Lathrop Update

Posted on , updated on by Steven Stern

The Julia C. Lathrop Homes, viewed from the Chicago River, has neighbors in a quandary over redevelopment plans. (David Wilson/Flickr) via DNAInfoChicago

The developers for the Lathrop Homes site have been  making some news:

  • Lakeview Patch: “Based on the responses, CHA and LCP representatives have agreed to modify the process, according to a notice issued…  Developers now say they expect to create a master plan by the end of March, according to company documents.”
  • DNAInfoChicago: “‘No High-rises!’ Lathrop Homes Developer Releases Summary of Comments”

Next Meeting: December 11, 2012

Posted on , updated on by Steven Stern

We will have our annual Christmas party next Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Will’s Northwoods Inn, at Racine and Nelson.

DATE: Tuesday, December 11
TIME: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
LOCATION: Will’s Northwoods Inn, 3030 N. Racine, back room.

As in the past, we will ask those attending to bring a boxed-or-canned good for, or a check payable to, Lakeview Pantry, although they prefer cash because they can buy in bulk far more economically than we can. We will have the usual raffles for baskets of booze and other party gifts. Maybe even a politician or two will stop by!

During this season of fellowship, generosity and reflection, it is a good time to think about what South Lakeview Neighbors means to all who live, or work, or own property within the 24 blocks bounded by Racine to Ravenswood, Belmont to Diversey. As an organization:

  • We have resisted development that would burden the neighborhood (like a hookah lounge) and encouraged development with offsetting benefits (like the Belmont Medical building).
  • We have reduced the sought–after density of other large-scale residential properties (like Wellington Park) and assisted in the transition of Lincoln from a department-store destination shopping area to a mixed residential and small retail use.
  • We act as a forum for our elected officials so that you can determine whether they are talking straight to us or have thrown us into the spin cycle, and invite candidates so that you can learn more than revealed on a glossy mailer.
  • We inform our members of new businesses, changes in how public services are delivered and other issues that affect their lifestyle and pocketbook.

If you live within the boundaries of SLN, we urge you to have a voice in the community and join South Lakeview Neighbors.

If you missed the November meeting, you didn’t learn about the services offered at the new Northwestern medical building on Belmont, including an immediate care facility and physicians from the Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group. Nor did you learn about a program that offers significant rebates for energy related improvements to your house through Energy Impact Illinois.   You can read more about both in the current SLN Newsletter.

Also in the SLN Newsletter:

  • Get an update about the property under development at 1248 W. George and  big changes in the plans for the Lathrop Homes site (all 3 plans now “feature” 1600 units).
  • There are also updates from Commissioner John Fritchey, Alderman Scott Waguespack,  Representative Mike Quigley.
  • There is news about CAPS, Burley School, the #11 Lincoln Avenue Bus, and much more.

We hope to see you at the party on the 11th.  In the meantime, join in the discussions on Facebook.

The #11 Lincoln Avenue Bus

Posted on by Steven Stern

The Number 11 Lincoln Avenue bus will soon go no further north than Fullerton. Another route will pick up at Western and go north on Lincoln. The central business district of South Lakeview, Lincoln Avenue, will have no convenient bus service. The cut goes into effect in December.  The CTA’s rationale is that the bus route duplicates  Red and Brown Line service in the area.

If you’d like to make your voice heard on this, join your neighbors at the CTA budget hearings on December 10 or December 17, or write to the CTA leadership.

Please read more in this article in the Lakeview Patch.

Next Meeting: November 13, 2012

Posted on by Steven Stern

MEETING AT A GLANCE
November 13, 2012
Location: Basement – St.Alphonsus Church,1429 W. Wellington
7:00 PM  Doors open
7:30 PM  Meeting begins

Agenda:

  1. Northwestern Medical Center – 1300 Belmont
    A representative and medical professional will be present to explain the overall operations of the new Medical Center that opened in August 2012 and to describe the medical opportunities the Center offers to the neighborhood.
  2. Energy Impact Illinois – energy rebates
    Energy Impact Illinois, along with your local Utility Companies, is providing rebates to help lower our energy bills. A representative will describe the program which mainly consists of air sealing and insulating programs. Rebates of 70% of your cost up to $1,750 are available. If you cannot wait until the November meeting, call 1-855-9-IMPACT to set up an appointment.
  3. Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey
    The Cook County budget has been in the news lately. Increases of $1 per pack for cigarettes and the Violence Tax on bullets (take better aim) are a few of the controversial budget items. Commissioner Fritchey contacted SLN and requested some time to discuss the 2013 County budget. Bring it on.

What happened at in the neighborhood recently? What happened at the September meeting?  Check it out in the newsletter.