BREAKING NEWS, August 30, 2010
Welcome to the Neighborhood: A New Business
Are the insiders in this community so out of touch with the realities of quality business creation and attraction that they would allow this new junk store into the neighborhood? This gem, at Broadway and Rosemont just had its grand opening. It will no doubt serve as a magnet to attract more high quality business ventures to that shopping strip. Our correspondent submitted this piece of self explanatory video journalism as another example of what the insider clique has collectively and cumulatively done to destroy what should be a very vibrant and classy collection interesting businesses through their insinuation in the licensing process of the city. Congratulations block groups: while you were "evaluating" legitimate businesses, and rejecting them for a multitude of idiotic reasons, you attained "critical mass"---the garbage went in, insuring that quality would run the other way. We particularly are struck with the creative use of plywood as a substitute for glass, and the very professional signage: something that Joe Moore was extremely concerned about when it came to Aldi's, just a half a block away. Where is this demagogue now? You should be proud of yourself, Mr. Alderman.
ECC's Idea of Development in the Kenmore Corridor
According to their IRS tax filings, ECC's primary mission is development in the Kenmore/Winthrop corridor. But as our correspondent reveals with this extremely damaging video, taken at the Granville / Kenmore location, is this the kind of adaptive re-use that ECC encourages? It is absolutely amazing that this 'community' organization see's and hears nothing in the community unless its directly related to the insider interests of their limited unrepresentative membership. We see whats going on in the community. How come ECC, the taxpayer funded operation doesn't?
While ECC sits idly by, property values in the vicinity of this car lot will go even further south. But, put this empty garbage strewn lot filled with unlicensed cars near Paul Boyd's house, Tino Tavelos' house, Dawn Wayman's house, Ann Cercle's house, Thom Green's house, and watch as the ECC insider elites yelp in protest. My friends, you can put it in the bank!
ASCO Shills for Harry Osterman
Crime is rampant in the 48th Ward. How do you solve it? Have a Town Hall meeting, featuring the guest of honor Harry Osterman. As announced by his sycophantic group ASCO (which never has anything to announce about its own insular operation), Osterman and a couple of cops will perform their dog and pony show once again. At the town hall, residents will be able to vent, making them feel good. After the meeting, it will be business as usual. But the arrogance of Osterman in feeling that this meeting will assuage the residents is obvious. This town hall technique is used by all the political insiders to falsely convey their concern for hearing out the residents. Its done over and over again. It's a wonder that Osterman, et.al. even remember what happens at those meetings. One thing that is guaranteed: there will be no follow up with the cops; their will be no accountability of the cops; it will all be forgotten, but Osterman, et. al. will take credit for community outreach. How dumb do they think everyone is? Apparently, pretty dumb! But in reality, they aren't: that's why you had mediocre at best attendance at this dog and pony attempt at assuaging the masses.
Standee's Revisited and EDC: A Major Conflict of Interest
As all know, Standee's was thrown out from its decade old location in January. Here's a quote from the principal involved with this tragedy: "'The partnership did not originally set out not to have Standee's there,' said Rae Ann Cecrle, a board member at the Edgewater Development Corp., which co-owns and manages the property. 'We wanted to have Standee's upgrade themselves, but ultimately did not consider the current operator to be a solid investment.'" Chicago Tribune
What Rae Ann Cecrle "forgot" to mention (maybe because she realized it didn't look good) was that not only is she on the board of the Edgewater Development Corporation, an operating subsidiary of ECC (she's the Secretary), she is also a co-owner of 1127 West Granville, in which Standee's was located. In fact, Illinois Secretary of State records show that this building is owned by 1127 Granville LLC, owned by Cercle. And, the form 990 2008 tax return filed by EDC shows that they own 20% of 1127 Granville LLC. And, EDC took a loss on their investment in that building, through the LLC. So we have an absolute conflict of interest between a board member of a not for profit operation that totally exists on taxpayer monies, and the not for profit itself which invested in a building that one of their officers owns. That building is being upgraded for M Henry. So it stands to reason that 20% of the funds for that effort come from taxpayers. So, taxpayer monies are contributing to an upgrade of a building that is 80% privately owned by a board member of the organization. Does that seem honest? Does that seem like an insider job so typical of this community? And what, if any, other community based funding from the taxpayers is going into the remodeling of this building, that benefits a board member as well?
And speaking of abuses, of the $64,261 in contributions received by EDC in 2008, fully 92% of it went to salaries of the director and assistant. Does that seem like a slightly excessive component of the total operating budget?
