Rogers Park Review

Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-07-19T05:05:00.000-05:00

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Inside the Review

News
O.N.E Vigil Tonight
Downtown Immigration Rally Today click here
Politics
Watered Down Trans Fat Law click here
Arts & Organizations
"The Tempest" Free at Touhy Park click here
@Home
New Caller ID Scam click here
Opinions
"It's Like Professional Wrestling" click here

Photo: Chumley in Features (scroll down) .

Features

2006-07-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

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Have You Ever Wondered.......
why Rogers Park, whatever its problems, is at heart a terrific neighborhood?

I’d like to introduce the neighborhood to our new, old dog. Our boy has a story, and while some of it is bad, a lot of the tale surrounding this pooch speaks to the goodness of many people, not a few of who are Rogers Parkers. click here
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2006-07-19T04:59:00.000-05:00

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Special Report
North of Howard. A Year in Review

This Was Then
She was a sweet little thing, with big brown eyes and cheeks to match.
Her name was Poverty. . .

2006-07-19T04:58:00.000-05:00

The Dumpster Diary: Tasty Sub, Gone for Good?

Mention the words "Tasty Sub" in this part of Rogers Park, to people who are genuinely concerned about their neighborhood and facial expressions range from the furrowed brow to downright eye-popping anger.

click here.

2006-07-19T04:57:00.000-05:00

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13th Annual Rogers Park
Artists of the Wall Festival

A Bunch More Sunday Pics

click here.

2006-07-19T04:54:00.000-05:00

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The Rogers Park Review

Philosophy, Possibilities and Policies -The Rogers Park Review believes we all can benefit from an open forum where together we can discuss the complex and sometimes overwhelming issues facing our neighborhood. More....
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Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-06-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

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Inside the Review
Happy 4th. Rogers Park Review is Taking a Long Weekend. Back on July 5th.
News
Community Meeting Tonight
CPD to Track Daley's School Plan click here
Politics
Devcorp's New Website click here
Arts & Organizations
Touhy Park Summerfest 2006 click here
@Home
Renting vs. Owning click here
Opinions
City to Shame Graffitti Artists click here

Photo: 7600 Block N. Rogers.

Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-06-21T04:04:00.000-05:00

Inside the Review

News
NOH Shooting Incident
Board Can Replace Stroger More...
Politics
County Board Postpones Decision More..
Arts & Organizations
RP Gardener Donates Plants More..
@Home
Is Your Porch Safe? More...
Opinions
Library Arson Protest More..

Terra Cotta Emblem, Howard Theatre .

Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-05-29T01:39:00.000-05:00

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Corner Planter in Bloom

Monday
Memorial Day
Inside the Review

News Page.....link.

News in Rogers Park
Lane Closures on Howard End Today
Bike Rally June 3rd
Odd World
Parody of Japan anthem spreading as protest
6-Year-Old Minnesota Boy Brings Pot to School
News in Chicago and Illinois
Parades Commemorate Those Who've Served
New Law Calls For Affordable Veteran Health Care
Storm brewing on ComEd rates
Mortgage defaults on rise
Hospitals seek more funds to prepare for flu pandemic
What is a Tech Cocktail?
Northwestern Women Lacrosse Wins 2nd National Title

Arts & Organizations Page....link.
Celebrate Clark Street Festival: Band List
13th Annual Artists of the Wall Festival
Gale Greenhouse to Sell Plants at Neighborfood Fest

@Home Page...link.
Gardening @Home:
Lawn Repair and Preparation Tips

Opinion Page...link.
Quote of the Day
Lexie's Former Favorite Spot
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Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-05-28T02:42:00.000-05:00

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Mosaic at Entrance to Artist Studio on Glenwood

Sunday
Inside the Review

News Page.....link.

News in Rogers Park
1632-34 W. Howard St. Building Undergoing Extensive Renovation
The UPS Store
Article on Recent CTA Community Meeting
Lane Closures on Howard
Bike Rally June 3rd

News in Chicago and Illinois
3 charged in meth busts
Body Found In Lake Michigan Off North Campus
City rewriting its plans for the Loop
Labor Union Officials Discuss Immigration Rights

Arts & Organizations Page....link.
Celebrate Clark Street Festival: Band List
13th Annual Artists of the Wall Festival
Gale Greenhouse to Sell Plants at Neighborfood Fest

@Home Page...link.
Gardening @Home:
Lawn Repair and Preparation Tips

Opinion Page...link.
Quote of the Day
Lexie's Former Favorite Spot
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Good Morning Rogers Park

2006-05-27T04:28:00.000-05:00

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Crane Parked Yesterday for
Weekend Work on Howard El Renovation

Saturday
Inside the Review

News Page.....link.

News in Rogers Park
Lane Closures on Howard
Site of Former Adelphi Theater
Bike Rally June 3rd

News in Chicago and Illinois
Bike the Drive
Proposed shift in urban grants creates winners, losers in IL
Ex-ConsCollect on Overdue Chicago Parking Tickets
Chicago Works To Make Beaches Cleaner
Poles support undocumented immigrants
Subsidized Rental Building Moves Ahead

Arts & Organizations Page....link.
Celebrate Clark Street Festival Bands
13th Annual Artists of the Wall Festival
Gale Greenhouse to Sell Plants at Neighborfood Fest

@Home Page...link.
Design @Home
A Cool Website: Apartment Therapy

Opinion Page...link.
Lexie's Former Favorite Spot

Good Afternoon Rogers Park

2006-05-26T16:36:00.000-05:00

2006-05-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

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Saturday
Inside the Review

News Page.....link.
News in Rogers Park
CAPS Minutes
From the Blogs
News in Chicago and Illinois

Arts & Organizations Page....link.
Celebrate Clark Street Festival Bands
13th Annual Artists of the Wall Festival
Gale Greenhouse to Sell Plants at Neighborfood Fest

@Home Page...link.
Design @Home
A Cool Website: Apartment Therapy

Opinion Page...link.

From the 49th Ward Website

2006-05-08T06:10:00.000-05:00

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MOORE TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING ON AFFORDABLE,
ACCESSIBLE HOUSING PROPOSAL
Monday, May 8, 2006, 7:00 P.M.
Chicago Public Library, Rogers Park Branch, 6907 North Clark Street

More Here.....

Site is Under Construction
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The Associated Press

2006-05-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

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A look at some of the legislation that Illinois lawmakers considered this session: APPROVED
Published May 7, 2006
$45 million for the expansion of a state preschool program.
$500 scholarships for about 68,000 college students.
Letting prostitutes sue their pimps for restitution.
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From The Phoenix

2006-05-06T14:12:00.000-05:00

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How much will you miss the Jesuit Residence Lawn?

View Results

Throw the Blog at Them

2006-05-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

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Media Law Resource Center
Compiled by MLRC Staff Attorney Eric P. Robinson
Last Update: April 29, 2006

This list, which is an outgrowth of the Pre-Dinner Symposium on Blogging held on Nov. 9, 2005, includes legal cases that MLRC is aware of in which bloggers have been sued for libel and related claims, including the first case against a blogger of which MLRC is aware that has gone to trial and resulted in a liability verdict. It also includes a criminal case against bloggers in Ohio. The list also includes links to articles reporting on these cases, and court decisions when available. This list does not include lawsuits outside of the United States.

TheBuzzMachine
by Jeff Jarvis

"Media companies have been united in opposing libel actions for many years (through MLRC [Media Law Research Center], formerly LDRC) in part to make it very difficult for plaintiffs’ lawyers to succeed and thus to really discourage lawyers from taking on libel cases. If bloggers, their insurance companies and other non-media company defendants start losing cases and/or paying out settlements, that will actually help to fund what could quickly mushroom into a force of plaintiffs’ lawyers eager to take on these cases, cases that would have become potentially lucrative as a result of any payouts. So the risk you raise is very real. There’s also a risk that careless postings by bloggers that lead to litigation could also result in legal decisions that set precedents damaging to free speech / free press interests. So the risk is two-fold — harmful legal precedents and a new funding source for lawyers bringing libel suits."

Geanne Rosenberg, head of the journalism program at CUNY’s Baruch and an attorney

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Day Without Immigrants

2006-05-01T03:39:00.000-05:00

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Organized by
Resource Center of the Americas

May First – International Workers Day
by Dan La Botz

May First, International Labor Day, is not a holiday alien to the United Status. On the contrary, the International Workers Day has its origins in a movement in Chicago in the year 1886. At that time, the city of Chicago was the center of the Great Lakes industrial region of the United States. There were there an enormous concentration of factories, the great knot of railroad lines that connected the urban centers of the nation, and millions of immigrants who had come from Europe, giving their sweat and blood for the progress of the country. One of the most important industries in Chicago was the manufacture of harvesting machines at Cyrus McCormick’s factory. That factory would become the center of a social upheaval that would become known throughout the world.

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From the Pioneer Press

2006-04-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

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Loyola plan under fire
BY ANGELA CAPUTO
Loyola is taking the lead in going green, preparing to break ground on a $30 million library annex this summer that will put the college on the cutting edge of environmentally-friendly design. Ironically, though, the building will pave over a coveted grassy knoll on the lakefront, a move that has some open space advocates opposing the project.
People's pushed to 'step it up'
BY ANGELA CAPUTO
On behalf of all the consumers who have followed prompts then sat on the line waiting for a live person at People's Energy to answer the phone -- only to be cut off -- aldermen railed against the gas company last week, demanding better customer service.
Tax revolt planned
BY PATRICK BUTLER
Rogers Park Township homeowner Antonette Caruso is one of several thousand who just received assessment notices for next year. And she's mad as hell that she will be paying an estimated 70 percent increase come August, 2007, unless the 7 percent tax assessment cap is renewed in time.
TIF district plan irks West Ridge neighbors
BY LORRAINE SWANSON
West Ridge neighbors are miffed about a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that Alderman Bernard Stone, D-50th, says will set aside $32 million in future property tax dollars for redevelopment in the Touhy-Western area.

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Free Public Meetings

2006-04-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin
Alderman Joe Moore
Alderman Bernard Stone
Rogers Park Community Council

Encourage You to Attend a
Free Public Meeting
on How to Appeal Your
2006 Property Tax
Reassesment

JUST ADDED
FOR COMMERCIAL / MULTI-FAMILY BUILDINGS
THURSDAY MAY 4,
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Bernard Horwich JCC
3003 W. Touhy Avenue

Tuesday, May 2
7pm - 9pm
Loyola Park Fieldhouse
3003 W. Touhy 1230 W. Greenleaf

Be Sure to Bring Your Assesment Notice
With You To The Seminar.
More Information is Available at
www.suffredin.org
www.cookcountyassessor.com

The Filing Deadline for
Rogers Park is May 10, 2006
Call 847 864 1209
with any questions or to schedule
an appointment for assistance.

Don't let the property tax
reassessment appeal process be stressful
or confusing. There are resources available.

Note:Received in the mail today
Update: A check of the 49th ward website
found this meeting posted but also had the
RPCC listed as a sponsor, so I added their
name to the post.

Some Suggested Blog Standards / excerpted

2006-04-30T06:15:00.000-05:00

Online Journalism Review.

Online Journalism Wikis
What are the ethics of online journalism?
These principles help separate the good writers and publishers from the frauds and con artists online. The ethics of online journalism are, ultimately, no different than the ethics of journalism. The Society of Professional Journalists has articulated a comprehensive policy of journalism ethics that can help guide any consciencious online writer.
That said, here are some basic qualities that any good online writer ought content ought to demonstrate:

No plagiarism
By now, you've likely discovered that writing is hard work. You certainly don't want someone else swiping your effort and presenting it as his or her own.
So don't steal others' work.
Such theft is plagiarism. It includes not just cutting and pasting whole articles, but copying photos, graphics, video and even large text excerpts from others and putting them on your web page as well.

There's no such thing as too much supporting information.
Disclose, disclose, disclose
Tell your readers how you got your information, and what factors influenced your decision to publish it. If you have a personal or professional connection to people or groups you're writing about, describe it. Your readers deserve to know what has influenced the way you reported or wrote a story.

Just because someone else said it, this statement does not make it true.
Reward your readers with accurate information that stands up to scrutiny from other writers. Check out your information before you print it.
Find facts, not just others' opinions, to support your comments. Start with sites such as our guide to reporting to learn how to find real data, not someone else's spin. Make sure that what you are writing isn't merely repeating some urban myth, either.

If you are writing about someone else, call or e-mail them for a comment before you publish.
If your subject has a blog, link to it. That link will notify the subject that you've written about them, and will allow your readers to click-through and read the subject's side of the story.
If you want to write satire or spoofs, fine. But make sure your audience knows that what you are writing is not literal truth. Tricking readers won't help you develop the respect, credibility or loyal audience that truthful writers enjoy and rely upon.

Be honest
In summary, be honest with your readers and transparent about your work. If people wonder for a moment about your honesty or your motives, you've lost credibility with them. Don't let them do that. Answer those questions even before readers ask.

