are signs that sex workers aren’t going to stay in the shadows much longer, the three panelists agreed.
March 3 has become to the sex worker community what the 1969 “Stonewall Riot” is to the gay community. It marks the anniversary of a 2001 sex worker festival in Calcutta where 25,000 prostitutes demanded basic rights and protections.
Closer to home, hundreds of sex workers are expected to converge on Chicago for the Desiree Alliance’s July 16-20 “Pulling Back the Sheets” convention focusing on everything from safety tips to “self marketing” and advice on how to work with disabled clients. For details, visit desireealliance.org.
While “basic human rights” won’t come overnight because “we’re still a bunch of whores without clout or money,” Jasmine wants the moralists to realize sex workers didn’t just come from nowhere.
“We’re your sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles. And remember, there aren’t too many kids out there who tell their parents they’ve just turned a trick.”
Nigerian brass and ivory sculptures head to Art Institute
Royal sculptures and regalia from the West African Kingdom of Benin are among the continent’s most historically important works of art. This summer, the Art Institute of Chicago will bring together more than 220 of these works--from collections around the world--representing six centuries of Benin’s rich artistic heritage. “Benin--Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria,” on view July 10 through September 21, is the “most comprehensive and illuminating exhibition ever mounted about this West African kingdom and its distinctive artistic expressions.”
Organized by the Museum für Völkerkunde in Vienna in cooperation with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria, the Ethnologisches Museum in Berlin, the Art Institute, and the musée du quai Branly in Paris, this exhibition has been seen in Vienna, Berlin, and Paris. It will conclude its tour in Chicago, with the Art Institute as its exclusive North American venue.
The Benin Kingdom came into existence in the 13th century and has no proper affiliation with the current Republic of Benin. This powerful, pre-colonial African state--located in present-day southwestern Nigeria--has been ruled by a dynasty of divine kings, called oba for the past 700 years. Economic ties developed between the kingdom and Portugal as early as the 15th century, and fluid trade relations with Europe followed suit. The Kingdom’s earliest exports were pepper, enslaved captives, and ivory. From these earliest times, artists in Benin also crafted curios, including magnificent ivory salt cellars, spoons, and horns, for sale to European sailors and merchants. The depth of their artistry, however, which found its greatest expression in court art, was never fully revealed to outsiders. After a period of internal conflict in the 17th century, the empire and its economy were re-energized in the 18th century by an increased demand from Europe for ivory. In the 19th century, following the British prohibition of the slave trade, palm oil and textiles were the main exports. In 1897, after major conflicts with British forces over the control of trade, the city of Benin was conquered by Admiral Sir Harry Rawson and his troops, and the oba was exiled. Following these devastating events, hundreds of brass and ivory sculptures, along with royal regalia and other palace furnishings, were shipped to London, where they aroused considerable attention from the European public. Objects were subsequently sold to many museums where they reside to this day.
The arts of Benin on view at the Art Institute affirm the centrality of the oba and portray his divine nature. Objects in the exhibition recount the kingdom’s significant historical events, activate the ruler’s interactions with the supernatural, and honor his deified ancestors. Such practices continue to this day and forge a connection with the past that is vital to the present-day kingdom’s viability. The wealth of iconographic detail in the art works conveys the sumptuousness of the royal court and its historical importance as a regional powerhouse in West Africa from the 16th through the 19th centuries.
“Benin--Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria” marks the first time that masterpieces from the Benin Kingdom--dispersed in European and American collections since the late-19th century--are brought together and interpreted in light of modern scholarship. Many examples of these sculptures will be on display: finely cast brass figures, altar heads, wall plaques, and staffs of office; sculpted ivories; royal regalia and jewelry in brass, coral, and ivory; and other accoutrements of life at court across six centuries. This exhibition interweaves these objects within multifaceted themes to reconstruct and interpret the kingdom’s long, rich history. Planned with scholars of Benin art, history, and culture, as well as the cooperation of reigning Oba Erediauwa and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, Benin--Kings and Rituals seeks to bring attention and new perspectives to Benin art and history.
A 40-page catalogue, “Benin: Royal Arts of a West African Kingdom,” was produced especially for the Art Institute’s presentation and highlights 22 of the exhibition’s works. An essay by the museum’s curator of African art, Kathleen Bickford Berzock, considers the meaning and use of these objects against the backdrop of the Benin Kingdom’s long history. The catalogue will be available in mid-July 2008 in the Museum Shop and online.
City updates rules for horse drawn carriages
By Jeff Borgardt
Editor
The City Department of Consumer Services updated the rules and regulations pertaining to horse drawn carriages June 20.
Commissioner Norma Reyes told Inside Chicago on June 26 that one of the main changes involves regulations for stables to ensure the horses have proper housing.
“There are new standards for how to maintain and keep stables clean and references to waste management, ventilation and drainage for how to maintain the horses and stalls,” she said.
There are currently 42 licenses for horse drawn carriages in operation; six different companies work in this business at various “stands” downtown. A lottery determines which license-holder gets which stand. There are fourteen stands with up to five carriages per stand. One of the main issues for horse drawn carriages involves carriages delaying auto vehicle traffic.
To address this, the city regulates the specific routes and times that the carriages can take, Reyes said.
“We restrict certain times, streets and locations,” Reyes said. “For example, left turns may be disallowed in specific places.” The city also has rules to make sure horses are treated properly. These include not allowing the horses to pull carriages if it is too hot or cold outside. The horses are not allowed to work if it is hotter than 90 degrees or colder than zero.
