East Village Association | West Town Chicago

West Town crime: April 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Sat, 18 May 2013 20:22:37 PDT

West Town crime: April 2013
Last month's 48 reported violent crime incidents in West Town were one fewer than in April a year ago. There was one homicide, on April 28, described by the Chicago Tribune as a bar fight that spilled onto Division Street in the 2500 block.

The East Village Association analyzed statistics downloaded from the City of Chicago Data Portal and published on the Tribune Crime in Chicago website, comparing them to the same period a year ago.

Crime type	April 2013	% change	Jan-Apr '03	% change
Violent crime	48	-2%	158	-12%
Homicide	1	0%	4	33%
Sexual assault	3	200%	4	-64%
Assault	8	33%	25	9%
Battery	15	36%	33	-11%
Robbery	21	-30%	92	-12%
Property crime	313	-4%	1,099	-10%
Burglary	69	38%	230	14%
Theft	199	-2%	661	-20%
Vehicle theft	43	-7%	205	12%
Arson	2	0%	3	50%
Quality-of-life crime	109	-28%	331	-42%
Property damage	79	-29%	235	-33%
Prostitution	2	0%	5	25%
Narcotics	28	-24%	91	-59%

Free 'Stuff' from Adventure Stage teen Trailblazers

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:34:41 PDT

By Jennifer Mathews

Adventure Stage Chicago’s youth mentoring program, the Trailblazers, presents the premiere of "Stuff: A Curious Collection," created in collaboration with playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher.

The free, hourlong all-ages shows are at 7pm May 20 & 21 at the Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. They're followed by snacks and interactive theater games. To reserve seats, call 773-342-4141 or visit adventurestage.org.

"Stuff" uses sound, movement, music, poetry and dialogue to capture the magic in things we come into contact with everyday. A license plate, a doll, a steering wheel, a stethoscope -- each object contains amazing tales of the world and people around us, including ourselves.

The Trailblazers works with select youth ages 12-15. The program began with each “junior” participant being paired with a teaching artist. These pairs met as a small group throughout the summer of 2012 to build ensemble and develop interview skills. Towards the end of the summer, the group began to interview one another on a one-on-one basis. In addition, they explored ways to devise performances on their own and partnered with the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce in August 2012 to perform at the Polish Triangle.

Asher worked with the Trailblazers on a piece based on interviews conducted with the group and other West Town community members. She led a writing workshop and continued to work with the Trailblazers via Skype and videotaped interviews, group exercises and experiments.

The Trailblazers program is made possible through a Continuing Innovation grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and represents an important step in Adventure Stage's integration of social service delivery and artistic practice.

EVA Monday: Sheriff to reopen Wood Street squadroom midyear

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:14:56 PDT

By Neal McKnight

New occupants of the closed 13th District city police station will be introduced to the community at the May 6 East Village Association meeting. A representative of Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart will answer questions about the Cook County Sheriff's central warrant unit.

Cmdr. Augie Fabela, leader of the warrant squad, tells EVA he is excited to be working in the neighborhood, and asks that community groups and residents continue a discussion with the sheriff's police. He wants the warrant unit to be more than the new tenant of the Wood Street station.

Fabela answered some questions about the squad, part of the sheriff's police Law Enforcement Operations division:

There will be about 90 officers working out of 937 N. Wood St., split between two 10- hour shifts. This means there will be 40 to 45 cars working out of the building during each shift. Fabela does not anticipate the officers will use any parking other than on site and in areas previously reserved for police use.
Prisoners will be brought to the building for questioning and for transfer to other facilities. No visitors will be allowed.
The sheriff's police will not be patrolling, but Fabela feels that their presence will be a deterrent to crime. The commander also says that if his officers see a crime in progress they will respond. Burke will explain in detail the officers' duties in these situations.
Shuttered since yearend, the building will require asbestos remediation and abatement. There was a delay in coordinating whether this work will be done by the city or the county. Fabela now anticipates work will be completed in about 60 days. Absent unknown conditions, the county will start using the building immediately after work is completed. Fabela has been working on these issues with the city and Ald. Proco Joe Moreno's office.

Also on Monday's agenda is a presentation from Mary McInerney of Nextdoor.com, a social network for neighborhood watch and community groups. EVA formed an East Village group on Nextdoor early last year.

Energy Impact Illinois, which last visited EVA in October, will give an update on its fuel-efficiency program. The meeting begins at 7pm in the Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

StoryCorps coming to West Town library

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:18:56 PDT

By Anne Miskewitch

StoryCorps will be at 14 libraries this year and your West Town branch is one of them. Share and record your migration story in October as we celebrate this year's "One Book, One Chicago" selection, "The Warmth of Other Suns".

Find a family member, friend or neighbor who will join you for an interview, then call (312) 747-8191 or email onebookonechicago@gmail.com to make a reservation. Do you have a great migration story but you need someone to interview you? Call and we’ll try to match you with someone.

The American Library Association and StoryCorps selected the Chicago Public Library for a national pilot program, "StoryCorps @ Your Library." Since 2003 more than 40,000 people have interviewed family and friends through StoryCorps, making it one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

Upcoming events at 1625 W. Chicago Ave. include:

Tuesday: Ramona Diaz’s film "The Learning," screened in collaboration with the PBS documentary series POV.

May 16: Screening of Stephanie Wang-Breal’s "Wo Ai Ni (I Love You) Mommy."

May 18: Music & meditation with Sahaja Meditation.

May 30: Book club discussion: "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes.

June 25: "Chicago Cable Cars: A Forgotten but Important Story" with author Greg Borzo.

Read more »

Polish Triangle Tuesday events start in June

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:16:19 PDT

The Polish Triangle Coalition is looking for arts organizations, groups or individuals to showcase at this summer's Tuesdays at the Triangle events.

From June through September, arts organizations will be scheduled to present 1½-hour programs 6-8pm every Tuesday at Milwaukee, Ashland and Division. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for these performances.

Two to four food-truck vendors will be invited to use spaces at the triangle to provide a changing lineup of delicious fare.

Dance, spoken word, poetry, music, choral or DJ entertainers all will be considered. To be considered, please provide:

A brief description (1-2 paragraphs) of your proposed presentation.
The estimated length of your presentation.
A list of anything required for you to perform.
Two to three Tuesdays that would work best, in order of preference.
Your ability to notify your audience, members, parents, etc. of this event through your normal e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or website.

Events are held weather permitting. The coalition will try to reschedule any group to a different date in event of cancellation.

The coalition will be printing posters to be distributed throughout the neighborhood to restaurants, shops, schools and arts organizations. Fliers will announce the lineup of events and food vendors each week. Social media will reach the community and all information will be available on the PolishTriangleCoalition.org website.

Please submit to: info@polishtrianglecoalition.org or for more information call Kapra Fleming, 773-354-1239.

Marshfield-Paulina alley swap proposed

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:12:23 PDT

Existing alley configuration, EVA’s recommendation

By Scott A. Rappe

A 36-unit residential development has been proposed for the vacant land that connects the 800 blocks of Marshfield and Paulina. This development presents a rare opportunity to increase pedestrian safety, improve city service delivery, enhance automobile circulation and increase the potential for green space, by simply restoring the original alley configuration of the block.

The redundant east-west alley was created when the original alley was removed to construct a now-demolished parking garage. This alley interrupts the sidewalk on both Paulina and Marshfield, disrupts normal traffic flow and threatens pedestrian safety. Additionally, the new development will require a private alley to facilitate parking and trash pickup, adding more paving to the block.

