HYDE PARK-KENWOOD COMMUNITY CONFERENCE - hydepark.org
Hot Topics and Community Issues
in Hyde Park-Kenwood and of concern to Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference

60 Years celebrated in 2009
A 501c3 nonprofit organization
Presented by Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, a Chicago neighborhood association since 1949,
and Hyde Park's premier website hydepark.org. Writer Gary Ossewaarde
We work toward an attractive, secure, diverse, caring, and participatory, connected community.
Join the Conference! Your dues help us conserve and improve our community. Reach us at hpkcc@aol.com.

Home. Site Contents by subject.
To Reports from HPKCC Anniversary Forum Feb. 2009 "Hyde Park: Challenging the Next 10 Years.

Statement from Will Burns on the proposed closing of the 21st Police District. Page on the district merger issue
Postal station U. (decision deferred to mid spring)
Libraries- cut more in early 2012! New ward maps. Woodlawn Ave PD43. January 19 meeting and "final" changes.

Find updates and events also in our Facebook fanpage.
ONE OR MORE ALERTS ARE POSTED IF YOU SEE THIS SENTENCE- link to new Chicago Shovels website
There are many tips and hotline numbers in Public Safety and in Helpline.
RETAIL SURGE IS HOT: SEE IN BUSINESS. Burgers and flicks coming to Harper Theater, Whole Foods coming to Village Center, Clarke's diner coming to 1400 block of 53rd, other new restaurants on 53rd, uptick in comics and records on 55th.
Chicago 2011 Transition Team report.
Update pages on Hot Topics and Community Issues: Accessibility/Getting Around. Affordability. Development. Quality. Schools. University of Chicago
21st District Police Blotter has returned to the Hyde Park Herald.
MOU BETWEEN UC AND CITY. Grove Parc rehab grant part of it. Plans for everywhere. TIF REFORM.

A VERY SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC MEETING WAS HELD ON JANUARY 19 THAT SEEMS TO CLOSE THE CONTROVERSY AND TO PROVIDE FOR ONGOING DIALOGUE. Consideration of an historic district by neighbors will however continue. Full information will be posted, but newly filed Protective Language for the new Woodlawn Subarea, and the Woodlawn Plan are published in:
http://news.uchicago.edu/behind-the-news/planned-development-43. Detail log and analysis of issue: Woodlawn Ave, PD43 pages.

Attendee Jay Mulberry said in Good Neighbors blog:

I went to the meeting last night and was very, very impressed with the way the University and the community came to accord on this important issue. Truly, it is the first time in my memory that such a reasonable and verifiable agreement was reached, and reached through common commitment to finding a solution.
A lot of credit is deserved by people on all sides but since I can't remember many names let me give my impression that our fellow Good Neighbor and Villager Roger Huff was extremely important in bringing the group together and getting real work done.
Thanks Roger, and all the rest of you University and community leaders!

Ald. Burns and Hairston were among only 4-5 to vote against the ordinances restricting protest at the G-8 and NATO conferences-- and some will be permanent.

Metra fare, Link-Up increases approved- to find out about, links to tables, organizations fight for communities see Metra page.
And take time to take the Metra Survey (Dec. 2011): Go to Metra Rail http://www.metrarail.com, look in right hand corner ("Metra values your opinions")

There was widespread anger over rules to govern protests at the May G8 and Nato summit. Ald. Hairston held a well-attended public meeting. She and Ald. Burns were among 4 or 5 to vote against even the tempered rules.

Alderman Burns wrote an op-ed in the Jan. 25 2012 Herald opposes immediate closings of Dyett, Price, and Fuller, citing efforts to turn them around.

We are thrilled to announce that Friends of the Parks has named ELM PARK ADVISORY COUNCIL Advisory Council of the Year. The honor will be conferred at FOTP's Annual Recognition Luncheon, February 2 at Chicago Cultural Center GAR Hall (2nd fl. north), 78 E. Washington. Contact FOTP 773 857-2757 concerning registration and payment. Erma Tranter, Pres. of FOTP, said the council was selected for insuring that Elm Park is not taken for a parking lot. "though specil events an voluntgeer pantings, Elm Park became the heart center of a Hyde Park neighborhood." These sentiments were also given by Ald. Will Burns, who cites the PAC as an example of citizenship in action.

Michael's Fresh Markets chain filed for bankruptcy reorganization in January 2011, citing a regulator-imposed freeze on lending by its prime bank, others citing Michael's debt and slow payments.

Olivia Woolam is starting a petition for a 3rd party survey of feasibility of a level 1 trauma center at U of C. Here is the site:
http://signon.org/sign/ucmc-run-a-feasibility?source=c.em.mt&r_by=516447

Akira clothing chain is coming to the Borders site, 53rd (1539) and Lake Park. Coming fall 2012, the 8,000 sf store will become the expanding chain's flagship. It will take the front 2/3 of the first floor- suggested a day care center or restaurant for back?

December 7, An update meeting on Harper Court timetable and business problems was held at Chant. Many are very upset and business is really hurting despite some paliative (mainly signage, small drop off zones, and agreement to revisit timetables. Many said that to the extent planning was done at all, promises were broken-- what are you going to do about it?
See the latest about the Harper Theater project-- including that the UC had to acknowledge the use as not continuous and get a City Council exemption for amusement license (because too close to the church) and to have no parking.

WARD MAP January 19 was that there is an incumbents' compromise (except for those the insiders et al dumped) between maps lots of places are carved up in both maps despte some corrections, and bloated populations (diluted voting strength) in several northside white wards. The expert nationwide is telling them it can survive even when differences in population between wards are as much as 10% (as this is vs. earlier 4%) if there are reasons such as under the Voting Rights Act enough able to elect a minority. The compromise would have 13 Hispanic and 18 black wards and two Spanish-influence wards. The 20th Ward stays. approx. where it is. Effects locally vary among maps.
MAPS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE CITY CLERK WEBSITE, http://www.chicityclerk.com and in the Election Front page and in 1537News (lines comparing present and new boundaries).
The Herald expressed wonder that Hyde Parkers (vs other neighborhoods) have had little to say about the map considering HP is currently split between wards and a central swath and more east of the tracks are set to go into the 5th Ward. VISIT ELECTION FRONT FOR DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL BOUNDARY CHANGES AND WHAT STAYS OR GOES.

Are you stopping (not just yielding) for pedestrians in crosswalks? failure to do so could cost $500. Still, few seem to be even aware of the law passed in 2011.

Antheus' firing of the staff at Regents Park, which caused an uproar in the building and community in fall 2011, ended with resolution with the unions. (They stay union-- but no word about changes in wages or benefis.) Those employees not coming back to Regents Park will be offered jobs in other Antheus buildings in Hyde Park.

Ald. Hairston's threat to withhold support from PD43 without changes protective of character led to a more open meeting and progress at private meetings. Mtg. See Woodlawn Corridor page also. Not only were neighbors not satisfied with how far the University was willing to go, but their attorney threw down the gauntlet detailing how in the Filing the University ignored its own promises.
HPKCC supports ongoing negotiations over Woodlawn Ave. but also a landmark district- see there and as Release.
Find the latest changes to PD43 filing esp. as affects Woodlawn Ave.- Woodlawn District, Master Plans PD43. Meeting January 19 6:30 Union Church.

Hairston, Burns came out against parts of Mayor Emanuel's budget, got some modifications, and supported it.
LIBRARY CUTS- HPKCC letter. Gen. release. Friends of Blackstone Lib. page.

There seems to be strong disagreement in the community over speed cameras and what might come of them, and whether legislators and city elected officials have the best interests of citizens in mind.

Harper Court construction schedule- see Harper Court home/latest. Construction log.
The lot has closed.

Good news: Original House of Pancakes is moving to an improved, larger location at 47th and Lake Park in January 2012. This should help clear the way for the Village Center redevelopment.

Ward mapping is highly volatile and contentious at the moment.

South East Chicago Commission: UC President Zimmer announced at the Dec. 5 SECC reception that SECC will be administering grants totaling $750,000 for community and business enhancement over the next three years. The reception honored six(?) 2011 recipients of beautification grants in the communities surrounding the University.
Recipients of enhancement grants from 6 communities in 2011 and recognized at the Reception were Emmitt Till Math and Scince Academy garden (archi-Treasures), 6612 S. Champlain; bronzeville Community garden, 52st and Calumet (incl. cooking pavilion); Friends of Shoesmith 1330 E. 50th St. mosaic; Hyde Park Neighborhood Club 5480 S. Kenwood- exterior signs; Jackie Robisnon academy 43rd and Lake Park-gardens; Kenwood Improvement Association- bus terminal at 47th and Lake Park; King Colledg Prep 4445 S. Drexel- mosaic; Washington Park Conservancy and Dyett High- native plant garden and mosaic border; Woodlawn Neighbors Assn 6500 S. Ingleside community garden.

