All members are invited to join us starting at 7PM for some warm-up drinks and for pizza and more beer and wine that will follow the conclusion of the meeting issues. This is the final formal meeting of the season.

Fr. James Hurlbert

MEETING AT A GLANCE
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Location: Basement – St.Alphonsus Church
1429 W. Wellington
Agenda: Refreshments @ 7:00 PM. Meeting begins @ 7:30 PM.

• Good Neighbor Award – Fr.James Hurlbert
• Cook County Assessor – Real Estate Tax Appeal Process
• Election of Officers and Directors.
• Pizza, appetizers, beer, wine and pop

What happened at the April meeting?

• Two representatives from ComEd, Ms. Vanessa Williams and Ms. Kelly Jones, provided a presentation on the Alternative Energy Program.
• The potential owner/developer of the 1244 W. George St property presented plans for a single family house to be built under a zoning change from M-1-2 to RT-4.
• The Athenaeum, which is owned by St. Alphonsus, but was leased to a theater group has been allowed to run down over the last few years, with few performances at the site. St. Alphonsus has now taken over the operations of the Athenaeum.

Read more about these issues and find other important neighborhood news in the May Newsletter. Missed an issue?  You can read past newsletters here.

Cubs Care and by the way of being sponsored by the ball club the Theo Epstein Chicago Cubs (no players) will appear this month. A representative will discuss the charitable activities of Cubs Care and how the summer concerts, Brad Paisley in June and maybe the Boss later generate funds for area schools and organizations.

ComEd – the SLN Board has been discussing alternative energy providers that are now available. But inviting one would seem to be promoting that particular company. So the Board decided to bring the electric provider to give their viewpoint on the issue and to discuss plans to improve Chicago’s electric issues as we approach what may be a hot summer following the warm Spring.

1244 W. George

1244 W. George St – Zoning Change. The 2900 block of Lakewood, the 1200 block of George St. and the west section of 1200 Oakdale were at one time major meat processing plants. Battles between businesses and residents were frequent. But all the businesses moved to more spacious areas that were more conducive to conducting meat processing and allowing truck deliveries. The final meat processor, Wetterlings, is on the block. Currently zoned M1-2 for limited manufacturing. The developer is requesting a zoning change to RT-4 in order to build a 3 story single family house.

What’s happened at last meeting in March? Check the newsletter.

Agenda:

• 7:00 pm
  
  • Beer, wine, pop & mini-burgers
• 7:30 pm
  • S&G Restaurant – street cafe
  • Lakeview Computer Specialists
  • Bottles & Bottega – new business presentation
  • Officers and Directors election

May Meeting Social Time
An SLN tradition, Chicagoland Deck is donating beer and pop, Messr. Toth is supplying some wine from his cellar and S&G Restaurant is supplying some mini-burgers, chicken fingers and tater-tots, which are making a huge comeback according to Johnny B (first-come, first-serve). So come at 7PM or a little earlier is OK, meet us at the St. Alphonsus basement bar, have a drink, a little conversation, attend the meeting, vote on a few issues and then back to the bar to finish off the remainder. See you early and later.

S&G Restaurant – Street Cafe
S&G located at the corner of Lincoln and Wellington has submitted a plan to place 6 tables seating 4-6 people and 4 tables of romantic seating for 2 at the curb on the Wellington side of the building, facing St. Alphonsus Church. Hours of operation would be about 7AM for breakfast in the morning, lunch and dinner wrapping up at 8PM. This is a voting issue and the immediate area will be flyered.

Lakeview Computer Specialist
Everyone has important data on their computers: digital music, photos, email, spreadsheets, etc. What would you do if you lost some or all of that data? Are you prepared in case of accidental damage to your computer? What if you were the victim of a burglary or your child spilled juice on your new laptop? Ed Silverstein, owner, SLN advertiser and member, will speak on how and why to backup the important data on your computers.

Bottles & Bottega – New business @2900 N. Lincoln Ave
Have an “Art Party.” The owners will give a short presentation on how to combine painting and partying. They provide all supplies, you supply the wine. Hello party.

OFFICERS and DIRECTORS – Election
The Nominating Committee met April 21.
President – David Duggan
1^st Vice President – Sam Samatas
2^nd Vice President – Perry Castrovillari (NEW)
Recording Secretary – Bill Haderlein
Treasurer – Ann Sychowski (42 straight years)
Corresponding Secretary – Ernie Toth (NEW)
Board of Directors – NEW: Mark Anderson and Lisa Voight, RETURNING: Marge Farhrenbach (officer last year), Joseph Semerling, Robert Taugner, Joni Gatz, James Volkober, Greg Brown, James Frendreis, Susan Radzinowicz.

 Nominations for any position can be taken from the floor at election time.

In the May Newsletter, read President David Duggan’s column about gardening, civics, and South Lakeview Neighbors’ demographics, follow up on news about the Belmont medical office building and re-zoning at Racine and Wellington, and learn about Cubs Care.  The newsletter also has updates from Representative Quigley, Alderman Waguespack, the South Lakeview Park Advisory Council, and much more.  Click here to download the current and past newsletters.

If you are not currently a member of South Lakeview Neighbors, please come to our May meeting to join and participate in this neighborhood resource.

Location:

• Basement of St. Alphonsus Church
• 1429 W. Wellington

Agenda:

• 7:00 Cookies & Socializing
• 7:30
  • Cubs Care
  • 1300 Belmont Medical Center Update
  • 2954 N. Racine Zoning Change

CUBS CARE
Each year the Chicago Cubs raise over $1.5 million dollars for Chicago Cubs Charities which helps to support local organizations and people in communities throughout the Chicago area. Several programs include Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Rehabilitation Institute cross-disability, competitive wheelchair softball team, Rookie League in partnership with the Park District to introduce baseball to 6-9 year old kids at no cost and Cubs Care Legends Fields at Hamlin Park that rebuilt the fields and installed an excellent lighting system in our own neighborhood park. A representative will give a presentation. For more information go to www.cubs.com and go to the Community page. Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, no doubt about it, the Cubs are on their way.

1325-41 W. BELMONT – MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING – Update
In order for the Chicago Zoning Board to approve this project, due to parking space issue, the property needs to be rezoned to a dash 5(-5) to be considered as Planned Development. The project still will be built to the 3-story specifications as allowed under the current zoning and presented at the special December 2010 meeting at St. Lukes. A representative of the developer and/or a representative from the Alderman‟s office will explain the mechanics. This is NOT A VOTING ISSUE. Go to the Alderman‟s Website at www.ward32.org for additional information.

2954-56 N. RACINE – ZONING CHANGE
Back after WWI and WWII, when there were housing shortages in the city, many apartment units were cut into two smaller apartments. In addition, as the era of the neighborhood storefront ended, those storefronts were converted into apartment units. This three-story property has 10 apartments: 2 ground level storefronts and 4 front and back apartments on both floors #2 and #3. The building has been configured in this manner as long as anyone can remember. The building is zoned R-4 (which is really under-zoned). The new owners wish to rehab the current apartments keeping the same configuration and keeping them as rental units. In order to obtain a building permit, the Zoning Board has required the owner to upzone the property to R5.5 in order to make the storefront apartments legal. The SLN-NDRC would require a restrictive covenant rezoning back to R-4 after rehabbing is completed to prevent a large building to be built if this property was ever demolished. The NDRC is working with the owner to replace the surrounding sidewalk and improve the landscaping. This IS A VOTING ISSUE.

In the April Newsletter
What happened at the last meeting?  We learned about the Lakeview Are Master Plan, as presented by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce.   Get updates from Alderman Waugespack, learn about the CAPS meeting, what’s happening with the South Lakeview Park Advisory Council, news from Burley Elementary School, and more!  Read the newsletter here.

South Lakeview Neighbors will flyer the immediate area.

The meeting is being conducted by Alderman Waguespack.

TIME & LOCATION

Tuesday, December 21
St. Luke’s – 1500 W. Belmont
Doors open at 7PM – Meeting starts promptly at 7:30PM.
Please note the new address!

