Citizens of the 46 ward, Chicago and Cook County keep pushing to be heard on controversial Wilson Yard TIF plan. They are posed for the next round when Shiller goes before the CDC next Tuesday asking for another $54 million of taxpayers' money.

A new Wilson Yard TIF petition is up and ready for signing.

The petition has 2 goals:

• Deny the $54 million TIF monies
• Retire the Wilson Yard TIF in 2011

Our goal is to collect thousands of signatures and a strong show of support for the meeting on Tuesday, September 8. 

You can help make that happen now.

Please sign the petition now.  Please forward the petition to your neighbors and ask them to sign and forward it on.

We want a government that listens and responds to its citizens!

 

http://www.petitiononline.com/cococj/petition.html

If the Wilson Yard TIF story was a book, possible titles would be "Confederacy of the Dumbest Urban Plan Ever" or "How to Rape Taxpayers & Get Away With It".
 
Part 1 of the story tells the tale of how "the vibrant & cohesive mixed-use development" mission disintegrated into a $58 million sinkhole with:

• Subsidized housing costing $445,000 per unit on a prime commercial corner
• Senior housing on a site that doesn't even meet HUD standards
• Truman parking garage for 1200 cars that shuts off resident access to Wilson

Residents frustrated with the radical changes to the plan, filed a lawsuit and are preparing for round-two, but more on that later  Citizens recently discovered Shiller wants another $54 million from the Wilson Yard TIF--your tax money--when Lorraine Swanson covered the story in Lake Effect News.

Who decided that another $54 million of taxpayers' money is best used for a fish-farm, more parking, and "$21 million to preserve affordable housing"?  Why was the community excluded from this behind-closed-door planning? What rights do we have in the planning process?
 
Shiller had scheduled a private Wilson Yard meeting on July 23 when an eagle-eyed resident found the posting on the Truman website.  Suddenly the meeting was open to the public. The room was packed on an early Thursday morning with Uptown residents questioning the additional $54 million Shiller wants from the taxpayers.  Click here to read more...

Residents questioned who decided that a fish farm and parking are top community priorities. One woman summed it up, "I recently moved to Uptown and don't shop here because the retail streets aren't safe.  Why are you spending money on a fish farm when there are so many other needs for our neighborhood?  Building a fish farm is like putting organic frosting on a moldy cupcake".

Shiller promised to include the whole community in the planning process when questioned about the closed-door decisions being made.  Now it's up to us to hold her to this promise.  We must hold her accountable for an inclusive community planning process that gives residents a voice in how the next $54 million will be spent.  Inclusive community meetings, etc. will be in the works.

Wilson Yard Lawsuit Update

The Wilson Yard lawsuit is alive and well. Residents heard the good news about the recent complaint filing approved by Judge Rochford.  Click here to read the latest.

It's very clear that the citizens of Uptown had no other recourse than to take legal action. The $112 million Wilson Yard TIF is quickly becoming the poster child for taxpayer abuse.
 
Fix Wilson Yard needs your help. A fundraiser BBQ is planned for Saturday, August 22. You can learn more by visiting www.fixwilsonyard.org
 
Find out more about Uptown, community issues, Wilson Yard history by visiting:

www.uptownupdate.com
www.uncchicago.org
www.lakeeffectnews.com
www.fixwilsonyard.org
 
Get involved...join your block club, join UNC, join Fix Wilson Yard. Please forward this e-news.

Fix Wilson Yard, a registered Illinois Not-For-Profit organization made of concerned citizens in Uptown and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods who protest the creation, execution and implementation of the Wilson Yard Tax Increment Financing District and the Wilson Yard Redevelopment Plan, had their day in court in pursuit of a Temporary Restraining Order against the City of Chicago and Peter Holsten, the developer of Wilson Yard.

While Fix Wilson Yard was unable to secure the TRO, the group feels they have made a significant impact on the the project.

Defendants, the City of Chicago and Peter Holsten, pleaded with the court, citing that the extremely tenuous financing that has allowed construction to move forward would be destroyed, the developer would be in default and incur $50,000 per day in fines and add exponential costs to the overall development. Additionally, the City attorneys demanded that if a TRO was granted that the community group must put up $100 million dollar bond.

Judge Mary Katherine Rochford stated her difficulty in making her decision. She began by acknowledging the strong case presented by the Plaintiffs, and that she would never ask a community group to post a construction bond. However, her decision not to grant the TRO was heavily based on the significant financial harm to the developer.

"Although we were unable to attain the TRO, we are very pleased with the Court's reaction to our case and believe we will win the first groundbreaking lawsuit against the City of Chicago for TIF violations," said Molly Phelan, Fix Wilson Yard President, outside the Daley Center Court House. "This was just this first battle in a very long war. It is nowhere near over yet."

Read the entire press release from Fix Wilson Yard here.

UNC E-News, October 28, 2008

Wilson Yard:  Desperate Times & Desperate Measures
******************************************************************

Wilson Yard has taken another drastic turn with the recent amended changes quickly shoved through by the Finance Committee and City Council in early October.  In an apparent  violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, Alderman Burke, head of the Finance Committee, snuck through another amendment to the Wilson Yard development.  Burke, who's law firm represents both Holsten Real Estate and Walsh Construction, recused himself from voting.

The major change in this amendment gives Peter Holsten, the lone developer and owner of the Wilson Yard low income housing, access to millions of taxpayers money with little accountability.  The City gives up the right to stop paying Holsten if he defaults on deadlines and construction.  In other words, the taxpayers assume the financial burden and Holsten is not held accountable.

The single, most critical, change is shifting the risk from the developer to the taxpayer.  This step transforms the Wilson Yard project into a $52 million public works project funded by taxpayers.  Visit www.uptownupdate.com for more detail.

Wilson Yard Lawsuit coming soon
*****************************************

Fix Wilson Yard will be filing a lawsuit against the City within the next 30 days  for several violations surrounding the Wilson Yard TIF development.  The City has been notified of this pending lawsuit.   We believe that the recent activity by the City and Holsten is a response to the strength of our pending lawsuit and power shown by Uptown residents who believe we deserve a better plan that truly addresses our community's economic future.