From the Trib'

2006-04-30T05:43:00.000-05:00

Woman's home taken, but nobody is charged
By David Jackson
Published April 30,

It took a deputy sheriff and a four-man crew about an hour to put the 58-year-old former pediatric nurse out of her Northwest Side home on an October morning in 2004.

On the leafy stretch of Claremont Avenue north of Welles Park, neighbors tried to comfort Judith Ahrens, who sobbed hysterically as the eviction crew piled furniture in her front yard.These neighbors had watched the vivacious single professional spiral into a mental illness that left her increasingly detached from her family and friends.

But Ahrens may have been a victim of more than her disability.The Cook County public guardian and a legal aid attorney allege in court documents that she lost her home in a mortgage fraud.

Some Mortgage Fraud Links

2006-04-30T05:41:00.000-05:00

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FBI Press Release

FBI Wants Loan Brokers to Fight Mortgage Fraud
Dec.15, 2005 Tribune
Unlike lenders, mortgage brokers are not required to report questionable transactions to the government, and "I would question whether they're exercising as much due diligence as we would like to see," said Chris Swecker, FBI assistant director in charge of the criminal division.

STEALING HOMES:
April 15, 2006 Detroit Free Press
The scams, step-by-step :Two of the most popular mortgage fraud schemes

FORECLOSURE DEAL
A mortgage company promises to make the overdue mortgage payments to the lender.
In return, the homeowner transfers the property title to the company.
The owner is given a year to buy back the title, but in many cases the company ends up with the home.
The company then can resell it for a profit.
EQUITY SKIMMING
A homeowner needs equity from the house.
An investor may use an independent buyer, false income documents and false credit reports to obtain a mortgage loan in that buyer's name.
The homeowner is deceived into signing over the title of the home, thinking he or she can rent it and then buy it back.
Instead, the independent buyer does not make any mortgage payments and rents the property until foreclosure takes place several months later.
The buyer then gets the equity from the initial loan.
Sources: FBI and the National Consumer Law Center

gf

From The Wall Street Journal

2006-04-30T05:37:00.000-05:00

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When Blogs Rule
We Will All Talk Like.....

April 21, 2006
By Daniel Henninger

I don't think the blogosphere is breeding cannibals. But it looks to me as if the world of blogs may be filling up with people who for the previous 200 millennia of human existence kept their weird thoughts more or less to themselves. Now, they don't have to. They've got the Web. Now they can share.

Technorati, a site that keeps numbers on the blogosphere, reports that as of this month the number of Web logs the site tracks is 35.3 million, and doubling every six months. Technorati claims each day brings 75,000 new blogs. We know something's happening here but I'm not sure we know what it is.

But in a "Blogs Trend Survey" released last September, America Online reported that only 8% blog to "expose political information." Instead, 50% of bloggers consider what they are doing to be therapy. Some might argue that using the Internet to self-medicate includes many nominally political blogs, but more on that shortly.

Not surprisingly, a new vocabulary has emerged from clinical psychology to describe generalized patterns of behavior on the virtual continent. As described by psychologist John Suler, there's dissociative anonymity (You don't know me); solipsistic introjection (It's all in my head); and dissociative imagination (It's just a game). This is all known as digital identity, and it sounds perfectly plausible to me.

A libertarian would say, quite correctly, that most of this is their problem, so who cares? But there is one more personality trait common to the blogosphere that, like crabgrass, may be spreading to touch and cover everything. It's called disinhibition. Briefly, disinhibition is what the world would look like if everyone behaved like Jerry Lewis or Paris Hilton or we all lived in South Park.

Example: The Web site currently famous for enabling and aggregating millions of personal blogs is called MySpace.com. If you opened its "blogs" page this week, the first thing you saw was a blogger's video of a guy swilling beer and sticking his middle finger through a car window. Right below that were two blogs by women in their underwear.

In our time, it has generally been thought bad and unhealthy to "repress" inhibitions. Spend a few days inside the new world of personal blogs, however, and one might want to revisit the repression issue.

The human species has spent several hundred thousand years sorting through which emotions and marginal neuroses to keep under control and which to release. Now, with a keyboard, people overnight are "free" to unburden and unhinge themselves continuously and exponentially. One researcher quotes the entry-page of a teenage girl's blog: "You are now entering my world. My pain. My mind. My thoughts. My emotions. Enter with caution and an open mind."

The power of the Web is obvious and undeniable. We diminish it at our peril. But what if the most potent social effect to spread outward from the Internet turns out to be disinhibition, the breaking down of personal restraints and the endless elevation of oneself? It may be already.
Disinhibited vocabulary is now the normal way people talk on cable TV, such as on "The Sopranos" or in stand-up comedy. On the Web and on the street, more people than not talk like this now. What once was isolated is covering everything. No wonder the major non-cable networks are suing to overturn the FCC's decency rulings; they, too, want the full benefits of normalized disinhibition. Hip-hop, currently our most popular music form, is a well-defined world of disinhibition.

Then there's politics. On the Huffington Post yesterday, there were more than 600 "comments" on Karl Rove and the White House staff shake-up. "Demoted my --- the snake is still in the grass." "He should be demoted to Leavenworth." "Rove is Bush's Brain, and without him, our Decider-in-Chief wouldn't know how to wipe his own ----."

From a primary post on the same subject on the Daily Kos, widely regarded as one of the most influential blogging sites in Democratic politics now: "I don't give a ----. Karl Rove belongs in shackles." "A group of village whores have taken a day off to do laundry."

Intense language like this used to be confined to construction sites and corner bars. Now it is normal discourse on Web sites, the most popular forums for political discussion. Much of this is new. Politics is a social endeavor. The Web is nothing if not "social." But the blogosphere is also the product not of people meeting, but venting alone at a keyboard with all the uninhibited, bat-out-of-hell hyperbole of thinking, suggestion and expression that this new technology seems to release.

At the risk of enabling, does the Internet mean that all the rest of us are being made unwitting participants in the personal and political life of, um, crazy people? As populist psychiatry, maybe this is a good thing; the Web allows large numbers of people to contribute to others' therapy. It takes a village.

But researchers note that the isolation of Web life results in many missed social cues. It is similar to the experience of riding an indoor roller coaster, what is known in that industry as a "dark ride." This dark ride could be a very long one.

note: Sent to RPR by a reader and excerpted, thanx.

gf

Happy Weekend

2006-04-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

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Breitbart's Odd World

2006-04-28T14:17:00.000-05:00

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British town's pubs scan fingerprints to spot louts
Apr 28 1:43 PM US/Eastern
Revellers in a British town are to have their fingerprints scanned when they enter pubs and clubs in a scheme aimed at weeding out drunken troublemakers. The "In Touch"...

Aiming for Guinness record, Georgian wrestler pulls 4.5 tons with left ear
Apr 27 7:30 PM US/Eastern
A young Georgian wrestler pulled two Ford minibuses tied to his ear and weighing 4.5 tons over a distance of 41 meters and 10 centimeters, in an attempt to make a new entry into the...

David Copperfield works a little magic with thieves
Apr 26 4:20 PM US/Eastern
Magician David Copperfield was assaulted after a show in West Palm Beach, Florida, last weekend, but with a little sleight of hand he managed to hold on to his belongings, reports said.

Condom in a bottle - Pepsi ordered to compensate Indian man
Apr 26 2:31 PM US/Eastern
An Indian court reportedly fined US softdrinks giant PepsiCo's Indian subsidiary and ordered it to pay compensation to a man who discovered a condom in his bottle of Pepsi.

gf

From the Trib'

2006-04-27T06:31:00.000-05:00

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Activists Fear Circle Line to Push Past Transit Plans

CTA officials say they have not prioritized the five projects. But transit watchdogs point to the progress on the Circle Line alternatives analysis study as an indicator that it's at the top of the list.

The agency will hold three public hearings on the Circle Line next week, a required step in the alternative analysis study that began in 2004. Similar studies have not yet begun on the Red Line extension and two other projects: the extension of the Orange Line to Ford City shopping center and the Yellow Line to Old Orchard shopping center.

"Essentially what's happened is this great brainstorm child of the CTA has leapfrogged ahead of existing unfunded and unaddressed capital priorities to become the new megaproject goal," said Jacqueline Leavy, executive director of the Neighborhood Capital Budget Group, a civic watchdog organization.

Gale Community Acadamy Plant Sale

2006-04-27T03:32:00.000-05:00

Tomatoes, Chile Green, Red and Jalapeno Peppers,
Various Sun and Shade Flowers, Hanging Flower Baskets,
Potted Plants and Herbs

All Grown By Parents and Students in the
Greenhouse of the
Gale Community Academy

Plants are available for sale in the greenhouse during
school hours until 6pm. Saturday and Sunday,
the greenhouse will be open from 8am-9am.
Starting in May, plants will be available in the
teachers parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays
from 8am-11am.

Clara Hayes, John Hoekwater and 46 parents, teens
and volunteers have spent 2000 hours, building the
plant tables, installing the drip irrigation system and
planting and maintaining the seedlings. Much of the
seed and soil material was donated by Ball Seed Co.
in Batavia and Gethsemane Garden Center.

Many of the teens that volunteered received credit for the
16 hours of Community Time needed towards graduation.
Clara anticipates a fall plant sale also that will feature mums
and poinsettas and the goal of the program is to raise approx.
$10,000 to purchase educational products and services for
the school.

In my first visit almost 2 months ago, the plant tables were not
yet complete and only some of the plant trays had been planted
and today, the plants are ready for sale.
Everyone who participated should be congragulated.

For More Information call Clara Hayes 773 534 2750

gf

From the Trib'

2006-04-26T08:07:00.000-05:00

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Here's What's Wrong When We Start Labeling People

April 25, 2006
Charles M. Madigan

The nation is in a political debate about immigration. One little chapter of the struggle focuses on what we should call the people who come here, with papers or not, for work. Aliens, immigrants, migrants, illegals. We cast around, searching for something politically acceptable, something correct.

When we finally settle on this question, we will have committed one of our most common cultural offenses, the labeling of people as members of a class. No names. No stories. No personalities. Just members of whatever group title we settle upon.

In the category of wrongs, it might not seem like a great offense until you think about what labeling does.

It creates an inhuman description of very human people.
It diminishes them.

The Objective Observer

2006-04-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

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When I walked into the Devcorp office for my appointment with Rene Camargo, I was early and had a few minutes to kill so I decided to look around a little. The space is large and airy with a high ceiling and oversized artwork on the east wall, like lofts I’ve been in. And there are the usual padded office dividers that created semi-private offices, conference room and the like.

People were talking on the phone and busy at computer stations: the normal office activity you would expect to find in any normal office setting. It was a comfortable space and as I walked back to the waiting area after my tour, I noticed that the cubicle that I had first passed was fast filling up with people. Not Devcorp employees but just regular people. I took a good look this time and saw it was a room filled with computer stations and every one of the computers was being used.

So I asked Sandi about it and she told me. I was impressed so I’m writing about it. I didn’t plan to, because having not stepped into Devcorp’s new office since they moved here to 1557 North Howard, I didn’t know this even existed. And the reason I’m writing about it is that is filling an obvious need, is very successful, others should know about it and there is a synergy with another community based project I have been working on. Actually, it might be the missing link and I am pursuing that project now with Daniel Butt, who is the project coordinator for this program. And as I said I would, I am finding common ground where I can.

So I am asking that you go to your hat rack or wherever you keep your objective hat and put it on for a few minutes as you read this. I like giving credit where credit is due and this is a program and an effort that deserves some recognition. Lots of people had a hand in its inception, its initial and ongoing funding and the day to day management. The program is so successful there is now a waiting list that has about a hundred names scribbled on it.

Rogers Park Computer Lab and Technology Center

The program grew out of a survey done by Devcorp headed by Rene Camargo to find out how the primarily Hispanic merchants on Clark Street were utilizing computer skills and internet access to help their businesses become more efficient. The study found that between 70 and 80% of the businesses that responded, did not use computers at all. So the need for computer education was obvious and a program that was borne from this data in 2003 to help these business people become more computer proficient, has now expanded to include Gale School Parents, EarnFare Workers, small business owners and anyone who needs and wants to learn about Quickbooks, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel and Access and Web Design for Small Businesses. In addition to the regularly scheduled classes during the week and on one Saturday a month, there is ample “open” computer time available.

For a 10 week course, the Registration Fee is $40.00. It is free for the Gale School Parents and EarnFare workers and anyone who can demonstrate a financial need. If you are between jobs and need help with your resume or want to develope some additional marketable skills, go to the office and talk to Daniel Butt. The instructor is Ricardo Bustamante and he has been the bilingual teacher since 2004. I have not met him, but by all accounts and judging by the graduation rate of the students, which is quarterly performance based data needed for ongoing funding, he is well liked and good at what he does.

The initial $50,000 grant was awarded by then SBC, now AT&T in 2004 and lobbied hard in Springfield by State Representative Harry Osterman and State Representative Willie Delgado, President of the Department of Human Services, Kimberly Bares and Rene Camargo. Sandi Price was instrumental along with Kimberly and Rene in writing up the initial proposal. The ongoing funding is from D.C.E.O. and as stated earlier, is performance based. Devcorp pays monthly for the AT&T DSL service.