Announced cuts to the postal system will result in decisions having to be made, especially by small businesses and nonprofits. A likely local cut is elimination of the University substation. Decision is deferred until late spring 2012 depending on Congressional action.

Metra enacted steep fare hikes, in some ways disportionate on single-zone and South Side fares.Local groups helped equalize the increase for the city, but it still ranges from 20-35%. Hearings Nov. 2-3. See Metra page.

LA fitness has boutht 47th St. Bally's as part of a buyout of 153 fitness centers. Lessees (Programs) are scrambling to contact LA Fitness or find new quarters.

Cornell-E. Hyde Park now have stop signs thanks to intervention of Ald. Burns.

Two issues: hearing was held on closing the UC postal station, and a stakeholders public meeting is being planned on proposed merger of police district 021 into 002. A meeting on the post office closing was held October 20. No rep. of the U of C appeared. Several staff and student who used the station (rented from the Univ. in Ingleside Hall) said the inconvenience would be great. The main reasons given were indications from the University it would like to repurpose the space (or tear the (historic) building down and hq. decision that any of the retail ("Finance") stations with revenues under $600,000 should be reviewed for closure regardless of their breakeven or traffic. Gary Ossewaarde of HPKCC stressed both the service to the area (imagine if you had to send collectors into all these buildings) and that all financial factors should be taken into account. The PO said it looks for practical alternatives such as "Village Post Offices" that are leased in retail or other space. Finding such convenient to the University might be difficult, but they would look for one if decision were made to close or move Station U.

City Budget cuts target: libraries (see article in Friends of Blackstone page including revision as response to the Mayor's "concessions"), doubling of water rates (partly for modernization, but including elim. of exemption for nonprofits) over 4 years, and much more. One element is to have prices going up including for "inflation" each year (as Metra is starting) such as for city stickers. There will also be cutbacks including the graffiti teams.

What aldermen hated most in the budget - and have been softened as of Fri Nov. 4 (health and social and the grid have not been changed)
Library cuts, Mental health clinics and other services, changing to the grid for services (and elim. of rebate for large bldgs), water hikes tied to infrastructure improvement and smart meters and incl. elim. of exemption for nonprofits, cuts to graffiti and vacant lot clearance.

Where were they after the vote?
Libraries- $3.3 m of $8.6 million in cuts restored, staff cuts now 184 not 284 and hours cuts not when school is out. see more below!
vacant lot clearance and graffiti crews (1 m). This and library increases compensated by higher fine on late vehicle stickers)
water incr. as proposed except nonprofits start paying now 60% discount, 40, 20, 2015 just a 20% discount.
Condo refuse rebate was reduced to $25 rather than the current $75- neither kept intact nor eliminated- and gone in 4 years. No offer on grid garbage pickup. Some cuts to 911 staffing were restored.
Now all vehicles will pay a higher sticker with less penalty for middle size. (One suspects the Mayor wanted a "negotiation" that would allow him to raise the sticker fee for everyone and raise the late fine. City Clerk Mendoza continued to try to score points by opposing any increases.) Aldermen generally said the process was "transparent"-- maybe by comparison. The dollar-per-car fee for valet was changed to doubling the annual license fee.
Total budget is $6.3 billion, shortfall was over $400 million.

HPKCC joined Friends of Blackstone in opposing the Library cuts and continues to oppose the softened cuts. See Friends of Blackstone page. It seems likely the budget will pass overwhelmingly after approval with non dissent by two committees, although some continue to dicker on the refuse rebate, that the $2 on over $12 parking congestion fee would be round the clock.
Where aldermen stand on further relief for libraries and social services as a tweak was under the radar, and there appeared general support for the water and sewer increases.

Various rallies and letter-writing is underway to ask aldermen to block the closing of half the city's mental health clinics and privatize the health clinics. SOUL is one of the supporters.

The budget was passed unanimously November 16-- we shall see what further concessions there were on contested issues, rumored to include l the garbage pickup rebate for condo highrises, vacant lot cleanup, but it seems there were few if any changes except promises to try to assemble funds for health and mental clinics. (Meanwhile County - Pres. Preckwinkle- is offering more help to needy on health needs.)

Brenda Sawyer of Friends of Blackstone thanked all who sought further relief to libraries. Local impacts of the cuts is uncertain.

So, what about the city sticker, sticker fines, other fines and costs, etc.? (And don't keep old stickers on the windshield, hard as it is to remove them- cars having them are being ticketed.)

City Sticker Fees Going Up (based on 1537 News)

Most vehicles will see a $10 increase for their city sticker in June, - increases their annual cost from $75 to $85.

Larger passenger vehicles (weighing over 4500 lbs.) will get a $15 bump from $120 to $135. The cost for pickup truck and smaller truck city stickers jump $20 to $200 and larger trucks will pay a $450 city sticker fee next year–a $30 increase.

The fine for “failure to display” a Chicago city sticker is now $120, but will go up to $200 in 2012. But if you own a really big truck, that fine is $500!

Drivers who don’t get their city sticker in time, will also be hit with a late fee of $60–a $20 increase from 2012.

New Parking Tax
Commuters or visitors downtown will now have to pay an additional $2 per day when they pull their car into a parking garage or lot (if/whe, the cost is over $12 an hour--almost always.) This has been criticized as hurting nighttime entertainment and culture and not being "smart" congestion parking but rather just a money-maker.

Increased Parking Ticket Fines

Fines for expired meter violations are currently $50 city wide. But starting next year, drivers coming back to their parking meter in the Central Business District will have to pay $10 more than everywhere else in the city. (And if they find a reason to tow/impound, that charge goes up steeply, and $1000 to $2000 or $3000 if you’re arrested within 500 feet of a school..)

And make sure you place your residential parking permit guest pass on your windshield when visiting friends in RPP zones around the city. Fines for RPP violations will go from $60 to $75.

Other Fines of Interest

Tampering with a parking meter pay box- risse from $500 to $750.

Also, don’t get pinched while driving with a revoked or suspended drivers license in 2012. The fine is doubling from $500 to $1000.

Here’s some free advice. Don’t drive without a valid license!

Advertising on Parking Meter Pay Boxes (and other street objects like trash compactors). The city expects to bring in $25 million for ads on pay boxes, over $5000 per pay box assuming there are not vast areas where there will be no takers.

Despite restodrationof c. 3.3 in the 10M library cuts (still 184 layoffs, inability to carry on many programs, branches cut to 48 hours) in January the Library said it would cut back even further to 40 hours- no more Mondays. Aldermen and communties are livid.

All branches will be closed on Mondays. Blackstone Library hours are:

Sun & Mon: CLOSED
Tues & Thurs: 10am – 6pm
Wed: 12 – 8pm
Fri & Sat: 9am – 5pm

Staggered hours which began in 2010 will continue at all branches. Visit www.chipublib.org to view hours of operation of other branches. These hours will remain in force until further notice.

Also, due to reductions in staff, toddler and preschool story times at Blackstone are cancelled until further notice.

The regional libraries, Sulzer on the north side, and Woodson on the south side, along with Harold Washington Library
downtown, will continue to be open 9am -9pm, Monday – Thursday; 9am – 5pm, Friday and Saturday; 1pm – 5pm, Sunday.

Consequences:
The branches will close completely on Mondays. This makes havoc with groups wanting to use the libraries since the half of libraries that includes Blackstone will only be open evenings on Wednesdays (the other half Tues and Thurs.) Also as a result of new hours and duties (layoffs) staff has had to drop half the programs they do in order to mind the store or shelve/get books. Despres lectures can only go on the rest of the year on a monthly basis at Bl because the groups that were on Mondays naturally want the Wednesdays. The city is blaming the switcheroo on the unions having not "yet" agreed to staff working 6 days with no increase in hours or pay!

Friends of Blackstone has already met with Ald. Will Burns, who asked for a written synopsis of affects of the cutbacks that he will bring to City Hall. It seems evident to many that the mayor has no sense of the importance and role of community spaces.

______________________

Meanwhile some res. buildings at least have been surprised with doubling of taxes, in part due to a 2009 ordinance shifting tax burden from commercial to residential properties.

Speed cameras are coming within a 1/8 radius of schools etc. But not night and weekends or elsewhere when/where half the crashes that kill children and other pedestrians occur.

The 26th District race is heating up with two strong, well-backed candidates already- Christian Mitchell and Kenny Johnson.


The University has named Derek Douglas of the White House VP for Civic Engagement.
http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2011/10/24/derek-douglas-join-university-vice-president-civic-engagement (this may not stay up long.)

One ward map released, affecting HP and areas north, battles brewing.

