Proposed development for Edgewater Medical Building site

Someone on our Facebook page submitted this link regarding a proposed development for the site where the empty Edgewater Medical Building sits: www.theresidencesatedgewaterpark.com/the-vision.

This aggressive plan consists of a large condo building, single family homes, retail space, and a park. We are not sure if this is an old or new plan, but found it interesting.

"El Stories" opens February 7th

Graphic from Waltzing Mechanics' website

Visit the City Lit Theater from February 7th through the 23rd to check out the Waltzing Mechanics' production of "El Stories." The Waltzing Mechanics website provides the following summary of what sounds like a compelling show.

"Anyone who has spent some amount of time riding Chicago’s trains and buses has collected stories from their travels. The EL, after all, is a public square - a place where Chicagoans from all backgrounds come together. Using the words of actual Chicagoans’ transit adventures over the course of a dramatized train ride, the Waltzing Mechanics seek to reflect how we move as a community through this dynamic city."

Care for Real pet pantry

Edgewater's food pantry Care for Real (6044 N Broadway) has been providing food and clothing for neighbors in need for a while, but now they are reaching out to help those in need's furry friends as well. This Thursday from 3-5PM, anyone having trouble feeding their pet can stop by the Pet Food Pantry and get them some food. In addition, Care for Real is looking for additional donations for this event.

Early voting begins TODAY

Early voting will begin today Monday, January 31 and run through Thursday, February 17. You can vote at the
· Chicago Board of Elections, 69 W. Washington
· Edgewater Library, 1210 W. Elmdale
· TrumanCollege, 1145 W. Wilson
· 48 Other locations

Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The downtown location is also open Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. The library and Truman College will be closed on the Lincoln's Birthday holiday, Friday, February 11.
If you are a registered voter, you don't need a reason or excuse to use the convenience of Early Voting. When voting early, you must bring a valid state ID. Once you cast a ballot during Early Voting, you cannot return during Early Voting or on Election Day to change your ballot for any reason.

Valentine's special @ Know No Limits gym

Take advantage of Know No Limits' 2 for 1 Valentine's Special! Throughout February you and a friend can get two one-month memberships for the cost of one. So grab each other's hand, make your way to 6125 N. Clark, and sign up today! No contracts. No Initiation Fees. Ever. http://www.know-no-limits.com/

Shots fired Saturday early morning?

A reader writes:
I thought I heard some "popping" noise this morning around 4:40, and didn't pay any attention to it. Just received an email from a friend who lives around Hollywood and Kenmore ( a block and a half from me). He said he he heard what sounded like a clip being emptied, but no sirens afterward. I checked with Chicago News Report...nothing. Unfortunately, I wasn't listening to the police scanner via the 'net.

Have you heard any reports about an incident in that area around that time this morning?

Groupon: Image Dry Cleaning

This weekend's Groupon features Image Dry Cleaners which has a location in Edgewater at 1101 W Berwyn (just east of the Berwyn Red Line stop at Winthrop). The deal is $45 worth of laundry services for just $20, and they also offer free pickup and delivery.

Toddler found wandering the streets

According to the Chicago News Report a toddler was found alone at the Broadway and Bryn Mawr intersection early Friday morning. The African American girl was about 3 years old and dressed in her pajamas.

Streetlights out on Clark

We noticed last night that all of the streetlights on Clark in Andersonville and further north were out. 311 has probably already been notified, but feel free to call and let them know.

Benefit for Care for Real @ Crew

Fresh meats & eggs

Did you know that C&D Farms, a vendor at the Andersonville farmer's market in the summer, sells their meats and eggs in the winter as well? According to ChowHound, every Thursday C&D is stationed in a white van on on Ashland at Berwyn in front of the Church selling their goods from 4PM - 7PM.

Construction underway at new medical building

Last week we mentioned that a new medical building was coming to the corner of Victoria & Broadway. Well apparently construction has already begun - thanks to a reader for submitting the above photo of the activity.

As always if anyone has any news, photos or ideas that they'd like to share on the ECB email us!!!

Poll: Who do you plan to vote for Mayor?