Frenemies of the Parks
One of our correspondents called our attention to a word that has been around for many years: frenemie. It's defined as "acts like a friend, but is really an enemy". What better description could be found for Friends of the Parks? An advocacy lobbying group masquerading as a friend of the parks, but advocating action that really works to the severe detriment of the people. So, we are renaming this dishonest organization FRENEMIE OF THE PARKS herewith.
Heather Steans Bemoans the State Budget
In her latest propaganda piece, entitled "Legislative Update" a 6 page glossy mailer, Steans talks about how the State of Illinois is broke. She talks about nursing home care, failing to note that she was a 3.5% owner in a home the state just closed down for a multitude of offenses. (But she didn't know what was happening, despite receiving and filing with the IRS tax return her K-1 schedule each year.) But the state budget problems didn't prevent her from using state funds to both print and mail this propaganda piece to 50,500 households! A cursory analysis suggests that the cost of this to the taxpayers of the broke state of Illinois is well in excess of $20,000. What hypocrisy. What an insult to the taxpayers. Hey Heather, what's wrong with e-mail? Not slick enough for you?
Straight Talking Candidate Opposes Landfill Expansion
We have become so inurred to the professional BS spewed by the current roster of "elected" officials, it is absolutely refreshing to see a candidate for office that actually speaks in intelligeable sentences and states his position unequivocally. Such is a person by the name of Adam Robinson, candidate for the legacy insider politician Heather Steans job as State Senator. She was the annoited one as engineered by double dipping Carol Ronan. In a letter to the public interest group stopthelandfill.org, dated August 12, 2010 he said the following:
"If elected to the Illinois State Senate, I will strongly oppose any and all attempts to increase the size of the existing landfill area, and will do everything in my power to cut off any state money from promoting or advancing this project. With our state’s budget in dire straits, the last thing we should be spending tax dollars on
is a pork-laden project that our district’s voters overwhelmingly oppose. Instead, let’s invest our money in one
of the many areas in our district where residents agree there’s a critical need – the CTA’s crumbling
infrastructure, our schools, and public safety, for starters.
The history of Edgewater and Rogers Park are tied to their proximity to Lake Michigan. No one who
truly represented the voice of this district would ever allow such a project to move forward. As your next State
Senator, I will stand up for our lakefront homeowners who have invested their time and money in this
community, and who want to pass along a beautiful neighborhood to their children and grandchildren."
Mr. Robinson, how succinct, and right on the money. How refreshing. And, what does Steans say? We wrote her two weeks ago for a comment, and she never responded. That seems to be the mode of operation in the Edgewater area. E-mail us to request a facsimile of the full letter. Now, we can only hope that Mr. Robinson strikes a chord with the almost 17,000 voters in Rogers Park and Edgewater that voted against landfill expansion. If he does, we can say goodbye to legacy politician Heather Steans.
U of Chicago to FOTP: Do Not Use our Name!!!
At a recent condominium board meeting, FOTP Chief Professional, Registered Lobbyist Eleanor Roemer repeatedly cited studies, with specific reference to Professor Allen Sanderson, University of Chicago Dept. of Economics, stating that his studies determined that landfill expansion would increase property values. When challenged on this assertion, she said she would immediately provide Professor Sanderson's supporting documentation. Sanderson was referenced by Roemer no less than 3 times during her presentation. Needless to say, like ECC, tree hugger Anne Commeaux and others, FOTP produced noting, despite 3 formal requests. So EI contacted Professor Sanderson and here is what he said via an e-mail dated August 15th:
He wrote an e-mail to Roemer stating that (1) NEITHER his name or that of the Dept. of Economics, University of Chicago should be used in any way that even implied an endorsement of the landfill expansion project; (2) he HAS NOT looked at the FOTP landfill expansion plan in any detail and (3) he cannot wager an opinion on whether it passes the benefit to cost ratio test of economic feasibility.
Bottom line: Eleanor Roemer and her colleagues/lobbyists at Friends of the Parks are grossly misrepresenting (no, lying) about endorsements they have for the project. They are deliberately conveying to audiences (no, lying) that technical personnel have looked at their work and can attest to the benefits of the project. They are deliberately deceiving their audiences (no, lying) when they say they will provide all data to support their claims when (1) they have no data and (2) they have falsely appropriated names of known professors and institutions as researchers on this project. FOTP and phonys like Tranter, Roemer, Boyd, the nearly busted ECC, et. al. are clearly in desperation mode. They have no substance; so they resort to lies. The foundations that give this phony advocacy group funding to perpetuate their lies; the naive contributors; the media have been played. And now, we have exposed them for what they are. Liars in the zealous pursuit of a bogus project that will adversely impact all Chicagoans.
