Greasy Greek Gyro's

A fellow blogger recently reviewed Hella's Gyros which is located under the Bryn Mawr Red Line stop. I thought it was well written and personally I love a good dive and this has intriqued me to try the place that I always walked right by without considering checking it out. Have you ate there? If so, let us know what you thought (yes, its all about comments from ECB viewers today) and if you have not, well what are you waiting for:
Hella's Gyros
1133 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660773-728-3950

Goodbye (and hello)

Edgewater is losing a Berwyn corridor retail staple according to a note on the window of florist Blue Hydrangea. The store will be closed on November 1st as the owner is changing professions. While many will miss our friends at Blue Hydrangea, there is currently a "For Rent" sign in the window leaving us wondering what may go in its place. A small brunch place would be great, do any of our readers have suggestions?

Meanwhile the neighboring Steep Theatre looks to be near completion.

Happy Halloween

We would like to wish everyone a great Halloween on this beautiful Friday. Hopefully everyone has a chance to get out and enjoy themselves this evening. Stay safe, and watch out for the boogeyman.

Lakefront Debate Continues

The Loyola Phoenix ran this article recently, which highlights both sides of the referendum to block lakefront expansion that is on Edgewater's ballot this November. It also discusses other issues, such as the effect a lakefront expansion will have on Loyola, the environment and what a possible expansion could cost.

Worldwide Injuction on Former Owner of Edgewater Hospital and Medical Center

According to this article in the Vancouver Sun, a Canadian Supreme Court Judge has granted an injunction to freeze the cash and asetts of Peter Rogan, 62, of Valparasio, IN. Rogan was the CEO and owner of the Edgewater Hospital and Medical Center which closed it's doors in 2001. According to the article, he is facing federal perjury and obstruction of justice charges in the U.S. relating to government efforts to collect a $64.2 million US civil health-care fraud judgment against him. Rogan sold Edgewater Hospital but continued to control it and the medical center through various management companies he owned, U.S. authroities say.

* photo is actual photo from inside the Edgewater Hospital seen on Flickr

Recent Crimes from the Chicago Journal

From the Chicago Journal:

Punks mess with the wrong guy
20TH districtThree men in their 20s threw an egg at a Cook County Sheriff's car as he was driving southbound on the 5700 block of W. Rockwell at 3:15 a.m. Oct. 12. When the sheriff got out of his car to confront the egg-thrower, the other men threw a bottle at him, hitting him in the back of the head. The sheriff fought with the egg-thrower. As the sheriff got the upper hand, the other men said, "Shoot that m-f." The sheriff then drew his gun and took cover. The men got back into a silver van driven by a fourth man and took off northbound on Western Avenue, then eastbound on Peterson. The sheriff sustained several cuts and bruises.

Hit for no reason
A 35-year-old man told police he was walking down the 4800 block of N. Broadway around 6:45 p.m. Oct. 9, when another man in his 30s came up and clobbered him in the leg with a baseball bat for no apparent reason. The victim walked to Weiss Memorial Hospital and sought treatment for bruising on his leg.
Kenmore robbery
A 44-year-old man was robbed on the 5700 block of N. Kenmore around 2:45 a.m. Oct. 14. The victim told police that he noticed a man in his mid-20s driving a dark Chevy Caprice. The driver got out and approached him, producing a blue-steel revolver. He demanded money and the victim handed over $20. The man got back into the car and fled in an unknown direction.
Robbed for cheap
A man in his 40s followed a 57-year-old man as he walked down the 5200 block of N. Lakewood at 2:30 a.m. Oct. 15. As the victim reached the rear gate of his property, the man pushed him to the ground and took his wallet containing $20, then fled eastbound on Foster.

Dropped his roller skates
A couple arrived home on the 5400 block of N. Lakewood around 8 p.m. Oct. 11 after being away overnight, only to discover that they had been robbed. Jewelry valued at $1,800, computers and electronic equipment valued at $1,700 and various other items were taken. A neighbor spoke to police and said three men in their 30s were spotted on the premises while the couple was away. He asked one of the men why he was on the property, and the man said that his girlfriend had kicked him out. While the man was getting his stuff, he dropped his roller skates. All three men fled in a Ford SUV. The neighbor was able to give police the plate number.

Community Alert

From the Edgewater Community Council:
Due to some recent break-ins in the Edgewater neighborhood we would like to remind you to:

Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.

Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.

Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. Report suspicious activity to the police and each other Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.

Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

If you have a security system turn it on even while you are at home.

If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.

Use a neighbor's phone to call 911.

Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.

Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.

Edgewater Alderman Mary Ann Smith asks for feedback regarding homeless shelters

As we previously reported here, a homeless shelter in Edgewater will close on November 1st leaving the neighborhood with only one shelter in the 48th Ward. Alderman Smith is asking for YOUR feedback on how to move forward - there are arguements on both sides of what to do moving forward.