UNC will continue to work for Uptown's sensible balanced economic development and support the Fix Wilson Yard organization lawsuit.

Fix Wilson Yard Petition--Sign & Forward Now!
***********************************************************

The original Wilson Yard petition was created by UNC in 2004.  It was huge success, garnering over 3,000 signatures.  A new petition has been written to reflect the current Wilson Yard development. Fix Wilson Yard has drafted a new petition and needs your signatures and those of your friends, family and neighbors throughout Chicago! Please click here, to sign the petition.  Please forward this petition to other concerned Chicagoans and help reach our goal of 5,000 signatures.

The Power of Your Vote in this Election
*************************************************

The election ballot contains two obscure TIF referendums on pages 15-16.  The referendums appear in only few precincts that ironically mirror the Wilson Yard boundaries.  They appear under the heading Public Questions, read them very carefully and be sure to vote.

The first referendum is cleverly worded asking if 40% of TIF funds should be used for preserving, buying and adding more affordable housing.  Most people who live in Uptown understand we do an outstanding job of providing affordable housing and deserve more opportunities to shop and dine in our neighborhood, enjoy better park programs and facilities, and restore the Wilson El Station.

The second referendum asks if businesses receiving TIF money should be required to hire local residents and pay them a living wage.

Politicans & Your Political Power
*****************************************

You will also be voting for three political offices whose districts include the Wilson Yard development.  Please take a few minutes to write to the current elected officials and ask them to support a better plan for Wilson Yard:

State Senator Heather Steans, heather@heathersteans.com
State Representative Greg Harris, greg@gregharris.org
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, www.house.gov/schakowsky/email.org
Join & Support Your Community Organizations

***************************************

Thanks to the immense grass-roots movement of organizations like Uptown Neighborhood Council and Fix Wilson Yard, Uptown's economic future looks brighter.   Please join and support our work. To learn more about the history and UNC's community efforts on behalf of Wilson Yard, visit www.uncchicago.org and click on the Wilson Yard link. Please visit www.fixwilsonyard.org to learn more about the lawsuit project and how you can get involved.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, that's all that ever has.

UNC thanks you for your support!

Operating agreement between Holsten and Target signed October 15, 2008.

Special Edition: Wilson Yard 12 Year Anniversary
 
Wilson Yard Riding the Wild Economic Times
***************************************************
The chaotic and wild economic times we're experiencing globally seem to be
following suit in our own backyard. Way back in October 1996, when the
Wilson Yard CTA maintenance facility, located along Broadway and Montrose,
burned down in a spectacular fire, there was hope this big chunk of prime real estate
property would be the salvation of Uptown's deserted commercial streets and blighted retail.
 
We should have known better.
 
Now on the twelve year anniversary of the Wilson Yard fire, let's take a short trip
down the Wilson Yard history lane.  Keep reading to learn how did we end up with this mess...
 
Under the questionable leadership of Ald. Shiller, the Wilson Yard TIF was formed.
TIFs are supposed to spur economic development in blighted communities and bring in
private investment that otherwise would not happen. Yet the largest piece of undeveloped land on Chicago's northside was never put up for sale in the public marketplace.
 
From the very beginning, Wilson Yard has been plagued by manipulated surveys, charrettes with Peter Holsten (Holsten Real Estate is a developer of affordable housing, best known for tearing down Cabrini-Green and building the new mixed-income housing model) sitting at the housing discussion table at these early community meetings, and a blind refusal to bring in urban planners for a real community planning process.
 
Wilson Yard offers the unique opportunity to bring Uptown back to life for its famous heritage:
A destination for live theater, amazing entertainment and music, and bustling international restaurants that celebrate our diversity.  Yet with no professional urban planning, an unconfirmed promise from Target, and an Alderman who demands affordable housing  be built even on our commercial streets, we are destined to struggle with the crime and poverty that hurts all.
 
What was Wilson Yard supposed to be? This video captures Shiller's pre-election promises for Wilson Yard at the 2003 Aldermanic debate...
 
Wilson Yard:  The Taxpayer Tab Keeps Going Up While the Project Goes Down
 
The first promise to tumble was the mixed-income housing.  At the last Wilson Yard Community meeting in early 2004 Holsten announced, "The mixed-income housing didn't pencil in  So the housing will be all affordable housing."  (Visit www.uncchicago.org for the housing rendering and details). The taxpayers' share to fund the now all low income housing was $26.4 million.
 
The next casualty was the movie theaters, the #1 most requested community priority.
Then the team of developers--ranging from market-rate housing, entertainment, retail and senior housing experts pulled out, leaving Holsten the lone developer and owner.  Sweet!
 
The CTA did its part, to its own financial ruin, by selling Wilson Yard at a basement-sale price of $6.6 million, or $40 a square foot, while comparable nearby land was selling for over $100 a square foot.
 
Meanwhile our tab--The taxpayers' tab goes up and up. City Council easily passes the first amendment in 2006 increasing the taxpayers' funding of Wilson Yard to $35 million.  And suddenly the housing covers 60% of the land now dedicated to two subsidized high-rises.
 
The mixed development changes radically with subsidized housing covering most of Broadway's prime commercial street.  Another Wilson Yard bailout comes with the second handout upping the taxpayers' share to an unprecedented $42 million.  The project's costs continue to spiral out of control and once again Holsten and Shiller go back again to City Council for yet another bailout.  After realizing their low income housing costs have shot through the roof, now an estimated $447,000 per unit for the family housing, Shiller and Holsten get another bailout raising the taxpayers' funding to a whopping $52 million!
 
The Latest Wilson Yard Handout

This past week, Shiller and Holsten, facing a crumbling economy, went back again to City Council with yet another Wilson Yard amendment.  Now what?
 
Think bailout, think developer responsibility, think again.  A cursory look at the latest changes approved by the Finance Committee that breezed through City Council gives Holsten access to millions in taxpayers' money while shifting the responsibility off his back and on to the taxpayers.  The developer's responsibility on loan defaults, deadlines, etc, are eliminated.  Holsten is no longer liable; the taxpayers assume this burden.  The City gives up its right to come back and sue Holsten for money paid to him if he doesn't complete the project. More on this critical matter in  the next UNC newsletter.
 