Fitness tests and grooming regulations also apply. Horses are not permitted to work more than six hours a day. The horses also get 15 minutes rest and water every hour.
POLICE BEAT
Knife Fight at Men’s Hotel
Two residents of the single-room occupancy Wilson Men’s Hotel, 1124 W. Wilson, were in a knife fight June 23 at 8:04 p.m.
The victim, 43, walked out of his room in the hotel and was approached by another resident, 40, June 23 at 8:04 p.m who asked him if he’d like to go smoke drugs.
The man replied that he did not do drugs.
After receiving this response, the man then allegedly started punching the other in the face several times.
The 40-year-old stuck up his arms to block the attack.
According to the police report, the puncher “then retrieved a steak knife with a black wooden handle and proceeded to cut the victim on the left forearm, the left cheek of the facial area. Said offender also cut the victim on the victim’s nose and finger.”
The attacker was arrested and has a July 29 court date. The victim was treated and released for cuts at Weiss Hospital.
18 & 23
Girl threatens to slit teen’s throat
A 19-year-old girl threatened to have another girl, 18, beaten up June 30 at 10:30 a.m. She also said she was going to slit the other’s throat. Both girls live in a group home on the 4400 block of N. Kimball.
Disabled man reports rape
A 48-year-old man suffering from paranoid-schizophrenia reported he had been raped June 26 at 4 p.m. The man, who lives in a nursing home on the 800 block of W. Lawrence, was interviewed by police at Weiss Hospital. A doctor stated he examined the man and did not believe he had been sexually assaulted as there were no signs of trauma to the rectum. However, a rape kit was completed per hospital protocol. The man told a police officer that an unknown offender “tied their penis into a knot and put it into my butt.”
The officer asked who did this and the disabled man replied he did not know. He repeatedly said “they’re trying to get me.”
When asked who is trying to get him, the man did not respond. A rape victim advocate was on the scene and the man was slated to be sent back to the nursing home.
Woman hits man in head with juice bottle
A 51-year-old man reported a woman in her 30s “struck me upside my motherf--n head with a glass juice bottle” June 28 at 10:50 a.m. in an alley on the 5500 block of N. Broadway. The attacker was not there when police arrived and her identity is unknown, according to the victim. He was treated at Weiss Hospital.
Wallet with $130 turned in
An unknown individual walked into the 20th district police station on the 5400 block of N. Lincoln Avenue and handed in a lost wallet that contained $130 cash. The wallet was returned to the owner.
Sex crime in bathroom
A boy, 14, and his father, 56, walked into the police station June 26 at noon and reported a criminal sexual assault. They said the student, of Rogers Park, was using a urinal at Village Discount, 4820 N. Clark St, when a man, about 30 years age, came out from the stall and grabbed the boys leg and “began performing oral sex on the victim,” according to the police report.
The boy told police he tried to push the man away but was unable to break free. The sound of the bathroom door opening then startled the man and he let go of the boy, who was not injured, and fled. The man was said to be about 190 pounds, six feet tall and was wearing sandals, a baseball hat and brown shorts.
Attacker knocks drunk man off bike, pedals away
A 50-year-old intoxicated man reported he was shoved off his bicycle June 25 at 10:05 p.m. on the 5000 block of N. Kenmore by unknown offenders. He was treated at Weiss Hospital and said he was too drunk to identify the attackers who rode off on the bike.
Bank robbery
A Charter One Bank on the 5700 block of N. Lincoln was robbed June 27 at 4:25 p.m. The robber walked in the front door, approached a teller and said “Give me your money.” The teller tried to give the robber a stack of $1 bills with a dye pack but the robber said “Give me your big bills” and reached behind his waistband to imply he had a gun. The teller then handed over about $300 in $5 and $10 bills. The robber then ran away. His baseball hat was found in the parking lot.
He is in his 30s, wearing a goatee mustache and had on sandals a t-shirt and plaid shorts.
Battery
Two men, 44, and 40, are involved in an ongoing dispute. On June 24, one of them pushed the other and wanted to fight. The second man, however, walked away. He was followed and threatened. It happened on the 2600 block of W. Lawrence.
Gunman robs
A 22-year-old walking to his parked vehicle on the 5700 block of Artesian June 28 at 1 a.m. and observed a man dressed in all black clothes wearing a skull cap and a bandana covering his face crouched between two vehicles. The man jumped up, racked the side of the gun and said “give me your money before I f--n shoot you.” The man handed over his wallet with $40 inside and his house and car keys. After that, he put his hands on the trunk of the car and put his head down and the robber said “keep your head down or I’ll shoot you.” The robber then ran away.
“Let me get that phone”
A 16-year-old walked out of a barber shop June 30 at 3 p.m. on the 5900 block of N. Broadway when an unknown teen began to hassle him. He crossed the street and stood at the bus stop and the offender said “Let me get that phone.” The boy refused and the attacker then punched him in the face and a second accomplice came up from behind and put the victim into a headlock. They reached into his pocket and took $3 and a CTA bus card. They then struggled over the phone, but the robbers gave up and ran away.
Cook punched in face, robbed
A 19-year-old cook was walking down the 5700 block of Winthrop June 29 at 11:30 p.m. when two robbers approached. One grabbed him from behind and spun him around and the second robber punched the cook in the face. They took his I-phone, wallet and backpack and ran away. He suffered minor swelling to the face.