If you have practical suggestions or ideas about how you can help, you can e-mail the Alderman's office at info@MASmith48.org or write her at Mary Ann Smith, 5533 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.

Edgewater Condo Sales Continue to Fall

For the third straight year, condo sales in Edgewater fell during the third quarter. According to data from the Chicago Association of Realtors, a total of just 191 condos were sold in the neighborhood during the third quarter, down from 247 condos sold during the same period a year ago. The high point for the neighborhood was seen in 2005, with 360 condos sold during the third quarter. Condos are now taking an average of 143 days to find a buyer - the longest average turnover time over the last 18 years.

Source: About Chicago Real Estate

m. henry's interior featured on Apartment Therapy Chicago website

Popular Edgewater/Andersonville breakfast & brunch spot m. henry was recently featured on Apartment Therapy Chicago's website for their unique interior. Check out the photos:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/look/inside-andersonvilles-mhenry-restaurant-and-cafe-067021

"Second Hand Bandit" caught after holding up Chase Bank on Clark twice

Check out this Chicago Tribune story about the "Second Hand Bandit", who was arrested after robbing numerous banks, including Andersonville's Chase Bank at 5134 N Clark twice.

Shot Fired at Berwyn Red Line Stop, Auto Repair Shop Robbed, and more....

According to the Chicago Journal, on October 4th @ 3 a.m. a 22 year old man was robbed at the Berwyn Red Line stop when 3 men, one of which brandished a semi-automatic weapon, approached him and demanded all his money. The victim then confronted the assaulters, a shoving match ensued, and then a shot was fired. After fleeing, however, the gunman, Kwasi Papafio, 25, of the 3500 block of S. Cottage Grove, was nabbed by police as he ran westbound on Berwyn.

Read about this story and other recent crimes here.

Edgewater Ethiopian Restaurant featured in Tasty Beat

Looking for a new BYOB dining option in Edgewater? Do you love Ethiopian cuisine or have you always been craving to try it? Check out Lalibela at 5633 N Ashland, according to this article on the Tastybeat website.

Care For Real, residents and Northside Toyota provide school supplies to Edgewater students

300 needy students at Edgewater schools started their school year off right with donated backpacks complete with school supplies through Care For Real. The backpacks and supplies were donated by community members and Bob Loquercio of Northside Toyota, while Care For Real volunteers filled them and distributed them in coordination with State Senator Heather Steans', Representative Harry Osterman's and Alderman Mary Ann Smith's offices. Each backpack contained all the necessary supplies required by the students' schools, which can add up to $100 for elementary students and $175 for high school students. Kudos to all involved!

Return From Zanzibar

Not Tanzania, but "Zanzibar" at Bryn Mawr and Kenmore. I'm not sure if it's run by the same people as Sweet Occasions, but the business model is very similar. My visit was pretty anticlimactic, as I didn't end up buying anything. They had cakes, however it looked like they were only selling them by the slice and they were about 75% gone.

Undercover Mission, Sweet Occasions Edgewater

Sometime today I will be visiting the Edgewater location to pick up something for an....occasion. I will post a summary of my stealth visit since I know everyone is anticipating the next update to the Sweet Occasions saga. Trying to decide whether I should wear a disguise.

The Hiatus Has Ended

Did you miss us? Sorry for the week without any posts!!

Recent crimes in the Chicago Journal

From the Chicago Journal:

Cheeseheads run over man's foot
20TH districtWhen a 37-year-old restaurant owner tried to stop two men from emptying garbage from their van in his business parking lot on the 5900 block of N. Broadway around noon Sept. 29, the two jumped into their van and ran over the victim's foot, causing him to fall down. The men hit the victim's chest and stomach, then fled southbound on Broadway. The police report did not indicate whether the men ran over the victim or punched him. The victim was transferred to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. The incident was referred to Area 3 detectives as an aggravated battery. The victim said that the van had Wisconsin plates.

Senior robbed in hallway
A 67-year-old man was robbed in the hallway of his apartment building on the 1000 block of W. Ainslie around 9:30 a.m. Sept. 29. When the victim entered his hallway, a man came up behind him and choked him until he lost consciousness. The victim woke up on the floor and noticed that his wallet was missing. He had redness around the throat but refused medical attention.

Laptops lifted
Burglars pried open the front door of an apartment on the 5700 block of N. Winthrop sometime before 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and swiped three computers valued at $900.

Washtenaw break-in
Two window screens were slashed and a window forced open in an apartment on the 5000 block of N. Washtenaw sometime before 10:30 p.m. Sept. 27. A box containing $60 cash, a piggy bank with $20, a ring and digital camera were stolen.

Pass the sangria!

