Uptown Update

Update On Lawrence House

2012-06-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"One of my top priorities as your neighbor and Alderman is making the community safer for residents who live, shop, and work in the ward. This also includes protecting the vulnerable residents living at the Lawrence House.

At the start of my term in office, I've attended court dates to help give a voice to the Lawrence House residents and repeatedly fought to get their utilities reinstated when the owner neglected to pay his bills. This large, old building that houses many seniors and people with disabilities has gone downhill over the past five years.... from having a neglectful landlord, to putting up with management that jeopardized the lives and well-being of residents, which led to a train-wreck that started long before I came into office.

Since taking office, one of my highest priorities was to hold this building's owner accountable and to make sure new management came in quickly. As I stated previously in my last newsletter, the court has appointed the Laramar Group as the receiver to manage the Lawrence House. I am working with Laramar to make sure the turn-around for this property happens sooner rather than later.

In my regular conversations with Laramar, I have insisted that they work on the following improvements:

Hire full-time security guards
Contact the social service agencies that have clients in the building to make sure the residents are getting the services they need and their clients are being held accountable
Remedy resident relations and institute staff training
Fix the infrastructure, including renovating unused units to provide more housing and keep good tenants that have been leaving due to poor living conditions and safety concerns

We will continue to monitor the Lawrence House and speak with residents as the improvements progress. Repairs to this building to bring it into compliance will cost many millions and although there have been offers to purchase this property, many have shied away based on the steep financial cost to bring it up to code. Since I have been in office, I have demanded better screening and a plan for ongoing maintenance for all current and future affordable housing so we never see a repeat of this travesty."

You can read the rest of the newsletter here.

Eye In The Sky

2012-05-31T18:47:00.000-05:00

One of several signs posted on the corner of Hazel and Windsor. Apparently they brought out the best in at last one person: the bag outside the garbage can, rather than being rogue trash, is canned food and pantry staples, making this the city's smallest food bank. Hope someone deserving found it and got a few good meals out of the anonymous giver's generosity.

Fill 'Er Up

2012-05-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

For years, readers have been asking if we knew what was going on with the large, long-empty lot at the corner of Montrose and Greenview. And we didn't. Until now.

Seems it was recently sold and is now under construction. It will be residential only, a condo building with nine units of three- and four-bedroom homes. It's projected to be completed by February 2013, and according to the four units already listed on Redfin, the asking prices will range from $389.9K to $499.9K. Here's the construction permit, and here's the high-end Redfin listing. Below is a rendering of what the finished building will look like.

We're not thrilled that there won't be ground-floor retail on one of our main thoroughfares, but there are plenty of vacant storefronts in the area already. We are excited about something being built there at long last. Empty lots don't contribute to a healthy community, and let's face it, Chicago can use the real estate taxes. It will be fun to take a look at the finished building and see how it compares to the artist's vision:

Color Run This Saturday At The Lake

2012-05-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

If you've got plans to be in the park on Saturday morning, be prepared: It's the Color Run! The farther the runners advance, the more colors their bodies acquire. The race officials describe it as "special 'elf made' magical color dust" and by the end of the race, they'll look like paint palettes.

It's also the day of the Stray Cat Strut, so there'll be a lot of competition for pavement space.

Man Charged With Murder In Pizzeria Shooting

2012-05-30T08:01:00.001-05:00

According to the Trib, it's a Rogers Park gang thing:

A Rogers Park man is accused of fatally shooting a 13-year-old boy inside an Uptown pizzeria after yelling gang slogans at him, authorities say.

Ivan Alanis was with his older sister and her friend inside a pizza and liquor store in the 5100 block of North Broadway when they encountered Andre Alejandro, 22, police said. Alejandro began yelling at the boy and the two argued and then Alejandro left, police said.

Alejandro, a member of the Gangster Disciples street gang, returned to the front of the business with a handgun and fired into the building, striking the boy in the face, police said.

Read the rest of the story here. Another totally senseless gang-related murder, which will resolve nothing and bring heartache to two families for the rest of their lives. Absolutely absurd that this goes on day after day and no one seems to learn anything from it.