Why support for SHoP matters:

George Rumsey says SHoP does not get its space free-- needs support. Herald, November 16, 2011

For many years, much of he neighborhood has enjoyed the fusion of art and culture in our own special Hyde Park blend through the industrious efforts of the folks who put on the Op Shops. Now those daring souls have undertaken a new endeavor called the South Side Hub of Production, or SHOP.

Shop provides a stimulating array of contemporary art practices, creative and inspiring programming and even community meals. It foster independent cultural productions outside of the usual instructions for and by the community.

I want to encourage everyone who is interested to become a part of SHOP. Bring your family, your friends and your creativity to Fenn House at 5638 South Woodlawn Avenue. You will find classes, concerts, readings, art rooms for use, a thrift store, library space for tutoring, game playing and socializing. There are even plans in the works for a wood shop and a recording studio.

But SHOP needs community support and involvement. Many people assume that the space has been donated, or that the costs are being subsidized by some outside organization or company. The Unitarian Church generously makes Fenn House available to SHOP for a space use fee, and the organizers must raise the funds to pay these fees, as well as to cover costs, materials, supplies, advertising and minimal staffing-with no assumed funding except that donated by volunteers and members (donations are tax-deductible through The Resource Center.

Check out the SHOP website at southsidehub.org for a list of artists, projects, workshops, classes and updates. and then consider becoming a supporter, by making a donation at kickstarter.com (search for "southside hub"). We need community help for SHOP to become a sustainable center for contemporary arts and independent culture.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel held a press conference Friday morning September 30 in Kenwood Academy Parking Lot to unveil the first of 400 real time bus tracker displays. Two others are unveiled today, on Canal St. and Belmont Avenue. The displays have touchpads for the vision impaired. Several organization representatives and notables from Hyde Park joined the Mayor, Ald. Will Burns, several other aldermen, CTA head Forest Claypool and other notables.

Find out more about these and more at the hubs or pages: (Learn about weatherization opportunities in the Affordable Housing page.)

Here

To Hot Topics Navigator. Here: BY SUBJECT. Reports from officials.
Recent news from the HPKCC board
Hot Now
What Folks are Saying
Introduction, List of what's hot, ongoing, resolved and emerging... (and which of these next update pages have their discussions:)
South Lakefront Corridor Transportation Study
5th Ward Spring 2011 Newsletter. Incl. HPKCC President on transparency in contracts and concerns about service outsourcing.

Metra is planning huge fare hikes, Electric District would go up by 1/3 (20% for single ticket) between zones A and B see re revisions in Metra page.

Police District 21 proposed to be merged into others

Statement from Alderman William D. Burns regarding the proposed closure of the 21st District.

Ald. Burns and others had a great deal of skepticism and certainly wanted a voice in how the new beats are drawn and how the force of the two districts integrated or kept in place. On Nov. 30, 2011, Ald. Burns said in the Herald he now supports and seeks to make the change work.

"On Oct. 12 of this yer, Mauyor Rahm Emanuel announced his intention to consoledate three police districts to reduce the total number of police districts from thwnty-five to twenty-two. Included in the consolidation plan was the 21st Diostrict which serves the Hyded Park, Kenwood, North Kenwood-Oakland, Douglas and Gap communities. I initially expressed strong reservations regarding the proposal. In the weeks betweenthe mayor's budget address and final council action on the budget, four community meetings were held throughout the ward where the administration and the Chicago Police Department addresed the community on the consolidation plan. As a consequence of those meetings and the commitments made by the administration I decided to offer my support for the plan. These are the following commitments that have been made by the administration:

  1. The 21st District will be converted into a Park district field house for Dunbar Park.
  2. Management of tthe Chicago Police Department wil allow beat oficers and other CPD personnel who currently work in the 21st district to remain in the district - including CAPS beat officers.
  3. The consolidation of the two districts will result in the deployment of twenty additional police officers.
  4. The beats of the newly consolidated 2nd district will be realigned will more efficiently align police resources with people, crime, and public safety concerns.
  5. The Police Department will participate in additional community meetings as the consolidation moves forward next year.

Finally, I have confidence in Superintendent Garry McCarthy's strategies to reduce crime. The Superintendent has a proven track record from both New York City and New Jersey."


US Postal Service considering closing Station U on 58th St.- Mtg. Thursday, Oct. 20 6-8 at University Church.

Background on University planning and Planned Development 43 is in University Master Plans Archive and Planned Development 43. Likely meeting October 6 6 pm I-House.

Wallace E. Goode is the new Executive Director of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, bringing long experience with the city and the University in community, volunteer service corps and workforce development.

September 14, 2011 the Herald opened a 5-part series, "Range of Injury" about the lack of a South Side Trauma Center and related issues.

U of C first plan for buildings purchased on Garfield Blvd.- Washington Park Arts Incubator- part of new Arts in Public Life Initiative- see in Arts News.

Report problems to the city via a smart phone- point and click- http://www.seeclickfix.com/
On Harper Court Presentation and request for TIF funding at July 12 TIF meeting, see Vermilion July 12, Harper Court Sale home, and TIF Advisory Council Meetings.
(July 12 Harper developer presentation in pdf is in http://www.hpherald.com)
IS THE TIF OVERSPENDING OR THE CITY DRAGGING ON RELEASING FUNDS?
SCHOOLS CONVOCATION- SEE IN SCHOOLS HOT TOPICS. Race to Nowhere to be screened.
Candidates who have filed for the February 22 election- see in Voting. SEE WHO FILED, AND 7 QUESTIONS ASKED OF LOCAL ALD. CANDIDATES and keep up on the latest on the elections.
RESPONSES OF 4TH, 5TH ALDERMANIC CANDIDATES TO HPKCC QUESTIONS February 2011.
Report of the Feb. 5 2011 Forum co-sp. by CECD, HPKCC....
More on election in Voting. Following the campaign and forums, election results and after.
TO WINNERS.

Deal between university and city for pilot for speeding zoning and permits promises much, touches much.
And Emanuel confronts the grocery CEOs on the food deserts, vows to implement a plan including permitting reform.
50 projects are promised, including new Metra 59th-60th stations (latter UC will commit $2.5 m).

OF INTEREST whether you live in the 5th Ward or not---- 5th Ward Monthly meeting March 22 subject was an initiative introduced in Joe Moore's ward whereby residents form committees to figure out best ways to spend limited monies available in the wards ("menu money," one of the few real elements of localized home rule in Chicago). The 5th ward is interested in starting this, and this could be step toward greater involvement, maybe even some more democracy, in local governance. Learn more at http://www.participatorybudgeting.org. Now called in the 5th Ward Menu 2012. Public meetings in different parts of the ward start in January after the remap.

And what about state and council redistricting? See in the Campaign Front page. Highly partisan result. (Governing and legislating are campaigning by other means....)
See there also the Battle for the 26th legislative district. Kim Neely-duBuclet, a political fundraiser, was selected.

New Curfew Ordinance- Starting September 18th, the new curfew ordinance will go into effect. Kids younger than 12 will have to be home by 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The curfew for 12 to 16-year-olds will remain 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Hyde Park Village asks residents to take a survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JGFBQJN. Information: Village page.

RETAIL SURGE: SEE IN BUSINESS. Burgers and flicks coming to Harper Theater, WHOLE FOODS coming to Village Center, Clarke's diner coming to 1400 block of 53rd, other new restaurants on 53rd, uptick in comics and records on 55th.
HARPER THEATER SIGNINGS ANNOUNCED- 5 SCREEN THEATER, FIVE GUYS, MORE. see in Harper Theater RFP.
HARPER COURT: Hotel was presented by lessee developer at subcommittee open meeting March 7 info to be in Harper Court.
The whole project and theater plans will be updated at the March 14 TIF meeting at Kenwood Academy 7 pm.

Over 300 showed up for screening of a film about education and our children, A Race to Nowhere, at Kenwood Academy March 10 2011.

Finding the 2010 Census tables-

These five detailed tables are available to the public online via FTP download at
http://www2.census.gov/census_2010/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/ and will be available
within 24 hours at http://factfinder2.census.gov. (Access 2003 or Access 2007 shells or
SAS scripts are provided to assist with importing and accessing the summary file data from
the FTP site. These shells and scripts can be found at http://www.census.gov/rdo/tech_tips.
This Web page also contains special instructions for linking data downloaded from FactFinder
and/or the FTP site with the Census Bureau's geographic products.)

AND THE WINNERS WERE: Rahm Emmanuel for Mayor (55% including winning all South Side wards except Chico in the 10th; DeValle and Braun received majorities in no wards). Mendoza for City Clerk.

Will Burns won the 4th with 65%. Nearest rival was Yokoyama with 10%, then Bolden and Scott, then Rumsey, then Miguest, with Williams trailing at 1%.
Hairston won the 5th with 62%. Miles got 21% leaving the remaining three in single digits.
Dowell won the 3rd 2-1 but Cochrane will be in a runoff for the 20th with Rapper/Hip Hop performer Smith.