After years of meeting with the Alderman, with the Commissioners of Housing and Planning & Development, hosting rallies, letter writing campaigns, community meetings, we realize our elected city officials don't give a damn what the citizens want.  We understand that Uptown's economic future has to be taken to the courts. Visit Fix Wilson Yard, www.fixwilsonyard.org for details.
 
How will Wilson Yard Impact our Economic Future?

Wilson Yard will have a huge impact not only Uptown's economic future, but will have a ripple effect on the surrounding northside neighborhoods.  We have an opportunity as citizens to come together and demand that Wilson Yard becomes the vibrant retail center we want.  We can change Wilson Yard if we all work together to make it happen.  Here's one-way to start now...
 
Halloween Hoedown at Chase Park

Fix Wilson Yard is hosting a family fun afternoon--Halloween Hoedown--at Chase Park!

    * Sunday, October 19
    * 1-4 pm
    * Chase Park, Ashland & Leland

Storytelling, pumpkin & face painting, cowboy sign-alongs, build your own taffy apple. A perfect way to spend the afternoon with your kids and support your community.  $30 recommended donation.  Visit www.uptownupdate.com for more details and downloadable flier.
 
TIF Reform is growing
Wilson Yard is the poster child for TIF abuse.  TIF reform is finally moving into the mainstream as citizens and enlightened politicians spotlight much needed reform.  Our next e-news will cover how TIF increase your taxes, slide pet projects under the table and give the mayor a huge money resource, and what you can do to politically motivate reform.
 
If you are not a member or UNC e-news subscriber, please visit www.uncchicago.org today.
 
UNC, Uptown Neighborhood Council, is a grass roots organization working for balanced economic development and arts & cultural enrichment.
 
Never doubt that a small group of  thoughtful, committed citizens change the world.  Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

www.uncchicago.org

Due to popular demand, another Fix Wilson Yard community meeting has been scheduled. The next meeting will be held:

• Buena Pointe, 4350 N. Broadway: Second floor community room
• Wednesday, October 8
• 7 pm
• Bring your checkbook

Please share this information with your neighbors.  See you there!

Wilson Yard--Citizens take legal action
**********************************************

Will the 46th Ward's sliver of land called Wilson Yard break Uptown's gritty, poverty-ridden cycle?  Or will it suck Uptown deeper into the poverty vortex?

Thousands of Uptown resident are frustrated with the radically altered Wilson Yard Development plan that will drag Uptown down such a vortex. Taxpayers and residents alike, who would otherwise be left footing a $54 million tax bill for this development, are taking legal action NOW!

A newly formed citizens' group has started a campaign, Fix Wilson Yard. They have retained two leading law firms with expertise and backgrounds in successfully defeating municipalities in land-use and TIF litigation.  These lawyers are hard at work and have already identified a number of potential procedural and substantive grounds on which to sue.

The organization's efforts include, a website, www.fixwilsonyard.org, and grassroots community meetings and fundraisers, We believe that these efforts, when combined with the dedication and passion of the people of Uptown, will force our government to return the direction of the Wilson Yard project to the TIF's original Mission:  To create a vibrant and cohesive mixed-use, mixed-income development.

A quick snap-shot of the dramatic changes to the plan show:

2001 Plan $34 million TIF money Mixed-income housing Movie theaters Target 5 Developers Retail--Phase 2

2008 Plan $54 million TIF money 100% low-income housing No movie theaters No commitment from Target Holsten lone developer and owner Low-income housing--Phase 2

If the new Aldi's is a sample of what's to come, the plan is in serious trouble and will create yet another dark and dangerous street in Uptown.

What we don't understand is how the City, Developer and Alderman would approve building the failed, segregated housing model in Uptown, a community that already is home to almost 6,000 subsidized units within one-mile of Wilson Yard.  The numbers below, are taken directly from Holsten's application for IHDA funding.

The housing is the largest portion of Wilson Yard. The rendering below, created by the developer, shows the massive size of these buildings as they wrap along Montrose and Broadway.

"The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown. The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area."

A reknowned ULI (Urban Land Institute) planner reviewed the plan.  His critique clearly states, "The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown.  The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area. There is no active street frontage and without it, the street becomes a place for crime."

Join the Fix Wilson Yard campaign today!

You can help build the momentum:

    * Visit www.fixwilsonyard.org
    * Donate today
    * Sign up for e-news at info@fixwilsonyard.org
    * Help spread the word, forward this email to all your neighbors
    * Host a Fix Wilson Yard meeting
    * Attend an upcoming Fix Wilson Yard meeting

Always remember:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world.
Indeed, that's all that ever has.

Thank you for your ongoing support and belief we can make a difference!
Uptown Neighborhood Council
www.uncchicago.org

June 30, 2008

The City of Chicago files with the State of Illinois an annual report on the Wilson Yard TIF district for calendar year 2007.

Wilson Yard TIF Annual Report, 2007 (PDF, 41 pages, 1.2M)

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Chicago City Council unanimously approves the second amendment to the Wilson yard redevelopment agreement.

Second Amendment to Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement

AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTION OF SECOND AMENDMENT TO REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH WILSON YARD DEVELOPERS CONCERNING CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (PDF, 50 pages, 8.2M, see PDF page 20, Journal page 24049)

Third Amendment to Wilson Yard Senior Housing Loan Agreement and Bond Issue

AMENDMENT OF PRIOR ORDINANCE WHICH AUTHORIZED ISSUANCE OF CITY OF CHICAGO MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS (WILSON YARD SENIOR APARTMENTS) SERIES 2007 FOR BENEFIT OF WILSON YARD SENIOR HOUSING, L.P. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SENIOR HOUSING (PDF, 50 pages, 8.4M, see PDF page 16, Journal page 23895)

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

The Committee on Finance of the Chicago City Council approves a substitute second amended redevelopment agreement for Wilson Yard, as well as the third amendment to the loan agreement and bond issuance for the senior housing.