Man, 74, hit with pipe
A senior citizen was attacked June 25 at 8:30 p.m. on the 5000 block of N. Sheridan. He was crossing the street when two masked men approached and demanded his money. One of them struck the victim, 74, with a metal pipe. He suffered bruising to both arms. The robbers fled by car with the man’s wallet that had $2 in it.
19 & 20
Man hit in head after ATM withdrawal
A 38-year-old unemployed man withdrew cash June 22 at 1050 W. Wilson.
At that point, he was hit in the head from behind. The attacker grabbed $80 and ran east on Wilson. The victim told police he has known the attacker, in his 30s, for 12 years and he is a known drug user. In addition, the victim stated he had beaten up the attacker the day before.
Bank robber strikes
A North Community Bank branch, 3180 N Broadway, was robbed June 20 at 2:40 p.m. The robber walked to the teller and began writing on paper and handed the teller, 21, a note that said “Give me all your 100s, 50s, 20s - No bait money.” The teller complied. He opened the drawer and handed the robber four $100 bills, and $1,000 in $20 bills which were wrapped in two $500 bundles. The robber then exited the building and walked east on Belmont. The robber is thought to be between age 40 and 50. He had a deep wrinkle around his mouth and was wearing a baseball cap with sunglasses, a button short-sleeve polo shirt and dark dress pants. He was about 5 foot 10 inches tall and 170 pounds. He was also carrying a small brown bag from Carribou Coffee. When police arrived, they searched some nearby taxi cabs but didn’t find the robber. FBI officers also went to the bank to process the crime scene.
“Give me all your money or I swear to God I’ll kill you”
A bartender, 25, was walking between two buildings June 24 at 3 a.m. on the 500 block of W. Oakdale when a man in his mid 20s approached her and demanded money. The robber showed a 12-inch knife and said “Give me all your money or I swear to God I’ll kill you.” The woman opened her purse up and the man took $20 cash. He then snatched her necklace also worth $20. The victim then ran west towards Broadway yelling for help and she found a police officer and reported the crime.
Newspaper deliveryman carjacked
A 43-year-old from the 4200 block of N. Troy was delivering newspapers June 21 at 6 a.m. on the 3700 block of N. Pine Grove when he was approached by two men in their 20s. The men walked up and said “Give me your car keys.”
The driver complied but handed over the wrong key. The vehicle was full of newspapers. The men then came back to the driver and said “that’s the wrong one” so the driver gave them the correct key.
They then jumped into the 1994 Mazda and drove away. The driver was not touched by the offenders. According to the police report “the vehicle has some minor damage on right rear and fender. Full of newspapers.”
A similar occurrence also occurred that same morning of June 21 at Waveland and Paulina.
Woman punched, purse snatched
A collection clerk, 29, was walking to her parked vehicle June 29 at 8:15 p.m. on the 3400 block of N. Halsted when she was approached by two people who punched her on the right side of her chin and ran off with her purse.
Shots fired
A 19-year-old Riverdale man was standing in an alley on the 4400 block of N. Magnolia July 1 at 4:30 a.m. talking on his mobile phone when two men walked into the alley and started making loud noises which seemed to be gunshots. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots and police discovered evidence shots had been fired.
Burglar cuts window
Someone cut open an unlocked window on the 800 block of W. Waveland June 21 between 10 a.m. and noon to gain entry to a residence and stole a laptop computer and two Ipods.
Pulled-over man poses as police
A 31-year-old from the 1000 block of W. Hollywood was driving his 1999 Infiniti four-door June 18 on the 4600 block of N. Broadway when he swerved and nearly crashed into a scooter. A police officer observed this and pulled over the car. When the officer spoke to the driver he was seen digging under his seat and then he flashed a phony white police shield badge and said “I am a police officer and I am late.” He could not offer any insurance or driver’s license. He was then asked to get out of the car and instead he reached under the front seat and pulled out a handcuff case. The officer then grabbed his arm and handcuffed him.
He then stiffened his body, pulled away and did not follow directions. He was then arrested for interfering with a public officer and interference of the judicial process. He has a July 23 court date.
Man knocks on door
A man on the 800 block of W. Eastwood knocked on a door June 6 at 8:25 p.m. and when a man, 30, answered the door he pulled out a knife and said “I’m gonna cut you.” The victim then ran down the stairs with the door closed and the knocker ran out of the building. The warrant procedure was advised.
Shooter opens fire on car, hits three
A car-full of people were shot June 22 at 8:08 p.m. on the 1300 block of W. Leland. A man, 29, of the 900 block of W. Leland, another, 23, of the 7000 block of N. Glenwood and a third, 21, of the 5700 block of N. Kenmore went to the store at Wilson and Sheridan and then drove north on Sheridan and turned left on Leland. When they came to a stop, “an unknown vehicle approached the victim’s car that was in the middle of the street to get around a parked vehicle, and come up along the passenger side of the victims vehicle and from the offender’s side of the vehicle began to shoot approximately five to six shots into the vehicle.
The driver was shot in the arm and back, the second man hit in the arm and the third victim shot in the thigh. They drove to Weiss Hospital where they were successfully treated.
Car burglars caught
Two men, 25, and 26, were arrested for breaking a car window with a beer bottle on the 800 block of W. Waveland June 22 at 3:34 m. and taking a GPS system.
Woman knifer arrested
On June 21, a woman, 22, of the 800 block of W. 72nd St. was arrested on the 4500 block of N. Malden for aggravated assault with a knife or cutting instrument.