Email the Alderman at info@ward32.org for additional information.

Download the flyer!

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT …

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

SLN is investigating email newsletters for those interested versus our current method of mailing. See the Article later in the newsletter.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Please pay your dues and save us the expense of postage sending you a reminder. Membership Form in the Newsletter. Thanks to all.

Dear Neighbors,

You need only walk to your nearest Starbucks to see that this recession has been relentless and non-discriminatory in its effects.  Three years ago, homes turned over like hot-cakes, new business flourished and the Cubs made the playoffs. It’s different now.  Homes languish on the market, “For Rent” signs abound after October 1st and the Cubs are under new management.  Young and old have lost jobs (or never found them) and storefronts are shuttered.  This is not pessimism, but fact.  In my own profession, I know many lawyers who are out of work and others struggle. Yet some may be too proud to ask for help. This is where SLN’s food and clothing drive through the Lakeview Pantry comes in. For 40 years, Lakeview Pantry has provided the stuff of life to those in need. Those old enough to remember recessions of the 1970s and 80s know that we will come out of this one, but the toll in interrupted lives may be steep. Lakeview Pantry is there to close the gap.

For our annual Christmas party on December 14th, we ask members to bring canned or boxed foodstuffs or gently used clothing to be donated to Lakeview Pantry to distribute to our neighbors in need. This is not a “price of admission” or a tax. Any charity should be from the heart , and merely because it will benefit our neighbors should be motive enough to contribute. Lakeview Pantry operates a satellite collection and distribution center on Oakdale and has committed to keeping our donations within the neighborhood.

The October meeting was one of the more heavily attended, and may I say controversial, in many years. There is nothing like a new building (and new use) that will get people’s dander up, but one has to wonder what will go up instead of a medical building (most of the land is zoned for manufacturing), and do we want to confer on those across the street and in a different ward a veto over our own development? With a sixth of our national economy now facing federal control, it occurs to me that we would want to have a leg up on placing the health care facilities of the 21st Century. In the last 25 years, half-a-dozen hospitals on Chicago’s north side – most with roots in the 19th Century – have closed their doors (Henrotin, Augustana, Columbus, Ravenswood, Lincoln Park and St. Anne’s), taking with them thousands of beds and jobs. I for one would like to see those jobs come to our neighborhood. But I have only one vote.

The developers of the proposed medical building took into account the criticisms voiced and went back to the drawing board. Their new proposal is shorter, more in keeping with the residential styles on both sides of Belmont, and less obtrusive than that presented last month. They have asked to re-present their new concept at the November meeting, and because of holiday gaps in our regular meeting schedule, I scheduled them for a brief hearing next Tuesday. In addition, in light of the disturbing crime spree in our midst, we will host our community policing officer, Sgt. Jason Clark. He will talk about the police response to the spate of break-ins and entertain questions.

And by the way, there’s an election on November 2. The question for our November 9 meeting is whether we will all be better off than we were a week earlier.

Sincerely,
David Duggan

NOVEMBER 2010 MEETING PREVIEW

Chicago Police Department – CAPS representative

Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) representative Sgt. Jason Clark will give a pre- sentation. Topics to be covered will be the current rash of home invasions, neighborhood crime and preventative measures homeowners, motorists and commuters can take. If you wish to contact Sgt. Clark in advance for an issue to be addressed, email him at = Jason.clark@chicagopolice.org.

1325-41 W. Belmont – Office Building Proposal and Zoning Change Request

After the 2 to 1 NO vote on the proposal, the Developers have reworked the Project in attempt to obtain neighborhood approval. At deadline date for the newsletter, 2 proposals are being considered. The major changes from the October meeting are as follows :

New Project #1 – the 4th floor is moved back 18ft from Belmont creating a 4th floor penthouse. The height of the Project at Belmont will be 44 ft. The Penthouse 4th floor back will remain about 60 ft. The developer indicated that the 4th floor would not be visible from the north side of Belmont street level. The rentable medical office space will be reduced from 60,170 to 56,947 sq. ft.

New Project #2 – the 4th floor is totally eliminated. The height is reduced to 44 ft. The parking spaces on level 2 are reduced from 57 to 32. Part of level #2 becomes office space. The rentable medical office space is reduced from 60,170 to 45,425 sq.ft.

The façade of the Project has been reworked to give the impression of 3 different buildings instead of 1 giant building.

This issue will be up for a vote. The immediate neighborhood will be flyered.

AT THE OCTOBER MEETING

Alderman Scott Waguespack, State of the Ward

SLN has annually invited the presiding Alderman to speak before the membership. Alderman Waguespack has graciously appeared for the SLN faithful. Mr. Waguespack started out by informing the membership that he is running for reelection of the Alderman position. By mathematical deduction, we assume he is not running for mayor. Nevertheless, he believes the same issues are present for both the aldermanic and mayoral candidates.

CITY BUDGET : Alderman Waguespack’s concern regarding the city budget deficit is a question of “where did the money go.” The City was running at a surplus for many years. Now the City has a $655 million deficit. Mr. Waguespack feels the City needs to open the books to examine how this occurred. He feels there is an urgent need for more transparency in government. The Alderman believes a financial forensic audit of the last 10-15 years in necessary to weed out wastes in the City government.

The Budget and contracts are given to the City Council with little time to review and digest. Then everything is rammed through for the continued benefit of long-time cronies. New York City has an Independent Budget Review Committee to analyze their budgets in detail. The Alderman predicted the budget shortfall would be plugged with the release of unused TIF funds and Parking Meter and Skyway sales reserves which will not fix the budget structural problems. He was correct.

The Alderman recently submitted an ordinance to take back City Council oversight of all contracts over $500,000. See the Alderman’s website for a reading of the ordinance.

CRIME : The Alderman acknowledged recent crimes in our neighborhood of home invasion and attempted child abduction. He also noted an increase in property damage and increased grafitti. The Alderman and Police Chiefs are working to change shift change hours so the criminal element does not have an advantage during the change. Three Tact Teams in unmarked cars have been added to the area. The Alderman encouraged individuals, property and business owners to report all crimes, even if you think they are not a big deal. They will never be addressed unless reported.

The Alderman addressed the lack of communication related to the home invasion. The Police District will email residents “Community Alerts” if they sign-up at Lt. John E. Willner’s email = john.willner@chicagopolice.org. If you subscribe to Alderman Waguespack’s newsletter, he will forward the Community Alerts to you. Sign up with the Alderman at email = info@ward32.org. The Police were expected to flyer the immediate area the week of our meeting.

VACANT PROPERTIES : The Alderman is aggressively tracking down owners and developers of vacant lots, abandoned buildings and developments demanding maintenance of these properties.

BARS & RESTAURANTS – Wellingtons Tap. As reported previously in this newsletter, the Alderman’s office has been involved in Deleterious Impact meetings on this bar. The neighbors have had enough. The Alderman is working with the business to make them a “good neighbor.” The bar has been ordered to hire a sound engineer and limit patrons smoking and loitering outside the establishment. Jacks Bar & Grill – an ongoing battle relating to noise from the beer garden. The Alderman has ordered the Bar to remove the stereo equipment from the beer garden. Jack’s is still trying to establish the sidewalk café. From various meetings relating to bars, if you have a problem with noise, patrons, closing noise, call 911. If you do not report it, the problem will continue. The police will determine hierarchy of 911  calls, but the 911 calls are analyzed by the Police District and the Alderman.

IMPACT FEES and DEVELOPER DAMAGE :

Many developers cause damage to the alleys, streets and engage in substandard street repairs after connecting sewers to new developments. These repairs are paid with taxpayer money. The City is evaluating “impact fees” developers have to pay up-front  for repairs after the developer has left the premises.

Email the Alderman to sign up for his newsletter or updates including community alerts at Email info@ward32.org.

1325-41 W. Belmont – Office Building Proposal and Zoning Change Request

MedProperties is the Developer of this Project. The developers had met with the NDRC the previous week. That proposal was rejected, but several suggestions were floated, that at the time, the developer basically rejected. The Developer decided to present that Project to the Membership. At approximately 2:00PM on day of the Membership meeting, the Developers delivered a revised Project, which was presented to the Membership.