Next: Who will succeed Will Burns as 26th District Representative? 4th Ward Committeeman and Cook Co. Bd. President Toni Preckwinkle will have about a third the weight, which is determined by the vote in each committeeman's bailiwick and the candidate Burns got a strong vote in November in the 4th ward, while many other wards (seven wards have at least some part in the 26th district) had a much smaller share in the 26th district vote. Next largest was the downtown 42nd Ward of John Corrigan-- if he teams up with Preckwinkle, they will choose the next legislator; she is also teamed with Ald. Hairston who has 8 percent. Preckwinkle told the Herald "We have to find someone who could be elected on their own in the next cycle" and, among other advantages, "will get some seniority" (nearly four years worth) to use for the district and city and would be able to pull in the big money. No one who wants the job has publicly said so, as of mid March, and politico's lips are tightly sealed.

News from the HPKCC board

April 2011. New Business: The Conference was apprised by the 5th Ward of a plan to privatize expansion of the blue cart recycling pilot, with alleged little transparency and possible great expense. President Ciacci was authorized to contact Ald. Hairston about ways to offer support. Members were encouraged to attend their ward meetings. At the most recent 5th ward meeting, Ald. Hairston with Ald. Moore introduced a method of participatory planning for spending services monies the alderman receives.
This would involve neighborhood assemblies and or committees. A multi-ward initiative to revitalize 47th street was noted.
Redistricting of various bodies will happen this year-- the executive committee was asked to consider ways for HPKCC to promote general principles such as transparency and perhaps meet with officials known to be having a role in redistricting.
The Garden Fair Special Projects Committee grants and works was announced: $4,000 for projects in Nichols Park, $3,000 in Spruce, $1,000 for hanging baskets, landscaping allocation for 53rd and the 4th on 53rd Parade and Picnic, to Growing Home, Elm Park, DARE disabled housing, and the Op Shop Children's Garden. We would work with the Garden Fair on a press release. Camille Hamilton-Doyle will spearhead HPKCC provision of refreshments for the Garden Fair Spring Sale set up day. Volunteers for all three days are needed.
Jack Spicer reported concerns about including minimal consultation on a 62 acre wetlands project proposed by the Corps of Engineers for historic Washington Park. The Conference and committees were authorized to seek status as consulting parties.
At request of Gail Isenberg, we will write letters asking First Unitarian to consider renting Fenn House to S.H.o.P. community center and congratulating First Unitarian upon its 175th Anniversary (First U played a seminal role in the founding and early operation of the Conference).
Timika Hoffman-Zoller reported on a Woodlawn Summit and a growing block club movement there.

Unfinished business: The exec. committee recommended also a future board meeting with the 4th and 5th Ward aldermen and separately a get-together of local groups with common concerns (possibly with a professional facilitator, to be contacted by Anita Hollins). Each committee was instructed to come up with three questions for the aldermen.
Constant Contact has been purchased and is being set up.
The Schools Committee reported on its sponsored showing of "A Race to Nowhere," at Kenwood Academy, with attendance of over 300.

May 2011. Board guest was Chaz Rasul, director of the U of C Neighborhood Schools Program. News and advice were shared on a host of topics including the Harper Ct. Farmers' Market (with a new home), new options for the Woodlawn Corridor (the board approved suggesting historic district status), letter of congratulations that was sent to 1st Unitarian on its 175th, letter encouraging same to consider renting Fenn House for S.H.o.P., Record of our Kenwood Park Usage Committee went to Special Collections (which is organizing the Conference collections), decision to have a summer party, a Reporter FLASH will be sent out on the Garden Fair, to be followed by a full issue on development sites and issues, we're starting a Constant Contact, we are seeking involvement in review of a wetlands project in Washington Park, approved a letter of support for naming for Nancy Hays in Jackson Park, Elm and Harold Washington Park news, good news from Treasure Island on space use for the Used Book Sale, South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study, our meeting with Harper Court developers, action on membership.

 

What folks are thinking and saying

Sharp fare increases, service cuts expected to Metra in early 2012. See Metra page.

The July 2 2011 Tribune carried a "Pen Pal" profile of frequent letter writer Carol Herzenberg, long time Hyde Parker and member of OWL. Carol expressed concern about corporate and elite power in the country and wondered how kindness and empathy can become more prevalent.

Late September. Hans Morsbach set forth reasons for pessimism that much increase in retail can be supported by folks her or elsewhere in the region.
Hans, who passed away in May, 2011, will be sorely missed.
The Chamber and others set forth strong support for the UC Early Learning Center proposed reuse of the Doctor's Hospital site.
Preservations said Michael Reese deserves better than treatment at the hands of vandals and the demolition of even the two remaining historic structures now seemingly supported by officials.
Anger was expressed over delays in licensing for Room 43, which hosts Jazz Society events. Some suggest politics is involved.
Some think lack of a trauma center and drying up of medical services in the neighborhood and South Side are hurting South Side development and quality of life. A couple hundred demonstrated at UCMC in October 2010.
There is pride that festivals and visible art are ratcheting up the neighborhood.

In October, octogenarian authority on Hyde Park and Bronzeville, Timuel Black, wrote a column in the Herald titled the South Side and Resources. Citing such troubling matters as failure of the city to license Room 43 for jazz and other entertainment and the persistent lack of a trauma center for the South Side, Black queried the diligence, at least, of our modern-day politicians and their commitment to quality and resources on the South Side.

Politics and candidates were beginning to take a front seat in early 2011.

How can seniors, orgs and others get and work together for activities and mutual support? - See Op Shop in Arts News.

The Reagan home and Hospitals expansion- is in Preservation Hot.

May 2011. Spirit of Hyde Park Mural painting project on 57th- and proves controversial

The Spirit of Hyde Park mural at 57th and Lake Park Metra viaduct, by Astrid Fuller (and others?- there is a list of original and current sponsors and painters at the west end), was an early and complex mural in Hyde Park. Due to damage over the long term by vandals, quick-fix graffiti "busters", peeling, and water/weather damage, was an early and complex mural in Hyde Park. Due to damage over the long term by vandals, peeling, and water damage it was in poor shape, but was "restored" in 2010-11. Possibly it was felt that the original could not be restored in its entirety.

Much of the new painting was at the least non-contextual, consisting of geometric and abstract forms and some figurative work in a different style, very little related to the story of urban renewal and social-economic-racial conflicts in Hyde Park. Jay Mulberry of Hyde Park Village Google Groups and others have called for a public accounting (there was not public input) and true restoration. Part of the viaduct is public right of way the walls belonging to or leased to Metra, and part Canadian National Railway. Other people like it and or say it forces viewers to engage in a dialogue on the community and change over 60 years. (One has to hope that key commentary sections in the original have not been lost over the years or now painted out-- surely someone should give wider explanation details of what is presented/interpreted in both. For example, a commenter on the changes was able to point out the singing children are the famed Chicago Children's Choir, then directed by founder Chris Moore of First Unitarian Church (the church being a leader in Hyde Park Change in the seminal 1940s-60s). According to Mulberry, two web sites with pictures and and commentary can be consulted:
The first is about the original mural:
http://chicagoist.com/2010/04/27/south_side_murals_the_crumbling_spi.php#photo-1
The second tells something about the thoughts that went into the construction of the "restored" mural.
http://sixtyinchesfromcenter.org/archive/?p=7535.

Those who sponsored or made the changes include artist Bernard Williams, the Chicago Public Art Group (which has a contract for the viaducts in Hyde Park and Kenwood), the Office of Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago (which at least largely paid for the project), and Alderman Leslie Hairston.
An ad posted in early October 2010 said, "[Artist] Bernard Williams welcomes volunteer youth and adults to help restore and renew the Spirit of Hyde Park mural at 57th and Lake Park. He needs volunteers beginning October 14, 2010 between the hours of 10 AM and 3PM, Tuesdays through Saturdays. The paint is non-toxic, but will not wash out of clothes. Individuals aged 13 and above can volunteer without parental supervision. No reservations required, just show up!"

Note that Astrid Fuller was consulted but is unclear whether she was shown what was to be done. She will be involved in restoration of her mural on the north side of the street. A section on that side that has no mural will be done. These have been postponed due to the viaduct work in progress. CPAG also has a contract for more work on 56th.
Mr. Pounds has offered to meet with residents and stakeholders and seems genuinely open. This will be scheduled.
Here is the website of the Chicago Public Arts Group: http://www.cpag.net/home/restoration.html. jonpounds@cpag.net. 1259 S. Wabash, 60605.

 

Alerts
Date alerts

Lots of bus changes downtown as Wacker Drive project enters Phase III.