The East Village Association has asked Ald. Proco Joe Moreno to facilitate a trade of the east-west alley to the north of the property in exchange for the developer dedicating the original alley right-of-way back to the city. This swap would enlarge the developer’s property by 1,400 square feet and widen the property by 14 feet, allowing for normal-size lots, more efficient parking, increased green space and less paving than the current configuration. In exchange, EVA will expect the development to adhere to the setbacks and open-space requirements of the RM4.5 zoning.

Free child ID at West Town library

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:53:01 PDT

Steve Quick Jeweler, 12th District police commander at EVA

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:38:13 PDT

Billboard at 1934 W. Chicago Ave.

East Village Association membership meeting minutes for April 1, 2013
Submitted by Meghan Quinn

Business Minute: Steve Quick Jeweler
Store manager Sarah Wortman recently opened Steve Quick Jeweler at 1909 W. Division St. Steve Quick opened his flagship store in Lincoln Park 26 years ago, expanded to a second location in Lincoln Square five years ago, and just this past fall opened his Wicker Park store. Wortman said that Quick looks for spots with a lot of character. The jeweler is known for bridal sets but offers a large selection and can fix watches. Customers can create their own wish lists so loved ones know exactly what to get for special occasions.

The business has been running an electronic billboard ad for the past three weeks or so, and residents are concerned that this doesn’t mesh with the community’s negative stance on the billboards. An EVA member pointed out that she is keeping track of which local businesses are advertising, and will subsequently set up a neighborhood boycott of those businesses. Many in the community feel that the billboards are obtrusive, not neighborhood-oriented, and a public safety issue. EVA has also been focusing on pulling away from auto-oriented commerce. Wortman pointed out that Steve Quick has always been neighborhood oriented and did not realize the effect on the neighborhood. She welcomes the feedback and will take it into consideration.

People also applauded the new Steve Quick storefront, which has a baseball theme currently. Wortman said Quick wants the windows to stand out even when the store is closed and the jewelry is not on display.

Adventure Stage Chicago
Scott Letscher from children's theater company Adventure Stage Chicago came to talk about the new production "Augusta and Noble." Adventure Stage Chicago is a social service entity, and the arts program of the Noble Settlement House at 1012 N. Noble St. There was a lack of theater opportunities in Chicago for the 9-14 age group, so Adventure Stage sought to fill that void. Children of that age want and need to be challenged. Plays at Adventure Stage feature characters in that age range and address questions about their world.

"Augusta and Noble" tells stories of people in our neighborhood, and of those that use the settlement. The process started with story circles, and eventually a playwright crafted a play based on those stories. The issues raised are just as relevant to adults as to children (ages 9 & up recommended). The show opens April 13 and runs through May 16. A discounted neighborhood rate of $10 per ticket applies for residents within the 60622 and 60642 ZIP codes. Go to adventurestage.org for information.

Guest Speaker: Cmdr. Melissa Staples
We were honored to have new 12th District Police Cmdr. Melissa Staples tell us about herself and her role in the community. Staples has been on the job for 22 years, in various areas including patrol, asset forfeiture and one of only five homicide lieutenants in Chicago, as well as the only female. Staples served as the Albany Park commander for two years. Her new post as 12th District commander is very special to her, as she has lived in the community for 13 years.

Staples stressed that she is sensitive the closing of the 13th District station and will not allow the north end of the district to get less police attention. Staples says she has the benefit of the most manpower in the city and will take advantage of that fact. She has already created a team that focuses on robberies, burglaries and major thefts. The district is already down 5-10 of those incidents for the year, a testament to the efficacy of the team. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to call 911.

There has also been an uptick in car break-ins. So far this year there have been 277 cars stolen in the district, 87% of which have never been recovered. Staples tells community members not to leave anything in your cars, even spare change. The smallest things can attract thieves.

Can we hold CAPS meetings every month during the summer since crime rates typically rise in the warmer months? CPD hasn’t discussed it but attendance is an issue. EVA president Neal McKnight brought up a proposal that we add CAPS as a component of EVA meetings. This way there would be a monthly CAPS meeting as well as a good turnout.

Our concerns are quality of life issues and we don’t want small issues to become big issues, but our resources are strained. How do you plan to address this? Staples says she hasn’t lost any officers except for some retirees. She has really been making a point in roll call to give focus to the officers; they are not just driving around aimlessly. For instance, she has one officer that focuses on licensing. Staples wants to be contacted with our problems and issues regarding the district, which would typically be through the CAPS process.

Many blocks are very open about the crimes happening in their area, but how can we get the information out about good news, like when a crime is solved? Staples says this is difficult with 127,000 people in the district, and the police website is somewhat difficult to use. She wants e-mail blasts and easier searching on the website, which the department is working on. Staples wants to make everything more transparent, share success stories and make it easier to see crime patterns.

CAPS
There is a Beat 1212 Meeting at 7pm April 2 at St. Helens.

Parks & Schools
LaSalle II has put in an official request to convert the 1800 block of West Haddon to eastbound to help with traffic issues, and asks that only teachers and administrators have access to the alley south of the school.

Do-Division
The annual fest is looking for business sponsors.

Commercial Park
EVA is once again partnering with Commercial Park for the annual Earth Day event from 9am-12pm April 20. Community members can come get supplies at the park, then collect trash around the neighborhood. There will be activities at the park and food provided. Whether or not you attend, please try to clean up around your block when you see trash. Commercial Park has also been trying to install a mural similar to the mosaic at LaSalle II, and recently received a small grant from Friends of the Parks toward that project.

Meeting commenced at 7:06pm, adjourned at 8:25pm in Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Attendance: Board Members Neal McKnight, Meghan Quinn, Gladys Anselmo, Greg Nagel, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Robert Schickel, Tom Tomek.

Division SRO goes upscale, garage site residential

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:56:47 PDT

1659 W. Division

Planning, Preservation & Development minutes for April 15, 2013

Robert Baum and Mike Downing, new owners of 1659 W. Division, will rehab and continue to operate single-room occupancy apartments. The business plan is to offer corporate housing contracts to law firms, hospitals and other service businesses at a lower price than executive housing. Most units will continue to share bathrooms, but with updated plumbing. Main entrance will be on Division Street. The building will have 24-hour staffing, video monitoring and a first-floor retail tenant. The building will be reconfigured to 35 units (from 38) and rates to about $2,000 a month (from $400). Parking will be offsite on private lots, with no valet. The operator will contract for commercial refuse service. Units will not have full kitchens; the first floor will have a lunchroom.

The architect, owner and developers of a vacant lot at 819 N. Paulina (John Hanna, Rogelio Llamedo, Alex Negonechny, Andriy Stetsyuk) presented revised plans for 6 six-flats, largely conforming to R4.5 zoning per EVA request but with short setbacks. Scott Rappe suggested the development presents an opportunity to improve street views and pedestrian safety by vacating second (north) alley created for former use as city parking garage. Builder asked for more units and owner for expedited review. Ald. Moreno said his office would investigate feasibility, and Rob Schickel will get neighbor feedback.

5-6pm at 1st Ward office, 2058 N. Western Ave. Attending: Neal McKnight, Gladys Anselmo, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Rob Schickel, Tom Tomek; Proco Joe Moreno, Raymond Valadez; Robert Baum, Mike Downing, John Hanna, Rogelio Llamedo, Alex Negonechny, Andriy Stetsyuk.