THE REVISED PROJECT : The addresses are currently occupied by a mostly one-story medical building, the associated parking area and a Native American Art store.  The revised Project is a 62,000 rentable square foot medical office building. The Project is a 4-story glass and brick building. The Revised Project reduced the top cornice to approximately 60 ft. high. The Revised Project had required sideyards of 30 inches. The Project will be anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH). There will be an Urgent Care Center at street level with extended hours. 12,000 square feet of retail space will be available on the 1st floor. The retail space will be marketed as health-care related. The 1st floor will include an NMH Imaging Center. 10 physicians from NMH will occupy the 3rd floor. Other medical or business tenants will occupy the 4th floor. There will be 74 indoor parking spaces that can also be used for restaurants and theater in the evening. The roof consists primarily of a green wellness garden. In order to achieve the desired office ratio, the Project will require a B2-5 zoning. The Developer touted the Revised Project as being in character with the mixed-used zoning on Belmont and an opportunity for the neighborhood to bring a world-class operation in and replace a vacant, nondescript commercial building.

QUESTIONS and DISCUSSION :
The overall discussion focused on the height of the building, increased traffic, parking congestion, alley delivery issues, children safety with parking lot in and out, asbestos issues upon demolition and roof top utilities affecting nearby neighbors. Overall, the comments were predominately negative. A ballot vote was taken.

Do you favor the proposed Project : YES=27, NO=54. The information was forwarded to the Alderman’s office. In addition, Alderman Waguespack was in attendance for the presentation as he was speaking afterwards.

Congressman Michael Quigley

Mr. Quigley made an unannounced brief presentation to the membership at the start of the meeting. See his Washington D.C. information later in the newsletter.

FROM OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS & CAPS

Alderman Waguespack 32nd Ward News

FALL LEAVES – place blue bags on the SIDE of your Blue Recycle Cart. DO NOT put leaves in the Blue Cart. Do not overload bags. Do not sweep or blow leaves into the street. They will clog the street cleaner (or cleaner may skip your street totally) and drains will be clogged all winter long.

BUDGET – the City Council budget hearings begin including testimony on funding cuts to neighbor agencies like Chambers of Commerce and the LEED Council.

Alderman Waguespack recently participated as Principal for a Day at Lakeview High School, which many of our current residents and parents attended in the good old days.

Email the Alderman’s Office at info@ward32.org for his newsletter or updates.

Congressman Mike Quigley

Mr. Quigley’s State Ethics Law Protection Act (SELPA) legislation passed through the House of Representatives on September 29. SELPA allows States that enact anti-pay-to-play laws to continue receiving funds from the Federal Highway Administration. SELPA clarifies that anti-pay-to-play laws are consistent with federal contracting requirements, ensuring future projects will be chosen based on merit rather than political connections and favors. Feel free to contact Congressman Quigley at 773-267-5926 or visit his website at www.quigely.house.gov.

CAPS Meetings

Beat 1932 (East of Lincoln) by Sam Samatas
Three home break-ins on the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Barry. In two of the break-ins residents were home and accosted with weapons. The attacks were early in morning 3-5AM. Two to three young black males were involved and are still at large. Access in all cases was through the 1st floor unlocked windows and judged to be a crime of opportunity (unplanned). Police continue to recommend that all residents keep all ACCESSIBLE doors and windows locked AT ALL TIMES.

On October 19, Richard Skora was arrested for numerous trash bin fires, which in some cases caused damage to fences and garages. Car break-ins targeting GPS’s, sunglasses, and I-Pass devises were targeted. Never leave anything of value (coin tray, upscale travel mugs, a box of Tide laundry detergent) visible.

On October 27, the Ashland Dunkin Donuts was robbed around midnight. An employee was able to get in the back and call the police. A chase ensued and the two perpetrators were apprehended. It is believed these criminals were involved in other robberies (but not the home invasions) in our immediate area.

Beat 1931 (West of Lincoln) by Joan Gatz
See next meeting date

•    Beat 1931: 1st Thursday of odd months (November 4) at 7:00 pm, Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne.
•    Beat 1932: 2nd Thursday of even months (December 9)  @ 7:00 pm, Illinois Masonic, 836 W. Wellington.
CAPS Officers  – Belmont District is Sgt. Jason Clark : 312-744-5983 ; email  CAPS019District@chicagopolice.org.

Ernie T. submits the following information:
Help the Police Improve the Quality of Life in South Lakeview and create a safe neighborhood by reporting the following:
1)    Overflowing construction dumpster, 2) car parked at fire hydrant, 3) dog without a leash, 4) graffiti, 5) car parked in parkway (between street and sidewalk), 6) burned out street light and 7) adult bicyclist on the sidewalk.

Call 311. Operator may transfer your call to 911. The phone call brings police to our neighborhood and gives them the chance to enforce laws that improve our safety and quality of life.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS / INFORMATION

SOUTH LAKEVIEW PLAYLOT

South Lakeview Playlot Advisory Council

Halloween Party – October 17
The party was a huge success with capacity kiddy crowds. Crying was held to a minimum. The Advisory Council would like to thank South Lakeview Neighbors, The Goddard Preschool, Stanley Fruits & Vegetables and Lakeview Computer Specialists for their sponsorship. Thanks to all volunteers for set-up, production and clean-up. No volunteers, no events.

SLN would like to congratulate the Advisory Council for the enjoyable and professional programs they put on in Summer and Fall. Please note that these programs were put on solely through the efforts of the Advisory Council and the sponsorship of SLN and other individual sponsors.

Corporate Sponsors
The Advisory Council is looking for Corporate sponsors for its 2012 Summer and Halloween events. Contact Jennifer Roche at jenniferroche@yahoo.com or Carolyn Withey at witheycarolyn@yahoo.com for additional information.

Advisory Council Meetings
Next meeting Tuesday November 16 at Alderman Scott Waguespack’s office, 2657 N. Clybourn, 5:00-5:30PM to discuss repair and improvement issues at the Playlot. Be on TIME.

All interested citizens are welcome to join the Council for the 2011 season. Meetings are to be held 1/24, 2/28 and 3/21, all Mondays at 7PM at the Golden Apple Pancake House. Contact Jennifer Roche for more information

BURLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Friends of Burley
Did you know this? The Chicago Tribune reported that Burley received an A+ perfect score of 100% rating from the Chicago Public School system.Only four schools of the over 650 CPS schools received this high rating. Congratulations.

Burley School Book Fair – buy books to support the school. In the Burley Field House behind the school: 11/15 Mon. 9-3, 11/16 Tues. 9-3, 11/17 Wed. Noon-6, 11/18 Thur 9-3, 11/19 Fri. 9-12.

Winter Party and Fundraiser – February 4.
www.friendsofburley.com

LAKEVIEW CITIZENS COUNCIL – LVCC

Founders Club Cocktail Reception – November 9, Tuesday 6PM to 9PM at Harry Caray’s Tavern, 3551 N. Sheffield. This event is an integral role in funding the LVCC and programs. See www.lakeviewcitizens.org/founders.asp. for more information.

Operation Mitten – Help children in the area keep warm this winter. Your cash donation will be used to purchase mittens, gloves, scarves and hats for children in need. Many items will be given to police beat officers in the 19th and 23rd Districts to pass out while on patrol. Other items will be used for Children Holiday Parties at the Police Districts for children from financially challenged homes. Send your donation to LVCC, 3355 N. Clark, Chicago, IL. 60657

For membership information. See website www.lakeviewcitizens.org.

LAKEVIEW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lakeview Area Master Plan (LAMP). LAMP is progressing. Visit the Chambers Open House Events for LAMP:
November 20, 11-4 at Flourish Studios – 3020 N. Lincoln Ave. (including finalists of LAMP photo contest) or
December 3, 5-9 at 3440 N. Southport
Visit the progress of LAMP and find out about other activities at www.ThisIsLakeview.com.

