Hopleaf Featured in NY Times Article

Check it out: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/travel/28journeys.html

Join the Andersonville 20/20 Challenge

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is running a "20/20 Challenge" to ecourage the community to spend locally at Andersonville's unique and independent businesses. The Challenge asks people to commit to spending 20 bucks each week for 20 weeks in Andersonville and report how they're spending that $20 (or more) on the Chamber's Smorgasblog.

Join the challenge here:
http://www.andersonville.org/20-20/join-the-challenge.php

Benefit for Emanuel Congregation

Jeff Tweedy, songwriter and leader of the band Wilco, performs a concert to benefit Emanuel Congregation on Saturday, August 8, at 8 p.m.
Opening for Jeff will be comedian Peter Grosz, a former member of Second City and Emanuel. Peter currently lives in New York City and is a writer for Comedy Central's Colbert Report.
For ticket info: www.emanuelcong.org

Meeting regarding Ridge Avenue parking

EDC-ECC Planning & Development Meeting

Thursday, July 2nd @ 7PM

ECC Conference Room, 6044 N. Broadway
Agenda: Ridge Avenue parking - Consideration to allow parking on the section of Ridge Avenue from North Clark Street south to West Hollywood Avenue. Parking would be PROHIBITED 5 pm to 7 pm and 8am to 9:30 am all days.

Five Guys, Burgers & Fries

Popular burger chain Five Guys Burgers and Fries plans to open a new Chicago location in the Morgan at Loyola Station apartment building (1209 West Arthur Ave). The company already has one store in Lincoln Park and is planning an additional store in that same neighborhood as well.
Source: Crain's Chicago

Fight Night

8:15 PM, Damen and Rogers - Assault in progress. Group of males are threatening a female on the street.

8:36, Damen and Fargo - 25 males fighting on the corner. Officer responds and says this is probably a legitimate report because they just dispersed a large group of males from nearby Pottawatomie Park.

9:03, Lawrence and Sheridan - Group of people arguing, one of them has a bat.

9:05, 5224 N. Winthrop Ave. - 3 males causing a disturbance in front of a building, they don't live there.

9:08, 1059 W. Thorndale Ave. - Disturbance call. 2 male teens are harassing people passing by.

9:45, 4875 N. Magnolia Ave. - Pizza delivery driver says that while he was making a delivery he saw an unknown male enter his car. Caller is checking to see if anything is missing from the vehicle.

More storm damage...

Wayne & Berwyn

Farragut & Glenwood

Movie in the Park

The Producers (PG-13)

Lincoln Park - Osterman Beach (5800 N. Lake Shore Dr.) Co-Sponsored by: Association of Sheridan Condo/Co-op Owners

Date: 06/23/09
Start Time: 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Schedule Notes: All movies begin at dusk.
Cost: free
Location : Lincoln Park

Blight on Broadway?

For reasons unknown to us here at the Edgewater Community Buzz, quite a few storefronts and buildings along Broadway from roughly Balmoral up to Hollywood are for lease, vacant and/or rundown. One of the most noticeable empty spaces is the large building seen in the photo above, which looks like a burned out shell when viewed from behind on the Red Line. The "Lofty One Bedroom Condominiums" sign has been on the building forever.

There isn't an established pattern as far as the types of empty spaces to be seen, it ranges from new construction to former restaurants, etc. Things do seem to pick up just north and south of these few blocks, which is encouraging. Does anyone have any theories or inside information to share as to why this stretch of Broadway is in this state?

I took a ride this morning to capture shots of a few of the spaces, heading south from Hollywood...

Just south of Hollywood on the west side of the street.


Next door, in a newer condo building.


The old Pasteur space.


Formerly Pepitone's Restaurant.


This used to be"The Writer's Lounge" at Balmoral and Broadway. Work had started on something new here last year, however that has halted and the work orders have been removed from the front door.