Update: According to the Sun-Times, "Andre Alejandro, 22, shot three times toward Ivan Alanis and two others because he believed them to be gang rivals, Cook County prosecutors said [...] Surveillance video at the restaurant that has an adjoining liquor store showed Alejandro shooting the weapon, which he told police he threw into a nearby gangway, Carlisle said. He was arrested just four hours after the murder." Those may be the last four hours of freedom he'll ever know. Good police work.

The article also reveals that Mr. Alejandro was involved in a previous fracas at Laurie's four years ago, where he and a group of his buddies attacked rivals with fists and sticks. He served time for that, but apparently isn't very good at learning lessons. Pity for so many people that he didn't learn not to return to the scene of the crime.

Oh yeah. He's a student. At Truman.

Teen Killed At Laurie's Pizza Overnight

2012-05-29T12:54:00.004-05:00

Very sad news to end the long weekend. A 14 13-year-old boy from West Rogers Park was eating with his sister and a friend inside Laurie's Pizza at Foster and Broadway around 2:30 this morning when someone outside fired shots into the restaurant, which struck and killed him.

The victim was Ivan Alanis of the 7400 block of North Western Avenue. No one is in custody. Police said the shooting may be gang-related.

We remember from college days that Laurie's is open really late most nights, so it's not unusual to hear about people eating there in the wee hours. What is unusual is hearing about shootings in that part of Uptown, right on the border with Edgewater. Makes us wonder if Rogers Park's recent gang activity is spilling over into Uptown (given the victim's home address) or if it was a case of mistaken identity.

In any case, a very sad turn of events. Our sympathies to the boy's family and friends, particularly those who were there and had to see it happen.

Coverage in the Edgeville Buzz, the Tribune, and CBS 2.

Update: The Tribune has more information: "At a press conference, Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said several people were being questioned in the shooting. 'I don't know about the actual business. But I do know that unfortunately, that young man had two separate gang affiliations,' McCarthy said. 'So at this point, it looks like it's gang-related. Obviously, (its) very early in the investigation...We actually have offenders in custody. They have not been charged yet, so we'll have a clearer picture very shortly on that case.'" In the story, the young man's family denies he was affiliated with any gangs.

Cheer On The Avon Walkers Next Sunday

2012-05-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Next weekend, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer comes to Chicago, and the "We're In It To End It" walkers will be in Uptown on Sunday morning. You can cheer them on from designated points along the route and give them lots of encouragement. The map is online, but it's hard to see exactly what route they'll be taking through Uptown on their way to Soldier Field, so here are the designated cheering stations:

They'll be leaving from the Horner Park area (Rockwell and Belle Plaine) early in the morning (peak viewing time there is 7:30am-8:30am).
The next cheering station is at Damen and Leland. Peak viewing times there are 8am-8:45am.
Then they end up passing McCutcheon School. The cheering station is at Sheridan and Ainslie, and peak viewing times there are 8:30am-9:30am.
They're in the park next, probably walking along the lakefront trail. The official cheering station is at Montrose, just east of the Drive. Peak viewing times are 8:45am-10am.
They stay along the lakefront path and continue south all the way to the Peggy Notebart Museum.

Many of the walkers are coming from out of town to be part of this event. Please make them feel at home and welcome in Uptown!

Where Am I Located?

2012-05-28T08:51:00.002-05:00

It's been a few months since we've played this game. Identify where this scholarly tome is located in Uptown and win the admiration of your peers.

Filled To Capacity

2012-05-28T08:41:00.000-05:00

Ugh. A reader sent in this shot of the mess at Foster Avenue Beach this morning. Let's hope the trash cans are emptied before a second day of record-setting heat and overflow visitors make it even worse.

Open House This Wednesday

2012-05-28T00:13:00.000-05:00

From Alderman Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"When: Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Where: 4544 North Broadway

The Ward Office has a wonderful new collection of art from local artists. Join us from 6PM to 7PM. There will be some light refreshments and a chance to meet some of the artists. Ald. James Cappleman will also be available to respond to any of your questions or concerns."