In our latest poll we ask Edgewater residents who they would like to see elected as the next Mayor of Chicago, replacing outgoing Richard Daley.

In addition, we encourage you to share with us in the comments why you plan to vote for that specific candidate. I hate that I even have to mention this but, as usual, we will only publish comments that are civil, constructive, and on topic.

Chimney cakes come to Edgewater

Chimney cakes, a Hungarian treat, have arrived in Edgewater. A reader informed us that Hungarian bakery Chimney Cake Island recently opened at 1445 W Devon. A Chimney Cake (Kurtos Kalacs) is a delicious dough wrapped around a wooden pin topped with sugar, baked in a special oven till the sugar caramelized. Then it is rolled in different toppings (walnut, coconut, cinnamon, chocolate, rainbow sprinkles, sun flower seeds).

For more info check out their website: http://www.chimneycakeisland.com/

This Saturday: Pack the Car

From the Pack the Car crew:

A HUGE thank you goes out to everyone who has supported this endeavor in 2010. We will be out again at the corner of Berywn and Clark on Saturday, January 29th from 9AM - Noon. We need donations for Care For Real to help stock the shelves after this past holiday season. Remember this is the time of year that is extremely important. While donations slow down while we all return to our normal routines after the holidays does not mean there are fewer individuals to serve. Even though winter is will be half over, we still need winter coats, scarves, and hats. Most importantly we are really pushing to help stock the food shelves at Care For Real. If you do not know what to donate, you can also drop off a check made out to Care For Real or a grocery store gift card.
Every single can or dollar helps us during this time.
Look out for the car with PTC signs at the corner of Clark and Berwyn in front of Home Made Pizza Co.

In case you are not able to make Saturday, please visit www.packthecar.com for a list of 2011 dates.

Aerial shot of Edgewater Beach, 1936

Obviously many of the buildings and single family homes in this photo have long since been replaced, though a good number of them are intact. Does anyone know what the large white building is on the west side of Kenmore, directly west of the Edgewater Beach Hotel? It looks to be a Temple or something similar. Note the interesting directive sign on the roof of the north wing of the hotel itself. I'm also curious what used exist at the current site of the Jewel Osco store at Broadway and Berwyn. It's hard to tell from this angle.

Chicago Tribune covers 48th Ward Aldermanic race

The Tribune has a piece running today which highlights Mary Ann Smith's departure as well as the varied group of candidates eager to succeed her. Check out the article to read quotes from the candidates and learn more.

Emanuel vows to fix Red Line immediately, if elected

We found this article interesting, if not ironic considering today is Edgewater's CTA Red Line scoping meeting and Emanuel was kicked off the ballot yesterday. According to the Chicago Tribune's "Getting Around," mayoral candidate and race front-runner Rahm Emanual has pledged to make rebuilding crumbling parts of the CTA at top priority. He's vowed an amitious goal of begining three upgrades to the Red Line in his first year of office, if elected: overhauling 10 miles of track on the South Side, extending the Red Line from 95th to 103rd Street, and renovating the track and stations north of Belmont. Together, the projects could cost as much as $6 billion, which Emanual plans to rely on federal funding for. What do you think - realistic goals, too ambitious, or empty promises?

Local graphic art

(click picture to enlarge)

A local graphic artist has asked us to share his creative work. See the above, and contact Rob directly if you're interested in any of his work - available as a t-shirt, poster or postcards!

Reminder: CTA Public Scoping Meeting tonight @ Senn

(click to enlarge)
If you haven't yet, check out the Scoping Booklet here on the CTA's website for further information.

Community alert: Attempted kidnapping

From the Chicago Police Department:
Community Alert: Attempt Kidnapping / Child Abduction, 3900 Block of North Lake Shore Drive.

An attempt kidnapping / child abduction occurred in the 3900 block of North Lake Shore Drive on January 6, 2011 at approximately 7:20 am. A 12-year-old girl, while waiting for the CTA bus to go to school, was addressed by a man she had never seen before. After the initial exchange of "good mornings", the girl realized that the man had maneuvered himself behind her. As she stepped away, the man asked if she wanted "to go to his apartment". The bus arrived and she told the man no. The girl was careful to locate herself away from the man who had also boarded the bus.