Committee on Finance Agenda, April 8, 2008 (PDF, 6 pages)

UNC e-News - April, 2008

What's Up Uptown Event Packs the Kinetic Playground

A crowd of almost 200 packed the Kinetic Playground hungry to hear about new businesses and developments in the works for their neighborhood. Two modern market rate high-rises by top-notch architects, a new look for Clark St., the magnificent restoration of the Uptown Broadway building and another pub from the guys that brought us Crew Bar+Grill are breathing new life into Uptown. UNC was proud to host this March 19 event with Jimmy Gouskos, owner of the Kinetic Playground!

Lynn Hollenberg, the CDOT project manager, began with the facelift coming to Clark St. with a new streetscape plan from Montrose to Ainslie. New lighting, sidewalks, planters and seating will easily merge with the Andersonville portion for Clark St. The work is tentatively set to begin later this summer.

A stunning 21-story modern highrise will sit behind the Phase 1 building completed by the developer, Jimmy Gouskos, at Lawrence and Winthrop. This streamline modern structure is the work of world reknowned architect, Renee Steevensz. Gouskos, an Uptown resident, presented Phase 2 and Phase 3 of his Uptown projects. The high-rise shown above was to be the next phase for development, however Gouskos stated that Phase 3 may be pushed ahead to Phase 2.

Gouskos stated there's been a strong interest in building Phase 3 next. This innovative building will sit on the southeast corner of Lawrence and Winthrop. First floor retail, rumor has it this may be a highly regarded grocery store, a 500 car parking garage, movie theaters, and a creative roof top with a dramatic garden terrace linked to restaurant would be a huge punch to the Lawrence entertainment district.

Suzy Grossman with Sunrise Equity presented plans to bring another stunning modern 18-story highrise to Clarendon and Leland. The first floor will have retail space. When asked why Sunrise selected Uptown, Grossman replied, "It's a no-brainer. The lake views and the Uptown location make it a very desirable location." The sales office will be opening soon.

The Uptown Broadway building located at 4707 N. Broadway has been carefully restored to its former beauty thanks to Thad Wong, one of the founders of @ Properties. Anthony Campagni, with Baum Realty, is the leasing agent actively looking for new tenants. Seems the huge basement space with 7,633 square feet is ideal for a nightclub. The building should be ready for tenants early this summer.

The Wilde Pug is coming to Broadway thanks to the guys who brought us Crew Bar + Grill. Brian and Steve presented a concept for their newest establish that brings a "Modern English Pub" to the heart of the Uptown entertainment district. Work is progressing nicely and doors should be opening in the next month or two. Please go to the Uptown retailers section on the link below to sign up for the Grand Opening!!!!

Uptown is already home to a growing group of pioneering retailers and restaurants. Please support Uptown businesses and help them thrive and grow.

Please remember to visit and support our local retailers

Soggy Paws
Shake Rattle & Read
Green Mill Jazz Club
Unique So Chic
Magnolia Cafe
Kenetic Playground
Crew Bar + Grill
Wilde Pug, coming this spring
Fat Cat Bar
Tatoo Factory
Marigold Restaurant
Agami Restaurant
Annoyance Theater
Pegesus Theater
Black Ensemble Theater

Uptown is on the Upswing! What can you do to keep the positive momentum going?

Get informed... the UNC web site for Uptown news.
Subscribe to the News-Star newspaper.
Visit www.uptownupdate.com, rated as one of the TOP blogs by the Chicago Tribune, to find the latest news on what's happening in your neighborhood.
Join your block club.

Get involved....join UNC today. We need your support!

Always remember:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Mayor Richard M. Daley introduces into the City Council the second amended Wilson Yard redevelopment agreement, and the third amended loan agreement and bond issuance for the senior housing.

Mayoral ordinances introduced March 12, 2008

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

The Chicago City Council unanimously approves the second amended loan agreement and bond issuance for the proposed senior housing at Wilson Yard.

AMENDMENT OF PRIOR ORDINANCE WHICH AUTHORIZED EXECUTION OF LOAN AGREEMENT WITH WILSON YARD SENIOR HOUSING L.P. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING FOR SENIORS (PDF, 50 pages, 7.9M, see PDF page 39, Journal page 16827)

Monday, December 10, 2007

The Committee on Finance of the Chicago City Council passes the second amended loan agreement and bond issuance for Wilson Yard Senior Development LP.

Finance Committee, December 10, 2007 (PDF, 4 pages)

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Mayor Richard M. Daley introduces into the City Council a second amended to loan agreement and bond issuance for Wilson Yard Senior Development LP.

Mayoral ordinances introduced November 13, 2007

Uptown neighbors wary after 3 slayings
Danger not gone from area despite new gentrification
By Monique Garcia

Tribune staff reporter

10:56 PM CDT, September 10, 2007

For the last 20 years, Bill Muslem has watched the story of Uptown unfold from behind the counter of his convenience store on the corner of Montrose Avenue and Hazel Street.

A lot of things have changed in those two decades, he said. For one, Muslem and his customers are no longer afraid to walk to and from the store after dark. Redevelopment and an influx of new residents have for the most part replaced "the gangbangers and drug dealers," who used to hang out on Hazel Street, he said.

But after a recent spate of fatal shootings—three in a week, including two on the same block—"you can tell people are scared," said Muslem, 46.

The Uptown Neighborhood Council is pleased to provide you with a new and soon to be expanded list of neighborhood businesses that we hope you will patronize. Showing support for these businesses is the fundamental way to encourage other small businesses to invest in our community.

Restaurants

Magnolia Cafe
Marigold Indian Restaurant
Agami Contemporary Sushi

Cafes and Bakeries

Faz's Bakery
Dollop Coffee

Bars

Fat Cat
The Spot

Retail

Shake, Rattle & Read
Uptown Bikes

Services

Soggy Paws

Entertainment

Annoyance Theater & Bar

June 30, 2007

The City of Chicago files with the State of Illinois an annual report on the Wilson Yard TIF district for calendar year 2006.