Fork and the Road restaurant bike tour

International BBQ Sunday, June 21 Saturday, July 25 Saturday, September 5 11:00am-3:00pm ~14.5 miles Starts at Pause Cafe, 1107 W. Berwyn Ave., Chicago, IL 60640	Photo by Gary Wiviott
Sample the rib tips and hot links of one talented pitmaster from Arkansas. Try your hand at grilling meats Korean-style over live coals. Ride up to Devon Avenue and discover the wonder of chicken seasoned with Pakistani spices. Make a stop at our favorite Chinese hole-in-the-wall for succulent pig, duck and chicken. http://www.forkandtheroad.com

Death of Edgewater man ruled homicide

The Cook County medical examiner has ruled the death of Edgewater resident Demetrius Cambell a homicide today. The body of Campbell, who resided at 6133 N Kenmore, was found beaten and dead under a minivan in West Rogers Park at approximately 6030 N Damen early Saturday morning. Chicago police have no one in custody and no suspects.
Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Winthrop closed between Foster & Berwyn

Today's storms knocked this tree down onto a car and blocking Winthrop Avenue between Foster and Berwyn. Streets and Sanitation are on the scene. If you know of other storm damages, let us know.

Third Saturdays Start Tomorrow

Don't forget tomorrow marks the beginning of this summer's Third Saturdays in Edgewater. These are outdoor events that will offer shopping, food, drinks and lots of other fun stuff brought to you by local businesses and organizations. Things will kick off around 10AM.

Visit the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce for more details!

Backlot Bash

Lakeside CDC Birthday Bash

WHO: Lakeside Community Development Center

WHAT: Fundraiser Birthday Celebration for Lakeside Community Development Center

WHERE: Lakeside CDC, 1652 W. Wallen Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

WHEN: 6 pm, Tuesday, June 23, 2009

WHY: Since being founded in 2005, Lakeside continues to create and protect affordable housing throughout the city of Chicago. So far this year Lakeside has helped over 400 individuals. In order to celebrate the past success and bright future ahead, Lakeside invites you to join board members, staff and the local community at their birthday celebration! In lieu of gifts, please show your support for Lakeside by making a donation at www.networkforgood.org, name "Lakeside Community Development Corporation" as your charity. You can also send a donation to our office, attn: Birthday!

For more information visit www.lakesidecdc.org and follow Lakeside CDC on Twitter @Condo­_Lakeside

Preview of Mary's expansion space

As previously reported, Mary's Attic has taken over the space former occupied by Tomboy. While we also reported that it was rumored to be a new sports bar, it appears to simply be an extension of the original Mary's with high-top tables and more of a bar feel. I think calling it a sports bar would be a stretch, but we have learned they will be brewing their own beer. The new space is expected to open as soon as it passes inspections, possibly as early as this week.

Andersonville in the '50's

Saw this photo flashback recently on the Uptown Chicago History blog. Frankly, besides the cars, it doesn't look that much different!

From the Alderman

Bricolage Presentation

Monday, June 22, 7:00 p.m.

Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale

Alderman Mary Ann Smith, in conjunction with the Edgewater Historical Society, invites everyone to a presentation on the major design elements of the Foster Avenue bricolage which will honor native peoples and culture. The new public art mosaic was designed by Native American artists and scholars led by the Chicago Public Art Group. It will be installed this summer.

Renovations coming to CHA senior home

Officials today approved a deal to provide PapaGeorge/Haymes Ltd. with $912,000 to revovate the Ralph J Pomeroy Apartments. The Pomeroy is located at 1039 W Hollywood and houses 120 units of CHA senior living.

Events at the Gerber/Hart Library

Check out the following events at the Gerber/ Hart Library (1127 W Granville), a non-profit committed to “acquiring, preserving, and disseminating materials that embody the culture and history of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people”:

Stonewall Book Discussion, Monday June 22nd, 7 p.m.
Max Smith Reading, Thursday July 9th, 7 p.m.
Summer Spectacular Books Sale, Friday July 24th-August 2nd

Read more about Gerber/Hart in this article in The Chicagoist

Hey, where's my car?

7:56 PM, Ardmore and Glenwood - Person flagged down a unit and says they believe their car has been stolen.

8:00, 2207 W. Thome - Man reports his bike was just stolen.

