Andersonville Late Night Shopping Opportunity

On December 5th 42 stores and restaurants along Clark in Andersvonville will stay open late and offer merchandise and shopping discounts. There will also be complimentary refreshments, streetside entertainment and pictures with Santa.

Missing IIT Student Found Dead

We regret to report that Benjamin Collen, the missing student we posted a bulletin about last Friday, has been found dead of asphyxia in a fraternity house on the IIT campus. The specific circumstances surrounding his death are still somewhat unclear.

We would like to extend our sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Chicago Tribune article

7-11 Robber Threepeats

The robber whom we reported held up the 7-11 at 1700 W Foster in October has struck again for the THIRD time. This latest occurance happened on November 7th at approximately 3:45am.

Former Pasteur space will NOT be temporary home to REST homeless shelter

According to this article in the Chicago Journal, the space formerly occupied by Pasteur Restaurant will not be the temporary location for the 65-bed REST homeless shelter. Apparently the cost of fixing the roof and installing showers would exceed the budget. A new location has yet to be found, although St. Gertrude's Church at 1420 W. Granville is mentioned as a location being considered. The city of Chicago has agreed to fund a temporary location through May.

Area Student Disappearances Raise Concern

The recent disappearance and mysterious drowning of Northwestern University student Trevor Boehm was a tragic event that I find very disturbing. Several years ago I read a story regarding numerous very similar incidents which have occurred in and around the upper Midwest.

The Edgewater Crime Blotter has just learned that there is yet another frightening case developing. This time a 19 year old IIT student named Benjamin Collen has been reported missing (his photo is above). He was last seen the night of Friday, November 14th just past midnight. Benjamin was reportedly walking east on 31st St. toward the lake. He was wearing jeans and dark t-shirt, but no coat. At this time there are no leads in the case.

If you have any information about Benjamin please contact the Chicago Police, or call (312) 808-6300 immediately.

Please let us know your thoughts on these cases....

Same owner, same sour result

Apparently one of Sweet Occasion's former owners, Andy Singer, is at it again. After losing a lease in Wicker Park, Andy Singer's new venture, Sweet Thang, reopened in Roscoe Village offering cakes, pastries and a Chocolate Shoppe ice cream counter - all offerings that were available at Sweet Occasions. Not to break tradition, Sweet Thang apparently also featured bouncing paychecks, and Singer has since closed again. The (former) employees, however, have decided enough is enough and plan to fight back by holding a protest in front of the store and the owner's home demanding their paychecks. Check out this article by a fellow blogger, which also includes a press release about the protest & press conference here.

*************ATTENTION FORMER SWEET OCCASIONS EMPLOYEES***************

Chicago Journal is looking into Sweet Occasions and Sweet Thang. I am interested in talking to any former employees of Sweet Occasions. Please get in touch with Lorraine Swanson via edmail at lswanson@chicagojournal.com. Leave a number where I can reach you. I will call you back right away.

TIF Talk

What are the facts about TIFs?
What do TIF's really cost?
What risk do TIF's pose to our taxes?

Find the answers to these and other questions at:
IVI IPO's TIF CRISIS FORUM
MONDAY NOVEMBER 24th, 2008 7PM @ the Edgewater Library
1210 W. Elmdale, Chicago

Outdoor Roll Call

The 20th(Lincoln Avenue) and 24th(Rogers Park) Chicago Police Departments invite you and your neighbors to show your support of the Chicago Police Department's efforts to increase safety around the Thorndale and Winthrop area.

Friday, November 21th 2008

7:00PM at 1100 W. Thorndale

Rogers Park Public Safety Meeting on Monday, 11/24!

There will be a Town Hall meeting regarding public safety in the Rogers Park neighborhood this coming Monday at 7PM. The meeting will be held at the United Church of Rogers Park, located at 1545 W. Morse Ave.

State Representative Harry Osterman and State Senator Heather Steans will be in attendance, as well as Chicago Police Commissioner Steve Caluris. Everyone's favorite 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore will also reportedly be at the meeting.

Holiday Helping Hands

This Holiday season, Care for Real will be providing families with all the fixins for a Thanksgiving Day dinner. While many block clubs, congregations and and individuals are conducting turkey drives, they could still use your help to meet their goal of helping 500 families this Thanksgiving. Turkeys can be dropped off at 6044 N. Broadway between 8AM and 1PM, Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday.

Also, the ECB would like to recognize That Little Mexican Cafe owners Porfirio and Hilary Banderas as they will be giving back to the community - once again treating small families and individuals to a traditional sit down Thanksgiving meal at their restaurant. For many Care For Real clients, this is the only opportunity each year they get to eat in a restaurant.