Wilson Yard TIF Annual Report, 2006 (PDF, 38 pages, 1.2M)

Argyle Winmore Block Club
Sheridan to Broadway
Lawrence to Foster
David Farina    773-230-2597
djf@crayhuber.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/awblockclub/

Argyle Magnolia Glenwood Block Club
Lawrence to Winnemac
Broadway to Clark
No Contact Information Available

Buena Park Neighbors
Marine to Kenmore
Irving to Montrose
Katie Crites
bpnmembership@hotmail.com
www.Buenaparkneighbors.org

Carmen Winona Block Club
Sheridan to Marine Drive
Foster to Carmen
Don Brown
773-789-6398
donaldbashore@hotmail.com
www.carmenwinona.org

Castlewood Terrace
Castlewood from Marine Drive to Sheridan
Ed Kuske
773-271-1749
eakuske1@comcast.net

Clarendon Park Neighbors Association
Clarendon to Broadway
Montrose to Wilson
John Wyman
773-769-2164
cpnassoc@gmail.com

Dover Street Neighbors
Dover Street from Montrose To Lawrence
Melanie Liss
773-878-2553
simjez@sbcglobal.net

Winona, Foster, Carmen, Winnemac Block Club
Broadway to Clark, Foster to Winnemac
Mat Olson
773-301-4262
msochicago@yahoo.com

Graceland-Wilson Neighbors Assocation
Broadway to Beacon
Montrose to Wilson
Max Reising
773-793-8713
maxr13cnmsbl@aol.com
www.gwna.org

South of Lawrence Block Club Social Reminder...

Meet your neighbors at Nicks on Wilson Thursday night, June 21 from 6-9 PM.  The block clubs participating in this event are:

Dover Street Neighbors
Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association
Lakeside Area Neighbors Association
Magnolia-Malden Block Club
Truman Square Homeowners Association

Cost: $20 (includes block club membership dues and two drink tickets)

Friday, June 1, 2007

Wilson Yard Development I LLC files an Economic Disclosure Statement (EDS) with the City in conjunction with the amended redevelopment and loan agreements.

Wilson Yard Development I LLC Economic Disclosure Statement (PDF, 15 pages, 1.2M)

City set to boost subsidy for Wilson Yard project
By Eddie Baeb

The city is poised to increase its subsidy for the long-delayed Wilson Yard development in Uptown to offset rising construction costs for the project, which is to include a Target store and 178 units of affordable housing.

The Daley administration agreed to raise the subsidy to $43.1 million from $35.6 million in a deal that goes before the Chicago City Council on Wednesday and would allow construction to begin no later than July. Costs for the 5-acre development are now expected to be about $150 million.

In addition to rising costs, the Wilson Yard project has endured the pullout of a movie theater and concerns that Target might walk over the controversial "big-box” ordinance.

Located near Broadway Street and Montrose Avenue, Wilson Yard includes a former CTA maintenance facility. Redevelopment of Wilson Yard has been contemplated since two fires at the site in 1996. The development, considered vital by some for the gritty Uptown neighborhood, has also been a source of controversy in an area that's become a fierce battleground over gentrification.

Since the original redevelopment agreement was struck with the city in December 2005, the project's costs have jumped 15% to $150.1 million, primarily because of rising construction costs.

The administration has agreed to raise its TIF (tax-increment financing) subsidy to help offset the increased costs. The project's developer, an affiliate of Holsten Development Corp., agreed to defer some of its fees until the completion, now planned for 2009.

"It'll be a huge boost that will bring a lot of people to the area," says Peter Holsten, president of Holsten Development, who was marketing the development's retail space this week at a trade show in Las Vegas. "It will spill over and help the stores up and down Broadway."

Minneapolis-based Target Corp. has an agreement to buy its 180,000-square-foot store. The additional retail component involves moving the existing Aldi grocery store to an adjacent site, where the discount grocer is to open next week, Mr. Holsten says.

The project's residential component includes two apartment buildings, one with 80 units of affordable housing for families and another with 98 units of affordable housing for the elderly. Plans also call for a multi-level parking garage that can accommodate 382 cars and an additional 173-car surface parking lot.

Kerasotes Showplace Theatres LLC last year dropped its plan for a 12-screen movie theater, citing the high construction costs of plans to build the theater atop the Target store. Mr. Holsten says the economics of the theater didn't work, and that its withdrawal meant parking could be downsized from the original plan, which called for a 700-car garage.

The Wilson Yard project hit another speed bump last year when the City Council voted in July to mandate a new minimum wage requirement for large retailers, a move that had Target mulling whether to drop its expansion plans in Chicago.

Mayor Richard M. Daley vetoed the bill in October with help from local Alderman Helen Shiller (46th), the only City Council member who didn't vote on the original ordinance. She then voted against overriding the mayor's veto.

Ms. Shiller, whose office estimates the project will create about 200 new jobs, didn't return a call Tuesday afternoon seeking comment.

Mr. Holsten says he's confident the City Council will approve plans for Wilson Yard when it votes Wednesday, which he says would put completion at about 22 to 24 months from now.

"We've done everything the city has asked of us, so we'll be fine," says Mr. Holsten, who has also done mixed-income redevelopment projects near the Cabrini-Green public housing project. "It's going to be a good thing for the area."

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

The Chicago City Council unanimously approves the first amendment to the Wilson yard redevelopment agreement.

AMENDMENT OF PRIOR ORDINANCE WHICH AUTHORIZED ISSUANCE OF MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS AND NOTES TO AND EXECUTION OF LOAN AGREEMENT WITH WILSON YARD SENIOR HOUSING, L.P. (PDF, 50 pages, 9.7M, see PDF page 1, Journal page 548)

Later in the same file:

AMENDMENT OF PRIOR ORDINANCE WHICH AUTHORIZED EXECUTION OF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH WILSON YARD DEVELOPMENT I, L.L.C. (see PDF page 19, Journal page 566)

AMENDMENT OF PRIOR ORDINANCE WHICH AUTHORIZED EXECUTION OF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH WILSON YARD DEVELOPMENT I, L.L.C., continued (PDF, 50 pages, 9.3M)

Friday, May 18, 2007

The Committee on Finance of the Chicago City Council passes an amended redevelopment agreement and an amended loan agreement for Wilson Yard.