What makes a good neighborhood? Put a number on it

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:16:34 PDT

Division & Ashland development

EVA Planning, Preservation & Development minutes for April 11, 2013
Submitted by Kok Keng Goh, with Gladys Anselmo

Peter Locke recapped purpose of the meeting: University of Illinois-Chicago urban planning graduate students are looking ahead to what future development in East Village might look like. Joshua Hahn is working with the East Village Association on a master plan that might be incorporated in Chicago planning and zoning. Ada Morgan and Andres Acosta are involved in a Local First Chicago effort to identify metrics to track development impact. East Village could be a case study for a neighborhood scorecard based on the metrics.

Neal McKnight noted recent conversations on local business: Owners gather neighborhood data to determine feasibility of setting up an enterprise. East Village's reported household income doesn't seem accurate or reliable; better data would aid neighborhood planning and attract businesses aligned with current demographics.

Hahn commented that Chicago data are often aggregated and difficult to access at the local level. He wants to understand the desired direction for East Village development, planning issues at the core of the neighborhood, and EVA's philosophy of how we define a good neighborhood.

Discussion on what a good neighborhood involves:

Identifying unique points of the neighborhood and trying to preserve such attractions as walkability and historic character (Scott Rappe).
Stability and consistency in development (Gladys & Rich Anselmo).
Maintaining scale of residences such as keeping appropriate heights (Stephen Rynkiewicz).
Encouraging single-family homes. Most single-family frame buildings have been torn down, resulting in fewer homeowners and more transient renters, fewer families and diminishing neighborhood schools (Rynkiewicz). The trend is tough to stop, though, since multiunits generate more taxes for the city (McKnight).
Better understanding of affordability. Developers think that reducing square footage is the answer but makes for a more transient neighborhood, since long-term homeowners don't want small places (Rynkiewicz).
A sense of harmony between residential and commercial. Entrepreneurs overlook that relationship and must respect the community (Gladys Anselmo).
Businesses should support local residents first. East Village infrastructure does not support the high-impact, high-traffic businesses allowed here. The new Papa John's store on Damen creates a lot of loading traffic and is entirely geared to deliveries. Franchises don't carry the costs of their impact to a neighborhood (Rich Anselmo).
Branding and signage set the tone and help unify districts.

Concerns unique to East Village:

EVA shouldn't have to react to commercial development. Developers fail to be proactive. Standards should be set so volunteer organizations are not always fighting issues such as intrusive invasive land use (Gladys Anselmo).
Buffer zones between residential and commercial zones are not respected. Electronic billboards next to residential lanes endanger traffic, pedestrians and cyclists (Gladys Anselmo).
Augusta Boulevard should be residential but poor zoning has encouraged increasing commercial interest (Rynkiewicz).
Chicago Avenue should be attracting more restoration but has declined due to the economy. Big storefronts on the avenue have been vacant due to higher capital costs.
Even if small stores are successful and consumer traffic rises, there is a need to prevent big-box companies from encroaching on local businesses.
Condos tend to have short-term, 3- to 5-year residents, less interactive and less concerned with the neighborhood. Condo owners lease units to cover equity loss or get income in the downturn (McKnight).
"Back door" vs "front door" architecture encourages multiunit residents to drive in and out of the neighborhood in isolation. Neighborhood planning should push for more walkability and sociability.
Recruiting emphasis should not be on boutique businesses that are expensive for residents.
Pocket parks are needed more than big parks far away. Metrics can help justify green space. Cost to build a playlot is very expensive, about $500,000 due to insurance requirements.
Economics are problematic for a neighborhood to fund public spaces. Grants are hard to get, and rising long-term property values are slow and inefficient funding source. East Village has no tax-increment financing, and TIF money is not retained for local infrastructure development (McKnight).
The neighborhood is losing its neighborhood schools: Peabody is closing, LaSalle II is a magnet school, Talcott and Otis are farther away. Schools are important as a community anchor. Metrics should indicate how a neighborhood school can benefit the neighborhood, and would encourage steps to improve and attract good schools. Wells High is the largest structure in East Village but the most divorced from the community. Despite large capital improvement projects such as a new swimming pool, it still might be eliminated in a future round of consolidations. Wells and Clemente high schools need to be rebranded, with broad changes to the curriculum.
Existing tools like TIFs should create subsidies for local businesses or other incentives, or new tools that are easy to use should be employed. Participation in an available property tax credit program is so difficult as to serve no real benefit.
Some local business chambers do not share the development goals of the commmunity. West Town Chamber is focused on economics at community expense, while Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber collaborates on numerous projects proactively with local community groups.
Visual clutter attached to buildings negatively impacts the appearance and desirability of the community for residents and visitors. Tobacco and liquor discounts and rebates encourage large advertisements on buildings at Winchester & Chicago and Division & Wood.

Hahn was asked if any communities face similar issues and successfully address them. In 1956, Providence, R.I., developed a significant plan balancing development and preservation of community themes. Although many items were not implemented, the plan was valuable to create the perception of community and for municipalities and developers to consider. Providence has since achieved a successful balance.

Discussion with the grad students raised the question of how to validate EVA recommendations with appropriate metrics, for example to encourage local park space accessible within a 4-block radius of residents. Humboldt Park and Eckhart Park are too far away for many to consider. Driving to a park is not environmentally appropriate. Solution: Expand Commercial Park to the adjacent elevator-company property. EVA can encourage park development with land banking and land trusts as property becomes available. Chicago currently doesn't do this, although Cook County has started to adopt this strategy, primarily for affordable housing.

Adoptable metrics would provide tangible milestones and attainable political wins for government officials and the community. Examples of such successes in East Village:

The current Ashland-Division project, now highlighted as a long-fought project for community and viewed as a political win.
Division Street vaulted sidewalk repairs.
Goldblatt's preservation efforts.
Commercial district downzoning from high Cs and Bs zones to low-B zones.
Creation of the landmark districts.

All projects were driven by volunteer efforts and vision of community residents, with pressure placed on elected officials, resulting in benefits to the community. Such efforts can be problematic, though, if the community is not of the same mind. Issues often place neighbor against neighbor; local realtors and property owners felt landmark designation would negatively impact their ownership rights, causing legal issues.

Next Steps: Hahn will meet with local businesses and other institutions such as schools to round out and complete the community assessment. Rappe and McKnight will make introductions for Hahn to complete his research. Additional conversations will help understand the impact of certain business models, especially parasitic ones. The pawnbroker approved at the Polish Triangle caused a negative impact to the community.

7pm April 11 at West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Attending: Joshua Hahn, Ada Morgan, Andres Acosta; Neal McKnight, Peter Locke, KK Goh; Gladys Anselmo, Rich Anselmo, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz.

West Town crime: March 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:08:29 PDT

West Town March 2013

City of Chicago crime data

In West Town, 341 crimes were reported in March, according to information gathered from the City of Chicago data portal and reported by the Chicago Tribune. There were 27 violent crimes vs. 34 in March of 2012, a 21% drop. The 241 property crimes represented a 25% drop from 320 the year before, and the 73 quality-of-life crimes was half the 147 reported last year.

Redbox fest, Peabody hearing, development plan

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:23:11 PDT

About 50 community members testified at an April 8 meeting on the Peabody-Otis school merger. Next hearing is 5-7pm Friday at Clemente High.