8:01, 6045 N. Sheridan - A white Nissan Maxima is reportedly driving erratically, headed northbound.

8:07, Pratt and Ashland - About 25 people are loitering on the corner, units request to respond and disperse the crowd.

8:27, Pratt and Ashland - I was away for a bit and it sounds like something more is going on in regard to the crowd dispersal above. Dispatcher is requesting a transport vehicle to travel to this location. Officer responds and says she has a cage car and will head over there.

8:51, 6631 N. Bosworth (Sullivan High School) - Disturbance reported. About 7 males loitering and carrying on.

8:55, Sherwin and Ashland - 2 females and 1 male are fighting in the street. Likely a domestic situation according to a responding Officer.

8:59, Berwyn Red Line stop - El check is being requested.

9:04, Ainslie and Kenmore - battery in progress. 6 males wearing white shirts are beating someone in the alley. 2 units are en route.

9:12, 6239 N. Oakley - Gang or tac. unit requested to respond to a gang disturbance at this address.

Green market launches this Saturday

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and True Nature Foods have partnered up to offer a Green Market beginning this Saturday, June 20th through October 31st from 7am - 1pm. The market, located near True Nature Foods at Broadway/Norwood, will feature fresh produce, gourmet bakery goods, eco-friendly products and wellness services.

Garden Walks

July 11: More than 20 gardens are on the Bowmanville Garden Walk on the North Side. Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost: $3. Maps at 5361 N. Bowmanville Ave. or 1801 W. Balmoral Ave. Information, 866-837-1006 or BCOChicago.org.

July 12: East Edgewater Glen Garden Walk will include flower and vegetable gardens, beginning at 1420 W. Glenlake Ave. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Cost: $4; children free. Call Kim Kaulas, 773-761-3668.

Check out this Chicago Tribune article to find out about more Chicago garden walks

Start of Summer Potluck

Start of Summer

Community Potluck
Cedar Park
CORRECTED: June 21, 4PM

Dog and owner reuinted

From the Chicago Tribune:
Che, the dog who went missing from the Montrose Beach dog park, is back, and owner Rebecca Balabolil is in doggy heaven.A crying Balabolil and Che, a 6-month-old pug Shar-Pei mix, were reunited overnight. A West Rogers Park family found the puppy shortly after he disappeared, wandering on the outbound side of Lake Shore Drive.

After seeing Che's picture on a television news broadcast Wednesday night, the Slavik family tracked down Balabolil, and met with her minutes later in a McDonald's parking lot at Devon and Ridge Avenues. Balabolil said she gladly handed over the $2500 reward money, stopping at an ATM machine to get the final $500. Blabolil said she knew on the phone it was Che after the Slaviks described the collar, saying she withheld that information to deter scammers.It's likely that Che ran away on his own and wasn't dognapped as Balabolil originally reported. Continue reading

Carjacking on Winthrop

Thanks to a reader for pointing out the following Lake Effect News story:

"A 42-year-old woman found herself being carjacked as she pulled her 1997 Plymouth into her garage on the 5900 block of North Winthrop on Monday.

The victim told police she had just pulled her car around the alley and entered her garage around noon June 1, when she came face to face with a man identified as Bobby Blake, 31, of the 14400 block of South Marshfield in Dixmore.

As she went to get something out of her trunk, she turned around and allegedly saw Black pointing a silver handgun at her. Blake said, “Don’t scream, I just want your money,” the victim told police. After she told Blake that her purse was in the car, he reached into the Plymouth and took her purse, the police report said.

The victim handed him $40. Blake took her car keys and told her that she could find her car “around the corner” according to the police report. He told her to turn around and count to 50. The victim said she heard the car start and leave the garage. She ran into her house and called 911." Continue reading.

LaTache gets makeover

Neighborhood bistro LaTache, located on Balmoral just east of Clark, has underwent a makeover according to Dana Currier with Gapers Block. Most of the changes have been cosmetic and to the design of the restaurant and it's logo while the food is "pretty much the same." Check out Dana's writeup here.