Winter parking bans are in effect Dec. 1 forward

•Overnight winter parking regulations are in effect as of 3:00 am on Thursday, December 1st
•Parking is prohibited on approximately 107 miles of city roadways from 3:00am to 7:00am every day, regardless of whether there is snow on the ground. The ban runs Dec. 1st through April 1st.
•If your car is towed you will face a $150 minimum towing fee, a $60 ticket and at least a $10 per day storage fee that increases the longer the car is impounded.
•Snow route signs are posted on 500 miles of city roads, banning street parking when snow is 2 inches or deeper. If your car is towed you could receive a $60 ticket and your car may be moved to a nearby site while the street is plowed.

AMAZING NEW WEBSITE OF ALERTS, TIPS, INSTRUCTIONS FOR WINTER AND SNOW SET UP BY CITY:

http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/mayor/snowportal/chicagoshovels.html.

Serious car break ins and thefts in East Hyde Park (south of 53rd- streets not given). Be careful late at night despite promised increased patrols.

Another gunpoint robbery at UC late night Jan. 5. On a day and time "Safe Ride" doesn't operate. An alert was issued.

Stony Island southbound bus stop at 5800 eliminated til mid 2013- routes 2, 6, 15, 28, 28X.
The stop is also eliminated at 53rd and Lake Park southbound.

October 26 the 53rd St/Lake Park city parking lot closed for construction of Harper Court.

UC Alert. September 26 8:50 pm- person struck in head from behind and robbed by 2 males on Kimbark south of 55th St. September and October- 2 to 3 males engage one in conversation then display gun and rob. Esp. after midnight.

Continuing robbery alerts, various times day and night, on campus and off.

Criminal sexual assault 1300 53rd September 11 midnight.

Demolition and related road work- Harper Court 53rd and along Lake Park n of 53rd and onto 53rd west of Lake Park; Demolition in shopping center sw corner of 47th; UC Medical center and 57th-Ellis.

There have been sporadic alerts on robberies various sectors covering people on the streets or in their yards in the east and central parts of the neighborhood and fast-food delivery drivers.

Vita Foods' Nova salmon packages are recalled. Sold at Meijer from late July and a north side store. More was recalled by Con Agra Sept 10.

Fences will be going up along 53rd and Lake Park at the city parking lot and on sidewalks, part or all of which will gradually close early August.

September 1. Ended is the old seniors ride free. It looks like the end is August 31 for those earning over $27,000 ($36,000 couple). You should have received either the new free card or a thin-plastic card with photo that you must put into the slot, either with the half fare or if it is loaded the fare will be deducted.

Some places to personally load the cards are at the Green or Red line 55th/Garfield stations, Via 55 bus or at Museum of Science and Industry by the elevator on the lower level.

But, you do not have to go to a CTA vending machine or selected CTA train and bus stops in order to add money to your Senior Reduced-Fare permit.
You can purchase reduced-fare cards online. They will initially mail fare cards for $15.30. You can also purchase a 30-day reduced-fare card online ($35 for one month). See and download the relevant pdf file at the CTA web site. It has instructions on cash, adding money to your permit, or buying the fare cards online.
You may insert the fare card when you get on the bus, and simultaneously you show your Reduced Fare photo permit to the bus driver.
This is the link for information about all of this including the pdf file:
http://www.transitchicago.com/seniors/ and this is the PDF file on their link which you can download:
11kd33_seniors_pamphlet_english_FINAL_8182011.pdf
Also, you can buy a pack of Reduced Fare cards at Walgreen's. For $15 you get a pack of two cards each worth $8.50. The I.D. card seems far too flimsy to go through a bunch of reloadings and Walgreens is so convenient. (Carry the ID in case you are asked for some ID.)
Also available at Museum of Science and Industry lower level by the west elevator, currency exchange at 1371 E. 53rd, and train stations on 55th St. or downtown or any.

"Goode" comes to the Chamber. Elected Executive Director in July 2011: Wallace E. Goode, Jr., who comes from a long history of community engagement at the City of Chicago (Planning, Workforce Development), and the University of Chicago (including Associate Dean and Director of the Community Service Center. President Sue Walker told the Herald "We believe we have struck gold... We look forward to the new levels the chamber will reach with his involvement." Goode says he wants to focus on advocacy, knowledge and development, resource development, and networking. He cited the importance of cross culture communication in Hyde Park. How can we serve such diverse interests the many kinds of businesses, students, communities and visitors who often go to only one thing, such as the Museum. Goode is also on the board of St. Thomas Apostle School, Mt. Carmel High School, and the National Peace Corps.

Blue cart recycling-- there is an effort by the city to do a quick-sign of a contract to extend the pilot blue cart recycling with minimal review incl. by aldermen, much cost, maybe better, maybe not as good, and to a politically connected and multi-national firm. Call your Ward Office with concerns and questions. Ald. Hairston, whose ward is in the current pilot, has been able to get release of little information. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee again in April held back an ordinance restricting unbid and unreviewed contracts over a certain amount, which would block such contracts as that for blue cart.
HPKCC PRESIDENT JANE CIACCI JOINED ALD. HAIRSTON AND OTHERS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE BLUE CART CONTRACT AND ON CONTRACTS AND PROGRAMS BEING THROWN AT ALDERMEN IN BIG BOOKS WITH A FEW HOURS TO DIGEST. Ciacci stressed the importance of local or at least city, public control and local jobs and of transparency-- and recycling that is real.

4th Ward Completed Resurfacing Projects

48th Street from Drexel Boulevard to Greenwood Avenue
Woodlawn Avenue from 47th Street to East Hyde Park Boulevard
Ellis Avenue from 41st Place to E 46th Street
46th Street from Langley to Cottage Grove Avenue
Greenwood Avenue from East 47th St to East 50th St
Lake Park south from 47th except 51-53 finishing awaits Com Ed work

The Following Streets Are 4th Ward Priorities For 2011 To Be Resurfaced

49th Street from Greenwood to Woodlawn Avenue
33rd Place from King Drive to Cottage Grove Avenue
Rhodes from 33rd Place to 35th Street
35th Street from King Drive to Cottage Grove Avenue
Ellis Avenue from 54th to 55th Street
Ellis Avenue from 39th to 41st Street
Greenwood Avenue from 48th Street to 50th Street
47th Street from St. Lawrence Avenue to Drexel Blvd
Langley Avenue from 46th to 48th Street
37th Street from Vincennes to Rhodes Avenue


The University of Chicago
July 6, 2011 Security Alert

8:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 6 –

In the alley between Woodlawn and Kimbark just south of 57th Street – A University student walking south in the alley was approached by two unknown males who got out of an older model white car. One of the suspects pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded his property. One suspect searched the victim and took cash and a cell phone from his pockets while the other suspect took his back pack. The suspects fled south in the alley. The victim was not injured.

Be aware of sophisticated robbers/burglars who especially target seniors and others working outside around their homes.

A young woman was shot Memorial Day c11 pm. near Museum of Science and Industry/lakefront. It was not certain late Tuesday whether the woman died, or was yet on life support. She was a recent graduate of NIU living in Calumet City. She and a companion had just turned away from a "bad situation" when Ms. Rogers was shot in the head. A male youth was also shot but in good condition.

Date alerts-

Bus service changes due to shift from Phase II to Phase III of Wacker Dr/Congress reconstruction- see in CTA page- look for Route and Service changes.

Narrowed traffic on Lake Park north of 53rd and 53rd between Lake Park and Old Lake Park.

Changed through May 2 2013 for construction: #15, #28 at 53rd and Lake Park. There is a bus stop change here, from northwest to southwest corner.

 

Seems to be winter- maybe

BE COOL

Extremely high temperatures can be particularly hazardous for children, the elderly, those with special needs, and pets.
It is important to treat extreme heat temperatures as you would any other emergency. This means being personally prepared whether you are athome, work, or on-the-go.

ALERT CHICAGO'S GUIDE TO EXTREME HEAT

Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and soft drinks.

Stay indoors and, when possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.

Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels.

Wear loose, light cotton clothing.

Avoid preparing and eating heavy meals and using cooking ovens.

Avoid or minimize physical exertion.

Do not let anyone sit in a hot, parked car, even for a few minutes

If you must be out in the heat:

Limit your outdoor activity to morning & evening hours

Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.

Try to rest often in shady areas

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat & sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen.


http://webapps.cityofchicago.org/ChicagoAlertWeb/resources/pdf/Heatbooklet.pdf http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=a69ff6c5fd47b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

Starting July 5 2011 Madison will be closed as part of Wacker and Washington-Randolph rebuild from west of the bridge to Franklin- lots of detours. Best detour may be Monroe.