North Community Bank Robbed

The North Community Bank at 5241 N Western was held up on November 3rd. A man gave a teller a note reading "I have a gun. Give me the money." The teller gave the man $760 and he fled as the teller and another witness chased him.
Seriously? Why would you chase a man with a gun?

Chi-Town Daily News covers tonight's Edgewater Meeting

More on tonight's meeting regarding the future of the homeless shelter: Fate of Edgewater homeless shelter tops tonight's meeting agenda

Update on Homeless Shelter

From Mary Ann Smith's office:

Shelter Update and Meeting

As has been reported here before, the 65-bed men's overnight shelter located at Epworth Church was scheduled to close on November 1 and two other shelters on the north side, with more than 100 beds, closed earlier this year. Although the City is beginning to phase out temporary, stand-alone shelters in favor of more holistic and efficient models, we must deal with the question of where these men will sleep this winter.

Epworth has very graciously agreed to continue hosting the shelter until December 1 to allow the City and the community time to find a new shelter location and work out the details.

Community Issues Pre-conditions

The issue was discussed at the October Zoning & Planning (Z&P) meeting. At that time, the community requested that any new shelter meet certain conditions. They include:
1. The shelter would be located on a commercial street and not in a residential area.
2. The shelter must be temporary. It can open December 1st and must close permanently on May 1, 2009.
3. The shelter must be well-managed.
4. There must be security on-site any time the shelter is open.
5. There are no in/out privileges. Once people are in the shelter they can't leave until the next morning.
6. There will be no loitering outside and no smoking out front or in the back alley.
7. People must still gather off-site while waiting to be admitted to the shelter to reduce loitering in front of the entrance.
8. Hours must be defined, enforced and respectful of the community. Individuals who break laws or cause a nuisance should be banned from the shelter.
9. Any support for a shelter is contingent on regular sweeps of the parks, alleys and other locations where homeless encampments have been blossoming.
10. Any temporary shelter has to obey the "good camper" rule. They must leave the building in the same or better condition than before the shelter took occupancy.
11. The number of beds should not exceed the 65 that are being lost.

Potential Location Identified

Since Z&P, a potential location that meets the above criteria has been identified. That site is the former Pasteur Restaurant building at 5525 N. Broadway. The owners are willing to lease the building. In addition, because the building is next door to the Aldermanic Service Office, we would know immediately if the conditions are being violated.

Opportunities for Input

To allow for community input on this critical issue, we will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, November 127:00 p.m St. Ita's Church - Jubilee Hall 5500 N. Broadway

Article: Voters Reject Lakefront Expansion

From The Phoenix (Loyola's official school newspaper):

By: LeeAnn Maton
Posted: 11/12/08
Edgewater residents voted to prohibit lakefront expansion by a margin of 60 percent in response to a controversial proposal that would expand and connect lakefront parks from Hollywood Avenue to Evanston.The proposal, promoted by Chicago group Friends of the Parks has recently ignited a vocal debate between supporters and opponents."I thought it was very telling that 53 of the 54 precincts actually voted against Friends of the Parks' plans," said John Redell, an organizer of the opposition Web site www.stopthelandfill.org. Opponents view the expensive plan as unnecessary.Of the approximately 24,000 ballots cast in the ward, 11,500 voted to prohibit lakefront expansion. Eleanor Roemer, Public Trust & Policy director for Friends of the Parks, said a significant number of people with ballots didn't even vote on the referendum and that voters calling her organization said they didn't realize they were voting against park space when they cast their ballot.Roemer says the organization "take[s] seriously the expression of people's concerns" and she hopes that dialogue with the community continues as planning moves forward."It doesn't change our goal," Roemer said about the referendum. "It doesn't change that we believe this will be a huge benefit not only to Rogers Park and Edgewater but to all of Chicago."

Meet the Brewer @ Hopleaf - Tonight

Short notice, but just read about this in TimeOut Chicago:

WEDNESDAY
If you’re bored with the same old beer, it’s not our fault. And neither is it Lost Abbey/Port Brewing Company’s as they initiate distribution in Chicago with a “Meet the Brewer” event at Hopleaf. Brewer Tomme Arthur will be on hand to pass out samples of the beer, which should pair perfectly with the buffet of gastropubby eats. 7pm. 5148 N Clark St (773-334-9851).

Play Time!

I saw this on page two of today's RedEye: "Play board and collectible card games while snacking on free pizza from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the grand opening of Chicagoland Games (1207 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.)." Sounds fun!