East Village Association board meeting minutes for April 8
Submitted by Kok Keng Goh

Speakers for May 6
Congressman Mike Quigley, Mary McInerney of Nextdoor.com. Business Minute: MB Financial (home mortgages, loans), Comrade Cycles. Consider reaching out to Polish Museum, Hoosier Mama.

West Town Library community event sponsored by Redbox
Redbox contacted the West Town library to fund a community connector event, to promote the creative-artist community. Redbox has chosen five U.S. cities, Chicago being one of them, and only West Town library was selected. Gladys Anselmo is spearheading the event, expected by July or September. Other community organizations (Chicago Grand, Eckhart Park, Commercial Park) were contacted.

Suggested ideas include displaying artwork on building and library windows (vendor contacted for projection on building); festival during the day in open parking lot (from 12-8pm); vendor booths. Free for visitors to attend, with Redbox to pay for all setup. Local business owners and artists to be contacted; stipends for performers.

Due to timing constraints, decision was for Redbox to first sponsor smaller cities and Chicago for later to allow more planning time.

Peabody School closing
Stephen Rynkiewicz represented EVA at Monday's community meeting. Comments and questions were recorded by notetakers, for response at a later date. The draft consolidation plan does not indicate how curriculum would be added at Otis Elementary to accommodate an influx of new students. The EVA board wants concerned parties to weigh in on next steps.

East Village development master plan
University of Illinois-Chicago urban planning graduate students will meet with EVA board April 11 at West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. Anyone with ideas has chance to contribute.

CAPS
Tom Tomek will reach out to CAPS police officers to attend June meeting or August barbecue.

Billboards
Electronic signage are disturbing and distracting to the community. Businesses used city's old sign application to apply for new LED signs. Discussion included drafting a letter to businesses and coordinating a neighborhood petition drive. Neal McKnight will reach out to different community groups.

Paulina & Marshfield development
Developers have not been clear on their intent, making it difficult for EVA to address their zoning change request. Scott Rappe will follow up with developer's architects to figure out exact plans.

Fashion Fest
Organizers have been working on getting proposal together. EVA to push for a standard proposal submission by festival organizers rather than for EVA to request info.

Sidewalk cafes
With the upcoming summer season, several cafes have been expanding out to sidewalks. Quite a few are violating use of the sidewalk. Board members suggest community outreach to vote and weigh in on good and bad cafes.

Liquor moratoria
Concern from other businesses about the "craft beer" term in the agreement with Garden Gourmet. McKnight was contacted on whether the intent was to limit sale of beers to only craft beers and promote local breweries. EVA reiterated the intent was to limit alcohol price point and reduce type of customers that would purchase them (who would otherwise cause problems for the neighborhood).

1001 N. Winchester
Building is being redeveloped as a brunch and dinner restaurant. Owner Chris Pappas removed bench in front of property given concerns about loiterers, and agreed no outdoor cafe. Vendors won't use large trucks for deliveries, and the entrance is being moved to Augusta. Employees will not apply for parking permits in the neighborhood to reduce traffic stress.

Development report card
The suggestion from Peter Locke of Local First Chicago is to look at East Village and figure out metrics for community development (e.g. walkability score), how development plans affect the metrics. UIC interns (urban planning grad students) may assist in the project.

Attendees at West Town Bakery: Neal McKnight, Peter Locke, KK Goh, Gladys Anselmo, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Robert Schickel, Tom Tomek.

East Village social media: News from neighbors

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:30:08 PDT

The East Village Association now has more than 750 Facebook fans and 500 Twitter followers. They get not only news about EVA but also links and opinions from fellow members.

All fans can post on the EVA Facebook timeline to share news or leave questions and comments. Facebook members logged into their computers can see the latest posts on the right.

The Twitter feed @evachicago sends news and lifestyle headlines from local news media, blogs and city agencies, the same headlines featured below.

A magazine of East Village Chicago news is now available on the Flipboard smartphone app. Flipboard also reads Facebook or Twitter messages, or other news feeds such as the Feedburner RSS feed of posts from this site.

Last year EVA started a private group on Nextdoor, a social media site that launched a redesign in February just as NBC News shut down its Everyblock sites. Neighborhood Watch groups often use Nextdoor because it requires proof of address and can send text alerts as well as email. Members also make business referrals or share tools, functions similar to the OhSoWe site that shut down last year.

EVA also moderates the evachicago Yahoo! Group, where anyone in the community can join and post messages. EVA and Wicker Park Committee send notices using this email list.

To get news alerts from EVA, choose one of the email forms on this page to get the newsletter monthly or each article as soon as it's posted. To forward EVA announcements, click on the M-shaped email image at the end of the article. There are also buttons for sharing the article on your Facebook, Twitter, Blogger or Google+ page. Try them out.

Ashland liquor backed, sheriff takes 13th, dim view of signs, Peabody at risk

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:26:51 PDT

East Village Association membership meeting minutes for March 4, 2013
Submitted by Meghan Quinn

Liquor Moratoria
Ald. Proco Joe Moreno joined us to discuss the possible lifting of a liquor moratorium on Ashland Avenue. There are about 20 moratoria currently in place in our neighborhood (Grand to Division and Damen to Ashland). Moreno stated that many businesses have approached him asking to lift a moratorium in their location. He would like to lift this Ashland moratorium so that Garden Gourmet Market may sell beer and wine at 1130 N. Ashland Ave. Moreno sees a problem with the current moratorium structure -- it is an all or nothing approach. In this case, a legal document known as a Plan of Operation would run concurrent with the license granted, setting certain restrictions such as types of liquor and hours when they would be sold.

With the support of EVA members on this issue, Moreno will commit to not lifting any other moratoria within the above-mentioned area for 2 years, or the remainder of his term. He also agreed that the liquor license must run concurrent with an agreed upon Plan of Operation that will limit liquor sales to a maximum 25% of total sales, and will only allow craft beer and wine sales. Failure to follow the Plan of Operation can result in fines, and ultimately the revocation of the license. For example, the point of sale system will be audited, with the review period being shortened should violations occur.

Previous concerns from the community have included worries that other businesses will take advantage of the lifting and apply for liquor licenses as well. Moreno plans to address this by downzoning the few properties in this area that this would apply to before the lifting occurs, so that no liquor stores can be opened. Additionally, people worry that the market will change its business model or that if the current business fails, another business could come in and do whatever they want with the license. Moreno assured the group that this is not possible, as the Plan of Operation carries over to any new owner. Legally, the sale/continuity of the liquor license cannot be prohibited. However, after one year when the moratorium has been put back in place, the license cannot be transferred.

In response to the question of why this particular business, Moreno said that to not lift would be the easiest move for his office, but he is committed to local, independent businesses. He has seen a lot of inquiries from big box stores, and wants to support smaller companies. In this case, a collaborative solution includes a lot of protections for the surrounding neighborhood. Historically, a Plan of Operation has been used only after problems already have occurred, which is often too late. Previous aldermen have done restrictive covenants, which are more casual and not necessarily legally enforceable.

The owner of Garden Gourmet also attended the meeting and stated that he intends to agree to the Plan of Operation set forth after reviewing it with his attorneys. Maher Farhan characterized his usual business traffic as the after-work crowd (4-8pm). A lot of these customers buy items for dinner that night. A lot of them ask for wine and craft beer to accompany their purchases, and he would like to give his customers what they are asking for. In response to concerns that he would exceed the 25% sales limit in the Plan of Operation, he stated that he would address that by simply controlling his inventory. The owner’s father, also in attendance, has been in the neighborhood since 1980 and has seen it change. He owned a store on Division Street for 27 years, and in all of his time there never lost his license to violations.