Southport Lights Up – November 18, Thursday 5-9PM. Enjoy a holiday evening event highlighting great gift deals along Southport Ave, our premier shopping and strolling area.

Southport Holiday Stroll – December 3, Friday 5-9PM. A very cool Lakeview Holiday tradition.

NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD

Located in heart of SLN land at 3080 N. Lincoln Ave.  The Switchboard is looking to train volunteers for answering the Crisis Line. 40 hours of training is provided. After training, volunteers are asked to commit 2-4 hours/week. Shifts are flexible. Volunteer in your neighborhood and make an impact nationally. For more information contact Michelle Vos at 773-289-1726 or www.1800RUNAWAY.org

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS – AD SPACE AVAILABLE

Spaces are available for the 2010-2011 season. Members are encouraged to contact their favorite restaurants or vendors. Get in NOW. Yearly rates for 9 issues : Smallest $50, next smallest $75, 1/6 page $110, 1/3 page $210, ½ page $310. Contact Diane Galiej at 773-929-6673 or Ann Sychowski at 773-477-8840

SLN HOLIDAY PARTY – December 14

SLN invites all attendees to participate in the Lakeview Pantry Food Drive. Please bring (recommended items) peanut butter and jelly, cans of fruit, vegetables, tuna, chili or soup. SLN will see to it that this food is directed to the Lakeview Pantry located at 1414 W. Oakdale in the lower level of St. Alphonsus. During the recent economic slump, food pantries have seen  15% increase in clients.

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

Volunteers must be 18 years old and be able to stand for 3 hours. Contact Volunteer Services at 773-247-3663 or visit the website at www.chicagosfoodbank.org. for more information.

RESTAURANT REVIEW by Joni G.

Joni is busy doing stomach crunches and will return next month with her award-winning reviews and coveted restaurant ratings. Yum-yum in the tum.

SLN – WEBSITE = www.slneighbors.org

Visit the site.

Links to Community Resources. 1) 32nd Ward links to Alderman Waguespack’s website. 2) City Service Requests – learn about or request services from the City. 3) CPD Crime Stats – view maps showing up to date crime information. 4) Deleterious Impact Ordinance – trouble with a business or bar. Learn how this Ordinance works. 5) Everyblock for SLN – gathers information (permits, business openings, licenses, restaurant inspections and crime data) for every block in Chicago.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER – Sign up here, Dude.

It is 1990. Email has become the preferred method of information dissemination in most offices. Flash forward to 2009. SLN gets a door hanger about the Internet. What is that? Are we going paperless? If you wish to subscribe to the newsletter by EMAIL, go to the SLN website at www.slneighbors.org. Click on the link on the right side of the page under “Subscribe to our newsletter.” Then enter your name and email address. Click “Subscribe to the list” to complete the process. Those not wanting an email newsletter, will continue to receive the mailed version. Please note that SLN’s biggest expense is the copying and postage of the monthly newsletter. Your switching to the email version will reduce SLN’s expenses and leave more for the parties.

Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 9.
Location: Basement of St. Alphonsus Church
1429 W. Wellington

Agenda:
7:00 pm: Coffee & Cookies
7:30 pm: Meeting

• Chicago Police Department – CAPS representative
• 1325-41 W. Belmont – Office Building Proposal and Zoning Change Request

Chicago Police Department – CAPS representative
Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) representative Sgt. Jason Clark will give a presentation. Topics to be covered will be the current rash of home invasions, neighborhood crime and preventative measures homeowners, motorists and commuters can take. If you wish to contact Sgt. Clark in advance for an issue to be addressed, email him at  Jason.clark@chicagopolice.org.

1325-41 W. Belmont – Office Building Proposal and Zoning Change Request
After the 2 to 1 NO vote on the proposal, the Developers have reworked the Project in attempt to obtain neighborhood approval. At deadline date for the newsletter, 2 proposals are being considered. The major changes from the October meeting are as follows :

New Project #1 – the 4th floor is moved back 18ft from Belmont creating a 4th floor penthouse. The height of the Project at Belmont will be 44 ft. The Penthouse 4th floor back will remain about 60 ft. The developer indicated that the 4th floor would not be visible from the north side of Belmont street level. The rentable medical office space will be reduced from 60,170 to 56,947 sq. ft.

New Project #2 – the 4th floor is totally eliminated. The height is reduced to 44 ft. The parking spaces on level 2 are reduced from 57 to 32. Part of level #2 becomes office space. The rentable medical office space is reduced from 60,170 to 45,425 sq.ft.

The façade of the Project has been reworked to give the impression of 3 different buildings instead of 1 giant building.

This issue will be up for a vote. The immediate neighborhood will be flyered.

A few words from our president

Dear Neighbors,

Scott Waguespack was elected alderman of the 32nd Ward in 2007, beating two-term incumbent Ted Matlack in a run-off election after neither had won 50% of the vote in a primary. (A third candidate has been lost to history.) It was the first defeat for the vaunted Dan Rostenkowski political organization since Terry Gabinski was elected alderman in the 1960s. At his retirement in 1999, Gabinski was the dean of the 50 Chicago aldermen: Matlack was his chief aide.  You get the picture.  Without re-hashing ancient history, suffice it that Matlak’s zoning decisions did not endear him to many South Lakeview neighbors. The near-empty condo buildings along Lincoln and the “For Sale” signs on other streets stand as testament to the zoning decisions made more than four years ago, when sunshine and blue skies stretched to eternity. It was fun while it lasted.

Ald. Waguespack has been a rare independent at City Hall, voting against the fire-sale of Chicago’s parking meters (sadly, he voted for the Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee saved him from the folly of his self-preservation vote in a system that knows not the term “loyal opposition”).

He comes to our October meeting for our annual “state of the ward” address and will answer questions as to neighborhood concerns (please no political questions, whether of a prognosticative nature or as to his own plans).

Our neighborhood is at the northeast corner of the 32nd Ward, which ropes in a good chunk of the real estate bounded by Addison on the north, Sheffield on the west, North Ave. on the south and Western on the west (how appropriate). I say good chunk, but the 32nd Ward is a monument  to gerrymandering with cut-outs and protuberances on all sides: it resembles a Transformers blueprint.  A second leg juts southeast paralleling the Chicago River to take in much of the new industrial area north of Division along Elston and Kingsbury, including most of Goose Island. For reasons known only to God, the Finkl Steel plant on Cortland is carved out of this cartographic excrescence. Once the 2010 census results are in, the boundaries will undoubtedly be redrawn as estimates have some 20,000 more people living in the ward than the 60,000 or so required by proportional representation. Folklore has it that the 32nd Ward has the highest per capita income in the City (a legend supported by the fact that the boundaries conveniently exclude two public housing developments on the borders: Cabrini Green and Lathrop Homes), so obviously the map-drawers will be looking to “cherry pick” blocks or neighborhoods to bolster certain candidates’ chance for (re)-election. Whether our community will remain part of the 32nd Ward or be shifted elsewhere is anyone’s guess. Some of us old-timers remember when most of SLN’s area was in the 44th Ward, now represented by Tom Tunney.

Also on the October agenda is a proposal to re-zone eight lots in the middle of the 1300 block of West Belmont to allow a medical imaging (read MRI) and urgent care facility under the auspices of Northwestern Hospital. Most of the subject property is now occupied by the low-rise “industrial” building that runs dialysis or other medical services. The developer, which claims to be “very experienced and highly respected”, would put in 12,000 square feet of ground floor retail in a four-story building with 74 indoor parking spaces. The proposed height of the building (70’) is greater than that of the surrounding residential properties, but less than that of the Renaissance Plaza at Greenview and Belmont, and the condo-converted former industrial building on the southeast corner of Lakewood and Belmont.  This will be a voting issue.

So, the October meeting portends to be one significant to our neighborhood’s future. Please put it on your calendar, Blackberry or iPhone and tell your friends and neighbors to come. We are no better than the enthusiasm we show at the meetings held for our mutual benefit.

OCTOBER 2010 MEETING PREVIEW

Alderman Scott Waguespack–State of the Ward
An annual event, SLN welcomes the Alderman for his State of the Ward speech. Considering the volatile environment of the City budget shortfall and the open Mayoral race, this appears to be an interesting evening. Get there early for a good seat.