Hot or New Now

Ward boundaries may change considerably with the 4th ward loosing 8.58% and the 5th a whopping 16.6%. Some are speaking out that Hyde Park (and South Kenwood?) should be in one ward. One scenario has a more even division, with the boundary moving to about 53rd while presumably keeping the TIF in the 4th Ward. Another gives all of East Hyde Park or the TIF to the 5th. City wide, Blacks dropped 17 of their votes to lead slightly at 32.4% while whites dropped over 5% to about 31.7%, Hispanics increased by 3.3% and Asians increased 16% to 5.4%. All or part of Hyde Park could be completely different wards.

First salvo: the Black Caucus map released September 19, 2011. African Americans would "give up" one ward (2nd) that is already no longer black and add two Latino wards.
In Hyde Park: All east of Lake Park (to 47th) is in the 5th Ward. The south boundary of the 4th would be about as is now but the ward would extend all the way to Wacker. The second would lose it (which has gained heavily in population while all to the south of it has heavily lost) would cede most of its south loop-south side territory to the 4th and 3rd. The Latino caucus says it deserves several more wards.

Visit maps (largely racial-ethnic and where the population losses (and some gains) were- http://www.chicagotribune.com/wardmap. These can be zoomed in.

At least four rival processes are in play well before the formal action begins August 1.

MAYOR TELLS POLICE CHIEF TO CUT $190M FROM POLICE BUDGET (that's about 15% of $1.3B budget).

At the end of August 2011, announced was that Chicago won one of 5 Choice Neighborhood Initiative Grants, in this case $30.5 million for GROVE PARC and its manager PoAH. It's directed to Grove Parc by Mayor Emanuel to help make this 504 unit complex south of 61st at Cottage Grove an anchor. It is part of the MOU agreement of the city (interagency) and U of C for planning and redevelopment of the whole area and is tied by the Mayor to his foreclosure program that targets inter alia West Woodlawn and to efforts to focus on rebuilding communities including jobs and not just spreading money around. The $30.5m is hoped to leverage up to $272 m.

 

Murray School's playground was burned/melted Sunday morning Aug. 21 under suspicious circumstances. An accelerant was likely, and a hotplate was found there. Thought to have been started by a mentally impaired homeless person. Replacement is unknown at present.

STOP and FLY set up a tent city August 14 across from UC Med. Ctr. over lack of trauma center. There was a strong confrontation with police. Signs came down, but the tents remained for a while.

The Art Institute has put on permanent display in the renovated Japanese Galleries 4 restored panels from the 1893 Columbian Exposition Phoenix Hall. Read about in pdf.

S.H.o.P. is coming: September 24, Sunday, evening. Launch party for S.H.o.P. (Southside Hub of Production) at Fenn House, 5638 S. Woodlawn. For a year, this collective of independent nonprofit organizations and individuals will contain a wood shop, a recording studio, art studios, a time bank, a resource library, game room, rec room, community museum, classes, workshops, hosted potlucks, performances, literary events, and art exhibits, debates and conversations, and have office and meeting space for nonprofits and ad hocs including the Village, - Midwest Media group, Op Shop, South Side Projections, Dilettante Studios, Resource Center, and several artists. Sponsor Ken Dunn of The Resource Center.

In August 2011 the Club was offered a playground by Kaboom! co-sponsored by Kraft Foundation. It will be in the Club's grounds community garden and will be mainly for kids registered in Club programs or partner programs.

Note, there were some concerns, expressed at the well attended Nichols Park Advisory Council meeting August 11. They were that neighbors were losing the last extensive community garden in Hyde Park (not all, and that was an accommodation peripheral to mission, about the Club's plantings there-- will be kept, moved to other gardens, or incorporated into the new teaching garden), about effects outside the footprint (none except that fibar will have to be dropped off a few days and to not have trucks wrecking tree roots), that the history and name of the Club create expectation that at least at times the playground will be available to neighborhood kids along with concern about rental partners in the mix and the Club turning its back on serving all. (there will be a little time open to accompanied kids who register, and under most circumstances will have to pay; it's the Club's land and fits their mission and expanded program and that of renting partners; agreement that the Kaboom publicity was hyperbolic on community lack of playgrounds.) Nichols Council was generally favorable.

The 700 E. 61st 60637 postal station is among those to be evaluated for elimination at the end of the year. The only other of 13 in the Chicago region under consideration is the one at c600 E. 63rd St. http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/st_postoffice0124_20110124.html

Homicide at 47th-Woodlawn- details and thoughts in Current Crime page.

July 16, 2011. A man was shot and reportedly seriously injured Saturday afternoon in a possibly gang-related attack in the Kenwood neighborhood on the South Side. The person died, making it likely the first homicide this year in Hyde Park-Kenwood.At 1:13 p.m. someone shot the 20-year-old man in the 4700 block of South Woodlawn Avenue, according to police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.Police said the victim’s condition was serious, but hospital information was not immediately available. Police said that area has been fraught with gang conflicts for the last three or four months, and there is a threat of retaliation after Saturday’s attack .A Prairie District police lieutenant said officers remained on the scene as of 1:30 p.m. Link to original WLS980 and Sun-Times http://www.wlsam.com/Article.asp?id=2238627&spid= http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/07/16/shots-fired-in-kenwood-hit-seriously-wound-man/.

Alderman Burns e-mailed:

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, there was a tragic incident this past Saturday afternoon in Kenwood. A young man, Tony McCoy Jr. was gunned down on 47th Street between Woodlawn and Greenwood. I have requested additional police presence - both from the Chicago Police Department and the University of Chicago Police - in the Kenwood-Oakland area. We must all work together to put an end to the senseless violence. If anyone has any information regarding the shooting, please report it to the police immediately.

My thoughts and prayers are with the McCoy family, and I am deeply saddened for their loss.

In response to this crime the officers of the 21st District and the University of Chicago Police Department held a roll call at the same corner Tuesday evening. Roll calls, in and of themselves, will not bring the perpetrators to justice, but they send a powerful signal that law enforcement and community members are opposed to crime and violence.

Later that evening, Commander Richard Elmer of the Chicago Police Department and Commander Michael Owens of the University of Chicago Police Department attended the CAPS beat meeting to respond to community concerns about the shooting and to share ideas to reduce crime and violence in our community. I greatly appreciate their participation in Tuesday’s meeting.

On the afternoon of the shooting, I contacted the Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department to request additional manpower for the 21st and 2nd District to aggressively investigate this crime.

The good news is that our ward has more officers walking the beat and patrolling the streets. As Mayor Rahm Emanuel increases manpower in the Department I will continue to advocate for additional resources for our community.

I am working closely with the appropriate city agencies to trim trees and repair street lights - two strategies that will make our community safer.

Wednesday I met with law enforcement and building managers in Kenwood to deepen cooperation and coordination and to reiterate my strong support for aggressive enforcement of leases to ensure that apartment buildings do not become bases for criminal activity.

But, as residents of the community there are things that we can do to enhance public safety. We should participate in CAPS meetings to share information with the beat officers. When we call 911 we must provide as much information as possible about criminal activity.

The University of Chicago Police Department patrols much of the ward, and I encourage you to call UCPD at 773.702.8181 to report criminal activity. For those who are concerned about sharing information with police, anonymous information can always be sent to my office and we can pass it along to law enforcement.

Elm Park to Kimbark Plaza? see in its own page.

Services such as senior care, dialysis, sports health, women's seem to be leaving or directed out of have areas like Hyde Park to underserved areas rather than creating additional in the underserved areas. At the least this makes it further to go and weakens the stronger area without necessarily improving quality in underserved areas. Some of this would happen due to search of businesses for less expensive land or rents. But one has to wonder if this is now the "planning" policy, at least of the University. The dialysis proposed location has created friction with the business community at Wabash and 50th.

Washington Park Wetlands Project 2011. PLAN REJECTED BY ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY.

Sonya Malunda is now UC Senior Associate VP of Civic Engagement. Search continues for a Vice President.

Will state's pattern of late payments to RTA lead to service cutbacks at PACE, CTA, and Metra?

Graffiti seems to be on the rise again. Call 311 or http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/streets/provdrs/graffiti_blasters.html

Changes in police deployment played a role in enabling police to beef up lakefront patrol this summer.

U of C President Robert Zimmer announced on April 18 that Ann Marie Lipinski has left the position of Vice President for Civic Engagement to head the Nieman Journalism Foundation at Harvard. No replacement or interim has been announced for this position that is pivotal for planning and action in Hyde Park.

Moving, not going: Harper Court Farmers' Market. It will be at the east end of 53rd Street, by South Shore Drive.

South Lakefront Transportation Corridor Study (Gold Line being one consideration). April 13 2011 there was an input opportunity and presentation at IIT 4:30 and 6:30- Almost all conceivable concerns were being taken into consideration or were raised. Input is still being taken and will proceed to recommendations by the end of the year-- probably quick fixes and a set of recommendations with costs. Comment at southlakefront@cityofchicago.org- Brenda McGruder at CDOT, 312 744-6139.
Here is the link to the post meeting city report
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/supp_info/south_lakefront_corridortransitstudy.html.
Link to Report by Gary Ossewaarde of HPKCC.