As a group, EVA knows that this is not a perfect agreement. We would prefer to create a new type of liquor license that would fold in a lot of the solutions. However, the Plan of Operation alleviates a lot of our concerns. It is worth the risk not to spend the majority of our time addressing further liquor issues one at a time over the next two years.

To sum it up, the Plan of Operation is enforceable, while the agreement with Moreno is based on trust. Some in attendance raised concern over the inequity of allowing only one business to get this deal in two years. The hope is to get a commitment from Moreno to work with us to institute a legislative solution so that liquor licenses are no longer all or nothing.

A motion was made to the membership to support Moreno’s request to lift the Ashland moratorium, with the Plan of Operation, in exchange for an agreement to not lift any moratoria for the next two years. The motion passed with a vote of 22 for, 5 against.

13th District Police Station
While in attendance, Moreno also discussed the closing of the 13th District police station and the next steps at the site. Moreno had formed a working group of five citizens who worked with the community through meetings and surveys to get an idea of what the community desires. Popular suggestions included a dog park, an adult-focused park with amenities such as a track, and a continued police presence. Moreno has now announced an agreement with the Cook County Sheriff to use the building as its Warrant Division.

The county was looking to consolidate and the 13th District Station was third on a list of possible new locations, one of the others being the Goldblatt’s Building on West Chicago Avenue, which they decided against. There will be a minimum of 75 officers using the building as a central warrant office. The county has made a commitment to start work in the 1st Ward, and Moreno pointed out there are currently 40,000 outstanding warrants in the city. The hours will be 5am to 2am, and there will be no lock-up facility, meaning no visitors as well.

The officers working in the area must act as police if they see or hear of criminal activity, though that is not their primary reason for being in the area. They will not respond to 911 calls. While they are not beat cops, they are a law enforcement presence. Asbestos will be removed and Moreno will work to "green" the building. It looks as though there will be some committed money leftover after this new project is complete. The original money was intended to do a green project if the building was demolished, and Moreno says that money could be used for other neighborhood park projects, such as a Commercial Park expansion.

LED billboard at 1934 W. Chicago Ave. (Tom Tomek photo)

Electronic Billboards
Large electronic billboards have proliferated in the neighborhood recently. At least one on Chicago Avenue falls within the pedestrian designated zone. These signs do not represent the businesses they are attached to, and are designed for people driving by, not for those on foot, so EVA would like to get a restriction to keep them out of areas with a pedestrian designation.

EVA is against these signs, whether in a pedestrian zone or not. Owners of businesses on which the billboards are mounted are not pleased either. Local businesses and residents alike agree it destroys the aesthetic character of our community. Apparently, Ald. Scott Waguespack was not notified before a sign went up on Winchester in his ward. These signs hang in the public way, and therefore the aldermen should have a say in the matter. EVA proposes writing a letter of opposition, which would be vetted by the community. Another suggestion from an attendee was to boycott any business or product advertised on the signs, as this is larger than a neighborhood issue and must become a social movement.

Board members observed that signs represent short-term revenue for the city but will result in a long-term deficit. Large corporations such as Wal-Mart, Subway and Target are most likely to advertise on the billboards, ultimately taking money away from local businesses. As most of the meeting’s attendees are against these billboards, EVA encourages all to write to their aldermen and the mayor to voice concerns. EVA will draft a letter of opposition to put before the membership.

Election of 2013 EVA Board
Motion made to elect the existing EVA Board officers to continue for another year as follows: President Neal McKnight, Vice President Peter Locke, Treasurer KK Goh, Secretary Meghan Quinn. All present vote for existing board to continue for another year.

Peabody School Closing
Martin Ritter, current Chicago Teachers Union organizer, came to discuss the announcement of the potential closing of Peabody Elementary School. The Board of Education is considering 129 public schools for closure for budget concerns. However, a Pew Charitable Trusts study suggests that closing schools would not fix the deficit. Closings could also have detrimental effects on the community. Peabody teachers Rhea Heggaton and Debbi Ratulowski came to speak about their school, which has been in the neighborhood for generations (116 years).

Peabody was 1 of only 100 schools in the nation to receive a grant from Macy's to produce a musical. They have many programs that are not given through CPS but are run through grants and community volunteers, such as Girls on the Run, WITS Tutoring, Junior Achievement and Suzuki Music. They have been a Level 1 school in the past and have been comparable to all of the other neighborhood schools until last year when their test scores dropped.

Peabody's closure is based on utilization, which means there are less than 36 children per classroom not including special education students. The teachers said special education comprise 20.6% of Peabody students. There are 263 children attending Peabody, and 573 would be the total if there were 36 kids per classroom. Ritter pointed out that this number violates the Teachers Union contract. The nearest school for kids to relocate to is Otis, which is 0.78 miles away. However, Otis is already considered 'efficient' with 400 students, so if Peabody (and possibly Lozano) close, Otis could become overcrowded.

For those who don’t want these closures to occur, keep the conversation going. Ritter suggests going to elected officials, calling the mayor’s office and voicing your concerns as often as you can. You can call Barbara Byrd-Bennett at 773-553-1500 and Board of Education President David Vitale at 773-553-1600. Ritter also suggests talking to neighbors, using social media, and spreading the word. There is also a pro-school rally in Daley Plaza at 4pm March 27. The deadline to release the closure list is March 31, and within 60 days there will be two community meetings, which are important to attend.

Overall, Peabody wants input from the community on how they can better serve our neighborhood. For example, they would like to do early autism classes for ages 0-3, parent classes and a farmer’s market on campus.

EVA wants a vibrant educational presence in our community and is here to support Peabody and the other schools in our area and beyond. We will be sure to help get out any info brought to us by schools.

Meeting commenced 7:05pm, adjourned 8:45pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Attendance: Board members Neal McKnight, Peter Locke, Meghan Quinn, Gladys Anselmo, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Greg Nagel, Tom Tomek.

Eckhart Park playground announcement April 6

noreply@blogger.com (Friends of Eckhart Park) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:05:59 PDT

Join Friends of Eckhart Park on April 6 for an official announcement about playground funding and details from Patrick J. Levar, Chicago Park District chief operating officer. The meeting is at 10am in the Eckhart Park fieldhouse, 1330 W. Chicago Ave.

Friends of Eckhart Park also will be discussing the park’s plans for Earth Day and calling for volunteers. The new playground will provide great opportunities to get involved, and the organization will be accepting nominations for board positions during the meeting. Elections will take place May 4.

The announcement celebration will continue at 11 am at Branch 27, 1371 W. Chicago Ave. Come out and celebrate with your friends and neighbors.

RSVP »

EVA Monday: Melissa Staples, new Chicago Police commander

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:24:03 PDT

Chicago Police Cmdr. Melissa A. Staples gives a status report on the merged 12th District at Monday's East Village Association meeting.

A resident of the old 13th District, Staples is incorporating East Village beats into the 12th District, with a new $21 million headquarters at 1412 S. Blue Island Ave. The 13th District station house closed in December, and a deal was struck in February to convert the Wood Street building into a Cook County Sheriff warrants office.