Committee on Finance, May 18, 2007

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Mayor Richard M. Daley introduces into the Chicago City Council an amended redevelopment agreement and amended bond issuance for Wilson Yard.

Mayoral Ordinances introduced May 9, 2007

The Uptown Historical Society presents “A Day at the Movies in Uptown” on Saturday, April 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Novar Hall in Truman College.

The program will present two features - “Uptown: Portrait of a Movie Palace” a recent documentary on the history of the nation’s grandest movie place featuring stunning footage of the theater. Also on the bill is “Uptown in the Movies” – a lively compilation of classic movie scenes shot in the streets and landmarks of Uptown.

Among the films featured are: “Thief” starring James Caan; “Next of Kin” with Liam Neeson and Ben Stiller; “A Family Thing” starring Robert Duvall; and “Home Alone Two” in which the lobby of the Uptown Theater is transformed into the world’s most spectacular toy store.

Suggested donation is $6 and the program will run approximately 90 minutes.

UNC E-News, February 17, 2007

Wilson Yard--Good Urban Planning? Or Urban Nightmare?
*******************************************************************

In the past two decades since Helen Shiller became the 46th ward alderman, she's been called many things...  A smart urban planner is not one of them.

The Wilson Yard TIF project, located on one of the most desolate stretches of Broadway, has amplified how Helen Shiller keeps the 46th ward retail streets dark, empty and dangerous, while every ward bordering the 46th has developed thriving retail areas.

With the aldermanic election right around the corner, Helen Shiller has pulled out her campaign check book to bamboozle voters with a glossy Wilson Yard mailing that promises to beguile residents hungry for some decent retail shopping within the ward.  The rendering shows an appealing tree-lined street with lots of brightly-lit store fronts, a Target store, plus an Aldi's with welcoming windows for shoppers.

What's really going into Wilson Yard?  Not much right now besides the low income housing and Aldi's.  No movie theaters.  No small retailers have signed leases. And now it is extremely questionable whether Target will ever be a part of the development.

If the new Aldi's, which is currently under construction, is a sample of what's to come, the plan is in serious trouble and will only further depress the 46th ward's retail corridor.  The glossy Wilson Yard rendering shows Aldi's with windows all along Broadway. What has actually been built is a solid 100-foot concrete and brick wall that closes off the interior of the store from Broadway, thus perpetuating the stark street environment that will be unwelcoming, forbidding and unsafe.

Compare this actual photo of the new Aldi fronting Broadway to the glossy campaign material sent to you by Helen Shiller.  You will never know the truth about Wilson Yard if you continue to buy what Alderman Shiller has been selling you...

Once promised to be a "thriving mixed-use, mixed-income development", Wilson Yard has fallen prey to Helen Shiller's personal agenda. First to fall was the mixed-income housing that suddenly became 100% subsidized housing for extremely low to very low income residents.  Helen Shiller has once again double-crossed low-income residents who were told they would be able to purchase their housing units after 15 years, thus giving them the chance to actually own their homes.  Click here to see the entire Illinois Housing Development Authority's Low Income Housing classification of Wilson Yard housing.

The housing is the largest portion of Wilson Yard. The rendering below, created by the developer, shows how massive this building will be along Montrose and Broadway.  This prominent corner, that should be gateway for vibrant retail, falls prey to Shiller's misguided planning.  Click the image below to see the full sized rendering.

Helen Shiller was also deceptive when she told residents that Wilson Yard would have a movie theater complex as a key component.  In reality, the theaters were never viable in the plan presented to the public.  Soon after the community meeting, the theaters were quietly killed in a backroom deal and the community was never informed.  Helen Shiller's response: "It's no big deal." Dave Roeder, Sun-Times reporter, covered a community meeting where hundreds of outraged community residents showed up expecting a long-overdue Wilson Yard update.  Helen Shiller and developer Peter Holsten ignored the community and blew the meeting off. Click here to read the entire Sun-Times article

And Target? According to Shiller and Holsten, Target is coming for sure, yet they have refused to produce any written documentation verifying this.  The date for Target's ground-breaking mysteriously keeps moving to the next year. Several residents and a reporter have made inquiries through various Target contacts; all have been told there is no Target in the building plans for the near future.

"The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown. The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area." 

A reknowned ULI (Urban Land Institute) planner reviewed the plan.  His critique clearly states, "The (Wilson Yard) development is a future slum for Uptown.  The current design is deadly for neighborhood safety and building a vibrant retail area. There is no active street frontage and without it, the street becomes a place for crime."

The poor planning doesn't stop there.  The soil in Wilson Yard is contaminated and requires a clean-up plan that has not been properly addressed by the developer since their initial Wilson Yard Site evaluation report was denied by the EPA in 2004.  Building cannot proceed without addressing the required toxic cleanup to assure residents'  and shoppers' health.

A savvy 46th ward resident obtained documents sent by the EPA chastising the City's Department of the Environment for their sloppy work on submitting required Wilson Yard Environmental Site Evaluation report.  Apparently the Wilson Yard site has lots of hazardous chemicals, like arsenic and lead, and how these toxins are going to be sampled and cleaned-up has yet to be defined. The EPA denied the 2004 evaluation and clean-up report submitted.  If you'd  like to read more on the toxic clean-up reports, click here and here.

The Wilson Yard plan, ten years in the making, gobbling up millions of property tax-supplied TIF dollars, seems to have lost its way in the convoluted world of developer greed, personal political agendas, and just bad urban planning.

Get informed! 
Vote smart on February 27!
Learn more by visiting www.uncchicago.org

You Can Vote Today!

Voting has never been easier. Early voting lets you vote at ANY of 51 different locations throughout the city, including several on the north side around our ward, plus downtown.

Take advantage of Early Voting…

• Vote at any of 51 locations
• Early voting every day until Thursday, February 22…
• M-F 9am to 5pm
• Weekends  9am to noon

Voting locations near you:
• Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson
• Wells Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside
• Edgewater Library, 1210 Elmdale
• Downtown location, Election Board HQ, 69 W. Washington, lower level

Complete list of early voting locations Available here.

Photo I.D. required: Driver’s license or State issued I.D.