The man exited the bus at Addison. The girl exited at Belmont and went directly to her school, where she reported the incident to staff and police.

The offender has been described as a Male, Black in his 60's. He was approximately 5' 05", 140 -160 lbs., light complexion, brown eyes, long black hair and he wore glasses with a brown frame. He was wearing a brown jacket, brown pants, brown heavy rimmed glasses and a brown hat with ear flaps.

What you can do:
·Instruct your children on what action they must take if they are confronted by an unknown person.
·Assure you child that the proper thing to do is to tell what happened to an adult, preferably someone in authority.
·If you have any additional information concerning this incident contact the detectives at the number listed below or call 911.

Area Three Special Victim's Unit - (312) 744-8266

Assault at Kenmore & Bryn Mawr

(map from Google Maps)

According to the Chicago News Report, an assault occured last night around 9:17PM near the Kenmore & Bryn Mawr intersection. The victim was beaten and sustained several cuts to the face but no motive was disclosed. The suspects are described as two African American men, one with dreadlocks, both 6 feet tall with one man about 175 pounds and the other about 240 pounds. It is believed that they fled via the CTA Red Line Bryn Mawr stop.

Fraternal Order of Police endorses Osterman

(January 21, 2011 CHICAGO) – The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is endorsing 48th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Harry Osterman for the February 22nd election.

After receiving the endorsement, Osterman stated, “It’s a great honor to receive the FOP’s endorsement for my aldermanic campaign. I am grateful for their support and look forward to representing the thousands of men and women who protect and serve our city.”

Harry has worked tirelessly with the Chicago Police to organize public and personal safety seminars, increase police patrols near problem buildings and gang hot spots and brought CAPS representatives to the Thorndale Safety Office to address citizens concerns.

Harry Osterman is a lifelong resident of the 48th Ward and is making public safety, education and economic development his top campaign priorities.

Loyola purchases Wright Hall

(photo courtesy of Crain's Chicago)

Loyola University Chicago continues its expansion of it's Lakwieshore campus with the purchase of Wright Hall at 6394 N Sheridan Rd. Wright Hall was owned by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary which merged it's all-women's college with Loyola in 1991. Loyola's plans for the building are not finalized, but they plan to use it for a combination of offices and research labs. The sale price of the 11-story building was $9.5M.

Source: Crain's Chicago Real Estate Daily

Coffee Studio in TimeOut Chicago

Kudos to the Coffee Studio recent press in TimeOut Chicago. Check out the article entitled "15 spots to drink coffee now"

Tribune covers candidate's stance on the issues

Thanks to a reader for sharing this link from the Chicago Tribune: Endorsements and Editorial board questionnaires. 48th Ward Aldermanic candidates Harry Osterman, Steve Chereska and Phillip R. Bernstein all submitted responses.

Hopleaf expansion update

According to Eater.com, the Hopleaf expansion that we mentioned last March stalled a bit due to contruction and funding issues but is once again gaining steam. Owner Michael Roper is hoping to receive final permits in February so he can begin the build-out and is targeting a mid-summer opening. The expansion into the former La Donna space will more than double the size of Hopleaf and give them the proper kitchen to also expand their menu.

Source: Eater.com "Hopleaf to More Than Double in Size; Will Open for Lunch

Family Dollar store robbed at gunpoint

The Family Dollar at 5725 N. Broadway was robbed last night by two men, one of which was reportedly wielding a handgun. A 911 call from one of the store's employees was received around 6:30PM, and police responded. Chicago News Report indicates "Both suspects were described as African American men. One suspect was wearing a black jacket and a red scarf over his face. His pants were also sagging. The second crook is about 6'2" and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt. He was armed with a blue steel pistol. Police did not disclose the amount of money stolen from the Edgewater Family Dollar store.

Authorities said the store was robbed last week."