Related: Dick & Rahm dine in Andersonville

This Weekend: Andersonville Midsommerfest

Midsommarfest is Andersonville's annual summer street festival, now entering its 44th year. Each year, nearly 40,000 people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going.

For a complete lineup of bands scheduled to play this year including 16 Candles, Mike & Joe, Hairbangers Ball and Too White Crew click here.

Woman Finds 'Nazi' Scratched Onto Her Car

From CBS Chicago:

"It's far more disturbing than just run-of-the-mill vandalism. A woman in the city's Edgewater neighborhood says someone slashed her tires and scratched the word "Nazi" into the trunk of her Cadillac.

The woman lives in a condominium in the 5900 block of North Sheridan Road. She was in the building's parking garage about 4 p.m. when she saw the word 'Nazi' scratched onto the trunk of her 2008 Cadillac, according to a Lincoln District police sergeant.

She got into the Cadillac and started driving, but after traveling about a mile and a half, the car became disabled at 4926 N. Broadway. She then discovered that two of the car's tires had been slashed and had "big cuts" in them, according to the sergeant.
The woman contacted police about 11 p.m. and indicated that a man who lives in her building may have been responsible, though no one saw him vandalize the car." Continue reading.

More on Neighborhood Nights

Check out Lake Effect News' editor Lorraine Swanson's coverage of "Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale" here along with her photos from this week's event here.

Friends of the Parks unveils new lakefront plan

From the Chicago Sun Times:
"Chicago’s lakefront would become an uninterrupted stretch of parkland with bicycle and walking paths that lead from Indiana to Evanston under a plan unveiled this morning by a park advocacy group.

Currently, Chicago has 26 miles of lakefront parkland but the Friends of the Park wants to see opened to the public a stretch that the group calls “the last four miles:” pockets from the North Side to the South blocked by anything from industrial parks to residential high-rises.

The proposal is the culimination of four years of work, including meetings with residents, architects and engineers, said Erma Tranter, who heads the Friends organization. The cost of the plan, which the group puts between $350 million and $450 million tops the political hurdles to get this done may be tough, Tranter agreed.

But she’s hoping that completing the work in phases, along with federal stimulus dollars, might cover the costs." Continue reading.

Also read: Chicago Tribune - The last four miles.. & Huffington Post - Ambitious Plan..

Puppy Stolen From Montrose Dog Beach, Reward Offered

Our friends at Uptown Update and Puptown received the following message from a reader regarding the reported theft of a puppy, so we would like to help spread the word...

"This past Friday afternoon, my roommate had her puppy stolen from her at the Montrose dog beach. She is understandably crushed, and is scouring the city to try to find him. He is a 6-month-old Pug Sharpei mix, white with brown spots, with a surgical scar on his belly from a recent surgery."

There is a $2,500 reward for the safe return of Che. He weighs about 30 pounds, and that's his picture above.

Let's hope someone comes forward so the little guy can make it home safely.

Recap of the first official Neighborhood Night on Thorndale

Fights Near Thorndale and Broadway

6:11, 5834 N. Glenwood - Caller says several young males are disturbing residents.

6:15, Morse and Ashland - Multiple calls coming in reporting a street fight. Dispatcher is requesting that units in the area respond with caution because the men involved are apparently throwing bikes. One responding Officer is requesting an ambulance.

6:48, 1538 W. Ardmore - Female caller says a male who is walking his 2 dogs called her an idiot and threw dog poo in her car.

6:57, Bryn Mawr Red Line stop - El check.

7:02, Thorndale and Winthrop - Report of males fighting. A slowdown was called on this report after a few minutes.

7:16, Ashland and Pratt - 2 male offenders reportedly armed with handguns and a baseball bat were seen heading northbound in a van.

7:24, Bryn Mawr and Winthrop - Male beating a female in the street just east of the El stop.

7:28, Thorndale and Broadway - More males fighting. This time it's across the street from what the dispatcher described as a "children's event." Sounds like that could be the Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale going on right now.

8:01, Foster and Lake Shore Dr. - Gang disturbance. 4 males in a red four door car.

8:18, Berwyn Red Line stop - Male is harassing people for money near the station.