Andersonville's Tapas Las Rambas has been catching some attention online since its opening in August. Zagat recently featured the restaurant here, Best of the Best Dining in Chicago here, and BizBash draws attention to the private dining room available at the Spanish small plates venue located in the space of Il Fiasco at 5101 N Clark. I personally have not dined at Tapas Las Rambas yet, but plan to shortly!

Edgewater to vote on lakefront expansion

The proposed lakefront expansion will be on the ballot for November's election. Residents of the 48th Ward will vote in November on a referendum to prohibit expansion of the lakefront from Hollywood Avenue in Chicago to Howard Street in Evanston. It seeks to prevent construction of roadways, marinas, housing and major landfill. Lets hope this passes as I can think of many better ways to spend $400 million than a bike path.

Fellow blogger capture's ECB Sweet Occasions Drama

We recently posted a few updates on Sweet Occasions closing. After the postings got burried by other updates, it seems the chatter in the "comments" got, well....interesting. Interesting enough for another blogger to write about it. If you haven't yet read about the situation, you can do so here: Sweet Occasions Update.

CTA Plans Fare Increase

The CTA announced today that it plans to raise fares to as much as $2.25, while also eliminating any bonus to Chicago Card holders as well as raising the monthly pass price to $90 as part of its 2009 budget. Mayor Richard Daley did not OK the proposed fare hike or 2009 budget, but did say that his administration is "looking closely at it." Chicago Card holders, which mostly reside on the North Side, are expected to be the hardest hit.

He's the Rocket Man...........! Well, not THAT Rocket Man

St. Gregory the Great High School physics teacher Roy McClean recently set up a work bench in the school parking lot to demonstrate projectile motion via rocket launching for "Lend a Shoulder Day." The event showcases student talents for donors from the Big Shoulders Fund, a non-profit foundation that provides scholarships and program grants to Chicago Archdiocese elementary and high schools. Students in McCleans class built rockets which were built out of paper and masking tape and pressurized by a bicycle pump. For more information about the Big Shoulders Fund, visit www.bigshouldersfund.org. To learn about St. Gregory the Great High School's academic programs and admissions, visit http://www.stgregory.org/.

Source: The Chicago Journal

Volunteers Needed!

The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, aka "Reeling", is looking for volunteers to help with the event. Tomorrow, Friday October 10th, they will be holding a "Speed Volunteering" event where you can learn more about volunteer opportunities and meet new people. The event is from 6pm - 9pm at Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.) and you will learn about volunteer opportunities as you move from table to table every time the buzzer goes off. Food, drinks and a raffle are just more reasons to temp you to go!

That's one HOT dog!

Andersonville's own Huey's Hot Dogs was rated one of Chicago's Ten Best Hot Dogs in 2008 by The Chicago Traveler. Coming in at #7, Huey's is located on Balmoral just west of Clark and besides hot dogs also serves up hamburgers and vegetarian options. Hawt diggity dawg!!!!!

Our Chicago tax dollars going to the trash

The Chicago Tribune reports that the inspector general found "widespread loafing by garbage truck crews" after spying on 75 garbage truck drivers and 145 laborers across 10 wards. In over 10 weeks of surveillance , not a SINGLE worker was observed doing a full day's work. The report estimates that if the same work habits are true across the board, the loafing garbage truck workers are costing the city $14.3 million a year in lost wages. If the city is looking to cut jobs to ease the budget deficit, may we suggest a place to start?

The entire report from the inspector general can be read here.

7-11 Robbery

According to this Chicago Sun Times Article, the 7-11 store at 1750 W Foster was held up at gunpoint this morning at 5:50am by a man wearing a black hoodie and a polka-dot scarf covering his face. The suspect fled with about $500 in cash. The gun was not fired, nor was anyone tied up during the robbery. Oh Thank Heaven, that no one was injured at this 7-11.

Found Kitten

This was observed on Craigslist. Hopefully this fabulous furry feline has been returned to it's owner, but in case it hasn't we'd like to help get out the good word:

Found Orange/Brown/Grey Kitten! (Andersonville)
Date: 2008-10-04, 12:21PM CDT

We found a kitten! Near Catalpa & Clark in Andersonville. Small (perhaps six, seven month old?), orange, grey and brown, white socks and neck. No collar. Meows a lot, misses its owner! Please contact if you think kitten belongs to you!
phone: 773.936.8307

Wednesday Evening

8:11pm: Howard & Marshfield - Battery in progress, 10 males assualting each other. Its not believed that any weapons are present.

8:13pm: 6307 N Francisco - Disturbance reported, 8 gang members hanging out in the area.

8:18pm: 7300 N Wolcott - Assualt in progress. Group of black males chasing another black male, yelling at him.

8:20pm: 7359 N Sheridan - Burglary, 2 men jumped caller's son as he entered the building.

8:21pm: 1029 N Northshore - Group of males near the beach need to be cleared out.

8:22pm: 4833 N Francisco - Missing person.