Car burglary
A car window was smashed on the 500 block of W. Stratford Place June 21 and the car radio, a GPS system and an Ipod were taken.
Girl hit with bike lock
A girl, 14, was struck on the head with a bike lock by a neighbor June 19 on the 1300 block of W. Leland. The girl had a bruise on her forehead.
Emanuel pursues federal CTA funds
Congressman Rahm Emanuel June 27 joined a majority in the House in support of the Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act of 2008. As gas prices rise and more families turn to public transportation, the bill provides $1.7 billion in grants to reduce fares and improve transit systems, including more than $88 million for Chicago transit.
“Families in Chicago are suffering every time they pull into a gas station, and the bill we passed today will provide much-needed relief and improve public transit,” said Emanuel. “We’re reinvesting in public transit and working to craft a new energy strategy.”
In 2007, Americans took the most public transit trips in 50 years, and in the first three months of 2008, Americans took almost 85 million more transit trips than in the same period last year. Yet at the same time, mass transit systems are forced to pay the same record fuel prices as consumers, while a slowing economy means lower tax receipts and less money for transit.
The Saving Energy through Public Transportation Act has support from an array of state and local governments, transit agencies, and environmental agencies. In addition to providing grants to reduce fares, the funds could also be used to expand transit services and support operating costs.
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
Lake View Lincoln Square Ravenswood Uptown
Lake View garage sale
Central Lake View Merchants Association are holding a garage sale from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at 3211 N. Clark.
The first annual sale will be in the large parking lot at 3211 N. Clark, right next to Blum Animal Hospital and will be open to businesses and residents.
There are thousands of enthusiasts who actually travel around the country looking to wheel, deal and score super bargains at garage sales.
Registration deadline to sell at the sale is Tuesday, July 15.
Registration fee of $35 includes tent, table, chairs, and all promotional materials. Discount of $10 for chamber members.
Send registrations and payments to Central Lake View Merchants Association, Attn: Rick J. Cummings, 867 W. Buckingham, Chicago, IL 60657. “Dig out your old merchandise and overstocked items and get ready to sell, sell, sell!”
Author to discuss work
John K. Wilson will detail his book “Patriotic Correctness: Academic Freedom and it’s Enemies” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 11 at Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark. Wilson will also talk about his other book “Barack Obama: This Improbable Conquest.”
Free health screenings, medical lecture
The Lake View Citizens Council and St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church have joined forces with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Hispanocare, and Resurrection Health Care to help make the residents of Lake View healthier.
With “Working Together: Keeping Lake View Healthy,” the organizations are offering a full morning of health information and screenings, including a lecture by Laura Concannon, MD, of Illinois Masonic on “Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.” Free health screenings will include blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, diabetes testing and diabetic retinopathy eye screening, as well as an “Ask the Doctor” area. Free blood glucose monitors will be provided to the first 50 people testing with high blood glucose levels. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the lecture at 9 a.m. and screenings from 10 a.m. to noon. Screenings will be limited to the first 150 registrants, so be sure to register by calling (800) 3-ADVOCATE, or (800) 323-8622, and mentioning code 9X15. Registrations may also be made by calling (877) RES-INFO, or (877) 737-4636.
Held July 19 at St. Luke Academy, Memorial Hall, 1500 W. Belmont Ave.
Registration at 8:30 a.m, Lecture by Laura Concannon, MD, “Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease at 9 a.m, Health screenings begin at 10 a.m.
Candidates to be on hand
Hear presentations of issues by local Green Party Candidates followed by a discussion on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 pm and Saturday July 19 at 2:30 pm at the Budlong Woods Library, 5630 N. Lincoln.
Candidates to be present on one or both dates are Kathy Cummings (US Senate), Tom Durkin (IL Senate - 7th Dist.), John Beacham (IL House - 14th Dist.), Nadine Bopp and Jack Ailey (Water Reclamation District), Tom O’Brien (Cook County States Attorney), Tim Gilhooly (Cook County Recorder) and Paloma Andrade (Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court). Free refreshments will be offered. Call Sharon at 773-341-8935 with other inquiries.
In addition, the Green Party of the United States will hold its National Conference July 10 to July 13 at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe. Those on hand include Malik Rahim, Kathy Kelly and Cliff Thornton Jr. Information online at ilgp.org
Soccer at
Montrose Harbor
The 15th Annual Mayor’s Cup Youth Soccer Tournament takes place July 12 and 13. from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. This free tournament has grown to become one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the Chicago area. See details at www.chicagomayorscupsoccer.us.
Artist exhibition
In July, artist Jennifer Casey will present an exhibition of soft pastel drawings at the Old Town Art Center, 1763 N. North Park Avenue. A formal opening will be held on Sunday, July 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is invited.
Youth forum
The 19th Police District youth forum is slated for July 12 at 10 a.m, at the district station, 2452 W. Belmont, and will provide valuable information on addressing youth anger management and conflict resolution.
The guest speaker will be Katie Butler of Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, 4840 N. Marine Drive.
Block club convention
The Block Club Convention will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 10 A.M., at DeVry University, 3300 N. Campbell. Information and assistance on forming block clubs and contact information to request city services will be provided.
Condo ownership seminars
The Lakeside Community Development Corporation will host a series of educational seminars covering condominium ownership and association management for residents and developers on Chicago’s North Side.