Reminder: Neighborhood Nights

Chilly, wet June Saturday afternoon

3:56pm - 5448 N Broadway - Officer is with a man who is bleeding from the mouth. Man says he ran into a parking meter, and is requesting an ambulence.

3:57pm - Officer is asking the dispatcher where the medication is, and she replies that it is in a bag with the body.

4:01pm - California & Pratt - hit and run accident.

4:01pm - Dead on arrival at Sweedish Covenant hospital.

4:04pm - 6110 N Oakley - Man with knife attempting to stab somebody.

4:07pm - 5547 N Kemore - Disturbance with mental patient at nursing home.

4:09pm - 2326 W Estes - Check the well being. Call came from suburbs, someone got a cell phone call and heard loud arguing in the background.

4:13pm - 6740 N Sheridan - Bank of America's commercial alarm is going off.

4:29pm - 5848 N Kenmore - Disturbance, caller's neighbor upstairs is making too much noise.

4:30pm - 5547 N Kenmore - missing high risk person from the nursing home.

4:46pm - Disturbance at Foster/Broadway. Passenger won't pay a cabbie.

4:49pm - Domestic battery at Sweedish Covenant Hospital.

5:00pm - 1330 N Ardmore - annonymous caller reporting loud music disturbance.

5:03pm - 6225 N Claremont - domestic disturbance, female with a knife.

5:11pm - 1526(?) W Devon - hit and run accident. Offender is parked down the street.

More on the Foster underpass mural...

From the Chicago Tribune:

Vast mural will depict Chicago's Indian roots

3,400-square-foot artwork to be created at Foster Avenue underpass and Lake Shore Drive

By Clare Lane |Tribune reporter

June 5, 2009

Thunderbirds take flight from a skyline in silhouette, corn mazes flourish under sunny skies, and one stinking onion, the Indian translation of chi-ca-gou settles its roots into soil.

While so far only sketched in paint on the Foster Avenue underpass at Lake Shore Drive, the images will take shape later this month as one of the bigger public art projects the city has known.

The 3,400-square-foot expanse of concrete in the Edgewater neighborhood crosses paths with old Indian trails, connecting new to old. It also provides a challenging but promising place for the project, which has been an unusual collaboration of artists, community members and youthful volunteers who will piece together the mosaic over the summer.

Continue reading the entire article

Damaged Meters Fixed Quickly

Unfazed by the parking meter "revolt" or whatever you want to call it that we reported on Thursday, LAZ Parking's maintenance crews fixed the approximately 50 vandalized meters in less than 48 hours according to a fellow blogger.

Two New POD Cameras Installed on Sheridan Road

Mary Ann Smith notified residents in an email that she has installed two new police cameras based on feedback/requests from the residents in the ward. She used her discretionary funds to purchase the cameras, which are located at Sheridan & Lawrence and Winthrop & Sheridan. These cameras are a new design which reduces the size and intensity of the flashing blue strobe lights, which make them less intrusive.

UPDATE: Dear Bobbytuba - thanks for the feedback...but you need to get out and explore the 'hood. Sheridan and Winthrop actually do cross - see the map below. You can leave your aplogy in the "comments" section. Thanks.

Summer 2009 Dinner Crawls!

From the Edgewater Development Corp:

July 23: 6pm-9pm (Bryn Mawr Crawl)
September 24: 6pm-9pm (Devon Crawl)

EDC is proud to reintroduce the Summer 2009 Dinner Crawl. This is a progressive dinner. Ticket-holders will stroll the streets of Bryn Mawr to taste samples from various restaurants along the way, enjoy entertainment highlights, and visit other retail attractions. This event is an opportunity to rediscover the flavor of local restaurants, theaters and other businesses!

So don't miss it! Get tickets today at brownpapertickets.com/event/69371, or call us at 773-856-5191 or stop by our offices. Advance tickets are only $25, so don't delay, buy today! Tickets the night of the event will cost $35.

Edgewater "Third Saturdays"

Edgewater Third Saturdays to Launch June 20

Set for June 20, July 18, and August 15 from 10AM-6PM. Free trolley, music, street performances, and sidewalk sales from Edgewater businesses.