8:26pm: 1506 W Highland - Group of homeless men drinking in the alley.

8:29pm: Damen & Rogers - Assault in progress, group of black males beat up another male. Suspects walking eastbound.

*not a seperate incident, related to Wilcott call above.

8:29pm: 839 W Castlewood - Disturbance at construction site.

8:32pm: 5100 N Broadway - Commercial alarm going off.

8:43pm: 5737 N Artisian - Burglary in progress. 3 males breaking into a garage. Multiple cars called and warned to be on the lookout that civilian dressed units are also responding.

8:44pm: 4943 N Kenmore - mentally challenged neighbor repeadedly banging on the wall.

8:49pm: Greenview & Northshore - group of kids fighting at the school.

8:50pm: Sheridan & Hollywood - 3 aggressive panhandlers reported.

8:51pm: 1131 W Sheridan - Car accident, also reported as a disturbance as the people involved are arguing and caller worried it may turn into a physical fight.

9:01pm: Broadway Armory premise check.

Edgewater Church Puts Homeless Shelter On The Street

Edgewater's Epworth United Methodist Church has given a homeless shelter which was housed there an eviction notice, according to this article in yesterday's Sun Times. The 65-bed homeless shelter will have until the end of the month to move out. The timing of the decision raises the eyebrow of the Sun Times columnist as Chicago's frigid winter season quickly approaching and the North Side already having a shortage of places for the homeless to go.

Recent Edgewater Crimes

From the Chicago Journal:

Burglars hit restaurant

A 38-year-old man arrived at his restaurant on the 1100 block of W. Bryn Mawr at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 and noticed the building's rear door ajar. When he inspected his restaurant, the cash register drawer was open and $10 was missing. About $250 cash was also missing from a shelf near the register.

Victim strong-armed on Broadway
A 23-year-old man was robbed by a man and woman in their 30s on the 4800 block of N. Broadway around 4 a.m. Sept. 20. The victim said he had left a bar and was walking down Broadway when the woman engaged him in conversation. While walking, the woman stopped the victim when the man grabbed him and shoved him up against a wall. The victim turned his wallet over to the couple, who removed $45 before throwing it to the ground.

Winona residence tossed
Burglars ransacked a residence on the 1600 block of W. Winona sometime between Sept. 20 and Sept. 24. When the victims arrived home at 6 a.m. Sept. 24, someone had pushed their air conditioner through a bedroom window and rifled through numerous drawers. A computer, video game system, TV, DVD player and jewelry are missing.

Flat-screen TV lifted
Someone swiped a 32-inch flat-screen TV that was being rented from an apartment on the 5700 block of N. Winthrop around 5:30 p.m. Sept. 19.

Teens intimidate, rob victim

A group of males in their late teens, perhaps six of them, robbed a 39-year-old man on the 5900 block of N. Glenwood around 3 a.m. Sept. 20. The victim told police that he had just parked his car when he noticed the teens standing on the corner. As he walked northbound toward Ardmore, he realized that some of them were following him. The victim moved to the middle of the street for light and safety, when one of the kids approached him saying, "Did you say something? Got something to say to me?" When the rest of the group surrounded him, the victim laid down his messenger bag. The teens ordered him to empty his bag and took his belongings. They also forced him to empty his pockets of his cell phone, car and house keys. The punks threw the victim's keys in the grass and took off with the victim's cell phone, debit card and $5.

Steep Theatre Coming to Edgewater

The Edgewater neighborhood will soon welcome (with open arms) a new resident in the Steep Theatre Company. Construction activity is in a flurry at their new location, 1115 W Berwyn, a retail store front (formerly a small grocery store) that has sat empty for years. The new space is almost double the size of Steep Theatre Company's current location in Lakeview. Visit the threatre's website to see their current lineup of shows, or to make a donation to support the renovation of their new space. If they can raise $35K, they will receive a 3-1 match from the City of Chicago!

Don't forget: Andersonville Arts Weekend starts tonight!

As previously mentioned, this weekend is the "night of 100 parties." For more information check out:
http://www.andersonville.org/artsweekend/

Buy Condo, Get Smart (car)

According to this article on DesignApplause.com, the developers heading up the Edgewater condo project at 5430 N Sheridan are offering to give away Smart Cars to anyone who purchases a unit in an effort to combat slumping real estate sales. It appears that this development is already over 80% sold.

Panda Panda fails restaurant inspection

According to Every Block Chicago, Edgewater's Panda Panda Chinese Restaurant (5408 N Broadway) failed an inspection on September 19th for multiple violations including vermin/insect infestations & cleaniness. According to a recent review on Yelp, a customer complains about them not answering the phone, so it appears that they may be closed - either permanently or until these violations are corrected.

UPDATE (10/3/08):

According to EveryBlock Chicago, Panda Panda recently passed an inspection on 9/29.