Alderman Helen Shiller has brazenly broken agreed upon rules for the 46th ward Aldermanic debate held last week by posting video of the debate on her campaign web site.  The specific rules of the debate called for no video taping or recording of the event, and no use of video or audio by the campaigns.

These rules were explicitly explained by the League's moderator just moments before the candidates' opening statements.  Everyone in the room seems to have heard and lived up to this agreement except for Helen Shiller.

You can read the League of Women Voters press release here.

UNC E-News, February 1, 2007
46th Ward Crime & Safety
************************************
26 Days until the Aldermanic election

With the election so close, UNC will focus on the top community issues identified by 500 people from our recent survey:  Crime & Safety, Lack of retail, Wilson Yard.  Part 1...

Depending on who you listen to, the 46th ward is either the safest north side ward, or the most dangerous.  You decide. 

At last night's debate, Helen Shiller stated that the 23rd district's crime level is down.  And that's true.  What James Capplemen, the democratic candidate for alderman, pointed out, is the 23rd district includes Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Uptown.  When you spread the crime stats around, they don't look so bad.  What's really going on with crime in the 46th ward?

2006 was a dangerous year for Uptown.  There have been two murders, 2 major drug-ring busts with 27 people arrested.  One drug bust was at the Happy Wash Laundromat on Wilson, with moms and kids the front for the drug dealers, to read the Police Alert click here. The other took place at a CHA high-rise on Eastwood.  Multiple gang shootings, including one that sent a car crashing into a high-rise on Clarendon and Wilson, and so much gun-fire that several neighbors have moved after being caught in the cross-fire.

The current alderman's response to address all this violent crime?  Dead silence.  The picture of the police roll call shown above was held a few days after the last young male was murdered on December 2.  Where was Alderman Shiller?

Why has Helen Shiller refused to take a strong stand on crime in our community?  Seems that this question was asked by a tenacious Sun-Times Reporter, Ray Coffey, when he took a revealing look at aldermanic connections with the gangs in 1999.  To read Ray Coffey's article, click here.

If you'd like to learn more about crime in your immediate neighborhood, you have two on-line resources,  www.chicagocrime.org is one.  Take a look at the crimes listed below for Sheridan Road.  Watch the jump in the heart of the 46th ward, better known as Uptown.

Get informed! Vote Smart!

UNC
www.uncchicago.org

A freely browsable database of crimes reported in Chicago.
Browse by: Crime type • Street • Date • Police district • ZIP code • Ward • Location • Route • City map

Search:

Crimes by street / Sheridan Rd.

If a block isn't listed here, it hasn't had any reported crimes in the currently available date range.

2800 N	27 crimes
2900 N	13 crimes
3000 N	24 crimes
3100 N	21 crimes
3200 N	15 crimes
3900 N	55 crimes
4000 N	37 crimes
4100 N	21 crimes
4200 N	25 crimes
4300 N	9 crimes
4400 N	192 crimes
4500 N	155 crimes
4600 N	128 crimes
4700 N	61 crimes
4800 N	160 crimes
4900 N	32 crimes
5000 N	79 crimes
5100 N	47 crimes
5200 N	90 crimes
5300 N	34 crimes
5400 N	50 crimes
5500 N	28 crimes
5600 N	62 crimes
5700 N	75 crimes
5800 N	92 crimes
5900 N	24 crimes
6000 N	52 crimes
6100 N	17 crimes
6200 N	46 crimes
6300 N	35 crimes
6400 N	47 crimes
6500 N	34 crimes
6600 N	93 crimes
6700 N	47 crimes
6800 N	93 crimes
6900 N	31 crimes
7000 N	70 crimes
7100 N	53 crimes
7200 N	25 crimes
7300 N	27 crimes
7400 N	34 crimes
7500 N	40 crimes
7600 N	102 crimes
7700 N	53 crimes
7800 N	2 crimes
600 W	11 crimes
700 W	29 crimes
800 W	44 crimes
900 W	12 crimes
1000 W	9 crimes
1100 W	8 crimes

Important disclaimer: This site is not affiliated with the Chicago Police Department. This site uses crime data obtained from the CPD's Citizen ICAM Web site, which is a publicly available database of reported crime. Please read the Citizen ICAM disclaimer to understand the data fully.

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Chicago Sun-Times
Standing up to death threats

By Raymond R. Coffey

Like any solid stand-up citizen, Willie Burrell could do, thank you very much, without death threats from gang-bangers and drug dealers.

Because he is an uncommonly courageous do-right kind of guy in his Uptown neighborhood in the 46th Ward, community activist Burrell finds his life on the line.

And Jovan Truss, 18, an alleged affiliate of the Harrison Gents street gang suspected of dealing drugs in Uptown, finds himself in jail under $ 400,000 bond and facing four felony counts of intimidation of a witness and harassment. Burrell is resident manager of a Chicago Housing Authority scattered-site subsidized housing property at 4700 N. Magnolia, a volunteer in his neighborhood CAPS (community policing) program and a well-known foe of rampant drug trafficking in Uptown.

As a CAPS volunteer, Burrell recently supplied Chicago police with valuable information on drug dealing in the building, where he has been a resident for 10 years, and at other neighborhood sites.

That led to three arrests earlier this month. And that led, in turn, to Truss, one of those arrested, returning two or three times to confront Burrell and allegedly threaten, "I'm going to kill you. You'll end up missing."

Police originally -- and properly so, out of concern for his safety -- did not want to identify Burrell, whom I have come to know in writing several columns about Uptown. But Burrell, with 22 community supporters, turned up for Truss' court appearance at which the felony charges were filed Wednesday, and I spoke to him by phone afterward.

He had no objection to being named here -- "Everyone knows who I am." And he wanted to talk about Uptown and the anti-drug battle he has waged for years.

Uptown has a large proportion of CHA scattered-site subsidized housing, and under federal law non-residents are barred from such property and residents are responsible for their visitors. But some of these properties, including his at 4700 N. Magnolia and the building next door at 4706, are overrun with drug dealers who, when arrested, Burrell said, get off by claiming to have "a godmother at 4706, an aunt at 1262 W. Lawrence, another aunt at 4650 N. Malden," etc.