Objectively speaking, this is a great program in a great location. If you or anyone you know needs some low cost computer help like I do, I suggest you check out this program. There is a growing waiting list and an expanding curriculum that is offered on a weekly basis. If you want to call and get some more information, the number is 773 508 5885 and ask for Daniel.

The Objective Observer

1640-42 West Fargo Meeting Tonight 7PM

2006-04-25T05:59:00.000-05:00

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Fargo Frontage

Rogers Frontage Across from Runge's

Sign on Front Door and Garage Door

On 2-8-06, an amendment was filed to change RT4 residential two flat, townhouse and multi unit district and c1-2 neighborhood commercial district to B2-3 neighborhood mixed use distrct to allow the subdivision of 1 lot into 2 lots. the existing 6 dwelling bldg. to remain and a new 4 story, 3 dwelling unit building.

Open Security Door at Northpoint, Locked Today Tuesday April 25

2006-04-25T01:59:00.000-05:00

will try and get a pic later

Inspectors Visit Northpoint Building

2006-04-25T01:58:00.000-05:00

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On Wednesday, April 19, three Building Department inspectors and one Fire Department inspector spent approx. 1 hour writing violations and taking photographs of the AIMCO managed building located at 7628-36 North Bosworth. The inspectors were accompanied by two police officers in an unmarked patrol car.

Five young people, who were outside the entrance of the building all morning, quickly disappeared into the several courtyard entrances of the building through the propped open security door. This door has been open for a over a week and still is.

When their inspection was complete, the inspectors and the officers discussed whether they should walk or drive to the next building that was on their list.
When asked how many buildings they intended to visit, one inspector said "Oh, lots of them"
He could not confirm or deny that the list included the 12 AIMCO managed properties but responded "Hhmm, maybe." and all four vehicles drove away a short time later.

A call to the Alderman's office was made and Kevin Cosgrove returned the call Thursday to confirm that the Alderman's office had not initiated this coordinated inspection.

In a related matter, there is an obvious increase in overall police presence in the North of Howard neighborhood by this observer. This has been verified by other neighborhood residents who have noticed the increase in patrol cars, especially during the day. There appears to be a coordinated effort to discourage quality of life activities such as loitering and loud and disruptive behavior on the street.

I have witnessed 6 such interventions in the past 2 weeks. The groups who last year, routinely milled around Tony's and the food store located in the Broadmoor building are gone. Additionally, Urban Equities' recent take over the management of The Broadmoor from IMC, has also helped. There are now two security guards who routinely patrol the street from Howard along the entire property line on Bosworth.

While there are these improvements elsewhere, the above mentioned Northpoint building remains a potential trouble spot. People routinely loiter and walk in and out of the building due to the lack of security and propped open door. If for some reason the door happens to be locked, people have been seen climbing over the gate to gain entry. The only visible AIMCO management presence is a maintenance person who sweeps the debris from the street once in the morning.

The Objective Observer

New Aldermanic Candidate

2006-04-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Chris Adams
A six year resident of Rogers Park, Chris Adams will bring a strong commitment to accountability to the Chicago City Council, while he helps build the vision of a growing, progressive 49th Ward.

By working directly with.....
School officials to help improve education options....

Public safety officials to create a safer community.....

Business owners and entrepeneurs to build a viable and vibrant commercial district.....

Chris Adams will help move the 49th Ward in the positive direction already taken by its immediate neighbors such as Evanston, Lincolnwood, and the 50th and 48th Wards.

Chris Adams would serve as an independent alderman.

Note: Above excerpts are from press release. According to a campaign spokesperson, Friends of Chris Adams held a Kickoff Fundraiser last night at My Pie restaurant, 2417 North Clark Street.

Chris Adams for Alderman

thanx hugh.

Note: originally posted Friday, April 21

From the Trib'

2006-04-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

.

Legislators Spar Over Pay
Tight finances are making it tough for Illinois lawmakers to agree on a state budget, but that may not stop them from getting pay raises of up to 13 percent.

Soldier Field Gets What it Deserves
April 24, 2006 By Blair Kamin
And so, the Big Lie about Soldier Field is finally and officially exposed. From the first, the architects who designed the renovation of Soldier Field insisted that they were "saving one of Chicago's great landmarks." Those words, which appeared on the...

Soldier Field Loses Landmark Status
April 22, 2006 By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah
Soldier Field's controversial renovation, which critics dubbed a "flying saucer" and "a fish bowl," has stripped the stadium of its national historic landmark designation. The National Park Service said Friday that former Interior Secretary Gale Norton...

ZALUC Minutes April 11, 2006 / incomplete

2006-04-24T07:48:00.000-05:00

.

49TH WARD
ZONING AND LAND USE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
7:00 PM

Zoning Amendment C1-2 to B3-3, 7030 North Clark Street.
Michael Land, staff assistant to Alderman Moore, announced to the Committee that he had been informed by the owners of the A & T Restaurant at 7030 N. Clark St. that they no longer wish to pursue their proposal for an 18-unit mixed-use condominium building on the site of their restaurant.

Request to amend the affordable housing set aside commitment for
1444-48 West Morse Avenue.
Robert Coe, the developer of 1444-48 W. Morse (northeast corner of Morse and Greenview), appeared before the Committee and asked for permission to make a monetary contribution to the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund in lieu of creating one affordable condominium unit in his development under the Chicago Partnership for Affordable Neighborhoods (CPAN) program. The money contributed to the Low Income Housing Trust Fund would be used to provide affordable rental housing in the 49th Ward.
Alderman Moore mentioned to the committee that at least two other Aldermen, Rey Colon (35th Ward) and Helen Shiller (46th Ward) have used this as a substitute for CPAN with the understanding from the Commissioner of Housing that the contributions to the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund would be earmarked to subsidize rental units within their wards.
Mr. Coe appeared before the Committee and explained that he would prefer to make a contribution to the Low Income Housing Trust Fund and build the same unit as others in his proposed development, thus providing “construction synergies.” Mr. Coe offered a $30,000 contribution to the Trust Fund.

He arrived at that figure by calculating the following:
CPAN unit $165,000
plus Non-luxury finishes $15,000
plus not including parking $20,000
plus construction synergies $45,000
Value of not providing CPAN unit $245,000
Market Value 2 bedroom unit $290,000
less brokerage costs $15,000
Net proceeds from Market Value unit $275,000

Mr. Coe also mentioned in his presentation that he would no longer be able to provide first floor and basement space for DevCorp North’s offices as originally proposed. Mr. Coe explained that soil boring tests revealed that caissons would be required to build a basement. This would increase the estimated construction costs by $280,000. Accordingly, providing a basement, which was part of the agreement with DevCorp, would be cost prohibitive.

Questions centered on how the proposed $30,000 contribution for the donation was arrived at and the precise meaning of the term “construction synergies.” The Committee also inquired as to why soil boring tests were not conducted before the offer was made to DevCorp. Mr. Coe acknowledged that providing a CPAN unit was one of the trade-offs for receiving a zoning change to B3-5, which allowed him to build an extra floor. He explained that the CPAN unit would be a onebedroom,one bathroom unit. If he were not required to build the CPAN unit, he could match the construction of the other units, thus saving construction costs.

During Committee discussion, Committee members expressed surprise that Mr. Coe was planning to build a CPAN unit smaller than the other units. Committee members agreed that the CPAN unit should have no fewer than two bedrooms and two baths. Committee members also agreed that soil should have been tested before the proposal to include DevCorp in the development was offered to the public. Finally, Committee members agreed that while a contribution to the Trust Fund in lieu of constructing a CPAN unit was an interesting concept, Coe’s $30,000 offer was unacceptable.

A motion was made to recommend that the Alderman decline Mr. Coe’s offer to contribute $30,000 to the Chicago Low Income Housing Trust Fund in lieu of constructing a CPAN unit and remind Mr. Coe that he is required to build a two bedroom, two bath CPAN unit. The vote was 5 in favor of the motion, 0 opposed and 1 abstention.

The Alderman accepts the Committee’s recommendation and has advised Mr. Coe of the same.

Lakefront Protection District Approval,
Loyola University, 6525 North Sheridan Road.

Wayne Magdziarz and associates from Loyola University appeared before the Committee and presented the University’s proposal to construct an addition to its main library. The proposed addition will be constructed in the open area between Cudahy Library on the north, Madonna Della Strada Chapel on the south and the Jesuit Residence on the west. The proposed building contains approximately 73,000 square feet and is 67 feet (four stories) in height. The proposed addition needs approval under the Lakefront
Protection Ordinance.
Mr. Magdziarz explained the need for additional study and gathering spaces for the growing student body, described the project and the site plan, referred to the green LEED certification standards (environmentally sustaining) that this building meets and discussed the community process with the Loyola Lakefront Advisory Committee. He further described how this project fits in Loyola’s master plan that emerged from
that planning process. Mr. Magdziarz mentioned that freshman enrollment would be capped at 2100.

The Committee discussed the community meeting on the project, which was held on April 4th , and where a number of students objected to the elimination of the lawn in front of the Jesuit Residence, which opens onto the lake. Mr. Magdziarz promised that the terrace on the lake side of the new building will be softened with more greenery and explained that there are plans to make green space that is actually larger by greening over a parking lot north of Coffey Hall.

Alderman Moore mentioned how Loyola has made mistakes in the past with some of its buildings, and urged Loyola to consider providing more greenspace in front of the building. A committee member suggested that the university might consider pulling the building back at least to Madonna della Strada. Mr. Magdziarz responded that pushing the building back would disrupt plans for a student quad behind the building. The student quad meets another student demand for more athletic space on campus.

During Committee discussion, Committee members agreed that the building design was beautiful and expressed strong support for the LEED standards. The Committee also recognized Loyola’s pressing need for more library and athletic field space. Finally, the Committee acknowledged that the proposed building was entirely hidden on Loyola’s campus and not adjacent to any non Loyola property.
A motion was made to recommend that the Alderman support the proposed project before the Chicago Plan Commission. The vote was 5 in favor of the motion, 1 opposed.

The Alderman accepts the Committee’s recommendation and will write a letter of support for the plan to
the Chicago Plan Commission.

Press Release

2006-04-23T10:30:00.000-05:00

.

Alderman Joe Moore and the
49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee
invite you to a meeting to discuss a proposal to re-develop the lot at 1640-42 W Fargo.

The meeting will be held
Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 7:00 P.M.
at the Gateway Center Apartments, 7450 North Rogers Avenue

George Samutin and his attorney, John Pikarski, will be presenting a proposal to change the zoning designation on the above lot from RT4 to B2-3 and split it in two in order to build a four-unit building on the rear portion of the lot, which would front on Rogers Avenue. The lot is 6201 square feet and currently contains a six-flat with a four-car garage. The garage would be replaced by the four-unit building. The two buildings would have a total of 10 parking spots.

RT4 allows one dwelling per 1000 square feet of lot area, B2-3 allows one dwelling unit per 400 square feet of lot area. The proposal is under review by the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee.

"I look forward to hearing from the community, and will only support the project if it enjoys substantial community support," said Moore.
For further information, please call the
49th Ward Service Office at
(773) 338-5796.

From the Trib'

2006-04-21T07:09:00.000-05:00

.

CHA aiming at Section 8

Over the last 16 months, the Chicago Housing Authority has cut off rent payments to Section 8 landlords more than 20,000 times for repeatedly failing to fix lead-paint hazards, bad plumbing or rotting porches, officials said.

Locked Gates Stop "Commerce"

2006-04-21T06:10:00.000-05:00

.

This is the rear courtyard of two buildings on
Bosworth across the street from the Broadmoor.
These gates have been open since this observer
has lived here and has been not only an eyesore,
but a haven for "commerce" of several varieties.

These gates were always open and the partially
burned out buildings and stairways were also
frequented by kids in the neighborhood.

The chains and locks were installed within the
last two days since I happen to walk down that
alley almost daily and would have noticed.

Whether this is just a coincidence, a committment
by management ,who have been emptying debris
from the buildings lately or whether a little birdy
mentioned this building to the team of
motivated inspectors that arrived at Northpoint on
Wednesday, is anyone's guess. Quite honestly, I hope
it was management's decision. I'm just glad it finally
happened.

gf

Reasons to be Cheerful,Warm Weather & Wrigley Field

2006-04-21T03:59:00.000-05:00

Rogers Park Review

2006-04-20T15:48:00.000-05:00

Now that I’ve finished with my own personal review, this shift in focus will obviously have an affect on what is written on this blog. As most things, it will evolve so I don’t want to put myself in too small a box just yet so I’ll just talk about what I know now.

More than ever and especially in this election year, I see a need for some unbiased reporting of events and initiatives that are taking place in Rogers Park. Everyone obviously has opinions and I’ve added enough of my own over the past year. But the blogging community is a small group relative to the population of the entire ward and what is written and commented on, for the most part, involves a small geograghic area of Rogers Park.