Clarkness On The Edge Of Town

2012-05-27T22:10:00.000-05:00

Chicago Weather Center chose this photo by Uptowner Bill Biederman of foreboding Clark Street, taken Saturday morning. Check it out here.

The Cousins Restaurant Featured On "Chicago's Best" Tonight

2012-05-27T19:32:00.000-05:00

Tune in to WGN tonight at 10pm for Chicago's Best as they feature breakfasts, and pay a visit to The Cousins Restaurant at 1463 West Leland. See if you know any of the patrons being interviewed. If you miss it tonight, you can watch it repeat throughout the week on CLTV, or just check it out online here.

(We all know Cousins isn't located 4749 N Western, but Chicago's Best's caption department doesn't and gives the wrong address.)

Boom Town

2012-05-27T17:18:00.001-05:00

Quite a few readers heard a loud "BOOM" around 10:45 Saturday night. Usually that's a transformer blowing, but we haven't gotten any reports of what it was. Seems to have been heard from Clarendon Park to Sheridan Park. Anyone know?

Retail Spaces Available

2012-05-27T17:14:00.001-05:00

They've been working diligently on the building located at 1018 - 1036 West Leland for a few months now, carting out endless dumpsters full of waste and drywall. Now it looks like it's time for the hard work to pay off, with "For Lease" signs posted in the storefront windows.

The saga of this building is long: an owner who illegally converted the residential units to condos; every "condo" in the place going into foreclosure; an abandoned building that turned into a drug den and prostitution base; a broken pipe that ran for days and ruined the ground floor and caused a winter ice floe on the sidewalks outside; a kitten rescue; and housing court, housing court, housing court.

We were happy to see the building turned over to a receiver, and even happier to see the results of the receivership today. We'll be happiest to see retail tenants move in.

This is part of how a neighborhood gets better: get rid of the slumlords, have concerned neighbors become involved, and take the community back from the miscreants who claim it, building by building.

Inspiration Kitchens To Debut At Taste

2012-05-26T18:22:00.001-05:00

Very cool! Fifteen rookie restaurants have been chosen to appear at this year's Taste of Chicago as one-day pop-ups, and Uptown's Inspiration Kitchens is one of them.

If you're going to Taste, stop by Columbus and Jackson on July 12th and give 'em some love.

The whole story is here in the Tribune.

Memorial Day Mass At St. Boniface

2012-05-26T17:15:00.001-05:00

In honor of Memorial Day, there will be an open-air Mass at St. Boniface at 10:30am. on Monday. St. Boniface was founded during the Civil War and has a memorial to the German soldiers who died in that conflict. All are welcome to attend.

Chase Park Yard Sale Next Saturday

2012-05-26T02:59:00.002-05:00

Have You Seen This Man?

2012-05-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

Our friends at Soggy Paws report: "Someone stole an iPhone from Soggy Paws Uptown [Thursday afternoon]. Here are photos of the suspect [taken from the security system]. Note the distinctive tattoos. If you see him, or have any information, please email woof@soggypaws.com or call 773-334-7663."

A reminder not to confront this person yourself, and of course he is presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law. You can click on the photos to get a better look.

Ald. Osterman's First Year Report

2012-05-25T13:19:00.000-05:00

Harry Osterman's office has released a three-page report reviewing his first year in office:

"Last week I announced that we would be releasing a "First Year Report." Click here to read it. One year ago, I had the privilege of taking office as your Alderman. I entered office focused on key areas I knew were important to you and crucial in making our community an incredibly vibrant place to live, do business, raise a family and enjoy: making our streets safe for all; developing our commercial corridors with strong businesses that serve the neighborhood; strengthening our local schools and educational opportunities; and, inviting all community members to help plan for the future of the 48th Ward. One year later, much has been accomplished and there is still a lot of work ahead. I invite you to read more about our first year, and please send any ideas, concerns or comments to Harry@48thward.org."

Farmers Market Schedule Announced

2012-05-25T06:40:00.001-05:00

Fresh fruits and veggies, soon to be appearing near us.... The City has announced this year's farmers markets on its website:

Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss, 4646 N. Marine Drive, Thursdays, June 21-October 25, 2012, 7:30am-12:30pm. Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers are just some of the goods available at the Uptown Farmers Market. Update from the comments: LINK cards will be accepted.