1325-41 W. Belmont  –  presentation and discussion of potential zoning change
MedProperties, LLC will present its proposal for the Project at the above address. Those addresses are currently occupied by a mostly one-story medical building, the associated parking area and a Native American Art store.  The Project is a 62,000 square foot medical office building. The Project is a 4 story glass and brick building. The top cornice will be 70 ft. high. The parapet wall will be 68 ft. high. For comparison purposes, the Senior Housing at 1501 W. Belmont is 77 ft high and 3133 N. Lakewood is 75 ft. high.The Project will be lot-line to lot-line front to back and side-to-side. There will be no side yards (gangways) for the properties bordering the Project. The Project will be anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH). There will be an Urgent Care Center at street level with extended hours. 12,000 square feet of retail space will be available on the 1st floor. The 1st floor will include a NMH Imaging Center. It is unclear how many medical or business tenants will occupy the building or if the make-up of the tenants is known. There will be 74 indoor parking spaces that can also be used for restaurants and theater in the evening. The roof consists primarily of a green wellness garden. In order to achieve the desired office ratio, the Project will require a B2-5 zoning. This Project is developed as a Planned Development.

ISSUE : The NDRC committee is concerned that allowing that zoning to accommodate this project will set off an avalanche of similar requests on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Belmont.

The immediate area surrounding the Project will be flyered. This will be a Voting Issue.

AT THE SEPTEMBER MEETING

State Representative John Fritchey

Mr. Fritchey has served as our State Rep. since 1996. Most recently he received the 2010 Bishop Shiel Award from the Illinois State Crime Commission. However, Mr. Fritchey is not returning to Springfield and he did not paint a pretty picture of what is going on down there. He noted the dire budget situation did not happen over-night. It was a basic math issue of spending all the revenues in the “good times” and not planning for any future shortfalls. He stated that the current mess cannot be solved in 1 to 2 years. It will take time and at this time, nobody has come up with a plan. Mr. Fritchey believes the State Income Tax hike is inevitable and necessary. The number of State employees has been slashed to the point that Illinois has the lowest number of employees per capita in the U.S. except for the State of Mississippi. Some pension reform has been passed, but Mr. Fritchey believes it should have been done years ago. The State’s pension plan was so lucrative, that it encourages workers to stay in government jobs for the pension only.

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Problem. With all the State money problems, Mr. Fritchey claims that the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois is sitting on millions of unused TIF Funds. On Mr. Fritchey’s website, he states that at the end of 2009, an audit found that the City of Chicago had a combined balance of $1.2 billion dollars. Of that amount, only $37.1 million was reserved for developments. Mr. Fritchey is introducing legislation to return unused TIF money to the taxing bodies such as the Chicago Public Schools. These unused TIF funds could wipe-out the Chicago Education deficit. Mr. Fritchey noted that TIF is really controlled by the Mayor and this issue is definitely on the radar. See Mr. Fritchey’s web-site for more detailed information.

Mr. Fritchey addressed the education system. He stated that Illinois has the highest funding disparity from highest to lowest schools of all 50 states in the U.S. and also behind Washington D.C. The State should fund 50% of all education. It currently funds about 32%. As the states share decreases, the local government has to come up with funds. Normally this is done with increased property taxes. Poor communities cannot raise taxes and the schools are running at deficits. Unfortunately, any State Income Tax increase would go to the deficit, not education.
The Future : Mr. Fritchey is running for the Cook County Board Commissioner  spot vacated by Forrest Claypool. He noted that Cook County’s budget would make it the 15th largest State in the U.S. Mr. Fritchey believes the County is unorganized with duplicate services, waste and fraud.

Finally, an overriding theme during Mr. Fritchey’s talk was to be informed of the candidates and vote. An informed public will make a difference in the long run. SLN thanks State Rep. Fritchey for his many years in the House and good luck in his future endeavors. Website = www.fritchey.com.

Republican Committeeman – John J. Curry

Yes Virginia, there are Republicans in Chicago. Mr. Curry took the membership for an informational ride as to the duties of a Committeeman. He noted that in the last election, the 32nd Ward cast 7th most Republican votes. Mr. Curry has been the Republican Committeeman for the 32nd Ward since 1996. It is an elected position. He also noted that it is a non-paying position. The Committeeman’s duty is to reflect the interest of our Ward to the Republican Party regarding slating the Republican candidates. The Committeeman also is heavily involved in making sure elections are fair by appointing Republican election judges for Election Day. He is also the liaison for local voters to contact their elected officials.

For more information on the Republican Party in the 32nd Ward contact Mr. Curry at 1-800-694-9036 or email = johncurrygop@gmail.com

WELLINGTON’S TAVERN – update

At the September 23 Mediation Meeting residents reported no change in the noise or bad behavior level since the July 20 meeting. However, with the bar opening earlier for football games, the commotion starts earlier on the weekend. Thursday nights have become worse due to the influx of college students for Thursday Night Football. Officials noted that 911 calls were down; however, the residents reiterated that they are hesitant to call 911 for noise issues. Wellington’s is currently under scrutiny due to a “sale of alcohol to minor” (SAM) charge. As part of the Mediation Process, Wellington’s has been requested to 1) attend CAPS meetings, 2) meet with the Community Police Officer and the Alderman, 3) establish a public way line rope to keep smokers separate from sidewalk pedestrian traffic, 4) investigate noise level restrictions and 5) keep side door on Lakewood closed.

The next Mediation Meeting is scheduled for November 9, Tuesday at 10:00AM, Room 805 in City Hall. It his highly suggested that residents affected by this issue attend these meetings.

SOUTH LAKEVIEW PLAYLOT – NEWS

South Lakeview Playlot Advisory Council

Halloween Party

October 17, 2010 Sunday from 3:00-5:00PM. This great family event is a blast. Corner of Lakewood and Wolfram. Be there or be scared. BOO!

Sponsors

The Advisory Council is looking for Corporate sponsors for its Halloween Party and 2012 Summer events. Contact Jennifer Roche at jenniferroche@yahoo.com or Carolyn Withey at witheycarolyn@yahoo.com for additional information.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND INFORMATION

Alderman Waguespack 32nd Ward News

DAMEN AVE. road closure – from Armitage to Churchill (1832 north) to repair water main. Starting late September.

FALL LEAVES – place blue bags in blue recycling garbage can or on the side. Do not overload bags. Do not sweep or blow leaves into the street. They will clog the street cleaner (or cleaner may skip your street totally) and drains will be clogged all winter long.

GRAFFITI – call 311 and the Alderman’s office to report it as soon as you can. Two major taggers “BigL” and KWT were arrested on August 20. They appeared in court, but the owners of the properties did not show up for court. The taggers walked out with “a smile on their face.”

VOTER REGISTRATION and ADDRESS CHANGE – Tuesday, October 5th is the deadline to register or change your address for the November 2nd General Election :
1)    Email form at www.chicagoelections.com
2)    At any Secretary of State office where drivers licenses are issued. 2 forms of ID.
3)    Through the Alderman’s office

DOCUMENT SHREDDING – bring your documents to the Alderman’s office from today to November 10. There is a locked bin you can dump your documents. The Alderman’s office has partnered with Midway Document Destruction to collect the documents and destroy them for you.

Email the Alderman’s Office at info@ward32.org for his newsletter or updates.

CAPS Meetings

Beat 1931 (West of Lincoln) by Joan Gatz
Most frequent crime in our District was unlawful entry. Police reported this as a “Community Alert.” Take extra care with securing your home while asleep at night or away on vacation. Officers encouraged residents to take a home inventory, record your valuables as well as photos. A home inventory sheet can be obtained by an email request to = CAPS019district@chicagopolice.org.

Beat 1932 (East of Lincoln) by Sam Samatas

See next meeting date.