New Pizzeria in Edgewater/Andersonville

A new pizzeria has appeared in the neighborhood. Antica Pizzeria recently opened at Hollywood & Clark (5663 N. Clark) and features Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in a wood burning stove along with pastas, salads and full entrees. It appears that they are currently BYOB (w/corking fee) until they receive a liquor license.

5:41, 2825 W. Devon - Gang disturbance. 4-5 gangbangers loitering outside the CVS at this address harassing customers.

5:48, 6019 N. Winthrop (Windale Hotel) - Female was beaten up badly by a male who is still in the hotel room with her. She reportedly has a head wound.

5:53, 5300 N. Broadway (Blockbuster Video) - Male suspect being held for shoplifting/theft.

6:00, 5300 N. Broadway - Male suspect is now trying to fight the employees at the Blockbuster.

6:04, Granville and Clark - Reckless driver in a BMW SUV. He nearly ran into a firetruck and has run 4 stoplights.

6:11, Argyle and Leavitt (Winnemac Park) - Heavyset white male running around naked in the park near the playlot.

6:17, Argyle and Leavitt - Original complainant called back to say the naked man has put his clothes back on and left the park.

6:26, Argyle el stop - Premise check.

6:29, Devon and California - Gang disturbance. Caller says several males are on the corner flashing signs. Gang or TAC unit requested to respond.

6:43, 1140 W. Thorndale - Police wagon requested. I've witnessed mass arrests near the Thorndale el stop in the past.

Case against Peter Rogan gains momentum

The case against Peter Rogan, the former CEO of the bankrupt Edgewater Medical Center, which we previously reported is gaining momentum, according to this Chicago Tribune article. Authorities in the U.S. and Canada and private attorneys for Dexia, which Rogan owes tens of millions of dollars, are winning court injunctions and other approvals they expect will lead to recouping the money.

ABC7's 190 North TV Show to Feature Edgewater Neighborhood

ABC 7's 190 North television show, hosted by Janet Davis, will feature a segment on the Edgewater community on Sunday, November 9th at 10:35 pm. The episode is featuring various neighborhoods and suburbs in and around Chicago. The Edgewater feature says they will "play in Chicago's largest neighborhood" and will present the unique blend our neighborhood boasts of both being both historic and hip/urban. Make sure to tune in and let us know what you thought of the show!

AJ's Grill closing?

This agenda item is on the Edgewater Development Corporation/Edgewater Community Council's next planning & development meeting: AJ's Grill closing and reopening as CJ's. Not sure if this is simply a name change or if "CJ's" will be a completely new place. If you'd like to attend the meeting to learn about this and other issues, here are the details:

EDC-ECC Planning & Development Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 6
7:00 p.m.
6044 N. Broadway

48th Ward Overwhelmingly Votes YES to Prohibiting Lakefront Expansion

Votes in the 48th Ward spoke loudly in favor of the ballot measure to prohobit lakefront expansion, 60.04% YES to 39.96% NO.

Election Day 2008

In case you haven't heard, today is election day. After months of campaigning, commercials, rallys, SNL skits, yard signs and polls this day has finally come. Local polling places did not seem to be overwhelmed with long lines early this morning. While we won't tell you which politicians to vote for, we do want to remind you to remember to pay special attention to the lakefront ballot initiative and vote YES to prohibit any lakefront expansion and preserve our neighborhoods lakefront.