A Tale of 2 Wards: Who Better Serves You the People?
The bankrupt (to the point of eliminating the vast majority of what could be called journalists) Chicago Tribune had this in the July 30 paper: METRA RETHINKS RAVENSWOOD STATION SHIFT. What struck our interest was the extreme distinction to 47th Ward problem solving and listening to the PEOPLE, versus how things are done in this corrupt den of insider zealots, the 48th Ward relative to Landfill Expansion.
Item: Metro proposed moving the station platform 750 feet. On June 29th, the word got out to the public.
Item: Residents feared noise and decreased property values. They complained to officials; circulated a petition; formed an association. In our ward, we complained to officials, who ignored those complaints; we had an association (ASCO) who promoted the plans and didn't listen to its membership; we have a community group who promoted the plans because their clique of insiders wanted it; we circulated and petition; we got a referendum on the ballot and landfill expansion was rejected 65% to 35%. We still have not heard from the ingrained politicians here. Item: the alderman from the 47th ward heard the residents; he rejected the movement of the station. Our alderman, our state senator, our state representative, our community group continue to support the project. Item: the whole process in the 47th ward took ONE MONTH. Our issue has festered for years; no one wants the project; yet the insiders smell $$$ for themselves and continue to support it. Question: who has the better representation? the 47th Ward or the 48th Ward?
Tax Exempt FOTP Employs Lobbyist to Push Landfill
As if the shameless attempt at foisting landfill expansion on a protesting community is not enough, we have discovered that the tax exempt, tax deductible Friends of the Parks has a lobbyist promoting landfill expansion in Springfield. At the same time, this lobbyist, Eleanor Roemer, makes presentation after presentation to groups promoting the FOTP agenda. She is represented as part of FOTP, but she never states she is a registered lobbyist, and has been for a number of years. Here's the evidence: http://www.ilsos.gov/lobbyistsearch/registrationpdf?procID=EXC&transType=ANNUAL&year=2010&lobbyistID=2722&webDataXmlId=31611 So, what we have is a group that solicits funds from the public and public entities. Those funds are tax exempt or tax deductible. FOTP is a 501(c)(3) entity expressly prohibited, except for miniscule amounts, from any kind of lobbying activity. Yet they employ a professional, registered lobbyist to front for them in community presentations, while at the same time lobbying state senators and representative, along with the governor and his staff for their $450 million project. And guess who supports the FOTP plan, and even made it a part of their laughable environmental agenda, word for word? ECC! Yes, ECC, already a broken down organization on the financial ropes, uses taxpayer money to advocate for a plan that no one wants. Their lobbying puts them in the same "thin ice" situation as FOTP. Folks, this is the kind of organization that you are victimized with. And we guarantee you that not once was any mention of the two hatted Roemer ever made known to the public. Folks, these people are grossly dishonest manipulators who use your money to promote their causes.
ECC Needs Volunteers: So Now You Ask? Shameless!
Recently, ECC put out a breathless notice asking for volunteers to perform tasks that their "proud to resign" Executive Director used to perform. Isn't it interesting how this bad actor organization solicits your help because they have mismanaged their operation into the ground, but they NEVER ask your help or input when they are formulating "what's good for the community" or taking a position on a controversial insider development; a new restaurant; a liquor license; a building height; on anything that a self respectable organization would regularly solicit input on. What gross hypocrites. These insiders deserve nothing. If you want to donate, do it for a legitimate organization, not this one.
Nookies: Where Are You?
Its a downright shame: the powers to be in this community have "reserved" a space for Nookies on Bryn Mawr for years and years. During that time, inquiries from a number of potential businesses and restaurants have been received by these insiders, developers and activist zealots, and each has been discouraged. Why? Because Nookies was coming in. Here was a quote from Ald. Smith's July 2, 2008 newsletter:
Nookies Update
Visible signs of construction on the "Nookies" building east of the Red Line on the north side of Bryn Mawr are encouraging to those who are anticipating breakfast or lunch at the new Edgewater location of this popular restaurant. The owners are targeting a late fall opening.