Edgewater, Chicago, IL June 5, 2009 - The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Special Service Area #26, the Edgewater Community Council, the Edgewater Development Corporation, and Aldermanic Office of the 48^th Ward, launches Third Saturdays on June 20, 2009. Third Saturdays is a summer Saturday series featuring a free trolley, music, and street entertainment. Created to promote a greater sense of walkablity of the area and invigorate the community's economy, the event series will take place on the third Saturday of June, July, and August 2009, from 10AM to 6PM.

On these special Saturdays, Edgewater businesses along Broadway will feature sidewalk sales, deals, promotions, and fun. Residents will enjoy free trolley service along Sheridan and Broadway during the event and the chance to walk and explore Edgewater.

Broadway will be alive with Parisian-style street performers, artists, and musicians; with some music and entertainment focused in designated areas. June 20 features music around Granville and Thorndale at Broadway. July 18 features entertainment around Berwyn and on August 15, the entertainment will be focused on Bryn Mawr.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release contact Libby Alexander or regularly visit www.edgewater.org for more information and a growing list of participating businesses and sales.

Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization committed to creating and supporting a thriving business environment, contributing to a vibrant Edgewater community. Visit www.edgewater.org for more information.

Grand Opening!

(click image to enlarge)

Parking Meter Vandalism

From ChicagoBreakingNews.com:
"The growing ire over Chicago's parking meters took on yet another dimension Thursday when roughly 50 coin-fed meters were vandalized in the two North Side neighborhoods of Uptown and Ravenswood....Since Chicago leased the parking meters to a private company, Chicago Parking Meters LLC, earlier this year, city officials, the company and the meters themselves have been the target of controversy, with complaints about price increases, computer glitches that made some pay-and-display parking machines inoperable, and non-working and mismarked meters.
Police on Thursday said the meters were in the 5100 block of North Clark Street., the 5000 block of North Sheridan Road, the 1000 block of West Argyle Street, the 4900 block of North Winthrop Avenue and the 4900 block of North Kenmore Avenue." Continue reading the entire article
More coverage: Chicagoist

Update on vacant Tomboy space

As we previously reported, Hamburger Mary's is expected to take over the space recently vacated by Tomboy (5402 N Clark). We just got word that Mary's ownership is planning to put a sports-themed bar in the vacant space. We think this would be a very welcome addition to the Edgewater/Andersonville neighborhood. If anyone else has further info/details, let us know in the comments.

EDC/ECC Planning & Development Meeting

Edgewater Development Corporation / Edgewater Community Council Planning & Development Meeting regarding the Uptown Theatre renovation

Thursday, June 4th @ 7PM

ECC Conference Room - 6044 N. Broadway

Alderman Smith has asked the community to re-affirm the commitment to the concept of a renovated Uptown Theatre with an appropriate architectural restoration and a focus on the highest & best entertainment use. Currently there is no specific project or projected costs.

Aldi To Open At Granville and Broadway

Despite the protests of some Edgewater residents, a new Aldi store will open in The Clarovista condo building this summer. Aldi will take up about half of the ground floor retail space in the building, while developers are reportedly looking for another retail business or restaurant to occupy the remaining space. The Clarovista is located just north of the the 48th/49th Ward dividing line, so naturally the 49th Ward's media friendly Alderman Joe Moore had to comment on the situation. Moore said that he “would love to have a Trader Joe’s in the Ward" but that Aldi is "working well" with the Alderman's office. Here's a link to another story about the opening.

Any thoughts on what should occupy the rest of the available space on the ground floor of the Clarovista?

Saturday: Edgewater Neighborhood Garage Sale

From Craiglist:
15th Annual Edgewater Neighborhood Garage Sale. Nearly 200 sellers! Located in the Edgewater neighborhood bounded by Broadway (1200W) to Clark (1500W) and Ridge (5600N) to Devon (6400N). Maps will be available with sellers' locations. Don't miss our yearly event!! Saturday, June 6, 9am - 4pm.