From the desk of Mary Ann Smith

Vote November 4!
More than 6,600 48th Ward residents took advantage of early voting. For those of you who didn't vote early, the polls are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Election Day, you must vote in your home precinct. To find your precinct number and polling place, go to the Chicago Board of Elections website or call the Ward Service Office at (773) 784-5277 during regular business hours. You should bring identification with you to the polling place, although identification is not always needed. You may bring: a state-issued photo identification or driver's license, utility bills, bank statements, government checks, paychecks or other government documents that show your name and address. If you did not show identification when you registered, either by mail or with a motor voter form, be sure to bring identification. You do not need yourvoter registration card when you go to vote.
If you have moved recently within Chicago and did not re-register to vote at your new address, you can request a "Federal Office Only" ballot. You must go to your old polling place and your name must still be on the voter record for the ballot to be valid. A "Federal Office Only" ballot entitles you to vote for president, U.S. Senator,and U.S. Representative. If your registration is questioned and/or you are not on the voter registration rolls, you have a right to ask for a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot will allow you to vote even though your information cannot be located. You will be asked to sign a Provisional Voter Affidavit and the election judge will also sign the notice. You will be asked to provide any proof of voter registration that you can produce at that time and you have two days from the election to provide additional information.
Z&P Meeting Draws Thoughtful Response on Shelter Issue
Last month the 48th Ward bulletin carried an article explaining that the 65 bed overnight shelter for homeless men located at Epworth Church would be closing. At that time we asked for comments and suggestions on what should be done about this issue. We also explained the topic would be discussed at the October 29 Zoning and Planning Committee (Z&P) meeting. We received more than 200 letters and e-mails on the topic and more than 70 people attended Z&P. At the meeting, Doug Fraser, 48th Ward chief of staff distributed a document that reflected the opinions contained in the e-mails. Rev. Dominic Grassi, pastor of St. Gertrude's Church and a representative of ECRA (Edgewater Community Religious Association), explained that a crisis was imminent because the shelter's lease at its current location expires on November 1. Jim LoBianco, managing deputy director for the Chicago Department of Human Services, outlined the city's role in aiding the homeless. He said that city funding was available if a temporary shelter location could be found and that he would guarantee that funding for the shelter location would only extend until May 1. Alderman Smith told residents that the immediate need was to find a temporary location and then work toward a more permanent solution. She said that if a shelter is not available, the homeless will sleep in the streets, alleys and parks in our neighborhoods this winter, and some will freeze to death. She also told residents that the vacant Ridge Avenue Firehouse was not being considered as a location for the temporary shelter. Community residents expressed concern that relocation of the shelter could create difficulties for residents and asked that any temporary shelter not be placed near schools or in residential areas. The Alderman, ECRA, the city and interested community residents will seek out a location that could serve as an overnight shelter until May 1.
Ward Initiatives Target Crime
To combat an increase in crime, Alderman Smith is working with the 48th Ward block clubs and community organizations on a number of public safety initiatives. Last month, she hosted a "Troubled Buildings" Workshop where block club representatives and representatives of City and community agencies met to discuss how they can work together to tackle troubled buildings. Such buildings are the root of many of the public safety problems in the neighborhood. Actionuptown.com, a community-driven website created by the Ward Office, connects neighbors to safety resources and activities in their area. From the website neighbors can learn about safety initiatives they can participate in, including Neighborhood Watches and Court Advocacy dates, and find out the locations of problem areas, troubled buildings and "hotspot" corners where illicit activity occurs. The Ward office has printed Community Watch yard signs for Uptown. These signs, which are available from the block clubs, let everyone know the community is organized against crime and direct interested people to the actionuptown.com website. New police surveillance cameras and additional cameras at public elementary schools, funded by Alderman Smith, will complement these efforts.
Alderman Smith is dedicated to working with police and the community to improve the safety of our neighborhood. These initiatives will enable us to be proactive on public safety and effectively use all the resources our community has at hand. For more information on these efforts, contact Dana Fritz, dana@masmith48.org or 773-293-8413.
Local Gardeners Win City Landscape Honors
The 48th Ward, while small in area, features a number of award-wining gardens. Congratulations to those individuals and organizations recognized by the Mayor's Landscape Award Contest: Suzanne Stryczek - multi-unit residential home garden (3rd place), Rick Repenning - container garden (3rd place) and Tom Jerome and SSA 26 - Broadway Armory planters (3rd place). Honorable mentions went to the gardens at Ashbury Manor Condos/John Popik, Carmen Vidal-Hallett's home and the Edgewater Beach Apartments/Beth Tenney. Holiday Office Closings
Alderman Smith's Ward Service Office will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for the Veteran's Day Holiday and on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27. In addition, because each City employee must take mandatory unpaid furlough days, the office will also be closed on Friday, November 28. If you need assistance with City services when the office is closed, please call 311.

Meet local politions

Edgewater Elected Officials Town Hall Meeting

SPONSORED BY:THE EDGEWATER COMMUNITY COUNCIL (ECC) · COMMUNITY INFORMATION SEMINARS COMMITTEE (CIS)

ATTEND AN INFORMATIVE COMMUNITY MEETING OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008EMANUEL CONGREGATION, 5959 N. SHERIDAN RD.7 PM TO 9 PM · FREE PARKING
PROGRAM MODERATOR:
Graham Grady, Long time Edgewater resident, former Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, and attorney
INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Harry Osterman, State Representative 14th District
Carol Ronen, Democratic Party Committeeman 48th Ward , the State Central Committeewoman of the 9th Congressional District and a member of the Democratic National Committee
Jan Schakowsky, Congresswoman 9th District of Illinois
Mary Ann Smith, Alderman 48th Ward
Heather Steans, State Senator 7th District