Objectively, when someone takes a look at the blogs on any given day, they might think the neighborhood is coming apart at the seams. And it might be. Honestly, I don’t know anymore because I have spent so much time in front of the screen taking all this information in, I honestly don’t know if that’s the truth or not. And I guess that worries me a little.

It struck me the other day when someone who was just in from Ohio posted a comment and a question asking if Rogers Park was really as bad as it was being portrayed. I guess that’s my question too. I tried formulating an answer but I honestly couldn’t because my view has become totally biased.

“Oh, it must be bad because………”

I really start to distrust my own judgment when I find myself knee jerking my reactions because I’ve never been an ideologue. I’m more of a pragmatist with a healthy cynicism of all things beauracratic. I try and give people a fair hearing no matter what their history is with others.

One of the reasons I took some time off and away from the screen was to refresh my own view and take advantage of the warm weather and hit the streets and find out what some of my other neighbors think about Rogers Park from their perspective and in other parts of the ward. I think I’ll take my camera with me because sometimes pictures tell a better story than words do.

And I’ll also try and develop a behind the lens, objective eye when I report on the people and events that happen to interest me. I am not a reporter and I have no training but I think I can set aside my own opinions and let others tell their story. I’ll give it a shot, anyway. These reports will be written by a new persona, The Objective Observer, if only to remind myself.

I’m not sure yet if I want this blog to be considered a community blog or just a personal blog. I like the simplicity of personal blogs a lot. There isn’t any pressure to teach, or to keep anyone informed or to necessarily accomplish anything. I think I just want to keep meeting people in our neighborhood and try and find out for myself, what is happening in Rogers Park from the images and the people who live and work here. I’d like to have a little more fun too. All this political stuff makes for a deeply, furrowed brow and at my advancing age, well…not good.

I like talking on the blogs but I don’t want us to gossip, be mean or offensive but that doesn’t rule out disagreements because I like a healthy debate every once in awhile. I just don’t see the point in arguing and if we ever get to that point, we’ll just take a breather and sleep on it.

I think Blogger should develop a software package with a delay called “Are you sure you want to print that comment?”

The Rogers Park Review will accept press releases and event notices from any reputable political candidate or community based organization. If you have an event that needs a wider audience, I’ll post it for you. If you have someone who you would like to know more about or a business that has a story to tell, let me know.
Please send the info to RogersParkReview@Hotmail.com

And if you have any suggestions let me know and thanx a lot for your support and comments.

gf

Meeting Today

2006-04-20T04:05:00.000-05:00

E mail Alert Received Wed.
From The Rogers Park Conservancy

We're all set for tomorrow. I spoke with Madeleine Doering, the Economic Development Coordinator at the Deparment of Planning, who chairs the hearing and she confirmed that the Loyola proposal is still on the agenda for tomorrow. She said the hearings last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, with tomorrow's hearing probably lasting on the long side.

We are last on the agenda and we will get 3 minutes each to speak. A form is filled out when we get there and can be filled out even after the hearing has started as long as it's in before the item comes up on the agenda. She asked that we not have numerous individuals making the same point otherwise the Board begins to dismiss what is being said. The decision is made at the hearing so we'll know before we leave.

At the end of my statement I will ask that the Commission reject the proposal based on it's conflict with the LPO and it's location, not it's structure, and suggest that Loyola resubmit the proposal utilizing alocation off the lakefront and the Jesuit Lawn. Each of us who will be speaking should end our statements with the same request based on the item in the LPO that we're each addressing. Please make sure that your statement is typed as it will be spoken and have a copy so that it can be submitted to the Board.

I will be at the Loyola "L" stop at noon tomorrow to meet the Loyola students there and accompany them downtown. We can go over our statements during the 1/2 hour ride. Anyone else who is going can meet up with us there or simply meet us downtown at City Hall.

Donald Gordon
Executive Director,
Rogers Park Conservancy

Note: Scroll Down for Meeting Agenda and Information

From the Trib'

2006-04-20T04:04:00.000-05:00

Art Institute Wants to Set
$12. 00 Admission Fee

Charles Storch, Tribune
The suggested admission fee could become a historical curiosity at Chicago's large museums, with the Art Institute of Chicago poised to set a fixed charge of $12 for non-member adults.The institute, one of 10 museums on Chicago Park District land, is scheduled to ask the district's board on Wednesday for permission to make the change, effective June 3. If the board approves, non-member adults visiting the institute won't have the option of simply making a "donation," whether it be in loose change or crisp bills.

Art Institute spokeswoman Erin Hogan noted that the suggested donation had been $12, so the new policy is not technically a fee increase. She contended the change would affect only 10 percent of the museum's visitors.The institute also is seeking permission for a change that could benefit many families. It wants to let children younger than 12 be admitted without charge. Now, only children younger than 5 enter for free.

City Dropouts Target of Grant
Tribune
With many high school dropouts saying they left school because they felt unchallenged in the classroom, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on Monday gave $21 million to the Chicago Public Schools system to establish a more rigorous curriculum in city high schools.

Foggy Spring Day

2006-04-20T04:03:00.000-05:00

Community Event

2006-04-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

Family Matters
17th Walk-A-Thon

Date: Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Time: 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. Walk
Begins at: Gale Academy,
1631 W. Jonquil in Chicago.
Please note the new kick-off location at the school located one-half block south of Family Matters (corner of Marshfield Avenue and Jonquil Terrace).
Concludes at: Gale Campus Park

To download a registration form or register a team online, click here.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors! Devon Bank, Platinum SponsorMICR Resource Management, Bronze SponsorBrickyard Bank, Bronze SponsorLaSalle Bank, Bronze SponsorJason's Food, Picnic Sponsor

Dear Neighbors,
Spring has sprung and with it comes Family Matters' 17th Annual Walk-A-Thon. The Walk, which will take place on Saturday, May 20th, is our major fundraiser. The money we raise is a significant part of our budget, supporting our leadership development programs for children and their families in the North of Howard neighborhood as well as our Community Organizing Initiative.
Our goals this year are to have 350 walkers and to raise $100,000. We are confident that, with your participation, we can exceed our goals. This year, join the first annual Team Challenge! Gather your family, friends, co-workers, or congregation and form a Team. The "Golden Sneaker Award" will be presented to the Top Fundraising Teams (adults and youth), the Most Spirited Team, and the Team with the Most Members. Each team will receive an 8x10 photo of the group taken at the event as well as special team tags to be worn during the Walk. Feel free to wear hats, buttons, etc. to distinguish your team. Register your team online at

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vhsnpubab.0.qwzypqbab.b7w6bqbab.397&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.familymatterschicago.org
or by phone at (773) 465-6011 x113. May 13th is the deadline for team registration.
For more information: please call Emily Gruszka at (773) 465-6011 x113

Register Now
Following the walk, please join us for a sumptuous picnic, free raffle, and a special appearance by Bob Love, former Chicago Bulls player. We look forward to seeing you rain or shine!
In partnership and peace, Kim DeLong
Family Matters
email: emily@familymatterschicago.org
web: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=vhsnpubab.0.qwzypqbab.b7w6bqbab.397&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.familymatterschicago.org

Meeting Today

2006-04-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

Loyola Proposes Construction
of New Campus Building on Lake Michigan

Presentation before Chicago Plan Commission on
Thurs., April 20, 2006
Concerned citizens urged to attend to
voice concern about this proposal:

Chicago Plan Commission Meeting
121 North LaSalle Street
City Council Chamber, City Hall
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Thurs., April 20, 2006
1:00 P.M.

Loyola University has proposed constructing a new building on its Lake Shore Campus. This four-story, 70,000 square-foot structure called "Information Commons" will be located between Madonna della Strada Chapel and Cudahy Library, on the site of the present open green space known as the Jesuit Residence Lawn. Many students, alumni, and community members oppose locating the building at this spot, because it blocks the last remaining vista of the lake and creates a canyon effect along the shoreline.

At an April 4th campus meeting to discuss the proposed building, several students eloquently stated that seeing the "Jes Res" Lawn with its beautiful view of Lake Michigan was the very reason they chose to attend Loyola.

Why Should the Community Care?

Many area residents utilize the Loyola Campus as their open space. The enjoyment of this tranquil setting and wide-open vista of Lake Michigan will be lost forever by the ill-conceived placement of this building. Lakefront Protection Ordinance Loyola's property, private or not, is within the Lakefront Protection Ordinance district and like any other property owner needs to comply with the intent and purpose of the Ordinance.

Paragraph 16-4-030 (Purposes), paragraph (g), states: To promote and provide for the pedestrian access to the Lake and to protect and enhance vistas at these locations and wherever else possible. This building is in direct conflict with that purpose as well as other purposes of the Ordinance.

Â RIGHT BUILDING. WRONG LOCATION.

By Donald Gordon,
Executive Director, Rogers Park Conservancy
Saturday, April 15, 2006

As some of you may know by now, Loyola has a plan to begin building an Information Commons building on their campus this summer. It's a LEED approved building, which makes it environmentally correct and architecturally quite stunning. The purpose of the building is to provide study areas for the students and have a secured, enclosed connection to the library.

It's a $30 million dollar project with 4 floors and will rise 67' and will be primarily a glass front. The building is stunning and the facility an incredible state-of-the-art asset for the students. The problem is the location, which is in front of the Jesuit residence between the library and the chapel, on a piece of property the students and alumni refer to as the Jesuit Lawn.

It is the last remaining green space on campus with a vista of the lake and it is quite spectacular at that. This building is being placed right on that property at the lake's edge and blocks the last remaining vista of the lake, while creating a canyon effect along the shoreline. The students have been very vocal against it and community residents, including myself, expressed similar feelings at Loyola's meeting a couple weeks ago.

Unfortunately, the community meeting requested by the Alderman was once again too little too late. The project was undertaken and planned well over a year ago, and all the meeting provided was yet another wasted venue for citizens to sit and be in awe of the proposals put in front of us.

We have presented two alternative locations, which would accommodate the structure as is and be within proximity to the library to allow for the connectivity that is needed. The University will hear nothing of it at this late stage, so we are invoking the Lakefront Protection Ordinance to bring pressure upon Loyola to move its location.

You might ask, though, why should we care about the students problem with their university? Why care about their remorse over their loss of this last respite of lakefront open green space on campus? Why care about anything that a private university is doing on their private campus?

Well, we should care.

First, Loyola's property, private or not, is within the Lakefront Protection Ordinance district and like any other property owner they need to comply with the intent and purpose of the Ordinance. Paragraph 16-4-030 (Purposes), paragraph (g), states: To promote and provide for the pedestrian access to the Lake and to protect and enhance vistas at these locations and wherever else possible.

This building is in direct conflict with that purpose as well as other purposes of the Ordinance. Second, we should also be remorseful over this loss because the campus, though private, is accessible and utilized by the residents of this community. Residents in the southeast corner of Rogers Park have little to no green space and only a small play lot and beach at the end of Albion that provides a lakefront vista. The campus is their open space as well as anyone else's in the community who chooses to run and walk through this tranquil setting and most importantly enjoy the wide-open vista now provided by the Jesuit Lawn. That will be lost forever by the ill-conceived placement of this building.

Finally, we should hold Loyola accountable to the spirit of Daniel Burnham and everyone who has fought for our lakefront over the past 150 years. If you care to, you can read this extraordinary history in Lois Wille's book "Forever Open, Clear, and Free - The Struggle for Chicago's Lakefront. The title of the book is from the immortal words of Gurdon Saltinstall Hubbard, William F. Thornton and William B. Archer, who at the time of this city's founding, refused to "sell our lakefront." Instead they inscribed these words on their map of a little prairie town on the southern shores of Lake Michigan. So many more were to follow in their footsteps.

All of us who fight the fight today to keep even the smallest of open spaces on this grand and spectacular lakefront are following in these footsteps as well. This is not just a student battle with their Administration; this is our battle, in concert with the students, as stewards of this lakefront and as champions of a cause that has persisted for 150 years. We cannot shrink from that responsibility nor allow Loyola to disgrace the legacy of those who fought so hard to preserve for us what we have today.

I'll close this appeal with the words of Daniel Burnham, which so eloquently make our case today:

"The lakefront by right belongs to the people. It affords their one great unobstructed view, stretching away to the horizon where water and clouds seem to meet. No mountains or high hills enable us to look over broad expanses of the earth's surface; and perforce we must come even to the margin of the lake for such a survey of nature. These views calm thoughts and feelings, and afford escape from the petty things of life. Mere breadth of view, however, is not all.

The lake is living water, ever in motion, and ever changing in color and in the form of its waves. Across its surface comes the broad pathway of light made by the rising sun; it mirrors the ever-changing forms of the clouds, and is illumined by the glow of the evening sky. Its colors vary with the shadows that play upon it. In every aspect it is a living thing, delighting mans' eye and refreshing his spirit. Not a foot of its shores should be appropriated by individuals to the exclusion of the people. On the contrary, everything possible should be done to enhance its natural beauties, thus fitting it for the part it has to play in the life of the whole city. It should be made so alluring that it will become the fixed habit of the people to seek its restful presence at every opportunity."