•    Beat 1931: 1st  Thursday of odd months (November 4) at 7:00 pm, Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne.
•    Beat 1932: 2nd Thursday of even months (December 9)  @ 7:00 pm, Illinois Masonic, 836 W. Wellington.
CAPS Officers  – Belmont District is Sgt. Jason Clark : 312-744-5983 ; email = CAPS019District@chicagopolice.org.

Burglary Workshop attended by Sam Samatas and Diann Marselek put on by CAPS : September 22, Wednesday from 7:00-8:00PM. Location – 19th District Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont. See Page 6
for recap of Burglary Workshop.

Burley Elementary School : donorschoose.org
The website = www.donorschoose.org is a site that allows educators across the country to post classroom wish lists. See what Burley teachers are hoping for in their classrooms this year. You can choose to fund an entire project or donate toward a goal. DonorsChoose then delivers the materials to the classroom. To find Burley Elementary School projects use the keywords “Burley Chicago” in your search. Be sure to use Chicago in your search as there are many Burley Schools across the U.S.

Lake View Citizens Council – LVCC

Energy & Environment Seminar – October 13, Wednesday 6:30PM-8:30PM at Standard Bank & Trust, 3920 N. Sheridan Road. Representatives from Commonwealth Edison, Chicago Department of Environment and the Department of Water will discuss ways to conserve, save money and help the environment. It is FREE man. Complimentary wine, appetizers and rain barrel water shots.

Founders Club Cocktail Reception – November 9, Tuesday 6PM to 9PM at Harry Caray’s Tavern, 3551 N. Sheffield. This event is an integral role in funding the LVCC and programs. See www.lakeviewcitizens.org/founders.asp. for more information.

Membership – a reminder to all SLN members. You should join LVCC to get a broader sense of what is happening in Lakeview community. See website www.lakeviewcitizens.org for an application.

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber is scheduled to appear at the November SLN membership meeting. As reported last month, the Chamber and SSA#27 are working on the Lakeview Area Master Plan (LAMP). LAMP will benefit the entire Lakeview service area with heavier concentration on the commercial districts on Lincoln, Southport and Belmont. Visit website www.placeconsulting.net.

Trick or Treat on Southport and Pumpkin Party – October 24, Sunday 1PM to 4PM. Trick Treat at businesses on Southport from Roscoe and Irving Park. Visit the Pumpkin Party on Southport between Grace and Byron.

National Runaway Switchboard

Located in heart of SLN land at 3080 N. Lincoln Ave.  The Switchboard is looking to train volunteers for answering the Crisis Line. 40 hours of training is provided. After training, volunteers are asked to commit 2-4 hours/week. Shifts are flexible. Volunteer in your neighborhood and make an impact nationally. For more information contact Michelle Vos at 773-289-1726 or www.1800RUNAWAY.org

St. Alphonsus – Children’s Garage Sale
7th Annual. October 23 from 8AM to Noon in the Lower Church. Donate your gently used children clothing (infant-pre teen), toys, furniture, baby gear and maternity clothing. Collection times 8AM-Noon on October 16, 18, 19 and 20. This is a very big and organized sale. For more information contact Trish Kelly at email = tricia@inmarksales.com.

ATTENTION ADVERTISERS – AD SPACE AVAILABLE

Spaces are available for the 2010-2011 season. Members are encouraged to contact their favorite restaurants or vendors. Get in NOW. Yearly rates for 9 issues : Smallest $50, next smallest $75, 1/6 page $110, 1/3 page $210, ½ page $310. Contact Diane Galiej at 773-929-6673 or Ann Sychowski at 773-477-8840

RESTAURANT REVIEW by Joni G.

Chizakaya, 3056 N. Lincoln, 312-943-6255
“Konichiwa”, is what we said as we entered this modern, clean Japanese restaurant in the location formerly know as Felice Bakery. The interesting murals on the ceiling seemed to melt down the walls which brought your attention upwards to the beautiful art. The music and lighting were at pleasant levels with the hip-hop lounge sound catering to the young crowd, many Japanese couples.

We began our small plate Japanese fused with an American twist meal on an early Friday evening. Good thing too, by 7:00 the place was packed! The front of the restaurant has about 15 tables and a bar, where singles sit to nosh. In the back the kitchen is open to all who are seated on tall chairs at a long communal table, where you watch what it takes to get all the orders made and how quiet everyone is doing so.

Not knowing about the back dining area, we sat in the front room and ordered miso soup with tofu and barley, a little too salty for my taste. The tofu basket with bonito (fish stock) was very light and served in a small basket. Except for the soup dishes, only chopsticks are used for dining. Good exercise for the cerebellum region of your brain.

We tried three different Yaki (prepared and cooked on a stick) plates. The turnip and the sweet sausage were very tasty. The best plate we shared was the Corn Fritters, an American food with a Japanese twist served with lime and spicy mayo. I could eat these all night long and sip either a cold Japanese beer or sake, which they have several to choose from, along with specialty cocktails and Japanese whiskeys. We concluded our meal when we agreed to being full after slurping up our Ramen noodle dish with fish ball, bacon and egg. The plates and soup are served in beautiful pottery.

Chizakaya is a very hot new restaurant and I am honored that they chose our neighborhood. This place is going to become very popular because it has a different type of menu with excellent service. The ingredients are from local and sustainable farms keeping the menu seasonal. The evening out can get a bit pricey with several small plates and a couple of beverages. I recommend that you go have a new dining experience and arrive early. “Arigato” to the two chefs, one with experience at Charlie Trotters and the other from restaurants in New York and Las Vegas.

SLN – WEBSITE = www.slneighbors.org
Visit the site. It is a work in progress. Pictures and information to be added.

MEMBERSHIP

Do not delay. Pay your 2010-2011 dues in a timely
Manner to insure your ability to vote on ALL MATTERS and continue the delivery or your NEWSLETTER.
PLEASE PAY PROMTLY.
MEMBERSHIP FORM IS IN THE NEWSLETTER.

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

The City of Chicago has an immediate need for 40,000 family food boxes now through mid-September. Sign up NOW to join the Food Depository on the Flex Line with your family or community group. Volunteers must be 18 years old and be able to stand for 3 hours. Contact Volunteer Services at 773-247-3663 or visit the website at www.chicagosfoodbank.org. for more information.

Recap of 19th District Burglary Workshop

Four former burglars spoke at the workshop.  Here is a recap of what they said:

Areas to commit crimes:
•    Yuppie areas where there is wealth
•    Areas where people don’t know neighbors

Means to see if anyone is home:
•    Knock on doors, no answer a good sign that noone is home
•    Watch movements to see when people come and go

Areas where they gain access to home:
•    Back doors – less seen by anyone
•    Window
•    Front doors that have weak frames
•    Air conditioners that they can punch out

Areas in house they go to:
•    Closet
•    Master bedroom
•    Dressers
•    Junk drawers in kitchen
•    Computer rooms

What they look for:
•    Cash, jewelry, electronics, guns checkbooks, pre-approved credit cards

When they commit the crimes:
•    Day light hours

Suggestions to prevent burglaries:
•    Have as many layers as possible. They want to get in and out quick. The layers are sensor lights, alarms, cameras, crime watch signs
•    Have strong door frames. Lock all doors and windows.
•    Don’t put boxes on garbage cans that advertise that you bought something new
•    Leave on radio or tv so they think someone is home
•    If you have a safe, bolt it to the floor
•    Have block clubs. They avoid homes where there is a nosy neighbor.
•    Engrave serial numbers on items and keep in a secure place

SLN’s long-time State Rep and Democratic Ward Committeman will appear to discuss the State of Illinois political mess. Budget issues, Educational funding, Governor Blagojevich and other issues will be touched on. Mr. Fritchey always gives interesting viewpoints on the State’s political issues. Mr. Fritchey is retiring from the State legislature at the end of his current term. Mr. Fritchey is currently running for the Cook County Board position vacated by Forrest Claypool.

Republican Ward Committeman – John Curry

As an equal-opportunity neighborhood association, SLN has invited Mr. Curry to give the Republican point of view of local and State-wide issues. Mr. Curry has appeared before the SLN membership in previous years and often attends SLN meetings.