"You check to see where they are hanging out," Burrell said, and invariably it turns out that these claimed relatives are precinct workers" for Ald. Helen Shiller's political organization. Truss, who lives in Oak Park and is accused of making the death threats, claims to have a relative at 4706 N. Magnolia, Burrell said. He doesn't.

Again, according to Burrell, the people who show up to get drug dealers off the hook are generally "political people" from Shiller's organization. "I fault these political people for keeping us under siege," Burrell said, "We've got to have lease violations prosecuted. . . . We need help to rid our community of this rampant drug plague."

Beyond the death threats against him, Burrell believes the drug problem in CHA properties in Uptown is an attempt to interfere with a federally funded Housing and Urban Development Department program that's intended "to empower subsidized housing residents to become self-sufficient."

Along with his job as president of the North East Scattered Site Resident Management Corp., Burrell is secretary of the Citywide Central Advisory Council. The program to shift management control to residents had been moving along toward the point where residents would soon get a federal contract to run their own ship, he said. But the drug problem has become so large and so confounding, with the residents feeling "really intimidated," that the program has come to a stop, Burrell said.

Burrell's personal protection, I'm assured, is getting special police attention, as it should. But the police alone cannot solve the problem. They need the help of more stand-up citizens like Burrell.

46 Ward Aldermanic Debate
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Candidates

James Cappleman--Democrat Challenger
Helen Shiller--Independent Incumbent

This event is hosted by:

League of Women Voters

Sponsored by:

Uptown Chicago Commission (UCC)
Organization of the NorthEast (ONE)

Co-sponsored by:

Uptown Neighborhood Council (UNC)
Lakeside Action Coalition (LAC)

When:

Wednesday, January 31

Where:

Disney Elementary Magnet School
4140 N. Marine Dr.

Time:

7-8:30 pm
Doors open at 6:45 pm

Free parking behind school.  Additional parking available for $6

Transcript of UNC protest on violent crime:

We're here today for a simple reason---we're fed up with an alderman who ignores the increased violent crime in our community--then PRETENDS she cares about the kids' safety one month before the election.

We're tired of the alderman who calls CAPS an elitist organization and refuses to send a representative from her office to CAPS and actively address residents' concerns.

We're disgusted by an alderman who never took a hard stand to address violent crime that shattered our neighborhood in 2006.

Crimes that included:

• Two murders
• Multiple gang-related shootings
• Two major drug ring busts

Where was your alderman? When kids were killing kids on our streets?

Where was your alderman? When the drug dealers were selling drugs at the Happy Wash Laundromat on Wilson in front of moms and their children?

Where was your alderman? When two young students from Brennaman Grade School were beaten up in broad daylight by teens from Maryville?

It's time for an alderman who doesn't use cops at campaign props.

Finally, listen to what one brave police officer had to say at a recent CAPS meeting--"If you want to get rid of crime in your community, get rid of your alderman!"

20 People to Watch in 2007
#7 James Cappleman, 54, community contender

"I've always been a grassroots activist," says Uptown resident James Cappleman. No kidding: The social worker's resume is about a mile long and includes co-founding a homeless shelter, receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, working with HIV service organizations and presiding over the Uptown Chicago Commission.

But his latest endeavor--running for alderman of the highly polarized 46th Ward--could lead to big changes in Uptown. That's because Cappleman is taking on Helen Shiller, the ward's alderman for the past 20 years.

Her supporters say she's a strong advocate for the poor, but critics say the neighborhood's high crime rate and large homeless population mean it's time for a change (check out www.whatthehelen.com for some of their complaints).

"This is a community that wants to have some say in how decisions are made," Cappleman says, "They feel left out.  There's a lot of anger."

Although Shiller has trounced challengers in the past, Cappleman feels confident.  "We're using the two areas where Shiller has always based a lot of her support: the poor and the gay community," he says." And here I am an advocate for the poor, and I'm an openly gay man."

On February 27, Cappleman and Shiller will face the fight of their political lives--and Uptown may never be the same.

We've put together a huge voter registration drive.  There is absolutely no excuse for not registering to vote, or not voting at all.  Here is the current calendar of registration events, through the end of the registration period.

Jan 10th Wed 5-9pm
Park Place Plaza
655 W Irving Park

Jan 10th Wed 4:30-7:30
700 W Bittersweet

Jan 11th Thursday 4:30-7:30
4100 N Marine Drive

Jan 13th Sat 9am-12noon
Park Place Plaza
655 W Irving Park

Jan 13th Sat 10 AM - 1 PM
4250 N Marine Drive

Jan 13th Sat 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
4300 N Marine Drive

Jan 14th Sun 9 to 12 Noon
ReMax
3843 N Broadway

Jan 15th Monday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
4343 N Clarendon

Jan 16th Tues 4:30-7pm
3800 N Lake Shore Dr

Jan 18th Thursday 4:00-7:00 PM
Eden Supportive Living
940 Gordon Terrace

Jan 18th Thursday 4:30-7:30 PM
555 W Cornelia

Jan 18th Thursday 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Dollop Coffeehouse
4181 N Clarendon

Jan 20th Sat 9 to 12 Noon
Body Fit
4704 N Broadway

Jan 20th Sat 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
The New York
3660 N Lake Shore Drive

Jan 20th Sat 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
4322 N Kenmore Avenue

Jan 21st Sun 9 to 12 Noon
ReMax
3843 N Broadway

Jan 22nd Monday 4:30 PM-7:30 PM
Pensacola Place
4334 N Hazel

Jan 23rd Tuesday 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Shermay Tower
4225 N Sheridan

Jan 24th Wednesday 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Pensacola Place
4334 N Hazel

Jan 27th Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
ReMax
3843 N Broadway

Jan 27th Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
3950 N Lake Shore Drive

Jan 28th Sun 9 to 12 Noon
ReMax
3843 N Broadway

ALSO AT Any Chicago Public Library Branch

Voter qualifications:

1. Citizen of the US
2. 18 years of age on or before the date of the next election.
3. A resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to the date of the next election. 
4. Provide two (2) pieces of identification, both with applicant's name and one with a current address.

Get yourself registered, and vote.