Staples previously was 17th District commander in Albany Park. She's a 22-year Chicago Police veteran with experience in the detective, organized crime and patrol divisions. Her February talk to the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association covered gang violence and other issues.

EVA and UVNA have been asking for information on beat manpower and arrests in the consolidated district, and are promised a report on crime incidents 90 days before and after the 13th District closing.

The meeting starts at 7pm in the Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Steve Quick Jeweler, the Lincoln Park shop that recently opened a location at 1909 W. Division St., will present the business minute.

Peabody-Otis school merger hearings set for April

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:25:41 PDT

Hearings on the proposed closing of Peabody School are scheduled for 5pm April 8 and 12 at Roberto Clemente High School, 1147 N. Western Ave. Whether or not the merger plan proceeds, the schools face formidable resource issues.

Students at Peabody would move a mile south into Otis Elementary, a language magnet school at 525 N. Armour. Otis would add an open-admission track for East Village pupils east of Ashland Avenue.

Pritzker magnet school at 2009 W. Schiller St. took on a similar role west of Ashland, adding a neighborhood program when Andersen School was merged into LaSalle II magnet school. LaSalle II took students still at Andersen in 2011; both schools shared the building at 1148 N. Honore St.

Peabody is one of 61 sites the Chicago Public Schools plans to close in an attempt to conserve resources. Chief executive Barbara Byrd-Bennett sought to reassure parents in the run-up to the March 20 announcement. "As a life-long educator, former teacher and principal," Byrd-Bennett wrote in a letter to parents, "I know that consolidating underutilized schools will allow us to focus our resources so that every child can be in a safe, better performing school close to their home."

Byrd-Bennett's formulation of safety, performance and proximity is a good starting point in evaluating the draft transition plan circulated to Peabody parents. The plan is subject to change with input from the Clemente meetings and an April 18 hearing at the CPS central office, 125 S. Clark St.

Students cited crossing gang boundaries as a concern in the first round of hearings on West Town school closings. Without alluding to gang issues, the transition plan proposes to place more Safe Passage crossing guards in the neighborhood. The yellow-vested workers already are stationed along Ashland Avenue before and after classes at Wells High School, 936 N. Ashland Ave.

Otis is the better-performing school on state tests, but as an open-enrollment school Peabody isn't exactly comparable with Otis, a selective enrollment school. Last year 82% of Otis tests met state norms, compared with 64% at Peabody. Otis is a Level 2 school in good standing, while Peabody is on probation for its low proportion of tests exceeding state standards. CPS pledges an administrator to supervise the transition, and discretionary tutoring or coaching resources at both schools.

Otis is also the bigger school, now judged at 61% of "ideal enrollment" with 475 students, compared to 50% at Peabody with 287. But a merger could prove taxing to Otis: Combined enrollment would be 98% of the CPS' optimal headcount of 780, a number based on 30 pupils in each of Otis' 26 homerooms. The CPS analysis conducted last year suggests an "enrollment efficiency" range as high as 936, or 20% over the target.

The merger would not get any Peabody pupils closer to home, since Peabody's enrollment boundary stretches from Division Street to Chicago Avenue and Otis sits close to Grand Avenue.

The merger summary promises air conditioning in every classroom at Otis. A 2010 capital assessment estimates $5.7 million in heating, plumbing, lighting and other renovation needs, compared to $3.3 million in boiler and other repairs at Peabody.

The school district now says Peabody would need $11.5 million and Otis $11.9 million to maintain and update. Otis was built in 1879 with additional construction in 1893 and 1907; Peabody dates from 1895 with additions in 1920, 1970 and 1985.

Unlike Peabody, the Otis campus is "minimally accessible" under the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning floor and room access can still be restrictive. Special-needs services will continue to be provided at the new school. Both have a half-day preschool.

Parents can apply before April 19 to fill vacancies at other magnet or community schools, but the available options also fall outside the Peabody limits. The nearby Near North citywide special-ed school at 739 N. Ada St. is being merged into Montefiore Academy, at 1310 S. Ashland Ave.

The plan does not address Peabody's disposition after it is shuttered. Its two buildings are just west of Northwestern Settlement House and Noble Street College Prep charter high school.

West Town inspires Adventure Stage Chicago play

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:43:36 PDT

By Jennifer Mathews

Adventure Stage Chicago uses true stories from West Town neighbors to create its next production, the world premiere of "Augusta and Noble."

Gabi has graduated from Peabody School and is starting high school across the city at Northside College Prep. As she encounters new people and possibilities, Gabi begins asking questions about her heritage, including the truth about her parents' journey to America.

Get a sneak peek of "Augusta and Noble" during a free open rehearsal at 4pm March 24. Register at 773-342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org. Managing Director Scott Letscher will discuss the production at the East Village Association's April 1 meeting, starting at 7pm in Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

The play was first conceived in Summer 2011 story circles conducted with Northwestern University Settlement House neighbors, then developed over 18 months with playwright Carlos Murillo, ensemble members and West Town residents.

"Augusta and Noble" will be staged April 13 through May 16 at Augusta and Noble – in the Vittum Theater at 1012 N. Noble St. Adventure Stage Chicago founder Tom Arvetis directs the play.

Told in English peppered with Spanish, weekend performances will include Spanish and English supertitles on a screen above the stage. Weekday and preview performances also are scheduled. "Augusta and Noble" is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Murillo heads the playwriting program at DePaul University's theater school and a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists and New Dramatists. This is his first Adventure Stage production. He has received commissions from the Goodman Theatre and Steppenwolf in Chicago, Berkeley Rep in California and Playwrights Horizons and the Public Theater in New York. "Augusta and Noble" is produced with a Doris Duke Charitable Foundation grant.

Tickets are $25; $15 for ages 14 and under. Patrons from ZIP codes 60642 and 60622 get a $10 discount. The April 13 opening performance includes a reception with cupcakes from Kyle’s Cupcakery. Call 773-342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org.

Eckhart Park kickstarts playground campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:44:43 PDT

Fundraising begins in earnest this spring to build a playground at Eckhart Park. After soliciting ideas for a benefactor monument and producing a promotional video, volunteers have raised about $40,000 toward the $550,000 park project at 1330 W. Chicago Ave.

An Earth Day park cleanup will kick off fundraising, Nick Fotis of Friends of Eckhart Park told the East Village Association board Monday. Donors can text "Eckhart" to 40679 or schedule one-time or periodic contributions on Razoo, a Kickstarter-style website for nonprofits.

Typically the Chicago Park District puts up about a third of the cost of such improvements, and $183,000 is budgeted in its 2014-17 capital improvement plan. The alderman matches it with discretionary capital, and Ald. Walter Burnett has pledged $175,000 in 27th Ward "menu money."

The $40,000 represents 20% of the neighborhood contribution required for the project to move beyond site plans. Targets for the Eckhart Park steering committee (formerly the Eckhart Park Advisory Council) are $96,000 from face-to-face fundraising and $50,000 from social media. Thank-you gifts include T-shirts, books and an onsite benefactor listing.

Gardening activities and a neighborhood walk are also planned. The West Town Chamber of Commerce will assist with publicity and Facebook ads, Fotis says.

Iconic landscape architect Jens Jensen developed Eckhart Park in 1907, working as general superintendent of the West Park Commission under president Bernard A. Eckhart. Jensen was charged with completing Humboldt Park and building the West Side's first neighborhood parks.