Other nearby markets include:

Lincoln Square, Lincoln/Leland/Western (City Parking Lot adjacent to Brown Line Station), Tuesdays, June 5-October 30, 2012, 7am-1pm. This market accepts the LINK card.
Northcenter, Belle Plaine/Damen/Lincoln, Saturdays, June 16-October 27, 2012, 7am-1pm.
Southport Market, Blaine School, 1420 W. Grace, Saturdays, June 23-September 8, 2012, 8am-2pm.
Edgewater, Broadway & Norwood, Saturdays, June 9-October 13, 2012, 8am-1pm.

High-Class Look For The Former "Buy Low Liquors"

2012-05-24T18:08:00.002-05:00

Andersonville Wine and Spirits, at Foster and Clark, recently had some tuckpointing done, so they came back with a new look for the outside of the store. We love the retro-style flashing arrow sign and the awnings that match the verdigris trim on the top of the vintage building. The store, which we love for many reasons, not the least of which is because it carries glogg, has come a long way since it was known as "Buy Low Liquors" a while back.

Baker & Nosh, Alfresco

2012-05-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

Time Out Chicago has discovered what Uptowners already know: we've got some great alfresco summer spots here. One of them, Baker & Nosh, made the cover of the current issue!

"You’ve got two outdoor options at Uptown’s newest bakery-café. The first is the grassy garden, where chairs are set out near the stone fountain. The second is the patio next to the garden, where two four-seat tables provide a spot to eat a sandwich. If you’re juggling anything more than a cup of coffee and a pastry, we suggest the latter. 1303 W Wilson Ave (773-989-7393). Open now."

Now that warm weather is here, take advantage of the many venues that offer outside wining and dining, whether it's the gauntlet of large patios on the 4800 block of Broadway (Demera, Fat Cat, Crew, Caravan, Fiesta Mexicana) or the more intimate two- or three-table set-ups (Jake's, FoodTown at Hazel and Montrose).

Cheers!

The Walls Come Tumbling Down

2012-05-24T02:05:00.004-05:00

Demolition has begun in earnest on "Ol' Pocky," the long wall of St. Boniface Cemetery that runs 1600 feet along Lawrence Avenue. Yesterday the workers had destroyed the wall between Clark and Dover by mid-afternoon, and according to the "demo" sign sprayed on it, the first phase will include everything up to Beacon. We're so happy to see it go, to be replaced with a stone and metal fence to match the Clark side of the cemetery. There's a slide show of what the new fence will look like, along with a schedule for the three phases of the project, at St. Boniface's website, here.

Challenger Bark Fundraiser At Driftwood On Friday

2012-05-23T23:19:00.001-05:00

From Challenger Bark Committee:

"I know it's short notice but I wanted to let you know there will be a fundraiser for Challenger Bark Dog Park this Friday, May 25th at Driftwood, 1021 W. Montrose Ave.

The event goes from 6-9pm and will feature two tournaments, Darts For Doggies and Pool For Pooches. $10 per person per tournament. The winners of each tournament will receive half the pot while the other half will go to stocking up on poop bags and any other expenses that might come up.

Also, Uptown Egg Rolls will roll out a new line of specialty egg rolls at $3 each with limited quantities of each variety that include:

Teriyaki Chicken w/ White Rice and Broccoli
Italian Garden with marinara, ricotta cheese, mozzarella (warm creamy garlic dipping sauce)
The Southwest (chilled avocado-ranch dipping sauce)
Philly Cheesesteak
S'mores (some crusted with almonds, others with coconut)

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate, please do so via PayPal to challengerbark@yahoo.com. It is GREATLY appreciated! Hope to see you all there!"

If a $38 Million CTA Station Looks Like This...

2012-05-23T16:39:00.003-05:00

... we can't wait to see the completed $135 million Wilson station. Take a look at the description and photos of the new West Loop Morgan CTA station at Curbed Chicago. (Thank you to Alek for pointing this out in the comments.)