The non-profit Lakeside CDC focuses on preserving affordable housing in North Side communities through advocacy and education. Its seminars will address the legal rights and responsibilities of developers and condominium owners alike.
Lakeside’s staff lead all seminars, which are free and open to the public.
The seminars will cover multiple topics including advantages and disadvantages between mediation and litigation, rights of condominium associations and individual property owners, insight into processes for liens, possessions and foreclosures, ways to maximize benefits of condominium ownership and techniques and options for managing property.
Seminars will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Budlong Woods Chicago Public Library, 5630 N. Lincoln Ave. and Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Sulzer Branch Chicago Public Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Gold Coast Lincoln Park Loop Near North
Superior Donuts play
Arthur Przybyszewski owns a decrepit donut shop in Uptown. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. Steppenwolf concludes the season with ensemble member Tracy Letts provocative world premiere comedy about the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. Superior Donuts is playing at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted through Aug. 17.
TV reporter to detail beef industry
Americans have been dining on grain-fed beef for the last 60 years. But which is better for both man and animal - grain-fed or grass-fed?
Join national reporter Bill Kurtis for an examination of the cattle industry. “Where’s the Beef” will be held at the Chicago History Museum Saturday, 1601 N. Clark, on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Senior medical event
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney will host their annual Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, July 17. Medical professionals will be on-hand to discuss the many important health-related issues facing seniors on a daily basis. Free health screenings will include blood pressure, blood glucose for diabetes, diabetes retinopathy vision and foot health. The first 100 participants testing with high glucose levels for diabetes will receive a free glucose meter. Also stop by to learn more about Advocate Illinois Masonic’s “Newer, Bigger, Better” Emergency Department that includes private rooms, fast-track service for shorter wait times and state-of-the-art emergency equipment. There also will be lots of other health and nutrition information, as well as helpful tips on housing and Medicare Part D, entertainment and refreshments. Please register by calling (800) 3-ADVOCATE, or (800) 323-8622, and mentioning code 9S39.
The Senior Resource Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Patio, 836 W. Wellington Ave.
Bird watchers in Lincoln Park
Bird Walk and Coffee Talk will be held July 16 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive.
Join experienced bird watchers from the Chicago Ornithological Society on weekly bird walks around North Pond to observe and learn about our feathered neighbors. The group meets at the southeast corner of North Pond. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars.
Volleyball tournament at Oak St. Beach
The 2008 AVP season continues with its 13th stop, the AVP Crocs Slam McDonald’s Chicago Open presented by Nautica. The event, again taking place on the beach volleyball-rich shores of Lake Michigan, is one of the final strong fields that will provide a training ground for the AVP’s Olympic-bound stars.
The event takes place at Oak Street Beach, 1001 N. Lake Shore Dr., from Thursday, July 10 –to Sunday, July 13.
The Tour’s top teams will be on hand, including defending Olympic gold medalists and winners of all six AVP Crocs Tour events they’ve played this year through June 8, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh; the No. 1 men’s team, Olympic-bound Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers; Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs, who will likely represent the United States in Beijing along with May-Treanor/Walsh; Sean Rosenthal and Jake Gibb, who look to join Dalhausser/Rogers in Beijing for the men.
Defending champions Jenny Johnson Jordan and Annett Davis, the longest running partnership on tour, will also be there, as will defending men’s champions Stein Metzger and Mike Lambert, both playing with new partners.
Free Bastille day performance
Acrobats of la Compagnie Transe Express will be followed by fireworks on Lake Michigan Saturday, July 12 at 9 PM at the Navy Pier Gateway Park in honor of French Bastille Day.
Inspired by classic French street theater and the mobiles of Alexander Calder, the Transe Express aerialists will be lifted 250 feet in the air over Navy Pier to perform the American premiere of Maudit Sonnants: Celestial Carillon “with the sky as their stage.”
Performance begin at dusk with Compagnie Transe Express parading along Navy Pier’s Dock Street, inviting visitors to join them in Gateway Park. Once assembled at the front of Navy Pier, the aerial performance of Maudits Sonnants will begin around 9 p.m.
On Saturday evening the Company’s spectacle will culminate with a fireworks display over Lake Michigan. Presented by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, in partnership with and with generous support from the Cultural Services of the French Consulate, the Alliance Française de Chicago, Etant donnés: the French American Fund for the Performing Arts, and Navy Pier.
There will also be a show on Friday July 11th at 9 pm.
Tuesdays on the Terrace
The Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., hold Tuesdays on the Terrace, July 8 with “exciting season of free evening jazz concerts on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace overlooking Lake Michigan.” Enjoy cocktails and a buffet dinner while listening to Chicago’s finest jazz musicians, hosted by local
radio personalities.
40th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk
The 40th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival, sponsored by the Sheffield Neighborhood Association, a non-profit community organization will be held at Webster and Sheffield July 19 and 20. Admission is $6 or $10 after 4 pm. The “Summer’s Best Festival” features self-guided tours of more than 100 Gardens, a Garden Center, guided Architectural Tours, live entertainment by some of Chicago’s and North America’s finest bands, food and drink, and activities for children at the Kids Corner.
Proceeds from this volunteer-managed festival provide continued support for neighborhood schools, local institutions, and community projects. In addition, proceeds are allocated to Sheffield Neighborhood Association Award-Winning Beautification Program, a 7 to 10 year plan to maintain Sheffield as the Garden District of Chicago.