Jensen's plan for "Park No. 1" are on display in the Eckhart Park video, along with interviews from current and former neighbors and park supervisor Melody Mitchell.

EVA Monday: Ashland liquor moratorium vote

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 14:45:03 PST

By Neal McKnight

On Monday the East Village Association will vote on whether to support lifting a package liquor moratorium on Ashland Avenue between Division Street and Augusta Boulevard. Approval would be subject to controls imposed on the proposed licensee and written commitments from Ald. Proco Joe Moreno.

The EVA board of directors proposed in May and general membership voted June 4 to request that all current package and tavern liquor moratoria in our community be left in place for 3 years. This vote expressed the unanimous view of the organization to be communicated not only to the aldermen representing our community but also the Chicago Police Department and the local liquor control commissioner.

EVA also requested that the aldermen and governmental authorities explore legislative and regulatory solutions to create a framework for lifting the moratoria that would allow for a compromise between an outright ban and tailored individual controls.

Since this vote was taken, Ald. Moreno approached EVA expressing his desire and intent to lift the moratorium on Ashland Avenue to allow for Garden Gourmet Market to obtain a package liquor license operating as a grocer at 1130 N. Ashland Ave. Ald. Moreno also requested EVA input to find ways to allow this license.

In response to Ald. Moreno's request, EVA proposed these conditions for the organization's support for lifting the Ashland Avenue liquor moratorium:

A written commitment from Ald. Moreno to complete the following before lifting the moratorium:
1. All parcels in the Ashland moratorium that currently would be eligible for a package or tavern license be downzoned to prevent additional package and tavern licenses.
2. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to oppose any new package liquor or tavern licenses in the Ashland moratorium area. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to oppose upzones in the Ashland moratorium area that would allow package liquor sales and tavern licenses.
3. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to oppose lifting any existing moratorium in the East Village Association territory until the end of his current aldermanic term. (The next aldermanic election is Feb. 24, 2015.)
4. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to consult with EVA and hold public meetings before lifting any liquor moratorium in the EVA territory in his aldermanic term. To consult means to advise EVA of such requests within 30 days of receiving the request and meet with the board and/or general membership of EVA before introducing legislation to lift the moratorium.
5. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to consult with EVA when a Public Place of Amusement license is sought in conjunction with any alcohol sales within 2 blocks of the EVA territory.
6. A written agreement from Ald. Moreno to reinstate the Ashland moratorium 1 year (the earliest possible date) after lifting the moratorium.

Garden Gourmet Market would agree to a Plan of Operation drafted with EVA input. The plan restricts liquor sales to wines and craft beers, limits volume to one-fourth of store revenue, and uses point-of-sale records to monitor operations.

We invite all members to join us Monday for a discussion and vote on this issue. Ald. Moreno and the owner and operator of Garden Gourmet Market will attend the meeting, starting at 7 pm in Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

Peabody School again a closing target

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:49:23 PST

The Chicago Public Schools could set off changes in East Village classrooms as its March deadline approaches for a final list of school closings.

"We're in a wait-and-see period," says Frederico Flores Jr., principal of Elizabeth Peabody Elementary, one of 129 schools being considered for phase-out. The school at 1444 W. Augusta Blvd. is the neighborhood school for East Village residents east of Ashland Avenue.

The prospect of Peabody closings is on Monday's East Village Association agenda. The meeting is set for 7pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott.

A hearing this week on closings in the CPS Fulton Network of West Side schools drew 800 people, according to a Chicago Teachers Union report. They included Ald. Proco Joe Moreno, who is scheduled to attend Monday's EVA meeting.

"Peabody is a general-admission elementary school, and there are not many of them," says CTU organizer Marty Ritter. "These are high-quality schools." LaSalle II magnet school at 1148 N. Honore is a converted neighborhood school, and Pritzker School at 2009 W. Schiller maintains both magnet and general-admission tracks.

Peabody's enrollment of 259 is less than half the building's capacity, according to a Chicago Tribune analysis of CPS utilization data. CPS estimates that updating the building would cost $11.6 million.

Peabody was slated to close in 2009, but spared when community protests challenged the CPS space-use calculations. The closings would have sent Peabody students to Talcott at 1840 W. Ohio St., or outside East Village to Ogden, 24 W. Walton St., or Lozano, 1424 N. Cleaver St. However, Lozano is another 2013 closing target.

Under-use is just one factor in this round of consolidations, which may work in Peabody's favor. Peabody has 42 special-education students who would have to be placed elsewhere, and the Near North special-ed school at 739 N. Ada is also on the chopping block.

Peabody's small campus is also easier to secure, and one student testified this week that closing the campus would force pupils to cross gang lines.

Administrators are sensitive to the kind of gang tensions that arose at Wells and Clemente high schools following the close of Austin Community Academy in 2007. "Gangs recruit from the middle-school grades," Flores notes. High schools are off the table in this round of closings.

Flores argues that Peabody has been able to stay open by showing test-score improvements. Over time Peabody's scores on state tests have improved, but they continue to lag neighboring schools. Peabody is on probation for its slow growth in the number of pupils exceeding state standards. That's a heavy lift: Three-fourths of the student body is Hispanic, and CPS classifies one-fifth as limited English learners.

If Peabody is confirmed for closing, Flores says, at least two more hearings would be required to air community concerns.

And debate might shift toward disposing of yet another public building. After floating plans for a new park, Ald. Moreno this week announced plans to turn over the shuttered 13th District police station to the Cook County Sheriff.

The Peabody building adjoins Noble Street College Prep, which prompted speculation that the 2009 plan would have converted it to a charter school. "We would like to see it remain as a public elementary building," the CTU's Ritter says. "Some of these old buildings are built very well. If a school in the public way on Augusta goes vacant, what happens then?"

Moreno presses Ashland liquor license

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:39:24 PST

East Village Association board meeting minutes for Feb. 11, 2013, submitted by Meghan Quinn

Liquor moratoria discussion with Ald. Moreno
Garden Gourmet Market on Ashland just south of Division has requested a liquor license to sell wines and craft beers. There is currently a moratorium in place at this location, but Ald. Proco Joe Moreno would like to lift it to grant Garden Gourmet a package-goods license. Moreno contends that there have been several community meetings and the community as a whole does not have a problem with a small grocer/market selling beer and wine, as it is not a liquor store.

There are about 20 moratoria in place currently, and three recent requests to lift them -- two on Division and one on Augusta & Damen that was lifted and put back in place. Moreno stated that he wants to support local business but prevent nefarious liquor sales, and requests that EVA support his lift of the Ashland moratorium.

In response, Neal McKnight suggested there are two issues to consider: bigger, neighborhood-wide effects and an enforceable plan of operation tied to the license. The plan of operation would run concurrent with the liquor license, and if not followed, fines and ultimately license revocation could be imposed. The plan of operation is legally binding and can be more stringent than the municipal code.

McKnight would like to be able to sit down with the owner of Garden Gourmet to talk about the details of his proposed plan of operation. Some neighbors on Marshfield have concerns about allowing a license. McKnight suggests that part of the plan of operation include an audit and complaint procedure so the community has recourse to incidents relating to the business.

The liquor commissioner has informed Moreno that the plan of operation can be very detailed, even to include only certain brands of wine, beer or other spirits. With the support of EVA, Moreno would agree to leave other moratoria in place for the remainder of his term. EVA has stated its support of keeping moratoria in place, as working on liquor issues as they are raised makes it difficult to spend time on improvements to the neighborhood.