Hyde Park Herald report April 20, 2011. South Side transit fixes examined. By Sam Cholke

The public transit agencies want to solve the transportation problems in neighborhoods between 22nd Street and 95th Street east of the Dan Ryan expressway, but first they're tying to figure out how residents ride teh buses, el and trains and what solutions people would use.

The Chicago departments of Transportation and Housing and Economic Development have hired five consulting firms to compile studies from Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority an other agencies to get a holistic view of the Southeast Side. The first results were presented April 13 a the Illinois Institute of Technology and showed that, though transit options largely serve the area well, it is not clustered around people or jobs.

In the 12 neighborhoods being studied, most people live in South Shore -- one in five Southeast Side residents -- and more than half of the jobs are in Hyde Park, with a significantly smaller job hub in Douglas [IIT].

Many residents still have to travel out of the area for work and because fewer households own a car than the city average, more trips are by public transit, usually a bus downtown. The No. 6 Jackson Park Express bus, with 11,200 riders yearly, serves nearly as many passengers as the Green Line. The Jeffery.. Express [#14] from South Shore serves more than both. For these riders, the system works relatively well -- there are a lot of good options to get downtown. But as the Illinois Medical District and Midway Airport continue to hire from the area, the local transit options continue to be bad at connecting to the Southwest and West Sides.

The transit system was found to be worst on South Cottage Grove Avenue between 35th Street and Garfield Boulevard, especially at Pershing Road, a commercial strip where officials have aggressively pursued developing retail. [The study also cited congestion on Cottage at 58th St.] To shop, most residents don't use the public transit system, unless an errand requires going downtown, the study found.

During the open call for solutions, the audience repeatedly suggested the Gold Line project, an idea for Metra's South Chicago Electric Line first broached by Michael Payne in the 1990s. "It would be functionally the same as an el line. The only difference would be riding one of the new high-liner cars with a Metra decal on the side." Payne said, standing before the audience of about 100. Payne's idea for a CTA fare system and 10-minute wait times for the line gained attention during the run-up to Chicago's Olympic bid and continues to be advocated by many in the area. "It could probably take 20 minutes off my commute time," said Lamar Scruggs, who lives in Hyde Park and commutes downtown to DePaul University for school. After the meeting, representatives from transit agencies said that even if the current study recommends the Gold Line, each agency would need to do its own lengthy study of the project, and there are more immediate concerns.

To keep the current transit options running in the area running without any expansion, CTA will need $1.3 billion over the next 10 years. Metra will need $1.8 billion to keep the two southern branches of he Electric District running for the next 10 years. "I would like to see the study concentrate on what can be done without focusing on physical facilities, things like policies," suggested Richard Gill, a member of the South East Chicago Commission. The transit agencies are quietly hoping for the same thing as Gill. Agency reps said they were hoping the study would suggest smaller solutions they could implement immediately, like improving the underutilized bus lines connecting Hyde Park and the el lines in Washington Park. ...

Harper Court redevelopment are time to time updated and vetted. Watch here. For reports go to Harper Court Development.

Is the TIF overspending or the city dragging its feet on release of funds?

TIF, Kenwood Academy has trouble getting CPS and the City to fork over the money for bleachers promised long ago (see minutes of May 2010 meeting)- principal asks what's going on! at March 14 TIF meeting. Or TIF 101 and City That Works (?) 102.

Kenwood Academy is still awaiting release of TIF funds and CPS match for new bleachers and scoreboard due to various disagreements about available funds and whether these are capital items (the latter resolved).

Herald, March 23, 2011. By Sam Cholke

Last May, the 53rd Street Tax Increment Financing District advisory council approved money for bleachers and a scoreboard for Kenwood Academy. The principal was grateful for the financial backing, but a the March 14 meeting she said she began to get impatient when the funds had not yet been released. "Our bleachers are really not in a condition where students should be sitting on them at all," said Elizabeth Kirby, principal of the school at 5015 S. Blackstone Ave. "Our scoreboard, you can't really tell who is winning or losing, you really have to pay attention to the game."

On May 10, the council approved giving the school $59,110, which would release a matching grant from the Chicago Public Schools for $35,000. The council is an advisory body for the 4th Ward alderman on how property tax revenue should be spent within the TIF district. the money was approved under former Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, who was succeeded by Shirley Newsome. The current alderman was not available by press time, but Mae Wilson, chief of staff for both Newsome and Preckwinkle before her, said the office was aware of the issue.

"This is a time that things don't get done -- that doesn't mean that they're not important," Wilson said. It's a "time of transition" in many city departments, she explained, adding, "People are changing at City Hall."

Staff from the Department of Housing and Economic Development said the money was never released because the TIF coffers were too depleted. "There was not enough to fund the bleachers on top of the other projects that were moving forward," said Peter Starzzabosco, a spokesman for the department. "That doesn't mean there won't be more funds in the district in the future."

Tax increment financing districts work by freezing the amount of property tax revenue going to municipal agencies adn city coffers for 23 yeas. If property values rise, increasing tax revenues, the extra funds go into the TIF account to be used to fund projects within the TIF's borders.

The city projects the 53rd Street TIF will collect more than $831,000 each year through 2012. The district recently committed $86,000 for a study on reopening Harper Avenue to through traffic, $157,000 for job training programs [CARA/CleanSlate}, $500,000 for the small business improvement fund an $150,000 for Canter Middle School. [$893,000, assuming the figures are right and all from the same annual pot, or 62 k more than annual income.] The district will soon begin committing the first chunk of a $23,4 million subsidy for the $114 million redevelopment of the Harper Court Shopping Center.

According to documents released by the city, the TIF is expected to end the year with $754, 806 in available funds.

Howard Males, chair of the TIF council, said the body had asked for regular updates on all money it recommends spending. "It's not going as fast as any of us want," Males said. At the March 14 meeting, Males and the council renewed their commitment to find funding for the bleachers and scoreboard.

Kirby appeared somewhat appeased by the council's pledge. "I'm not sure what's going on downtown," she said. Kirby did not return calls asking whom she had contacted at the city when the money was not forthcoming. "I do know that patience is a virtue when it comes to government appropriations," Males said, adding that the council will continue to work on getting the money for the bleachers.

Follow up in the March 30 Herald- Ald.: Kenwood bleachers cash coming [but when; and still a question of whose being told the real story]. By Sam Cholke:

Fourth Ward Ald. Shirley Newsome reassured that Kenwood Academy would get its money for new bleachers despite the city saying the funds were not available. "It's kind of a non-issue," Newsome said. "It's going to happen whenever it happens."

After Kenwood Principal Elizabeth Kirby groused on March 14 that $59,110 promised from the 53rd Street Tax Increment Financing District in May had still not arrived, the alderman, the council overseeing the district and city officials said they would look into the delay. By the end of the week, the city's Department of Housing and Economic Development told the Herald the money was not released because the tax district was too depleted.

"I will not say that it is an inaccurate statement because they are the holders of the funds, but that is not what I have been told," Newsome responded. Newsome said she had requested updated amounts of the TIF and attributed the delay to a misunderstanding within the department.

She said the money was initially rejected because the bleachers were not considered a capital expense because they were not a permanent feature of the school at 5015 S. Blackstone Ave. City staff were convinced the spending was appropriate when it was pointed out that the bleachers are attached to the walls of the school, but the misunderstanding slowed down an already slow process, according to Newsome.

Newsome said that any government allocation is slow and is slower still when there are misunderstandings during lean times. She said the department's carefulness with tax money could be frustrating, but was appropriate during a period of transition between administrations when revenue was down. "When the money is available to us, it will be made available to Kenwood school," Newsome said.

 

Procedures are being developed for seniors not in the circuit breaker system to transition to paying half fare for transit. See in Transit home.

CTS and its windows.

Lack of a trauma center esp. for would treatment. And protests at UC calling for a South Side trauma center continue, some becoming confrontational.

Will Provident close emergency care by ambulance? That was the decision of Bill Foley and the Cook County Health and Hospitals system. Mid January Cook Co. Board President persuaded the Health board to delay this a month until Feb. 15 2011 to consider area hospitals' accommodation of this-- especially after UC Medical Center refused to accept the ambulances.
Provident is set to start shutting its emergency room doors to ambulance runs starting c. February 14 2011. Ambulances would be sent to U of C, Jackson Park and other hospitals-- which are often on "bypass." All the south side hospitals are meeting the week of the 8th to figure out how to handle the situation.

Giordano's and holding companies have filed for bankruptcy mid February 2011. The restaurant stores are expected to stay open.