1325-41 W. Belmont – preliminary presentation and discussion of potential zoning change

A developer has approached Alderman Waguespack’s office for a development proposal for the above address. Those addresses are currently occupied by a mostly one-story medical building, the associated parking area and a Native American Art store. Information is in a raw presentation stage. The developer wishes to obtain feedback from the neighborhood before committing a large investment in architectural and legal zoning fees. The general plan is as follows : 1) 4 story medical building, 2) 78 indoor parking spaces, 3) proposed tenants are to be doctors associated with Northwestern University Hospital. To obtain the desired office spaces needed, the property will need to be zoned as a B2-5 commercial property. This development will be considered a Planned Development.

ISSUE : The NDRC committee is concerned that allowing that zoning to accommodate this project will set off an avalanche of similar requests on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Belmont.

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT …

Dear Neighbors,

No greater honor can be paid to any citizen than to be recognized by his neighbors, and for this reason, I am honored that South Lakeview Neighbors elected me to preside over its meetings for the next year. While I may not be well known by many of you, I have lived here for more than a third of my life, I have tried as I am able to improve the little corner of the earth that has been entrusted to me, and in my professional life as a lawyer, now mostly over, I have represented many people like you. This neighborhood will now be my most-of-my-time commitment, and I look forward to engaging with those who have similarly devoted their lives and livelihoods to the 24 block area our association encompasses.

I find my election ironic for several reasons. Since returning to Chicago 25 years ago, I have been studiously apolitical. People who know me best would never accuse me of “political correctness”. And truth be told, I’m much more libertarian than a “communitarian”. I hope that my last foray into the world of group dynamics, when I served as the president of a struggling church which had just lost minister, will serve me in good stead.  I certainly learned to listen then, and dal with many who disagreed with me vehemently, skills I had not developed as a lawyer.

The organization faces many challenges, but mindful that anyone can bite off more than he can chew, I will try to focus my attention on three principle goals. First, shoring up the membership which accounts for more than half our annual budget.  We have seen a decline and I think that our meetings and focus should reflect some of the current concerns of our neighbors.  Second is a comprehensive look at the zoning issues.  We have two major commercial thoroughfares that trisect our neighborhood, and there are those who want to upzone the major residential avenue.  At the same time, we have seen, because of the economic downturn, a number of vacant, dilapidated or abandoned properties that are the harbinger of blight.  I myself live next to three such properties.  Lincoln Avenue may be better than when a developer’s signs festooned every other storefront, but the mixed-usage leaves a lot to be desired.  The third is to become more involved with the other neighborhood associations that surround us: Hamlin Park, Central Lakeview, and the Lakeview Citizens Council.  Because of the impending redevelopment of the Lathrop Homes (public housing) at Damen & Clybourn, and the undoubted effects that will have on our community, I intend to attend as many of their meetings as I can.

So I thank you in advance for your support.  I hope that you will indulge me in one fault: I’m terrible with names.  If I forget yours, or don’t get it on the first try, please forgive me. I don’t often make the same mistake twice.

Sincerely,

David G. Duggan

SEPTEMBER 2010 MEETING PREVIEW

State Representative – John Fritchey, Democrat

SLN’s long-time State Rep and Democratic Ward Committeman will appear to discuss the State of Illinois political mess. Budget issues, Educational funding, Governor Blagojevich and other issues will be touched on. Mr. Fritchey always gives interesting viewpoints on the State’s political issues. Mr. Fritchey is retiring from the State legislature at the end of his current term. Mr. Fritchey is currently running for the Cook County Board position vacated by Forrest Claypool.

Republican Ward Committeman – John Curry

As an equal-opportunity neighborhood association, SLN has invited Mr. Curry to give the Republican point of view of local and State-wide issues. Mr. Curry has appeared before the SLN membership in previous years and often attends SLN meetings.

1325-41 W. Belmont  – preliminary presentation and discussion of potential zoning change

A developer has approached Alderman Waguespack’s office for a development proposal for the above address. Those addresses are currently occupied by a mostly one-story medical building, the associated parking area and a Native American Art store.  Information is in a raw presentation stage. The developer wishes to obtain feedback from the neighborhood before committing a large investment in architectural and legal zoning fees. The general plan is as follows : 1) 4 story medical building, 2) 78 indoor parking spaces, 3) proposed tenants are to be doctors associated with Northwestern University Hospital. To obtain the desired office spaces needed, the property will need to be zoned as a B2-5 commercial property. This development will be considered a Planned Development.
ISSUE : The NDRC committee is concerned that allowing that zoning to accommodate this project will set off an avalanche of similar requests on the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Belmont.

AT THE JULY SUMMER GET-TOGETHER

Wills Northwoods Inn

A beautiful warm summer night, the All-Star Game, hot dogs and beer = a pretty big crowd. Thank you to all who attended this social event. It was a good chance to talk to old friends who often do not get to the meetings and converse with newer members. Thank you to the crew at Will’s Northwoods for the complimentary hot dogs and the fine service.

Ann and Len Sychowski – Good Neighbor Award

At the July Get-Together SLN awarded, in this case, a life-time service award to Ann and Len Sychowski (deceased November 2009). President David Duggan gave an eloquent speech noting how so much of the SLN meetings, special events and final product all have gone through Ann and Len for decades. They were often the first members and officers at meetings and last to leave after cleaning up. Former Alderman Bernie Hansen lauded the Sychowski’s contributions to SLN and the overall neighborhood. Ann Sychowski, whose son, daughter and grandchildren were in attendance, graciously accepted the Award noting that July 13th was Len’s birthday and the family had been to the cemetery earlier that day and the family sang Happy Birthday. Congratulations to Ann and Len Sychowski for their past and future contributions to SLN and our great neighborhood.

CONDOLENCES – Marge Yunker

Marge Yunker (88), long-time resident of the 1400 block of Oakdale, founding SLN member  and member of the St. Alphonsus Choir and many other neighborhood activities, passed away in late August. Marge was famous for preceding all of her comments at SLN meetings with “I’ve lived in this neighborhood all my life.” She always was a pleasure to run into on the street with her optimistic personality. SLN expresses its condolences to her family and friends.

WELLINGTON’S TAVERN – update

On July 20, 2010,  a mediation meeting was held at City Hall regarding the Deleterious Impact Public Nuisance Ordinance, for issues relating to Wellington’s operations and their negative impact on the immediate residents. In attendance was a representative from the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, attorneys from City of Chicago Corporation Counsel, 19th District Community Officer Kusiner and Elizabeth Gomez from Alderman’s Waguespack’s office. Representing Wellington’s was their attorney, two managers and officers of corporate ownership. The neighborhood was represented by several nearby residents. SLN President  David Duggan was also in attendance. The residents registered their complaints of late night noise, blocking of sidewalks, public urination, commotion at closing time among other issues. The police officer in attendance noted that since May 1, there were eight 911 calls about the bar. The residents noted that many 311 calls were also made. The police officer instructed all calls to be 911 as 311 calls are simply logged in and not addressed until the following day. The residents said they are sometimes reluctant to call 911 because the police “cross-examine” the resident placing the call.

The result of the meeting was to revise the “exit strategy” of the bar. Music will be turned off and lights turned on at last call. Last call will be 12:45 on Thursday, 1:15AM on Friday and 2:15 on Saturday. The bar owners promised to devise a written “exit strategy” to advise the patrons on their departure.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 23, Thursday at 11:00AM, Room 805 in City Hall. It his highly suggested that residents affected by this issue attend these meetings.

SOUTH LAKEVIEW PLAYLOT – NEWS

South Lakeview Playlot Advisory Council

Thanks to everyone who helped put on the four “Tuesdays in the Park” programs during July and August. These were professionally run and high-attended affairs. Congratulations.

The next Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for September 20  Monday @ 7:00PM Golden Apple Restaurant, 2971 N. Lincoln Ave. Topics to be discussed : Halloween Party, future programming, park safety and cleanliness. Contact Jennifer Roche at jenniferroche@yahoo.com or Carolyn Withey at witheycarolyn@yahoo.com for additional information.