Since EVA recently drafted a letter against the lifting of any moratoria for three years, the board feels it is important to bring the Ashland moratorium to the membership for a vote. Per EVA’s usual process, the issue will go to the Planning, Preservation and Development Committee, which will make a recommendation to the membership. EVA would like Ald. Moreno to speak on the issue at the March 4 meeting.

4am liquor moratoria
Ald. Moreno also disclosed that he is investigating a ward-wide 4am liquor license moratorium. He is working on reaching out to all community groups throughout the ward to discuss this issue, and expects that to be able to put it in place by next year, barring new information that comes to light during the community meetings.

Upcoming speakers
Tom Tomek will ask new police Cmdr. Melissa Staples of the recently combined 12th & 13th districts to speak at the April meeting. Cmdr. Staples moved from the 17th District.

Meeting commenced at 6:08pm, adjourned at 7:50pm at Leona's restaurant, 1936 W. Augusta Blvd. Board attendance: Neal McKnight, Peter Locke, Meghan Quinn, Gladys Anselmo, Greg Nagel, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Tom Tomek; Additional attendees: Rich Anselmo, Marjie Issacson, Ald. Moreno, Raymond Valadez, Anne Miskewitch.

Vegetarian food processor develops Grand-Hoyne site

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 21:56:34 PST

Nicole Sopko describes the Upton's Naturals construction at 2054 W. Grand Ave.

East Village Association membership meeting minutes for February 4, 2013, submitted by Meghan Quinn

Business Minutes
Pure Vibes Fitness
Manager Kristi Burris stopped by to talk about innovative training approaches at Pure Vibes Fitness, 834 N. Ashland Ave. Established in 2010, Pure Vibes Fitness is Chicago’s only accelerated training center, using Power Plates in most of classes. Pure Vibes Fitness is also a functional training center, encouraging exercise using one’s own body, along with tools such as kettle bells and TRX suspension. For more info, go to website www.purevibesfitness.com.

Upton’s Naturals
Upton's Naturals is a Chicago-based natural foods producer specializing in vegan/vegetarian meat alternatives. Its main product is seitan, which is made from the protein in wheat. Both Whole Foods Market and Green Grocer Chicago carry Upton's Naturals products.

Upton’s visited EVA to announce the future opening of its new production facility at Grand & Hoyne on a lot that has been vacant for 30 years. A truly local company, Upton's Naturals started in Skokie and currently is located at Fulton & Damen. A small takeout café will open on the corner of the new lot with a rotating menu of sandwiches, baked goods and other vegan items. A planned community yoga space can be attended by donation. Completion of the building is anticipated in June or July. Upton's Naturals currently employs 16 people and will add more for the café.

Banco Popular (Popular Community Bank)
Branch manager Natalie Trempe and assistant branch manager Edith Armenta stopped by to talk about the Popular Community Bank branch at 1445 W. Chicago Ave. During February they are running their America Saves promotion. If you open a savings account, the bank will contribute extra money as an incentive. For example, if you put $250 into a new savings account, the bank will contribute an additional $50 to your account. Popular's Facebook page is conducting an I Love Saving photo contest. Simply upload an original image of what you’re saving for this year, and you will be eligible to win the grand prize of $5,000. Go to the Popular website at www.popularcommunitybank.com for more info.

Guest Speaker
Tim Nazanin, outreach director for U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, came to speak to the EVA membership, as East Village is a new addition to the 5th Congressional District. Nazanin pointed out that it is great for us to be proactive on issues that concern us because there was no formal transition in the new boundaries. Congressman Quigley sits on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. Nazanin said that Quigley's office can help with veteran’s benefits, IRS, passports, immigration and other things. Staff will even set up tours of D.C. and the White House if you contact the office. Additionally, staffers will write support letters for nonprofits and small businesses to help them get grants. Peter Locke pointed out that they have been very supportive of and helpful to Local First Chicago.

CAPS
The first meeting for Beat 1212 (part of former Beat 1322) is at 7pm Feb. 8 at St. Helen’s, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd. Tom Tomek stressed that it is very important to go to CAPS meetings and voice any concerns you may have about our community. The next Beat 1213 meeting will be at 7pm March 20 at Northwest Settlement House, 1012 N. Noble St.

Planning, Preservation & Development
Amber Building
EVA board members toured the historic Amber Building at Chicago and Marshfield avenues. Owner/ developer/ general contractor Building Blocks is known for restoration of historic facades. Building Blocks is looking to bring in a restaurant or retail use to the ground floor and to attract design firms to the commercial space above on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Building Blocks will also be a tenant.

Winchester & Augusta
Neighbors expressed concern about the old Builder space on the northeast corner being renovated into a restaurant, and that this is not a compatible use for that site. Some have heard that the owner wants a liquor license and a back patio, and will be open from 7:30am to 12am, though this has not been confirmed. Neal McKnight is reaching out to the owner to ask him to present his plans at a future EVA meeting. McKnight also suggested that concerned neighbors send a letter outlining their concerns to Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd), and copy Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1st).

4am Liquor Licenses
There have recently been a number of requests for 4am liquor licenses. Ald. Moreno is proposing a ward-wide 4am liquor moratorium, which would apply only to future licenses and not existing ones.

LaSalle II
The school currently has an interim principal during its search for a new principal.

Meeting Commenced at 7:05pm, adjourned at 8:05pm in Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Board members in attendance: Neal McKnight, Peter Locke, Meghan Quinn, Gladys Anselmo, Greg Nagel, Scott Rappe, Stephen Rynkiewicz, Tom Tomek.

Share your family's migration story

noreply@blogger.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:50:58 PST

John Motley, Jr. Nightlife, 1943

By Anne Miskewitch, West Town Branch Manager, Chicago Public Library

Curators at the Art Institute of Chicago will visit the West Town branch library March 7, looking for people to record their oral histories.

A 6pm lecture at the library is based on a new Art Institute exhibit, "They Seek a City: Chicago and the Art of Migration, 1910–1950," opening March 3. Paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture and decorative arts from foreign- and Southern-born artists trace Chicago's waves of migration.

What's really special and unique about this program is the invitation to stay and share your stories of cultural assimilation here in Chicago or in the U.S. It would be wonderful to get some of our community neighbors to share with us their life story.

Other March events at the library, 1625 W. Chicago Ave., include a homebrew demonstration, tax advice on college education and a book-group discussion of Erik Larson's In the Garden of Beasts.

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Pledge puts Wells ballfield on base

noreply@blogger.com (Stephen Rynkiewicz) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:27:56 PST

Efforts to build a ballyard at the Wells High School parking lot scored a pledge of $100,000 to $200,000 from the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, says Wells principal Ernesto Matias.

The charity named for the Baltimore Orioles catcher and manager will help design the park, make fundraising connections and try to cut costs of a project estimated at upwards of $2.5 million. The Ripken Foundation has developed youth ballparks in Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

The Field of Hope plans would place home plate roughly where the drivers-education Willis wagon is parked. The school at 936 N. Ashland Ave. now uses Eckhart Park's soccer and baseball fields a half-mile away at 1330 W. Chicago Ave. The preliminary design incorporates a dog park, playground and movie screen.

The Field of Hope Foundation's November event at the Boundary raised $5,000. The fundraising group is looking for more board members: Candidates should contact Matias or Susan Nusbaum at the school.