Development at Victoria and Broadway

From the BARGE block club:
There is a new building going into the empty lot at Victoria & Broadway. It will be a three story medical building with parking on the first level. Tom Scruggs and I have attended most of the meetings at the Alderman's office with the architect where aesthetic and practical details are being agreed upon before final approval is given by Mary Ann Smith.

Points of interest:
-The entrance to the lot will be on Broadway.
-To prevent a curb cut and loss of street parking on Victoria, the parking lot
will exit into the alley.
-The trees on Victoria will be maintained and additional landscaping will be
added.
-There is a possibility of I-Go car rental or bike rental in the lot.
-The business owners are hoping to be open in June/July 2011.

Fine arts magnet program coming to Senn

From Chicago Now's "District 299" Chicago schools blog:
"After years of hard work by the Senn Strategic Planning Committee, the Senn Local School Council, Alderman Smith and other elected officials, the Chicago Board of Education is set to approve a fine arts magnet program at Senn High School at its meeting on January 26. > > CPS will announce details of the program, which will begin in September, 2011, at a public forum on Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Senn auditorium, 5900 N. Glenwood. This forum is required before the Board can act on the proposal. Everyone is invited to attend the forum to learn more about this exciting educational option for our youth."

Gardens in the Park

Last summer we told you about these cool little garden boxes that were placed in the park between Lakeshore Drive and Sheridan (behind the Breakers building) by Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office. Garden plots will be available again this year, and anyone interested in one should contact Doug Fraser at the Alderman's office ASAP. We're sure they'll go fast! You can read more about the program here.

Medhill student covers 48th Ward

Medhill journalism student Molly Born recently published this story regarding the upcoming Aldermanic election and issues that are important to the Ward: Crime, business development top concerns for 48th Ward.

Ghost sign at 5511 N. Broadway

This sign is on the north side of the building that Mei Shung restaurant currently occupies. It appears to say "Gadzooks - Good Food & Drinks." Does it advertise a business that used to be a tenant?

Deal at Ethiopian Diamond

Ethiopian Diamond (6120 N Broadway) is featured today on CBS Deals, which appears to be another Groupon look alike. With the deal, you will receive $30 of cuisine for $15 at the Zagat rated restaurant. The Deal can also be used at the Rogers Park location.

City to give Ridge firehouse to Park District

(photo from YoChicago's Flickr photostream)

Thanks to a reader for sharing the following information. It appears the City of Chicago is planning to discuss transfering the land at 5720 N Ridge (home of the old firehouse) to the Chicago Park District at tomorrow's Chicago Plan Commission meeting. The meeting will be held at 121 N LaSalle Street, 2nd floor at 1PM. Here are the exact details from the agenda: A resolution recommending a proposed ordinance authorizing the transfer of City-owned land to the Chicago Park District. The land is commonly known as 5720 North Ridge Avenue and is located in the 48th Ward. (11-003-21)

Stop by Los Manos Gallery from now through February 6th to experience The StatiCCreep Exhibition of Sequential Art.

Cadillac reuinited with family

We're pleased to report that Cadillac, the adorable lost cat we posted about earlier this month, has been reunited with his owners last Sunday and is safe and warm at home. Cadillac was hiding under a grill cover in a neighbor's yard. The owners said it best: We are thrilled and also so impressed with how our community rallied around and spread the word. We live in a fantastic neighborhood.

Getting Married?

This ABC7 article and video features Edgewater business Frank Event Design. Frank Event Design is run by Master Bridal Consultant Frank Andonoplas. The designation of Master Bridal Consultant is held by only 59 people in the world. If you're getting married in the near future, check out this article and check out Frank Event Design.

Robber attempts repeat

The man who robbed the 7-11 store at 1055 W Bryn Mawr early Thursday morning was at it again on Sunday. When the suspect entered the store just before 6AM the attentive clerk immediately recognized him, triggered the store's silent alarm and told the robber he recognized him. The suspect, described as a 26-30 year old African American male, 5'8", 150 pounds and wearing a skull cap and black poofy coat, fled the scene.