Daniel H. Burnham, Chapter IV
The Plan of Chicago, 1909

We propose moving the IC building, as is, to the Quinn Quadrangle and adjoining parking lot at the north end of campus (the moderately hilly landscaped area just east of the Winthrop entrance on Loyola Avenue), which would still allow for connectivity to the library, be in closer proximity to student housing and Centennial Forum, while providing easier access to the library for residents in the community. By doing this and tearing down the Jesuit residence, which is already planned, a spectacular open space vista would be created within the campus.

This would be a win-win situation for all, since the University would have to do very little modification of its plan for the IC and the students and community residents would gain a tremendous open green space and lakefront vista to enjoy for generations to come. The contingency recommendation would be to put the IC in the current location of the Jesuit residence by tearing it down first and at least preserving the Jesuit Lawn and lakefront vista, as it exists today.

Please contact the Rogers Park Conservancy for more information at http://www.urbsinhorto.org/pages/3/index.htm

San Francisco Bay Sea Lions

2006-04-17T19:04:00.000-05:00

Personal Choices

2006-04-17T19:03:00.000-05:00

"We are driven by our enthusiasm for knowledge, by our affection for the possibilities of blogging........."

This is part of a quote from " The Committee to Protect Bloggers" mission statement and although I agree with this in spirit, my belief in the real opportunities that exist in the "possibilities" of blogging have been sorely tested lately.

I happen to believe that bloggers, much like newspapers, have a responsibility to maintain a certain level of journalistic integrity. I have tried to maintain a level of respect with my disagreements with commentors and with leadership because I happen to believe public discourse with other people dictates a level of mutual respect. I have been guilty of pushing that boundary a little and when I have, I've regretted it and I've apologized to those I know I've offended. I will apologize now to those who I might have unknowingly done the same.

But I think it all comes down to personal choices with regard to blogging because our activity is unregulated and operates in a "grey" area unlike mainstream journalism. Thankfully, since national blogs are now becoming sources for news as much as traditional news outlets have been, blogs are beginning to attain the respect they deserve and at the same time, self regulate their content and accountability to levels that are consistent with accepted journalistic standards. This self regulation takes time, dedication and committment and until there are laws that regulate our activity, our blogs are what we decide we want them to be.

So, in essence, our blogs represent who we are as people and neighbors within our community.

And because we are our own editors, what we write about and how we represent our posts are an indication of what is important to us as people, neighbors and constituents.

Personally, I care deeply about Rogers Park, about North of Howard and about my neighbors. That care is reflected in the painstaking and time consuming process that this novice writer has tried to develope to ensure that what and who I write about is as accurate as possible and not personal and malicious in nature. I happen to think that the facts are important and reputations should be handled with care.

I don't consider blogging a sport and what might be justified and passed off as acceptable in the mainstream media and blogs, to pry into and insinuate about a persons' personal life, is just as deplorable nationally as it is here in Rogers Park.

Heck, I secretly glance at the Enquirer as I wait at the checkout counter too, but that doesn't mean I'm going to support that rag or any other tattler type magazine. I know there is an audience for that type of bottom feeder "journalism" and I realize that writers need work and bloggers need content. But I have no respect for anyone who devotes their time and energy smearing people in public without a shred of evidence for a few deliberate and malicious chuckles on a slow news day.

But again, these are personal choices.

I just want to thank the commenters who censured that foolishness and who appear at least, to be keeping an open mind. That's all I would hope for.

Even though I have a "public" profile as a blogger in Rogers Park, I am not a paid public servant or candidate for public office nor would I ever be one. I am a private citizen and I have a right to privacy and I will defend that right. And just for the record, the word I used to communicate my concern was not "intimidated" as was of course wrongfully reported because I am not intimidated. I choose my words carefully and the word I used was "harassed".

And judging by the e mails and phone calls I've received, there are others in our community who are tired of this harasment and abuse too. Because that's what this type of blog behavior is, it's abuse, plain and simple. It's a waste and an abuse of what should be a priveledge. It adds nothing positive to the already difficult issues we face in our neighborhood and does not solve a thing.

There should be a higher barrier of entry for the priveledge of blogging and representing a neighborhood besides simply owning a computer and a skewed sense of morality.

A Personal Review

2006-04-17T19:02:00.000-05:00

I've met a lot of people over the last year. Really good and dedicated people doing quiet volunteer work in our community without any fanfare whatsoever. They don't get public recognition because they don't want it. For them, it's their involvement and commitment that matter the most. But there is also a deep satisfaction that something real is being accomplished with other people who are giving their time towards a common purpose. Quietly.

And even as I continued to rage against the machine, writing and whining, and not really getting anything much accomplished, there began to be this hollow feeling after finishing each post.

OK, well...now what?

I had no answer for myself.
It was the same sense of nothingness that I wrote about after the Zaluc meeting in February. OK...they're in there and we're out here ....and now what do we do?

I wish it were as funny as the Seinfeld episode when George explained to the NBC executives that the premise of their new show would be about NOTHING. But this isn't a sitcom. This is about a person who wants to understand how he can best involve himself in his neighborhood and use his abilities to that end.

And although I enjoy writing, there is no personal satisfaction from simply complaining about things that I can do very little to control when I know darn well, I could put on some comfortable clothes, make a phone call or two and in an hour be working with some kids teaching them about something as rewarding as gardening. Maybe I can be a positive influence on just one kid and maybe he or she will remember something that we did together and maybe I would trade in all my essays for that to happen. I use the word maybe, but I've really already made up my mind because this has not been an overnight realization.

This is all about personal choices. Maybe if I was twenty something again and thought that time didn't matter as much as I think it does now, this choice wouldn't be made. But I'm not that young any more and the big clock is ticking and I don't think I've done everything I need to do yet. I had some teachers and volunteers take an interest in me when I needed it most and guess I just want to return the favor.

As I now consider my activities "politicaly neutral", I will be looking for common ground, support and opportunities wherever I can find them on activities that are important to me. My involvement with Devcorp, at least in my mind, does not constitute a political endorsement or represent some deep conspiratorial tomfoolery. It is simply a matter of timing and synergy with another project I happen to be involved with and I would have written about it whether that irresponsible post appeared or not.

I don't expect everyone to understand or agree with my decision. Everything seems to be met with suspicion and rumours and there is nothing I can do about that. I've written about my opinions ad nauseum and I simply have said enough and I'm tired of complaining. I just think it's time for me to start doing something real and constructive.

Please understand, I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty or not involved enough or consider what I'm doing any great shakes because I don't. Again, it's just a personal choice. We all do what we can and it's not my business to berate people into involvement of any kind.

There is also a healthy and realistic understanding that as much as I have disagreed with what exists, the system, TIFS, SSA's and and all the rest aren't going away anytime soon. I can whine until I'm blue in the face and that won't change a damn thing. If I happen to find in the future as I already have with a project Devcorp is working on, that there is an opportunity to volunteer on a community initiative I can support, I will. I will look for those opportunities wherever I can.

There are plenty of others who can do a better job than I did who are seeking change and I will just borrow this phrase from Uncle Crabby and say good luck and "soldier on".

Article

2006-04-17T18:56:00.000-05:00

"We Need an Angel to Save This Place'"

By Felicia Dechter
Pioneer Press

They're looking for an angel and a miracle in East Rogers Park to save the North Shore School, 1217 W. Chase St.

So say parents and teachers of the private lakefront school, who have been brainstorming to find a way to save the institution since it recently announced it will close its doors on Sept. 1, after 68 years in the community.

"We need an angel to walk into this place," said Andrew Clark, a parent who comes from Albany Park. "I think it's a tragedy.

"I would like it to stay open. This is going to be a loss for the neighborhood...there are enough townhouses and condos going in. I don't want to see this building torn down."

According to David Wilkinson, the nonprofit school's director/owner, the 100-year-old school building was built on the lake as a country club. Wilkinson's wife's parents bought the place after landfill was added to the lake and another building built in front of it, and they founded the school in 1938. The Dix family gutted the building and made it into a "marvelous, unique school," with a bowling alley in the basement, Wilkinson said.

An old ballroom houses the gym, and the oak floors are creaky, Wilkinson said, but the school has a "warm and charming past."

Legacy

"It's really a great place," said Wilkinson, whose children also attended the school. "It's a legacy. That's what makes this whole thing heart-wrenching. We love the kids, we love the parents."
Low enrollment is one reason the school is closing. It currently has about 70 pre-school through eighth- grade children. "The reputation we have in the private school community is absolutely fantastic," Wilkinson said. "But there comes a time when you realize if no one on the family wants to take it over..."

The school's doors will close after this year's summer camp, Wilkinson added.
"We want to continue through the summer so the little people can enjoy the lake," he said.
He added that some private schools in the area have shown some interest, but, "At the moment, I don't know what our next move will be," Wilkinson said, adding that he was absolutely sure he is closing and that he has not yet exposed that fact to developers.

Yet parents, faculty and community members have been quietly holding Saturday meetings to try and save the school, with the next being held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15. And the students have even been penning letters to Oprah Winfrey, in hopes that she'll help.

French teacher Claudine Wojtowicz, a member of the Friends of the North Shore School, has started a full-blown campaign to save the school. Committees have been formed, and "all kinds of ideas are being formed and positive action is being taken by all concerned, even the kids, she said.

"The children are so attached to it, they want to help," Wojtowicz said, calling it a life lesson for the kids. "It's a worthy cause, and we want to see the children having the life force to do something, even when the adults are down.

"I believe there is still time," she added. "This is a marvelous school and it's a loss for the community." Other faculty members agreed.

"There's not another institution like this in the city of Chicago," said kindergarten aide Terri Wagner. "This is heartbreaking, and has left families scrambling. The kids can't eat, sleep and are peeing in the beds.

Reborn

"I hope by some miracle there could be enough money raised for the school, and a new set of directors could be reborn. If somebody has two million they want to give us..."
Principal Christine Kallis would like to see the same. "I'd like us reborn with the same high standards and giving the community the same jewel of an education they have offered," she said.

The school, according to West Rogers Park parent Edythe Freeman, offers a "loving, nurturing environment that gives the child a method to express themselves and to handle situations."
"We want to stay," Freeman said.

Yet according to Wilkinson--who also has another company, the Wilkinson Company in the Merchandise Mart his mind is made up and for his family, there is no turning back to stay.
"It's a great place, with great people," he said of the school. "It's a wonderful oasis for little people to begin their academic experience. But as they say in show business...it's been a great run."

Outside In

2006-04-17T05:16:00.000-05:00

2006-04-17T04:59:00.000-05:00

I happen to like that photo a lot. It reminds me of a time when our porch was fully grown, in August of last year. We had some trouble with some of our neighbors next door and in our North of Howard neighborhood and the worse the trouble got, the more often we drove to the nursery. And of course if you are a plant lover, a trip to the nursery guarantees a purchase, whether you actually need plants or not. Plant lovers know what I'm talking about.

But for me, a trip to the secret nursery where I go, ( sorry, not just yet ), also guarantees a drive with the windows down, a reason to escape the neighborhood and the anticipation of walking into the many inter- connected greenhouses and catching that first glimpse of what seems like acres of vibrant colors. I would grab a cart and of course it would be filled before I reached the second aisle.

There is a also the casual sharing of tips and information among the other like minded people who are there to fill up their carts. I like plant people. They are helpful, good natured and happily obsessed. Many of us use planting as an escape, an inexpensive therapy. In fact, we therapied so much last year, that we created a plant wall on all three sides of our porch. We couldn't be seen and we could barely see out. We didn't intend to do this but we found ourselves needing to.

In our little part of town, there is constant activity and noise. Unfortunately, very little of it is the variety we wanted to freely let into our conciousness. So we built a plant room to keep some semblance of our privacy and sanity. It's wasn't easy living North of Howard last year and if what I've seen, read about and experienced personally is any scientific indication, it will not be any easier this year.

North of Howard is a neighborhood in the midst of a substantial makeover and this is not the one hour, feel good, tear in your eye, and turn the channel and on to the next dumb show variety. NOH is the ultimate, in your face reality show and the juxtposition of images in this evolving neighborhood, is more than a little disquieting.

There are signs of change almost everwhere North of Howard.

gf

2006-04-17T04:58:00.000-05:00

North of Howard is a very odd place to live these days. East of Bosworth, scores of condo conversions have taken place, yet there is never anyone on the street in this part of town. I walk my neighborhood a lot and I see the same few people trudging to and from the train every day. On the weekend and during the weekday, the only people I see on the streets where most of the conversions have and are still taking place are workmen and plenty of patrol cars. Is this what’s its like living in a bedroom community?