Two years later, Nookies is nowhere to be seen. The "visible signs of construction" are currently invisible. In the two years, others could have been operational, offering goods and services to our community. Paying taxes and offering employment. But no, we must wait for Nookies....at all costs. The real question remains: what financial incentives were offered this mediocrity to move here? What Tif funds were dangled in front of them to induce them to dish French Toast, Edgewater style? What other incentives were given to this guy? What was he promised? At the dedication several years ago of the Bryn Mawr underpass, the owner of Nookies was introduced by his champion Tina the developer and insider.......as a conquering hero. What the heck did he have to do with an underpass? All this love and passion for a restaurant owner who wasn't even doing business here! One would think that with the adulation shown this guy, while holding his spot open for years, we were talking about a Michelin 3 star restaurant moving here from France.....not a corned beef hash joint. But that is what you get with ECC, the Bryn Mawr Task Force and all the associated insiders. When will this community wake up and see the bad thilngs that the activist insiders are doing to it? When?
Grass Roots Lobbying: It's Against the Law!
Thats correct: grass roots lobbying by tax exempt entities is indeed against the law, and will jeopardize the tax exempt status of those organizations. Our sources tell us that both the Edgewater Community Council and Friends of the Parks will be the subject of objections lodged with the IRS regarding their impermissable grass roots lobbying. Both organizations, who live on taxpayer monies, have actively and dishonestly promoted landfill expansion: a construction project costing over $450 million of taxpayers money. It is simple common sense: why should the taxpayers money be used by an activist zealot organization to lobby for a project that the community has resoundingly rejected in the most democratic process of all: an election? We can only hope that both these extremist organizations get their just desserts, and lose their tax exempt status. This would have two positive impacts: (1) the IRS could declare all previous contributions to these organizations TAXABLE, requiring each and every individual who contributed to them to PAY back taxes owed; and (2) the IRS would declare the organizations NOT tax exempt, killing their fund raising activities particularly from governmental agencies and foundations, thereby destroying them. That would be a net benefit to the community.
Activist Zealot Playbook: Lie, Lie, Then Lie Some More!
As we continue to chronicle the landfill expansion lies and deceptions of ECC, ASCO and FOTP, we are struck by the EXTREME arrogance of this small group of activist zealots. They will stop at nothing to pursue their selfish interests. They have no shame. They will look you in the eye spew lie after lie. They will say whatever sounds good no matter how untruthful it is. Despite this, they are not called out.....except by us. In these pages we have shown the lies about claims of being park poor and no access. We have demanded studies that these professional liars say they have to support their claims: but they are never produced. We have challenged them on technical point after technical point: but they offer no rebuttal. What does this show these people to be? Bad actors who endanger the well being and pocketbooks of the average Edgewater resident. Who have destroyed this community in order to preserve their insider status. Don't you get sick and tired of the Sheli Lulkin's, the Erma Tranter's, the Eleanor Roemer's, the Ann Commeaux's, the Paul Boyd's, the handfill of tenth tier "professors" of this world, imposing their uninformed, unintelligent views and demands on you? These people, numbering in the few dozens, out of a population of over 50,000 will use any lie to get it their way. And you sit there and take it. The question is why?
State of Illinois & ECC: 2 Peas in a Pod!
On July 3, the New York Times had a devastating front page article on Illinois and their financial situation. Here are just a few quotes from that article: (1) "We are not paying bills for absolutely essential services. That is obscene" Tom Hynes (2) "California has stood unchallenged as a symbol of the fiscal collapse of the states. Now, Illinois has shouldered to the fore, as its dysfunctional political class refuses to pay the state's bills". (3) "A budget deficit of at least $12 billion, equal to ONE-HALF of the state's budget". (4) "the spectacularly mismanaged pension system, which is at least 50% underfunded and could push Illinois into insolvency". (5) "The governor proposes to borrow $3.5 billion, a step that would cost $1 billion in interest". (6) "Illinois now pays millions of $ more to insure its debt than any other state in the nation". "There is no state out there like this". (7) An Illinois cash balance of NEGATIVE $5 billion; Overdue payments to private vendors and hospitals in excess of 250 and INCREASING. But despite all this, the State of Illinois as a result of the lobbying activity of Friends of the Parks, is considering legislation to accomplish landfill expansion! To the tune of $450 million.
At the same time ECC has totally bought into landfill expansion, as explained in other sections of this site. ECC knows full well that the state of Illinois will be a major financial signatory to any landfill expansion plan. And they must read more than the local advertising circulars and know the state is broke, just like them. Yes ECC is BROKE! Its financial situation is dire. It had to fire its executive director and replace him with an unpaid figurehead. How does an organization with no executive director meets its mission (whatever that is for ECC)? How can a financially busted operation push for a capital investment boondoggle running into the $millions? What are these activists, naive as they are, thinking? Of course intelligent people know they are not thinking.
ECC Works on Building They Own-Where's the Permit?