Summer music at Art Institute
The Art Institute of Chicago and the Old Town School of Folk Music present the Summer Music Series Thursday and Friday evenings from 5:30 to 8:45 in McKinlock Court, located off the Garden Restaurant. There is no cover charge or minimum, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (312) 553-9675 or online at artic.edu.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
State Rep. Harris considers Governor’s budget cuts
This week Governor Blagojevich announced his intention to cut $1.5 billion from the State budget in an attempt to force the House to pass a series of bills to increase revenue and expand debt. No one doubts that the State is facing difficult financial circumstances due to downturns in the economy, the reverberations of the housing market, contractions of credit and sky-rocketing energy prices.
I am not convinced that now is the time (as I have said before) to engage in taking on record amounts of debt for the State, disposing of assets and engaging in massive arbitrage deals. I am certain that draconian cuts which target our most frail and vulnerable citizens in an effort to force revenue expansions is just wrong.
On Wednesday [June 25], members of the House participated in conference calls with senior members of the Governor’s staff. We emphasized the need to re-evaluate the State’s revenue sources to have the most accurate projection of money available to us, and to look at a flat budget (such as the one passed by House, but not taken up by the Senate) which would do everything possible to maintain current levels of spending for education, healthcare, public safety, etc. and revisit program expansions later as natural revenue growth permits.
The Governor’s handouts provided no details on revenue projections, so it is impossible to determine whether there is a $1.5 billion gap, or what size the gap truly is. We know that gaming revenues have shown substantial declines due to the economy and the effects of the smoking ban, and general sales taxes have shown declines in recent quarters. However, we also know that the rising prices of gasoline have increased revenue related to gasoline taxes. Having an up-to-date and agreed upon picture of available revenue is the first step.
With current and generally accepted revenue projections in hand, we should then compare that to a flat spending budget to see if FY08 spending levels can be maintained. If there is a shortfall, I believe that cuts should be done as a smaller percentage across the board, rather than a handful of severe cuts aimed at hospitals, Medicaid, schools, transit, the homeless, seniors, etc. as the Governor has proposed. We must do everything we can to be sure services to the State’s most vulnerable citizens are maintained and not slashed.
Even though I am a strong supporter of program expansions for health, human services and education, if we do not have sufficient revenue we must wait to fund them until revenues are available.
The Governor’s answer to this is to engage in massive borrowing, fund sweeps, gaming expansion and asset leases. As I have said repeatedly, we must take great care to examine the details of these proposed transactions and assure that the underlying financial projections and underwriting assumptions are rational and in the best long-term interest of the people of Illinois. To accept the largest borrowing in our State’s history and use long term debt to pay current operating expenses is highly unwise. In uncertain financial markets, we also must assure ourselves that arbitrage deals and debt costs and proceeds will act to increase value to Illinois and not leave us in a worse position for decades.
I have specific questions and concerns about the proposed revenue increases the Governor is proposing:
Fund Sweeps? What funds are proposed to be swept and for how much? Will the sweeping of these funds negatively impact programs and services which would require either substantial unintended service cuts or require backfill? How long would it take to replenish these funds and how would expenses be met in the interim?
Pension Obligation Bonds? Over the life of the bonds what will be the actual savings to the State, including costs of issuance, debt service costs, etc. Is it wise to abandon the State’s commitment to the annual contribution schedule to the pension funds as the bill allows? Remember, skipping these obligations in past years has contributed to the size of the pension underfunding hole in which we now find ourselves.
Gaming Expansion? This legislation imposes massive upfront costs on the Chicago casino. While high license fees are appropriate for profit-making entities who pocket the profits, the City casino would be putting proceeds into parks, infrastructure and local schools, and it makes no sense to impose financial terms that make the startup investment unviable. We are seeing a major decline in gaming revenues in the last two quarters and should revisit the revenue projections for all facets of gaming expansion to be sure tha t they reflect reality. Also, layering more and more appointed boards to oversee and duplicate management does not seem to make sense and seems to invite possible mischief making as seen recently in other State boards and commissions.
Lottery Lease? Does it make sense for the State to forgo $30 billion for decades in return for $7 billion today? Private investors are willing to put this cash out up front because they believe they can easily obtain substantial windfall profits over the life of the lease deal. Wouldn’t it make more sense for the State to better manage this asset and reap all the increased profits?
Capital Bill? There is no one in the legislature (and for that matter, no business group, labor group or community) that doesn’t want to invest in improving our roads, bridges, transit, colleges and schools, hospitals, clinics, affordable housing and other infrastructure. We do not however, want to sign on to a plan where the details are unclear or non-existent, where it is uncertain that top infrastructure needs are met or that doling out projects will be used for purely political purposes.
As a City representative, I want to see that the City of Chicago gets its fair share of all projects and that the City’s priorities are addressed. In speaking with my colleagues from every corner of the State, that feeling is universal. Each of us wants to be sure that capital benefits our areas’ needs, and that the program is fair and equitable to every region of the State. The lack of detail in the current plan and it’s largely discretionary nature do not meet that basic criteria.
To get the right things done for Illinois I am certainly willing to go back to Springfield and continue to work on crafting realistic solutions to our State budget. I, and others, are unwilling to go back and revisit the same tired “my way or the highway” proposals mentioned above. We need to live within our means, minimize sacrifice and be sure that any sacrifices that are necessary are shared equally.