Howard Street is deserted as is the park, no doubt because of the camera. But it seems to this observer that the streets just west of Bosworth and north of Howard Street are more crowded than I remember from last year. Anxious mothers hurriedly shepherd their children back and forth from the Gale School, past all the double parked, gleaming cars booming with impossibly loud music and crowds gathered on sidewalks trying to communicate with each other above the din. Lots of patrol cars in this part of town too.

On my street there are some welcome developments. The Broadmoor, which has always been a trouble spot, apparently has new management as evidenced by the 2 stout security guards with sergeant stripes on their sleeves, patroling the sidewalk and standing watch outside the door. But even before that change took place, the drug dealers and general mischief makers who previously owned that sidewalk and entrance to the Broadmoor are gone. A similar group used to be camped out in front of the Northpoint Building, openly selling drugs and intimidating tenants and so far at least, there is no sign of that coordinated activity this year. Unfortunately, the security door to The Northpoint Building is propped open and has been for days. I guess some things never do change.

My appreciation goes out to Commander Rottner and all the officers who were involved in the undercover sting last year because so far at least, there seems to be a dramatic improvement on Bosworth.

Still, as a neighborhood, North of Howard offers very little of the stability and certainty most of us want and need from the place we call home. This neighborhood is in a constant state of flux and that process is not is even close to being complete. Almost all of Howard Street looks like it’s about to get redeveloped and the up zoning possibility on Paulina leaves that street in limbo for now.

We received a cordial letter from James Houlihan the other day. Mr. Houlihan, the Cook County Assessor explains that the average tax bill for a Rogers Park homeowner will increase by 30% if the Homeowners Exemption is not renewed by the State Legislature. Apparently the Homeowner Exemption is set to expire before the 2006 reassessment and is before the State Legislature for renewal.

Of course, this is the double edged sword of an improving neighborhood reflected in escalating values and the subsequent property tax burden that goes along with it. All in all, a 30% increase seems extraordinary for an unstable neighborhood who's future lies in the balance based on decisions that have yet to be made.

The Objective Observer

Inside Out

2006-04-17T04:57:00.000-05:00

August 2005

More From the Trib'

2006-04-15T03:26:00.000-05:00

.

Spring Blooms in School

In an ambitious first-time endeavor, horticulture students have transformed the lyceum, a staid multipurpose room at their school, into an elaborate flower and garden show.The show, open to the public this week, required 60 cubic yards of mulch, 750 bricks, 10 trash bags of dead leaves, sod, ceramics, several 12- to 14-foot trees and even a few rotten logs.and geraniums.
"When we left school last week, it was pretty much just a room," said teacher Jeff Yordy, who could barely contain a manic glee over the project. His 130 students have spent the last three days working during their free periods and after hours, first laying down plastic, then lining a pathway with brick. By Wednesday, students plunged their hands into mulch, planting dozens of flowers in themed gardens that include forest floor plants and a floral display shaped like a lightning bolt, the school's Titan athletic theme.
Over the last few months the students spent hours planning and designing the landscape and obtaining donations from parents and area businesses. Chalet Nursery of Wilmette delivered more than $6,000 in trees and shrubs, which it will pick up again Saturday, Yordy said.

City Weighs Out-of-Blue Recycling

More homes in Chicago soon could recycle with bins instead of blue bags, as Mayor Richard Daley's administration considers expanding a successful pilot program beyond the Beverly neighborhood.
Chicago recycles less than 8 percent of the garbage that it collects, far short of the 25 percent target set by Daley when the program began 10 years ago. The results have been much better in the test area in Beverly, where more than 80 percent of 700 homes are participating and about 20 percent of the garbage is recycled.
For the last year, homes in the pilot area have placed recyclables in bins that are left curbside. The recyclables are collected separately from garbage.
A majority of the City Council supports a proposal calling for the city to ditch blue bags and expand curbside recycling across Chicago. The proposal's chief sponsor, Ald. Joe Moore (49th), said Johnston's announcement is "a step in the right direction." But Moore said he would not be satisfied until the city comes up with a plan to institute curbside recycling in every neighborhood.
The Daley administration has "put so much political stock and financial resources into blue bag that it's difficult to admit it's a failure," Moore said.

ARCHITECTURE NOTES
Saving the city's historic graystones
By Blair Kamin

Like the humble bungalow, the handsome graystone is an essential part of the housing stock that makes Chicago Chicago.
At once muscular and graceful, occupying a midway point in the socio-economic spectrum between the bungalow and the mansion, the graystone stretches in a belt that runs roughly from Lakeview on the north to Garfield Park on the west to Bronzeville on the south.
Now, facing the twin ravages of decay and gentrification, the graystone may be getting the same kind of help that has allowed bungalows throughout Chicago to be preserved and renovated to meet today's needs.The plan, scheduled to be formally announced in June, is called the Historic Chicago Greystone Initiative (which uses an alternative spelling of graystone). Still taking shape and to be limited at first to the poor, drug-infested North Lawndale neighborhood, it is backed by Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, a non-profit devoted to rebuilding the city's neighborhoods. Besides saving buildings, the group wants to avoid the displacement of residents if and when the neighborhood redevelops.

Health & Wellness

2006-03-20T06:25:00.000-06:00

How the Feds are Making Bad for You Food,
Cheaper Than Healthful Fare

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the amount Americans spend on food as a percentage of disposable income has fallen from 15.4 percent in 1980 to 10.8 percent in 2004. But while we've spent less money on food, our waistlines have expanded. The obesity rate, after hovering around 15 percent from 1960 to 1980, surged to 31 percent in the last 25 years, USDA figures show. The percentage of overweight children tripled in the same time period. Meanwhile, incidence of type II diabetes, a diet-related condition with a host of health-related complications, leapt 41 percent from 1997 to 2004.
Grist

Attack of the Killer Corn

Why the heavily subsidized corn harvest amounts to an annual environmental calamity.This trend has hit low-income groups particularly hard. The obesity rates for "poor" and "near-poor" people stand at 36 percent and 35.4 percent, respectively, against an overall average of 29.2 percent for "non-poor," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. While the CDC doesn't break down diabetes rates by income, a look at the disease through the lens of ethnicity shows that those rates tend to align with economics: African Americans and Mexican Americans, for instance, have higher diabetes rates than whites, and lower median incomes.
Grist

2006-03-20T06:24:00.000-06:00

Uninsured in America

This is one of 7 articles in the Chicago Tribune's
continuing series on health care in our country.

State Will Fill Senior Drug Gap
January 12, 2006.

Illinois will pay for medications for impoverished seniors and disabled consumers who are having problems getting prescriptions filled under Medicare's vast new drug program, officials announced Wednesday.

Volunteer Corps.....

2006-03-18T04:52:00.000-06:00

League of Women Voters
Seeking Volunteers

League of Women Voters
of Illinois

A Voice for Citizens A Force for Change

Welcome! LWV Chicago is a nonpartisan, nonprofit political organization with a rich history in the Chicago community. Our mission is to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government, work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy.

Did You Know......

2006-03-18T03:44:00.002-06:00

Renting Beats Overpaying for Homes
April 2, 2006
Tribune

Conventional wisdom holds that buying a home is always better than renting. But conventional wisdom could be luring many people into financial harm, claims Chicago author and financial adviser David Latko. "Go over the numbers," Latko advises. "If people...

You can buy your next home for nothing down

March 31, 2006
By Robert Bruss
Inman News
Today's mortgage lenders have become savvy about the profitability of making low- and no-down-payment home loans, even to borrowers with poor credit. Last year, according to the National Association of Realtors, more than 30 percent of home sales involved...

Connect

2006-03-17T01:28:00.000-06:00

a New York blog
New York Hack

another New York blog
GarbageScout

Traditional journalists ripping off bloggers

by John in DC - 3/30/2006 Americablog

Some reporters think that blogs aren't "real" enough to cite as sources for stories. The only problem is that many of them still steal our stories and run them as their own. So obviously the blogs are pretty real if you're willing to steal our stories.Anyway, Josh Marshall is on a well-earned, and rare, rant about the issue.
Check it out. Comments (45)

Digital Divisions

10/5/2005, Susannah Fox
There are clear differences among those with broadband connections, dial-up connections, and no connections at all to the internet. Learn more
Pew

2006-03-17T01:00:00.000-06:00

Lost an IPod or Wallet? Look for It Online
By Andrew Ryan, Associated Press Writer,
April 2, 2006,

BOSTON -- Maureen Silliman felt her empty pocket and gulped: Her new $300 iPod must have bounced out as she ran to catch a train. While she sobbed, her boyfriend suggested a message on the lost-and-found section of Craigslist, an online bazaar of classified ads. "No," the 24-year-old Silliman said. "Nobody would ever turn in an iPod." Her boyfriend posted the message anyway. Within 24 hours, Silliman's iPod was back. In an increasingly cynical world, there are still places where people try to do the right thing. Everyday on Internet message boards, honest folks post notes about valuables they found: cash, bank cards, diamond bracelets, engagement rings, wedding bands, digital cameras, and even a cockatoo valued at $1,200.

2006-03-15T23:02:00.001-06:00

Green
Space......

quackquack

Geese in Illinois
are Sitting Ducks
State hunting officials have decided to end quotas
as warmer winters change birds' migratory patterns.
By Charles Sheehan
Tribune
March 29, 2006

2006-03-15T23:01:00.001-06:00

Growing Healthful Crop Motivates St. Anne Grower

"Health and healing is my whole thing," said Westerhoff, busily preparing seed trays under the watchful gaze of Olivia, the farm cat. "I want to help heal this one piece of land that I have and provide a crop to the people who live nearby."
Tribune March 29

2006-03-15T23:01:00.000-06:00

A Farmers Market Helps Turn
a Brooklyn Neighborhood Around

Forgotten by many, a Brooklyn neighborhood nourishes its own
Tribune
Tom Philpott
22 Feb 2006

Wander into Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood on a Saturday morning in summer, and you'll see a sight not uncommon in New York City these days: a thriving and diverse farmers' market. Neighborhood denizens cluster around stands offering free-range meat, fresh cheese, cream-on-top milk, and a whole array of fresh fruit and vegetables, many of them grown right down the block.

2006-03-15T23:00:00.000-06:00

Contractors
Can Learn
How to Go
Green

Law pushes contractors to 'go green'
To help contractors learn what they need to know
to comply with the ordinance,
The Department of Environment
will hold free seminars from
10 a.m. to noon
Monday, April 3,
Tuesday, April 25,
Tuesday, May 23,
Tuesday, Sept. 19, and
Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the
Center for Green Technology,
445 N. Sacramento.
For more information or to register,
call (312) 746-9642.

2006-03-15T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hybrids Burn Up More Energy in the Making

Tribune
March 31, 2006

But while hybrids consume less fuel than SUVs, it takes more energy to produce the parts and components that go into making one, especially the electrical system, than it does to produce the typical full-size sport-utility vehicle.

Do the Math. Consumer Reports Owns Up

Tribune
March 10, 2006

Oops.
It's not a word you often hear from Consumer Reports. After further review, the magazine known for its unbiased testing of consumer products says there are a couple of gas/electric cars that will return part of the buyer's investment.

2006-03-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

why we love
Rogers Park

Great Lake Adventure

Mindless Ramblings And Kayaks For Breakfast. . . Monday, February 06, 2006

"You'll Have The Time, The Time Of Your Life Bring All Your Friends, All Your Kids And Your Wife To Chicago, Chicago My Hometown "- fischer

Tom Heineman who in additon to being a crazy sea kayaker is also a math tutor says that, "all students can learn and excel in math". That sounds like a challenge to me! One thing is for sure, you can't doubt his resolve. After calling short what would have been a 1000 mile trip last year due to his partners health, Tom is ready to head out again. This time he is going to launch his kayak from Chicago on June 11th of this year to begin an attempt to circumnavigate the better part of Lake Michigan. This trip should cover approximately 800 miles and take about six weeks, ending back in Chicago on July 20th if all goes as planned.Tom is lucky enough to live about 100 yards from the shore of Lake Michigan and has been paddling canoes most of his life. Then when a friend bought an apartment building with a private beach, it was time to try kayaks as well. From there Tom has went on to become an ACA certified sea kayak coach and was the president of the Chicago Area Sea Kayak Association (CASKA). These days he offers private lessons and is an instructor with the Lincoln Park Boat Club and Northwest Passage in Wilmette. Chances are you may have also run into him instructing at the Door County Sea Kayak symposium as well.Although many people have made the circumnavigation of Lake Superior to the north, we've had a hard time finding any information on kayak circumnavigations of Lake Michigan. However, according to Outside Magaizine, Mike Steere did it by canoe in the mid-seventies.

As you can imagine, it will be quite a challenge. June and July are generally warm summer months, however they also tend to be very changeable. Water temperatures will still be quite cold and storms can come up quickly. Being a "local" as it were, I'm sure Tom will take the lake very seriously. Lake Michigan has produced waves up to 22 feet and has a long history of tragedy for the unprepared. In additon to working his way along the coasts he will also face two major crossings; Green Bay in Wisconsin, and Traverse Bay on the northen tip of lower Michigan. (which for you mathematicians, results in the 800 mile trip as opposed to well over 1000).Tom's son will be joining him for some stretches however he is still looking for some paddlers who may want to join him on various crossings along the way. He is also happy to get any local information regarding landing and camping areas along is route.