Cook County Assessor opens Hyde Park township for property tax appeals. Complaints due 12/10
http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/appdeadlines/appealdeadlinesform.aspx

Cook County property tax bills mailed November 11 2010, due 12/13. 1st installment for 2010 seven weeks later.
http://www.cookcountytreasurer.com/default.aspx

MAYOR RICHARD M. DALEY HAS DECLINED TO SEEK RE-ELECTION. This could have major candidacy and alignment consequences for HPK and the South Side.
Crowded aldermanic campaigns-- up to 12 initial candidates in local wards, and everyone challenged.

Transportation enhancements for the area were announced by Rep. Currie November 15, 2010.

"Our District did well in the competition for federal Transit Enhancement Projects. The legislature has appropriated the federal funds, and the winners were announced last week. The Illinois Department of Transportation will develop a separate bicycle track along Stony Island Avenue between 69th and 77th Streets. Parking lanes will be reconfigured, so that opening the car door won't risk harm to a cyclist, and a bike lane will be installed along the curb lane. Next, a bicycle trail from Stony Island to the existing lakefront trail will be built near 59th Street. These two projects, with several other improvements, will provide a protected connection between Hyde Park and other southeast side neighborhoods to the lakefront trail---thus all the way to McCormick Place, downtown Chicago and beyond. Our third winner is the continuation of the streetscape on Lake Park Avenue, between 47th and 56th Streets. Safer bus stops and attractive embankments are on the drawing board as are new lighting, new sidewalks and improved landscaping for the 47th and 56th Street viaducts.

"Courtesy of I-GO, our nonprofit car-sharing program, I had a chance to drive the all-electric Mitsubishi i-Miev last month. I-GO plans to add 30 all-electrics to its current fleet of 250 fuel-efficient cars. I-GO, an affiliate of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, is focused on reducing the number of cars on city streets and cutting down pollution. The car was a treat to drive, but it's unbelievably quiet. I worry that, without adding a bell or a whistle, an unsuspecting pedestrian could be in trouble. The biggest problem with the electric car is the need for car-charging stations. Home chargers are impracticable. Some gasoline stations are looking into the opportunity to install them, and the City of Chicago has asked companies to bid to provide them. The bid includes 36 car-chargers for I-GO."

South East Chicago Commission announced on Nov. 1 its annual neighborhood beautification grants (up to 10,000 for nonprofit locations). Contact Wendy Walker Williams at SECC wendywilliams@uchicago.edu, 773 324-6926. Attendance at info session Jan. 6 required.
Check also with Harper Court Arts Council for its next round of grants for nonprofits.

Walgreen's on 55th and Lake Park seeks a liquor license- technically change in zoning from B1 to B3 to allow more stores with more uses in the Hyde Park Shopping Center. To Comment on petition of Lake Park Associates contact /North Star Trust #1046 500 W. Madison Ste 3150 Attn D. McKinley 312 609-7962.

Neighborhood Club changing to youth focus, some seniors concerned.

Services and arts catching traction despite recession (see in News of Collaborers).

Jazz Society stymied by inability of Room 43 to get license. Ald. Preckwinkle and Rep. Burns funded a 6 week reprieve.

Alderman Preckwinkle decided to recommend none as replacement but a caretaker until the Feb. election should she be elected Co. Bd. President.

Sutherland calming down.

Review slams U Police procedures.

Blackstone Bicycle Works trailer burned with the inventory, and they need financial help. Contact Experimental Station, http://www.experimentalstation.org. But the 61st Market got an important federal grant.

Harper Court loses some buzz appeal as people await what the plans will really show.

People upset about lack of trauma center on South Side, other healthcare decline. See Health Care Delivery page.

Jackson Park Advisory Council, park revitalized.

Controversy continued to swirl over plans for the present Chicago Theological Seminary buildings.

The Herald and others are pushing for more local support, resources and coordination for best schools. Meeting called for November 7 3 pm at Neighborhood Club.

Jump starting continues for the community from festivals, pop up galleries and events, to proposals for various kinds of destinationing and marketing.

1537 News online paper-talk-events post gains traction.

Venues (though scattered) for both seniors and youth slowly gain footing and umph after Neighborhood Club changes focus.


A brief introduction

THE CRUX OF THE MATTER: The sustainability of communities is largely determined by how well communities first invest citizens with a having a say in community change and decision-making and second keep people coming there-- connecting, staying in a place that gives a sense of character, quality of life, ability to work and thrive, and provide sufficient amenities, a sense of good schools and public safety. Sustainability depends on how well the people work together to manage challenges and opportunities. One of the strongest measures of such a community is its diversity and inclusion-- and that has long been a hallmark and pride of Hyde Park and Kenwood, but some fear it is eroding. It should not be surprising that the majority of the hot topics are related to guarding or enhancing the qualities enumerated above. (See Profiles and looks at Hyde Park.)

Hyde Park has had several defining moments: Lakeshore suburban resort after Paul Cornell won one of the first commuter stops in the country. Growth after the Chicago Fire to become a larger resort with mansions and hotels. Annexation to Chicago, then World's Columbian Exposition, founding of the 2nd University of Chicago, and creation of huge parks were followed by fill-n and maturation of an upper middle and upper class solid neighborhood that also had room for belts of its cottage homes, commercial districts that served much of the South Side--all while keeping its resort cachet. In the 1920s the Illinois Central was electrified, leading to a dense belt of high rises in the east and three-flat infill to the west. Decline and crowding of housing and commercial and changing demographics by postwar era lead to a crisis in which the University, neighbors and city undertook massive urban renewal while keeping a varied historic housing stock. At the change of millennia, new unease arose--is Hyde Park being left behind by revitalizing parts of the South Side? Is it becoming unaffordable? Is it too sparce especially in retail--or conversely having its character challenged by new development and density? Should it be a destination community or not? Many new approaches, especially growing the arts are stepping forward. And still, there is the ambivalence about the 800 pound gorilla that plays such an important role in defining Hyde Park.


Some specific Key Hot Topics and Subjects and which of the hot topics pages hold their discussions

53rd Street & Lake Park Business and TIF District (Development, University)
Accessibility and Complete Streets walkable in all seasons (Getting Around)
Affordability, ability to stay (Affordability)
Development, Community Planning, Managing Growth, and Preservation
Doctors Hospital Site (Development)
Harper Court (Development, also University)
Harper Theater (Development, also University)
Chicago Theological Seminary reconstruction of historically sensitive place (Development)
Health Care changes, diminishment (Quality, University)
MAC Properties/Antheus Capital (Affordability, Development, see also Antheus, Affordable Housing)
Nonprofit and Service Sectors healthy, working together (Quality)
Parking meter conversion and rising costs, parking on the lakefront (Getting Around)
Parks, Lakefront and Green and Open Space (Quality)
Preservation and restoration (Development)
Public Safety (Quality)
Schools and Kids, Youth Programs and Opportunities, schools on probation
Shoreland Redevelopment (Development)
Sustainability (Quality)
Transit and Parking (Getting Around))
University of Chicago- role, community programs and engagement, growth, properties, policies, Town-Gown relations
Unresponsive officials...

"Top remaining" list at the end of 2009:

Harper Court and Theater,
61st Garden (Development, University, Quality),
University of Chicago civic engagement,
Health Care Services/Policies,
Crimes (seriousness and vulnerability despite overall decline),
Schools on probation/CPS policies (but good things happening also),
Shoreland,
Nonprofits, businesses, residents, public services and places suffering from the recession,
Recessionary threat to city services,
Worry about effects of city, state corruption and limited ethics reform,
Continuing wars and events at home and abroad

Went away by later in 2009:

Olympic impact, apparently any Obama Effect, Hopes for keeping the 61st Garden and for a non-UC facility redevelopment of Doctors Hospital, Blue Gargoyle Service Center (could not be saved); Short term starts on virtually any development projects (although MAC remodeling's continue)

Emerging or May Come Back- Watch for these:

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
The Sutherland low income housing redevelopment
Chicago Theological Seminary buildings reconstruction of historically sensitive place.
A pre and primary U of C Lab School facility at Doctors Hospital site
Future of Meadville School and what happens if they and or McCormick Seminary sell their buildings
Future of Elm Park
A slump in city services?
Promontory Point shoreline reconstruction- Promontory Point home and Promontory Point Latest and as linked from these

Newly present or to be grateful for:

Campus projects including Logan Center for Arts; Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture and a generally positive year for arts venues and organizations; growing jazz festival and many other festivals/fairs/community events; the Op Shop; better health of the Neighborhood Club; many new businesses opening - exceeding closures - including new grocers coming to the shuttered 47th Co-op space and 57th St, majority of businesses displaced from Harper Theater and Harper Court found new spaces locally.

________________________

Some useful sources:

http://povertyinitiative.uchicago.edu