Halloween Party

October 17, 2010 Sunday from 3:00-5:00PM. This is a great family event. Mark your calendars. The Advisory Council is gearing up for this event. Volunteers to plan and staff the party are needed. Chairs and tables are also needed for each Halloween Station. Any donations of decorations (2009 had a smoke machine). Contact Jennifer Spainhour at jenspainhour@mac.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND INFORMATION

Alderman Waguespack 32nd Ward News

According to press releases from the Mayor’s office, privatization of lakefront festivals (including the Taste of Chicago) and household recycling could be put out for bid soon. The Alderman’s office indicates the City’s budget is nearly $700 million in the red. In that vein, Chicago’s Preliminary Budget is available on the Alderman’s website = ward32.org.

2011 City of Chicago hearing will be on the North Side at :
September 10, Westinghouse College Prep, 3223 W. Franklin.
September 16, North-Grand High School, 4338 W. Wabansia.
Registration from 6:00PM to 7:00PM. Hearings start at 7:00PM. Anyone who wishes to speak must register in person. Time limit is 3 minutes.

Electronics Recycling – drop off electronic equipment including computers, TV’s, DVD’s VCR’s, video equipment and mobile phones at the 44th Ward Streets and Sanitation office (1501 W. School St.) September 11,  Saturday between 8AM and Noon

Graffitti – Call 311 or the Alderman’s office to report it as soon as you can. Two major taggers “BigL” and KWT were arrested on August 20.

Voter Registration – Tuesday, October 5th is the deadline to register for the November 2nd General Election. You can register to vote or update your address by stopping by the Alderman’s office. Bring two forms of ID and proof of residency.

CAPS Meetings

Beat 1932 (East of Lincoln) by Sam Samatas

40 arrests since the last CAPS meeting. Major crimes include a battery on 2800 N. Lincoln, DUI at 1400 W. Barry and retail theft on 2900 N. Lincoln.
A rise in three types of crimes have been noted : 1) residential burglaries at night when residents are home through and unsecured window, 2) gypsy home modeling scams – specifically a blue van with “Windy City Construction” signage and 3) bike thefts – thieves are dressed as bikers with helmets. Targets are bikes secured with cables or chains. Surveillance video shows it takes only 10 seconds to steal a bike. Use a high grade “U” lock.

Beat 1931 (West of Lincoln) by Joan Gatz

Garage burglary mainly on garages where a door  or window is left open. Take a second to make sure your door closes all the way. Replace glass windows with glass block windows with a window vent. Theft from autos – thieves will take anything in sight especially GPS and laptops but as insignificant as a Velcro pad.
Tips from the police officer : (1) black out your address on your vehicle insurance card or other information in your glove box, (2) close and LOCK all windows in your house when gone and at night, even in the summer, (3) do NOT advertise your vacation on Facebook or Twitter (what is that?) and (4) install motion lights to deter crime.

•    Beat 1931: 1st  Thursday of odd months (September 2 and November 4) at 7:00 pm, Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne.
•    Beat 1932: 2nd Thursday of even months (October 14)  @ 7:00 pm, Illinois Masonic, 836 W. Wellington.

Burglary Workshop put on by CAPS : September 22, Wednesday from 7:00-8:00PM. Location – 19th District Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont

Burley Elementary School

Burley Elementary School needs community members to help out with :
1)    Kiss-n-Go
2)    After-School Programs
3)    Family Reading Nights
Call 773-534-5475 to register for volunteer orientation on September 29th, Wednesday at 9:15AM.

Lake View Citizens Council – LVCC

Wine Tasting – Sunday, September 19th, 2:00-5:00PM at The Captain Morgan Club at Wrigley Field. A portion of the proceeds will go to LVCC. Purchase tickets in advance at www.lakeviewcitizens.org/winetasting.html.

Lakeview Tour Bike Ride – sponsored by LVCC, Alderman Tunney, 19th and 23rd District Police and Chicago Bicycle Ambassadors. Monday, September 20th or Wednesday, October 6th @ 6:30PM. Meet at 6:25PM at 1100 W. Waveland (next to the Firehouse). For more information go to www.president@lakeviewcitizens.org.

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber and SSA#27 are working on the Lakeview Area Master Plan(LAMP). The Chamber has just hired a consulting company for planning of LAMP. LAMP will benefit the entire Lakeview service area with heavier concentration on the commercial districts on Lincoln, Southport and Belmont. Visit website www.placeconsulting.net.

Chicago Tech Expo – October 6 at UIC Forum. See www.chicagotechexpo.net.

National Runaway Switchboard

Located in heart of SLN land at 3080 N. Lincoln Ave.  The Switchboard is looking to train volunteers for answering the Crisis Line. 40 hours of training is provided. After training, volunteers are asked to commit 2-4 hour/week. Shifts are flexible. Volunteer in your neighborhood and make an impact nationally. For more information contact Michelle Vos at 773-289-1726 or www.1800RUNAWAY.org

FESTIVALS :

St. Alphonsus Octoberfest 2010 – 10th Annual

Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 24,25 and 26. The Fest opens Friday at 5:00PM, Noon on Saturday and Sunday. Brats, German bands, top music headliners Maggie Speaks, 16 Candles, Wedding Banned and Mike & Joe. Beer, beer, beer.

Will’s Northwoods Inn – Muskiefest

September 18, Saturday starting at 11:00AM. Music starts around 1:00PM with the School of Rock from over on Ashland Ave. by the Art of Pizza (free plug for his full page ad). Headliner – The Greg Brady Experience, top notch cover band. Lin Brehmer from WXRT is the Master of Ceremonies (Beer). The Muskiefest Queen will be crowned around 9:30PM. All hot SLN women over the age of 21 are eligible to enter. You know who you are.  If the MuskieQueen cannot perform her duties, the 1st runner-up will be declared the winner.

RESTAURANT REVIEW by Joni G.

Las Tablas, 2942 N. Lincoln Avenue

Since moving across the street four years ago, this was our first visit in the new, much larger location. My dining partner and I had our meal at Las Tablas on a Monday evening for a couple of reasons. First, the restaurant allows BYOB without a corkage fee Monday through Thursday. Secondly we considered Monday to be more on the quiet side in most restaurants.  Well we were wrong about the latter.  This is a very popular spot.  Although we were seated promptly, it took quite a while to be greeted by a waiter.  Actually more than 10 minutes.  Sure the place was busy, but nowhere near full.  Maybe the establishment chose to keep staff at a minimum.  That was unfortunate, because of which made our dinner and experience less than optimal due to the hurried service when it eventually occurred.

Everyone there surely were there for the exceptional food.  We started off with grilled calamari in a garlic white wine sauce served with a salad.  It was very good and fresh.  We were given two different sauces, one chimichura and the other on the hot and spicy side.  Both sauces went well with our appetizers as well as the entrees.

My partner had as his main entrée the Matrimonio, which is a combination of the Entrana steak and chicken.  The Entrana steak is a house specialty.  I ordered a vegetarian combination dish just to see how well a Columbian steakhouse caters to non-meat eaters. They did very well indeed.  Everything was prepared to perfect consistency, plantains, fried yucca and potato.  This was served with wonderfully spiced beans and rice alongside another salad featuring a half of an avocado.  We concluded our dinner with Coco Flan for dessert, excellent presentation and delicious.

The courses were served slowly, by western standards, but everything we ate was wonderful.  The food made up for the neglectful service we received at the beginning of the evening.  All in all, we had a very good dinner.  I recommend you eat a steak or vegetarian meal at Las Tablas.  Go when you have plenty of time and want to immerse yourself into the slow pace and atmosphere of Columbian steakhouse on a BYOB evening.  All of our food cost less than $50.

GREATER CHICAGO FOOD DEPOSITORY

The City of Chicago has an immediate need for 40,000 family food boxes now through mid-September. Sign up NOW to join the Food Depository on the Flex Line with your family or community group. Volunteers must be 18 years old and be able to stand for 3 hours. Contact Volunteer Services at 773-247-3663 or visit the website at www.chicagosfoodbank.org. for more information.