Good Luck Tom!
photos provided by tom heineman. used by permission.
thank you Tom, gf.

2006-03-13T04:38:00.000-06:00

Health &
Wellness.......

Depression: Treating Mother Helps Child

Depression hits more than 19 million U.S. adults each year, including about 12 million women.
About 1 in 8 U.S. women will be diagnosed with depression during their lifetime.
Depression occurs most often during women's childbearing years, ages 25 to 44.
Fewer than half the women who experience depression seek treatment.

Tribune

Odd World

2006-03-13T04:35:00.000-06:00

Vienna Launches "driving licence for dogs"

Mar 28 Breitbart
Viennese dog owners can now get a "driving licence for dogs" under a new initiative by city officials who thought man's best friend's best friend could do with a bit of brushing up on canine conduct.
Though voluntary, this new license, which takes about two hours to obtain and costs a modest 25 euros (30 dollars), has both written and practical "driving" tests to assess the owner's competence.

2006-03-13T04:10:00.000-06:00

Chicago Tax Cap Has Winners and Losers

A lot of homeowners in Chicago are going to get an unpleasant surprise from Cook County Assessor James Houlihan in a few weeks. That's when his office will begin to mail out reassessment notices for city properties. Last time this happened was in 2003, and the median increase was 35 percent. Houlihan aides project the median increase this year will be 41 percent.
Tribune, March 29, 2006

Without a Bumble, Teen Speller Wins Spelling Bee

Appropriately enough, her first correctly spelled word was "intellectual" and the last--the one that is sending Jane Huang to the national spelling bee was.... "philobiblist."
Tribune March 30

Article

2006-03-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

Gale is 'green machine'

By Felicia Dechter
Pioneer Press

East Rogers Parkers Clara Hayes and Gregory Roberts have quietly been nurturing and adopting hundreds of tiny infants at Gale Community Academy, 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace.
The babies--which are green and live on the school's third floor--appear to be thriving, and growing like weeds. Perhaps that's because Hayes and Roberts--along with other Gale parents and community members--have become green machines and are busily raising several species of plants, vegetables and flowers to drum up some funds for the school.

"This is great. It's really exciting," said Roberts, a parent volunteer and father of three daughters at Gale, which serves about 660, pre-k through 8th-grade students. "I'm like an expectant father, walking around the waiting room because my wife is having a baby."
About one-fourth of the school's third floor houses the working greenhouse, which was built on the top floor of an annexed school building in 1997.

The space had been used as a storage facility for the last couple of years until Clara Hayes, the parent role resource and development coordinator at Gale whose two children already graduated from the school, came up with the concept of clearing it out and going green.

Hayes, who is an active volunteer with the school, felt the need to bring more parents into Gale, so she decided to put on another cap--that of a gardener--to help raise money for the school, where more than 85 percent of students are from low-income families.
"I wanted a fundraiser to raise a significant amount of money," said Hayes, who also hopes to form a garden club. "Because we're a science and math academy we really needed to get started and bring life back to our science lab."

Hayes and others even visited various local nurseries for tips, and she hopes to have about 1,500 plants, herbs, vegetables and flowers ready by Friday, April 29, when the plant sale kick-off will be held during the open-to-the-public, Gale Spring Fashion Show. That day also will include the unveiling of a community quilt.

By next year, Hayes hopes to raise about $10,000, she said, and judging by what's been done in the greenhouse thus far, that number just might be attainable.

After clearing the huge space out, sometimes even giving up their Saturdays to do so, parents, and community members got busy planting seeds, using an impressive design created by John Hookwater, director of Neighbors United in New Possibilities, a nonprofit arm of the Rogers Park-based Many People's Church.

A warming bed was built, and an incubator, by hand. Wood tables were created, with watering holes and a drain system. Seeds were planted and soon, tiny sprouts peeked up which were then transplanted for room to grow.

"It's been so exciting also because growing plants is cross-cultural, and all these different skills are coming together," Hookwater said, adding that he's hoping to grow year-round plants eventually, such as Poinsettias and Easter Lilies.

2006-03-13T03:59:00.000-06:00

Wisdom Bridge Arts Project
Last Tuesday, Tom Rosenfeld and Eva McAnn
Hosted an Informational Meeting at the New
Free Art Gallery
at 7543 North Paulina Street
next to Dunkin' Donuts at
Gateway Bus Depot. The Meeting was
about the plans and progress to create a
Community Arts Center for Rogers Park.

The Wisdom Bridge Theater Building

Tom explained that the original intention of the volunteer group was to rehab this beautiful building on Howard and save it from possible demolition. Unfortunately, the engineering studies that were completed in 2000 and recent studies done prior to the purchase of the building, indicated that the cost of renovating the existing structure would now exceed the cost of building new. There is significant interior damage and apparently the mold contamination requires anyone who enters the building to wear a mask.

In the 5 years it has taken the group to come to this difficult realization, they began operating as a community arts organization and produced the now Annual World Music Festival and a free summer theater camp for children at Gale Academy. The goal now, is to incorporate all of these efforts into a new building that will become a true

Community Arts Center for Rogers Park

The 5 member board is currently working with John Morris, an architect who has had extensive experience designing and building other theater type spaces. The first architectural draft of the interior space is expected to be completed shortly.
more info on John Morris

from the Wisdom Bridge Arts Project website.....

More than three years ago, a group of civic minded folks set-out to create a unique community arts organization. We wanted to address the poor conditions that existed in our neighborhood in Rogers Park.
The north of Howard sector of Rogers Park in Chicago is one of the most poverty-stricken areas in the city. The primary nutritional needs for many of the children here are met through government programs like Head Start, WIC and other similar programs. The young adults are likely to be victims or perpetrators. And the schools are suffering. The cycle continues.

We asked ourselves the question: “What can I do?” and we talked with the community. Driven by the belief that long-term social change needs to involve children, we looked at the schools. And we were startled. Our grade schools eliminated their arts programs.
Eliminated.

Maybe you remember art classes in school – you likely had a music or drawing teacher or you might have been in band. You may have had field trips to the symphony or to an art museum. Arts training in schools provides an opportunity for exposure to different means of expression and points of views at a critical time in our development. Kids in our neighborhood, who really need the opportunity for expression, don’t get it.

In response, we created the Wisdom Bridge Arts Project, a comprehensive program of teaching and experience in all art forms-theatre, music, dance, visual arts and writing –conducted by Chicago’s artists in unique partnerships.

The Wisdom Bridge Arts Project

The volunteer group is now looking for anyone interested in helping this great program.

tom@wbap.org for more information

the Objective Observer

2006-03-13T03:54:00.000-06:00

Bail Set in Loyola Rape Case

A Cook County judge set bail at $700,000 Wednesday for a teenager accused of raping and kidnapping a Loyola University Chicago student last month. Joseph A. Davis, 18, of the 6400 block of North Glenwood is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. Prosecutors say he grabbed his 19-year-old victim as she was walking alone in the early morning of Feb. 12 near the 1200 block of North Farwell. The woman was walking to a friend's house, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Maria McCarthy told Judge Raymond Myles. At some point, Davis allegedly indicated he had a gun and would shoot the woman if she made any noise, McCarthy said. Davis then allegedly dragged the woman into a nearby alley, roughed her up and then raped her, prosecutors say. Prosecutors say Davis' DNA links him to the crime scene.
Metro section of the Chicago Sun-times 03/30/0

2006-03-13T03:00:00.000-06:00

It has
now been
73days
since
this promise
was made
to the constituents
of the 49th ward

"I appreciate your suggestions on how I can make the process more inclusive, and I assure you I will be more vigilant about posting notices of future meetings on my website."

afternoon edition

Odd World

2006-03-13T02:55:00.001-06:00

Cat Stuck in Wall Waves Paw for Help

By Associated Press
Published March 30, 2006, 5:12 PM CST

COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. -- A cat stuck in a wall at a house under construction initiated his rescue when he caught the attention of a prospective buyer by meowing and waving his paw out a small hole. The cat had gotten stuck behind the wall but found a gap between a gas pipe and the wall board where he could stick out his paw. He was spotted Saturday by someone touring the house.

Man Accidentally Divorces Wife in Sleep

By Associated PressPublished
March 28, 2006, 3:06 PM CST

NEW DELHI -- Village elders ordered a Muslim man in eastern India to leave his wife after he accidentally divorced her in his sleep, a news report said Tuesday. Aftab Ansari uttered the Urdu word for divorce, "talaq," three times in his sleep, prompting his worried wife to discuss the matter with her friends, according to the Press Trust of India news agency.

Robin sends birdwatcher in Britain into a flutter

Mar 28 7:29 PM US/Eastern Email this story
When the red, red robin comes bob bob bobin' along, it can certainly send a flutter through the birdwatching fraternity in nature-obsessed Britain. Case in point: an American robin, apparently carried by strong winds across the North Atlantic Ocean from eastern Canada, now in residence in a backyard in the southeast London neighbourhood of Peckham.

PETA 'sick cards' Aim to Turn Asian Children Vegetarian

Mar 29 6:26 AM Breitbart

Animal-rights group PETA said it would try to get
Asian children to turn vegetarian by distributing
"trading cards" depicting sick youngsters to
highlight the risk of bird flu.

Odd World

2006-03-13T02:55:00.000-06:00

Separated Man Sues US Online
Matchmaker for Singles Only

Mar 28 Breitbart
US matchmaker eHarmony has been sued for refusing to let a man use the online dating service until his divorce is final, the attorney behind the suit said.
John Claassen, 36, charged that the policy violated anti-discrimination laws and should let users chose whom they want to meet.

2006-03-13T02:39:00.000-06:00

Plastic Addiction

2006-03-12T23:01:00.000-06:00

Green Tax Credit$
Is your home an energy money pit? Make energy-saving improvements to your home in 2006 and earn tax credits at the same time.
Mary Beth Breckenridge,
Beacon Journal

2006-03-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Mercury in Our Food
Government and Industry Fail to Protect Consumers
Tribune

a link from the NHNA blog.......
Autism, Mercury and Politics
By Robert Kennedy Jr. July 1, 2005

March 21st 2006 Primary Elections Information

2006-03-12T13:15:00.000-06:00

Chicago Board of Elections
Online Services

Voter registration is now closed for this primary - For additional information on registering to vote go to:
Voter Information
Registración de Votantes
選民資訊
Informacje Wyborcy
한국어 유권자 정보는 여기를 클릭 해 주세요
Multi-Language Voter Information

2006-03-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

The Rogers Park Review
Week in Review

National Single Payor Healthcare: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

Uncle Crabby's Journal: Another Rogers Park blog we enjoy.

Should Bloggers Be Given the Media Exemption? by mcjoan

We are all in danger of skidding on this banana peel

sometimes, it pays to have a plan......A Study of The "Happy Heart" Strategy

Another Diabolical Scheme? I I X N A M R I A H C

I'll Just Add Some More Doo Dads

A&T Grill's Condo Plans on Front Burner By Angela Caputo Pioneer Press

Court Advocacy Training

Why Should We Care About: The Illinois Healthcare Referendum 2006?

"Happy"Again :(

So, you're saying you don't want us to pay down that balance, or what?

Privacy Takes a Back Seat in Mortgage Bait and Switch Kenneth R. Harney

Plant a Seed dept.... R E N O V A T E

Another Diabolical Scheme K I M S A R G O N

we have Mail.......tom says....

New Safety Outpost to Bolster Loyola's Security BY ANGELA CAPUTO Pioneer Press

from The First City blog

2006-03-12T06:25:00.000-06:00

Dental Care for Poor a Looming Crisis

Health officials say need growing with few low-cost options
By Judith Graham, Tribune staff reporter
March 26

2006-03-12T05:55:00.000-06:00

Loyola: The Miracle Along the Lake

Patrice M. Jones, Tribune Staff Reporter
Finally, the university began to unlock the value of its real estate. Ironically, a school near financial meltdown a short time ago is in the midst of one of the most aggressive building phases in its history--a five-year, $300 million capital improvement and expansion campaign. Among the new buildings are the recently completed Quinlan Life Sciences Education and Research Center and the Winthrop Residence Hall, both on the lakeshore campus. Also in Rogers Park, the university expects to break ground this fall on a state-of-the-art library annex for study and research. Finally, at its Water Tower campus, a new student center and residence hall is slated to open this summer.

2006-03-12T05:53:00.000-06:00

Across U.S., Immigration Supporters, Foes View Chicago March as Catalyst
Rally Stirs Both Sides

A Show of Strength
"The rally drew some of the state's most powerful politicians, including Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard Daley, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and dozens of alderman and state lawmakers." Chicago Tribune, March 12

2006-03-12T05:21:00.000-06:00

I think what we have is a
Failure to Communicate

When I realized there was a new initiative from Alderman Moore on the 49th Ward website, I quickly glanced through all the material looking for the one thing I believe we can all agree on, well, most of us anyway. I was looking for the sentence about Timely Notification. The Beginning; because that's where open process starts. You cannot have one without the other.