State Rep. Greg Harris (D-13)
Represents large parts of Uptown, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, North Center and Andersonville
Northside College Preparatory High School student wins scholarship to study in Egypt
Rabia Halim, a Northside College Preparatory High School student, 5501 N. Kedzie Ave., has been awarded an AFS 2008 Arabic Summer Language Institute Scholarship, a distinction shared by only 30 high school students nationwide. This program awards full scholarships for an intensive Arabic language study program in Cairo, Egypt.
The program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and AFS Intercultural Programs/USA. This is part of a growing initiative launched in 2006 to increase the number of young Americans studying critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Farsi, Hindi, and Korean. Scholarships were awarded on the basis of academic excellence, a series of written essays, a demonstrable interest in learning the Arabic language, and making a commitment to continue Arabic classes upon returning to the United States.
Halim’s full scholarship includes intensive Arabic language courses, as well as opportunities to visit important historical sites and interact with Egyptian parliamentarians and leaders. During a six-week program this summer, Halim also will gain firsthand knowledge of the Egyptian culture by living with a host family to experience life as a member of a family, school, and community, according to spokesperson Marlene Baker.
Chimp has birthday party at Lincoln Park Zoo
A troop of chimpanzees at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo celebrated the 50th birthday of Keo, a male chimpanzee in their troop on June 26. Keo is one of the oldest chimps in any US zoo, so this marked a major milestone. Of the four chimps in their social group, Kibali (pictured), a 28-year-old female seems to have enjoyed the special treats the most. The 600-pound fruit filled ice sculpture was created and donated by Nadeau’s Ice Sculpture Inc.
600 N. Lake Shore Dr. occupancy permits approved by city
Developers Belgravia Group, Ltd., and Sandz Development Co., Inc. have received occupancy permits for 600 North Lake Shore Drive, a two-phase condominium development featuring 400 residences in two high-rise buildings at the Ohio Street Beach.
Closings have started in the north tower, and south tower closings are expected mid-2008. Alan D. Lev, President of Belgravia Group says “We are pleased that we navigated through the occupancy process with relative ease.”
The two towers represent the third skyscrapers developed by Belgravia Group and Sandz Development in the past seven years, totaling 520 units. “Construction of the buildings has been running smoothly, and we look forward to timely deliveries of the balance of north and south tower units,” said Sandz Development Vice President Richard Zisook.
The development has been controversial. In 2004, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents requested the development be nixed saying the high-rise will block the sun at the Ohio Street beach and the buildings are too tall.
Gail Spreen of the organization testified Aug. 12, 2004 to the Chicago Plan Commission saying “The height of the proposed towers in relation to other neighboring buildings are dwarfing...Ohio Street beach will be significantly impacted. The shadow studies presented showed the shadowing of the beach at 3 p.m.”
In response to the complaints, the developers scaled back the proposed height. The buildings are 47 stories and 41 stories, respectively.
More than 90 percent of the north tower and more than half of the south tower units are sold, building officials said.
David “Buzz” Ruttenberg, Chairman and CEO said “the success of the buildings continues to defy what the national press would have you believe that no one is buying a home anymore.”
Construction began in 2006 and is expected to conclude next year.
Belgravia Group, currently commemorating its 60th anniversary, is a vertically integrated real estate development specializing in Chicago development of condos, lofts, and townhomes.
Sandz Development Co., Inc. is a Chicago developer specializing in high-end luxury homes.
Loyola radio station changes hands
The community radio station WLUW-FM 88.7 shifted from Chicago Public Radio management to the School of Communication of Loyola University July 1, causing an exodus of long-time disc jockey’s, workers and volunteers.
The independent community radio station played indie music and other programming geared towards college students.
The school intends to use the station for educational purposes. Those who departed have also formed a new online station called the Chicago Independent Radio Project.
According to their website, the station was a “progressive, community-oriented radio station, committed to social justice and independent thought and expression, and to giving a voice to those who too often go unheard. The station is dedicated to offering a broad array of music, news, and issues - and arts - oriented programming that cannot be found elsewhere on the radio.”
Lincoln Square pharmacy marks 65th year
Al Klein, of Becker’s Professional Pharmacy, 4744 N. Western Avenue, in Lincoln Square, stocks “hard to find items” including this knee walker available for weekly rental.
The store has been open since 1943 and is celebrating their 65th anniversary. Klein bought the store in 1972 and has a staff of three. Besides filling prescriptions, they also offer back braces and diabetes and other items often not stocked elsewhere.
Local students honored in writing contest
Winning essays examine role of government
Home from a legislative session focused on ethics legislation, ongoing budget talks, and discussions of a capital bill, Representative John Fritchey (D - Chicago) recently turned to some of his younger constituents for their views on government during his Twelfth Annual John Fritchey Youth Foundation essay contest. The annual scholarship contest asks eighth grade students to write an essay on the topic, “What Government Means to Me.”
“Every year, I look forward to reading the students’ thoughtful perspectives and sometimes telling views on the political system,” stated Rep. Fritchey. “I hope that engaging them in a dialogue about government now will encourage them to continue their civic participation as they get older.”
Monetary scholarship awards were awarded to the students who authored the top three essays, which were chosen from entries submitted from elementary schools throughout the district. All contest participants were presented with certificates of participation.
This year, the first place essay was written by Pauline Day, a graduating eighth-grader from Lincoln Elementary School. Second place was awarded to Thea Bloom of Saint Luke Academy, and third place to Emily Landon, also from Lincoln Elementary.
“I am really happy with the students’ efforts in this year’s contest. Participation in the contest has continued to grow every year, and I am proud to be able to sponsor a contest that allows these young adults to explore and express their ideas,” Fritchey said.
