Uptown Neighborhood Council tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008-12-26://1 2009-08-31T11:15:05Z A Grassroots Organization of Uptown Residents Movable Type 4.23-en Citizens' Petition keeps heat on the Wilson Yard TIF tag:www.uncchicago.org,2009://1.112 2009-08-31T11:12:57Z 2009-08-31T11:15:05Z UNC Chicago 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

]]> Wilson Yard Saga, Part 2 tag:www.uncchicago.org,2009://1.113 2009-07-30T12:55:59Z 2009-08-31T13:18:31Z UNC Chicago 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 Update tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.108 2008-12-12T23:31:05Z 2009-01-01T23:44:42Z 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." UNC Chicago 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: The latest on Wilson Yard, Vote, October 28, 2008 tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.2 2008-11-04T21:57:36Z 2008-12-26T04:00:17Z 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. UNC Chicago 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!

]]> Target-Holsten Operating Agreement tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.4 2008-10-15T16:42:00Z 2009-01-01T23:54:14Z Operating agreement between Holsten and Target signed October 15, 2008.... UNC Chicago Operating agreement between Holsten and Target signed October 15, 2008.

]]> UNC e-News for October, 2008 tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.109 2008-10-13T23:09:03Z 2009-01-02T00:13:48Z 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... UNC Chicago 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
]]> Third Amendment to Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement approved tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.110 2008-10-08T18:30:00Z 2009-05-20T09:45:39Z Wednesday, October 8, 2008The Chicago City Council unanimously approves the third amendment to the Wilson yard redevelopment agreement. AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTION OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO WILSON YARD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (PDF, 1233 pages, 23.8M, see PDF page... Hugh Devlin http://www.uncchicago.org
Wednesday, October 8, 2008

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

AUTHORIZATION FOR EXECUTION OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO WILSON YARD REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (PDF, 1233 pages, 23.8M, see PDF page 1157, Journal page 39163)
]]> Finance approves Third Amended Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.111 2008-10-06T15:30:00Z 2009-05-20T09:44:31Z Monday, October 6, 2008The Committee on Finance of the Chicago City Council approves a third amended redevelopment agreement for Wilson Yard.Committee on Finance Agenda, October 6, 2008 (PDF, 1 page)... Hugh Devlin http://www.uncchicago.org

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Committee on Finance of the Chicago City Council approves a third amended redevelopment agreement for Wilson Yard.

Committee on Finance Agenda, October 6, 2008 (PDF, 1 page)

]]> Community Meeting on Fix Wilson Yard Coming Up tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.5 2008-10-03T18:50:20Z 2009-01-01T23:55:26Z 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... UNC Chicago 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!

]]> UNC E-News, August 7, 2008 tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.6 2008-08-15T16:34:52Z 2009-01-01T23:57:11Z 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. UNC Chicago 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

]]> 2007 Wilson Yard TIF Annual Report published tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.7 2008-06-30T20:00:00Z 2009-01-01T23:58:19Z The City of Chicago files with the State of Illinois an annual report on the Wilson Yard TIF district for calendar year 2007. UNC Chicago 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)

]]> Second Amendment to Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement approved tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.8 2008-04-09T19:00:00Z 2009-01-01T23:59:31Z The Chicago City Council unanimously approves the second amendment to the Wilson yard redevelopment agreement. UNC Chicago 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)

]]> Finance approves Second Amended Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.9 2008-04-08T16:00:00Z 2009-01-02T00:00:34Z 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. UNC Chicago 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 eNews for April, 2008 tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.10 2008-04-02T05:29:59Z 2009-01-02T00:03:49Z 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! UNC Chicago 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.

Theater District Lofts

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.

Pure H20 sunrise
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.

]]> Second Amended Wilson Yard Redevelopment Agreement Introduced tag:www.uncchicago.org,2008://1.11 2008-03-12T15:00:00Z 2008-12-26T02:28:44Z 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... UNC Chicago 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

]]>