But I didn't find the beginning because it wasn't there. It still isn't and I wonder how many neighbors will miss the meeting tonight because of that omission.

It was conspiciously absent and honestly I was left with a sense that, no matter how much time and energy was spent, and difficulty the Alderman might have had wrestling with this decision, there remains a fundamental failure to communicate with his constituents.

I do appreciate the time and effort involved in drawing up this initiative. Honestly, I personally need more time to absorb the implications and understand how it is actually designed to work on the ground.

But Timely Notification and Agenda Transparency is at the very core of any open process, no matter what business is being discussed. It seems a no brainer to me and I cannot understand why this is still unclear to the Alderman. Timely Notification is where open process begins and without it, this new initiative seems hollow.

I mean, what is the point of having a brand spanking new meeting process if no one shows up?

2006-03-12T05:04:00.000-06:00

2006-03-12T05:00:00.000-06:00

One Laptop Per Child

is an initiative to create a child-friendly laptop that can sell for $100. The project is the brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte of the MIT Media Lab, and the research is being sponsered by One Laptop Per Child, a non-profit association. The laptops are not in production yet and will not be available in retail settings - they will be distributed to schools through large scale government initiatives. Most countries in the world have expressed interest in this project (click the "map" link on the OLPC website...looking at the countries who aren't involved yet is also instructive).

Apparently, some people (well, actually, Bill Gates) just can't stand competition ever, even if it is competition to do some good in the world. Uncle Bill even had the nerve to mock one of the most innovative features of a OLPC prototype, a hand crank to power the computer's battery...after all those discovery trips to Africa, you haven't noticed that some places are a little short on 1) electricity and 2) batteries? Guess it has nothing to do with the fact that this project undercuts the price of your own product by several hundred dollars and runs on Linux.

Shame on you Mr. Gates!

-- Rebecca Rouilly

2006-03-12T04:58:00.001-06:00

a link we like......

from the
NHNA
blog

Poverty and the
Environment

2006-03-12T04:58:00.000-06:00

a whole lotta' dissin'
goin down
on the
Web

Article

2006-03-12T04:42:00.000-06:00

Far North West Side
Voters Favor Local Jobs

By Angela Caputo
March 29

If the outcome of an advisory referendum in some Rogers Park precincts is a true indicator of public opinion, Chicagoans are calling on city officials to adopt a policy that would put more people to work in their own neighborhoods when it comes to big projects fueled by public subsidies.

Nearly 90 percent of voters in five Far North Side precincts cast ballots in favor of a city-wide policy that would give residents first crack at local jobs. Like public agencies, private projects that leverage tax dollars, TIF or other sources, would be included in the policy if they have 10 or more employees.

With gentrification sweeping through the neighborhood, referendum organizer Elaine Detweiler, a volunteer with the Rogers Park Community Action Network, said "Either we have to create affordable housing or better paying jobs so people can afford to live here."
More than $200 million of new public money is being pledged for redevelopment in the neighborhood alone--between the Devon-Sheridan TIF, reconstructing the Howard CTA station, the S&C Electric TIF and building a Gale Park Fieldhouse. And if leveraged right, under the proposed policy, that could mean a lot of new jobs, she said.
Alderman Joe Moore, D-49th said the idea "is something that bares looking at." But in the new projects oncoming up in the ward, he said, it's just too soon to even know what type, let alone how many jobs might be created.

Pointing to the TIF-subsidized Gateway development at Clark and Howard, Moore said the ward has a track record of leveraging public money to benefit the neighborhood. "I think that has been a very successful project for both providing neighborhood amenities and for local people to get jobs."

2006-03-12T04:41:00.000-06:00

March 21st
Referendum

March 23, 2006
The following are the unofficial, and in some cases, incomplete, results of Tuesday, March 21, 2006 referendums in the metropolitan area.

Ward 49 -precincts 8, 15, 19, 28 and 38-seeking to improve employee wages and rights. Yes 320 No 42
Tribune

Correspondence

2006-03-12T04:40:00.000-06:00

e mail from
RPCAN
received Saturday March 25th, 2pm

Due to utter chaos at the polling places, we still have only partial and unofficial results, but ...88% of voters say YES to Jobs & Economic Justice.

The referendum campaign was organized by RPCAN as part of its Jobs & Economic Justice campaign, which has participation of faith leaders, student groups, union activists and neighbors that believe Rogers Park Needs A Raise.

We all thank the referendum team that made it happen, including Connie Hall, LaDonna Dudley, Elaine Detweiler, Robin McPherson, Malachi Ajaya, Jenni Purdue, Jose Monroy, Denise Chiles, Lori Parker, Charity Ryerson, Gus Roddy, Gloria Samuels.

The referendum vote sends a message to officials that the people want a policy tying community economic benefits to public financing. Under such a policy, if an institution, company or project wants to get public money (including TIF), it is expected to have policies ensuring * some form of local preference in hiring and/or union apprenticeship program, * employees and contractors' employees get a living wage * respect for worker rights, including the right to organize without interference.

The idea is to promote such a community economic benefits policy as the standard for employers that want to operate in our neighborhood. RPCAN sees this applying to the workforce as a whole, not only the temporary construction work directly funded, but exempting "Mom & Pop Shops" with fewer than 10 employees. Voters in five precincts sent a clear message that we want to see such a policy implemented.

If you want to join in the support, you can send an email to city officials and Loyola (which is asking for a $46 million TIF subsidy, but refused requests to negotiate community benefits agreements) calling for this approach to be attached to public funding, such as: $69 million Devon-Sheridan TIF, $53 million Howard CTA station reconstruction, $48 million S&C electric TIF Gale Park fieldhouse.
click here: www.citizenspeak.org/node/145

** Note regarding the Loyola TIF **Besides pushing for the jobs & economic justice policy to apply in general, RPCAN's Board of Directors voted to oppose the specific request from Loyola University for a $46 million TIF subsidy (part of the Devon-Sheridan TIF), to reimburse part of the cost of rehabbing tax-exempt campus buildings. RPCAN values Loyola as an important part of our community, but this subsidy request does not satisfy our community's interests. Contact RPCAN for more info about reasons.

Loyola reps claim they have more community support than opposition. RPCAN is asking members and allies to register opposition to that specific subsidy proposal, before it is submitted to the City Council, by clicking on: www.citizenspeak.org/node/150
Thanks for your help. When each of us does her/his part, the change it's gonna' come.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Roth, Patricia Phillips, Co-Chairs
P.S. Of course, we also need financial support to continue this work. You can make a credit card donation on-line at www.rpcan.org (click the "make a donation" button) or send a check to RPCAN at 1545 W. Morse, Chiacgo, IL 60626
RPCAN Office rpcanoffice@earthlink.net

2006-03-12T04:37:00.000-06:00

Medicare (D)isaster & Canadian Drugs

by georgia10
Sun Mar 26, 2006 at 07:34:12 PM PDT

Republicans, even President Bush himself, have been forced to admit what Democrats have said all along: the implementation of the Medicare Part D benefit has been a disaster. A study by the Democratic staff of the House Government Reform Committee reveals how costly the plan really is. Congressman Tom Allen of Maine had asked for the investigation:

Article

2006-03-12T04:36:00.001-06:00

Senn Battle Continues

By Angela Caputo

No doubt there were a whole lot of meetings leading up to the Rickover Naval Academy opening its doors in Senn High this year.

But residents in the 48th Ward voted by a margin of roughly 2 to 1 in a March 21 advisory referendum calling on CPS to start a new formal process to talk about removing the military academy from the high school, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

In defense of the effort to bring the community into the decision making last year, the political organization Citizens for Mary Ann Smith (48th Ward alderman), cited briefings to block clubs, business and other community groups along with two community forums and public hearings by the Board of Education last year.

Referendum supporters, though, say despite all the meetings it was merely a charade of an open process. From the beginning, they say, it seemed like a done deal.

"Having public hearings telling people what you're doing and why it's great has no relationship to a community process," ONE Executive Director Sarah Jane Knoy said. "You need to bring people to the table before decisions are made, not after."

As for the showing of roughly 4,500 supporters across the 48th ward the alderman's Chief of Staff Greg Harris said, "The referendum was directed at the Board of Education and that's up to them."

Organizers met with Board of Education Chair Michael Scott leading up to the election. Scott, they say, pledged to meet again with a neighborhood delegation if the measure were to garner a majority of votes.

CPS spokesman Mike Vaughn said that the board is all for the community setting up more meetings, however, "The board stands by that initial community process...and the decision to open Rickover."

2006-03-12T04:36:00.000-06:00

Chicago's Unauthorized Alleys
Tribune, March 26

2006-03-12T04:34:00.000-06:00

Study Cites Reasons
for Affordable Housing Shortage

The competition for moderately priced homes is helping to accelerate overcrowding, homelessness and situations where families are paying more than a third of their household income on housing, the University of Illinois at Chicago study warns.
Tribune

Article

2006-03-12T04:33:00.001-06:00

Voters Favor Height Limits

By Angela Caputo
March 29

Voters in one corner of the 48th Ward may have shown overwhelming support for downzoning a stretch of Broadway that cuts right throughout the heart of Edgewater, but the March 21 advisory referendum hasn't put the hotly debated issue to rest, according to a top aldermanic aide.

Eighty-eight percent of voters living in four precincts on the east side of Broadway cast ballots in favor of a four-story height limitation between Devon and Foster.
Referendum organizer and civic leader Pat Sharkey says after doing a whole lot of door knocking and taking her power presentation on the block club circuit, she wasn't at all surprised by the show of support. "Anybody who worked on this (campaign) knows that nobody had to sell people on it."

At the same time that they were organizing their referendum campaign, though, block clubs have also been weighing in with Alderman Mary Ann Smith, D-48th, on the density question, and so far it looks like there is still no consensus.
"For the large part the west side of Broadway prefers B1-2 (lower density) and on the east side the largest sections preferred B1-3 (higher density)," 48th Ward Chief of Staff Greg Harris said.

After years of community meetings and even hiring a consultant to make zoning recommendations, North Edgewater Beach Association Block Club President Norm Cratty said, "We're back at square one."

While both sides have the same goal--sprucing up the neighborhood's residential strip--the zoning question comes down to a split in development strategy.
Those in favor of downzoning see higher density as stifling development by making land too expensive and relying exclusively on profits from condos above the storefronts rather than making the effort to actually fill them in.
On the flip side, some contend that without the incentive to build big, developers will shy away from the area.

Under both proposals developers could seek upzoning, which would be at the discretion of the alderman and her advisory board.

The community may be at an impasse when it comes to consensus, however, with a more informed public it's time to start making some compromises, Harris said.
Early on many thought that the entire stretch should carry the same zoning designation. But after hearing out both experts and neighbors, "People realized it was a complicated issue," he added. Now the alderman is going to have to weigh in factors like density, parking and "work out a compromise."

2006-03-12T04:33:00.000-06:00

March 21st
Referendums

March 23, 2006
The following are the unofficial, and in some cases, incomplete, results of Tuesday, March 21, 2006 referendums in the metropolitan area.
CHICAGO

Ward 22-seeking to draw attendance boundaries for Little Village High School. Yes 1,355 No 1,116
Ward 24-seeking to elimination criminal record background questions on employment applications. Yes 4,240 No 275Ward 25-14 precincts-seeking to restrict zoning in Pilsen. Yes 1,103 No 356
Ward 28 -seeking to elimination criminal record background questions on employment applications. Yes 3,594 No 242
Ward 29 -seeking to elimination criminal record background questions on employment applications. Yes 5,137 No 500
Ward 35 -seeking to enact Inclusionary Housing Ordinance Yes 2,541 No 772; seeking to enact Chicago Big Box Living Wage Ordinance Yes 2,737 No 539; seeking to support TIF district. Yes 1,445 No 1,865
Ward 37 -seeking to elimination criminal record background questions on employment applications. Yes 4,036 No 345
Ward 48 -seeking to allow community input into removal of Rickover military academy at Senn High School. Yes 3,990 No 1,765
Ward 48-precinct 30, 38, 50 and 51-seeking to limit height on buildings to four stories on sections of Broadway Avenue. Yes 804 No 114
Tribune

2006-03-12T04:32:00.000-06:00

ben j. says.....

"Every now and then, a TIF funds a worthwhile endeavor- saving a landmark, building a school. But they're so poorly regulated that far more often they do more harm than good. Given the way TIF's have been abused, it would make more sense for Colon to ask voters to support abolishing the 35th ward TIF altogether.

Fat chance of that. TIFs are the only planning subsidy in town, so Alderman either go along with them or watch development dollars go to other wards.

An Opaque Kind of Transparency

Alderman Ray Colon wants to know if voters in the 35th Ward
approve of their TIF, but what does he plan to do if they don't?

2006-03-12T04:21:00.001-06:00

secret
garden in
Rogers Park.....