Source: Chicago News Report

Bernstein & McDonough clown around

The above video features 48th Ward Aldermanic candidates Phil Bernstein and Patrick McDonough and is moderated by Michael McGann. The video was a good insight into these two individuals aldermanic race platforms and intentions, and helped me figure out who to vote for in February.

Bernstein and McDonough claim to address the issues important to the ward, but instead they spend 20+ minutes discussing the issues important to them. The majority of the video is discussing Harry Osterman, Carol Ronan, and bantering about political corruption. They don't mention any specific ways they plan to help fix the city budget or rid the city of corruption, if elected. They don't even once mention how they will work to combat crime in the 48th Ward - an issue that 60% of people voted as the most important issue to them in the Aldermanic race in our most recent poll. No mention of economic development, no mention of improving schools. In addition, they claim they are repeatedly attacked (on blogs such as this one) yet they have a "Hairy Osterman" doll and repeatedly poke fun at him and bash his political career. Pretty hypocritcal if you ask me.

In the meantime, Harry Osterman not only outlines a clear cut plan on his website about how he plans to address crime & public safety, but he has the experience doing so by spending countless hours working with the CPD, hosting community safety seminars and creating specific plans to address crime in Edgewater hot spots.

Personally, I plan to vote for the man with the experience, the man who shows his face in the community rather than an online video, the man who doesn't mock his opponents with puppets. I'm voting for Harry Osterman.

Uptown drug dealers arrested

Congrats to the Chicago Police Department for busting 6 men involved in a drug business in a sting dubbed "Operation Sugar Magnolia." One of the men arrested Wilbur Jackson, 31, of the 4400 block of North Magnolia Avenue, is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, a charge stemming from a November shooting in the 5900 block of North Ridge Avenue, police said.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Man jumped on Ridge

From our Facebook page:

Just to let everyone know -- Today walking down Ridge around 6 I was jumped by about 10 Senn HS kids who knocked me down and pummeled me pretty good. Cops said these guys have done this a bunch of times when they get out of school at 2-3 & 5-6. Last summer they cut someone in the face. I got pretty lucky.

Chefs Care For Real at Acre on January 18th

From Care For Real....

Neighborhood resident Tim Rasmussen is a long-time supporter of Care for Real. Now he's extending his support by joining in the popular Chefs Care for Real program.

Tim recently transformed his popular Charlie's Ale House on Clark Street into ACRE, a modern restaurant that celebrates the rich diversity of American cuisine. On Tuesday, January 18, Tim will be donating a percentage of each diner's bill to Care for Real.

ACRE, at 5308 N. Clark, is open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant focuses on the use of seasonal and local ingredients. Charcuteries, pasta and bread are made in house, and grilled specialties are cooked over hardwood. To find out more about ACRE and to view the menu, go to http://acrerestaurant.com/. Although reservations are not required, they are recommended. Call (773) 334-7600.

EDC Small Business Incubator

From the Edgewater Development Corporation....

Thinking about starting a business in 2011? Trying to find the right city location for your new business venture?

The City of Chicago's 48th Ward is open for business!

To help promote economic growth and development in the burgeoning Edgewater neighborhood, the Edgewater Development Corp. is hosting a kickoff event to introduce the Small Business Incubator (SBI) program to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Kick-Off Event - Thursday - January 27, 2011 - 4 to 6 pm

Emanuel Congregation

5959 North Sheridan

Chicago, IL 60660

Saturday - Yoga benefiting Care for Real

On Saturday from 11am-12pm Know No Limits will be hosting a special class for Yoga and Pilates fans. "Perfect Your Yoga and Pilates Form" will be taught by Master instructor Catherine Lewan from Andersonville Physical Therapy on Broadway. She will help you to fine tune your Pilates and Yoga poses according to your own abilities. Although the class is free, donations of any amount are appreciated and will benefit Edgewater’s food pantry, Care for Real.


Know No Limits is at 6125 N. Clark St. (near the intersection of Hood and Clark)

Robbery @ 7-11 on Bryn Mawr

According to this report in the Chicago News Report, the 7-11 convienence store was robbed this morning just after 5AM. The robber was described as an African American male, 5'11", and wearing a skull cap. He implied he had a gun and fled on foot after the robbery. Kudos to the Chicago News Report for their continued coverage of the neighborhood.