Lakeview Pantry launches 13th annual raffle
It’s time for the 13th Annual Lakeview Pantry Raffle! Each $40 ticket purchased helps Lakeview Pantry distribute a two-week supply of food to four individuals here in our community. Every five tickets sold allows the pantry to deliver groceries to 20 elderly or disabled individuals.
The grand prize winner will receive $5,000, second place winner will receive $1,000, and the third place winner will receive $500.
No more than 500 tickets will be sold. Winners will be notified by phone and email.
“This year’s raffle is especially exciting,” explained Betsy Wassilak, Board President. “For the first time, three lucky raffle participants will be selected as winners. But since raffle sales go to help our neighbors who need it most, everybody who participates is a winner in my book,” she said.
Lakeview Pantry, founded in 1970, distributes over one million pounds of food each year to individuals in need in the Lakeview community. In addition to providing groceries, the pantry also helps clients address the issues that often lead to food insecurity, such as unemployment and housing instability. Every month over 2,100 individuals are served through its two distribution centers, home delivery program, case management services, and clothing distribution. The main site is located at 3831 North Broadway. To learn more about Lakeview Pantry, go to lakeviewpantry.org.
Prosecutors promoted
State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine announced June 25 the promotion of Linas Kelecius to Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau.
At the same time, Mary Kay Moore was promoted to Chief of the Felony Trial Division.
Other promotions include: Darren O’Brien named to Chief of the Municipal Division; Robert Heilingoetter named Supervisor of the Felony Review unit; William Merritt promoted to Deputy Supervisor of the Felony Review unit; and Nancy Nazarian promoted to Supervisor of the Preliminary Hearing unit.
“These fine prosecutors have earned these positions through hard work, intelligence and dedication. They will be the leaders of the office that younger prosecutors will look to for guidance and example,” said Devine.
Kelecius’ appointment becomes effective July 21. The other promotions take effect on July 7.
Lincoln Square bake sale July 12
Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale, a campaign to help fight childhood hunger in America, will be holding a bake sale at 2308 W. Giddings on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Today, there are more than 12 million children at risk of hunger in America. By participating in this Bake Sale, people can help end childhood hunger together. The proceeds raised at the Bake Sale will directly benefit childhood hunger programs in our region.
Tax revolt staged
A protest was held July 1 at the Lake View East Chamber of Commerce, 3138 N. Broadway, on July 1 to protest the sales tax increase that took affect Tuesday. The tax rose following action led by the Cook County Board and County President Todd Stroger. Chicago now has the highest sales tax in the nation.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Commissioner: revolt at the polls solution to soaring taxes
Dear Editor
Today, thanks to President Todd Stroger and his allies, Chicago has the highest sales tax (10.25%) of any city in the United States.
Business owners will face sales taxes that are at least two percentage points higher than their neighboring competitors. County shoppers will have greater incentive to shop outside the county, destroying local jobs.
The $426 million dollar tax increase comes as families struggle with $4 gasoline and escalating food costs. Unemployment in the metro area continues to rise.
Despite this backdrop, the first instinct of Cook County politicians is to raise taxes, rather than seriously attack the legendary bloat, waste and incompetence of local government.
At the county’s hospitals and clinics, bureaucrats failed to bill $250 million in annual reimbursable costs from Medicaid and insurance companies. Taxpayers simply made up the difference.
The Democratic Machine has ensured that voters here will never enjoy the rights enjoyed by citizens in other states, such as recall of elected officials and petition and referendum. Our only recourse is to encourage a revolt at the polls on February 2, 2010, a ridiculously early and bitterly cold date chosen by party officials to discourage turnout by those not affiliated with the system.
February 2, 2010. Tell everyone you know: Mark your calendars. And dress warmly.
Forrest Claypool
County Commissioner (D-12)
New River North zip code starts
Effective July 1, the Zip Code for some addresses in 60610 will be changing to 60654. All addresses in the entire River North area that are currently using 60610 and are south of Chicago Avenue will be assigned the new Zip Code.
Those who will be affected should have already received a notice from the United States Postal Service. Those who are in that area and haven’t heard from the Postal Service may call the Post Office Operations Programs Support at 312-983-8302 for complete information.
The United States Postal Service indicates that this change is being made to maximize operating efficiency. Because the Post Office relies on automated sorting to nine-digit Zip Code areas and the dramatic growth in the River North area has virtually exhausted all nine-digit combinations in the 60610 Zip Code, a new Zip Code is being added.
Mail will continue to be delivered to the old address even with the 60610 Zip Code until July 1, 2009.
However, after July 1, 2009 that courtesy will stop and mail will not be delivered unless the correct Zip Code is used.
A meeting is being held Wednesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Fort Dearborn Post Office.
This is a regular United States Postal Service meeting and is expected to discuss a variety of postal service issues including the new Zip Code change.
For specific questions about the meeting, call Rachel Nash at Alderman Reilly’s office at 312-642-4242
Improvements slated for Waters Elementary School
Ald. Gene Schulter (47th) and Principal Titia Kipp, along with representatives from Chicago Public Schools and the architects and engineers working on the project, celebrated the ground breaking of the planned improvements to both beautify and increase the environmentally-friendliness of Waters Elementary School at 4540 N. Campbell on June 23. This project is the result of an active partnership between Alderman Schulter, Chicago Public Schools, Waters Elementary Local School Council and Waters Today.
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