Coming soon: Auto Zone

We (along with a few readers) have noticed construction activity at the former Hollywood Video store located at 6201 N Clark Street. According to a follower on Facebook who contacted the Alderman's office the space is currently being renovated to become an Auto Zone store.

Register to vote!

The deadline to register to vote in the February 22 mayoral and aldermanic election is Tuesday, January 25, 2011. If you have moved since the last election, you must re-register at your new address. You can check your registration status at http://www.chicagoelections.com/.

Italian night @ Broadway Cellars

Board Game Night - every Wednesday!

We came across this on Meetup (go there to sign up):
Every Wednesday night starting about 6 PM we have open board game play until extremely late at night. In fact we do not close until the last game is over... Some of our favorites include Arkham Horror, Puerto Rico, Battlestar Galactica, Tribune, Smallworld and Dominion. There is no charge for this event and people are encouraged to bring games or to borrow one from our 300+ game lending library. We typically have a good mix of 20-30 new and experienced gamers. It is a very friendly crowd and everyone is willing to learn or teach a game.

Chicagoland Games: The Dice Dojo
5550 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-728-3656

Career Retraining

Chicago Career Tech, the city’s innovative job retraining program, announced today that applications are being accepted for its third session. The program, which trains unemployed middle-income Chicagoans for high-demand technology-based careers, will expand capacity to accommodate up to 400 qualified participants—an increase of approximately 33 percent over the current class size. Keeping with this trend, more than 150 business and nonprofit organizations now partner up with the program, nearly doubling the amount that participated during the program’s pilot class last year.

Applications are available exclusively online at http://www.chicagocareertech.com/ through March 4 for the upcoming class session, which will run late May through October 2011.
To be eligible for the program, potential participants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- City of Chicago resident
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
- Unemployed (after January 1, 2008), with previous annual income of $25,000 to $75,000
- Currently collecting or have exhausted unemployment insurance benefits in the State of Illinois - Not currently enrolled in another job training program

Cab hit & run

According to the Chicago News Report a cabbie struck a pedestrian with it's vehicle and fled the scene on Sunday evening on the 5200 block of North Sheridan. The victim was badly injured according to the report.

ETNA Block Club meeting

The Edgewater Triangle Neighbors Association (ETNA) will hold its monthly meeting tomorrow at 7PM at the Edgewater Baptist Church (1401 W Hollywood).

ETNA serves the area defined as Ridge Ave. to the north and east, Clark St. to the west, and Bryn Mawr Ave. to the south. ETNA meets on the second Wednesday of each month except August, and is open to all residents and business owners. Annual dues are $10 per voting resident. They also maintain a great website which can be viewed here: www.etnabc.org.

Jose Arteaga

After mentioning last week that we hadn't heard much of anything from three of the five aldermanic candidates, we did come across this sign in a neighborhood storefront.

Red Line scoping meeting

You likely received a flyer in the mail from the CTA (we received three duplicates) about another planning meeting about how to improve the Red Line. The proposed resolutions are everything from minor maintanence to creating a subway from Belmont north to Howard.

PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING FOR RED/PURPLE LINE MODERNIZATION PROJECT
TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 6:00 PM, SENN HIGH SCHOOL

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is proposing to make improvements, subject to the availability of funding, to the North Red and Purple Lines. The improvements are proposed in order to bring the existing transit stations, track systems and structures into a state of good repair from the track structure immediately north of Belmont station to the Linden terminal (9.5 miles). This project is one part of CTA's effort to extend and enhance the entire Red Line.

Attend one of the public scoping meetings to learn more about the project and provide feedback on the proposed alternatives, the purpose and need for the project and the environmental and community impacts to be evaluated. The input will help define the environmental studies to be considered in the Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Submit a Comment by February 18, 2011
In addition to comments received at the meeting, written comments will be accepted until February 18, 2011. Comments may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax, with attention to:
For More Info: www.transitchicago.com/RPMproject