ECC is financially broke. Yet, they are real estate owners. They own a building on Granville, as reported on this site. (Read all about it). They have lost money on that building according to their IRS filings. Its been rumored that one of their board members is an investor in that building as well, which should raise some eyebrows if validated. So, where are they getting the funds to remodel the building? And why don't they have to display a building permit like every other owner doing major construction? There is a permit for the canopy overhanging the street, but no building permit is in evidence, and it is supposed to be prominently displayed. ECC: an organization Edgewater should be proud of!
Exclusive Film of Granville Strip!
We have obtained this exclusive footage of the so called Granville Shopping District. Our understanding is this is only the first in a series of photojournalistic examinations of the Edgewater businesses and what only could be characterized as a sorry state. This is what the result is when zealot insiders such as ECC, EDC, ASCO, NEBA, ENN, EGA and more insinuate themselves in the business location process, attempting to dictate to prospective businesses what you and me want....without ever asking us. Now, we are saddled with lower tier operations, which will certainly not encourage high end businesses to invest here. You can thank those groups of zealots for this. Now, we invite you to scroll down to the Morgan video feature below and contrast the architectural beauty of the shops in that area with Granville. What a stark and depressing comparison, 1 block away! What an absolutely incredible difference.
ECC Wants Landfill: But No One Comes
ECC, Friends of the Parks and ASCO are in league with each other in promoting landfill expansion. Ann Commeaux, ECC board member and her two compadres authored a report which stated the community wanted landfill expansion. In truth, Commeaux and her two compadres, along with the ECC board wanted it. Why? Because according to them we are "park poor". Interesting: On gorgeous holiday weekends, with temperatures in the high 80's, the beaches are running at about 10-15% of capacity. And the parks themselves are running at 5-10% of capacity. Yet we need more parks and beaches here according to ECC, FOTP and ASCO. 
This is Hollywood Beach June 26th, about 1 pm. Temperature 85 degrees. Does that look like a beach that is running at capacity? Do we need another beach within a block-at a cost of millions$$?How do ECC, FOTP and ASCO reconcile this picture with their regurgitated claims that we are PARK and BEACH poor? Do these people ever let the TRUTH get in the way of their zealous, activist intentions? And look at the parkland between Hollywood and Foster in this picture. No one is there! PARK POOR? When is this community going to wise up to these selfish, self important nobodies that populate so called community groups and are linked with the elected officials? If anyone can produce even one picture that shows anything close to near capacity operation, we defy you to present it to us. Until then, we consider you nothing but bald faced liars, promoting a project where there might be something in it for you.
Anne Commeaux and your professor friends, how do you reconcile your assertions with this?
So you say June 26th is somehow not representative of the real demand for beach in Edgewater?....how about this:
HOLLYWOOD BEACH JULY 4TH, 2010
2 PM; Temperature 88 degrees
Does this picture look to anyone not smoking something like a beach that is running at or near capacity? Like a beach in an area that is "park and beach poor"? Like an area that needs another couple of beaches and landfill to be constructed within 500 feet of this? At a cost of $450 million? And these are the PEAK use days! Just imagine the use on the off peak days. But ECC, FOTP, ASCO keep regurgitating the propaganda about beach, access and park poor. These zealots are beyond compare. Disgusting.
Ilinois is More than Broke-Yet ECC wants Landfill
Its NOT hard to believe in this community but ECC, despite the fact that they are teetering on the brink because of lack of funding, while the State of Illinois is totally broke and a classic deadbeat, still promotes landfill expansion; still promotes their green inititative which relies on state subsidies. Read this article from the NY Times regarding Illinois: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/business/economy/03illinois.html and wonder what it is the geniuses at ECC can't understand regarding fiscal and economic integrity. And while you read the article, it might even cross your mind that the elected representatives from this area have done a cowardly and inept job in their legislative roles. They continue to run from opposing landfill expansion even though it will cost the state another $450 million it doesn't have. They continue to send out newsletters containing nothing but platitudes, while Rome burns. These are your leaders: the same ones that ECC so assiduously courts and supports. Two peas in a pod.
ECC Director Quits...For ECC!
In one of the most bizarre statements regarding termination we have ever read, the Executive Director of the ECC resigned, with the following:
"It is with great pride that I inform you that ECC's Board of Directors has laid me off, effective July 1.Yes, you read that right. Pride! I'm not exactly happy that I'm losing my job, of course, but I do largely have myself to blame: I advised the Board more than once over the last few weeks that one of the most significant steps it could take to reduce expenses was to lay off the executive director. Earlier this month, I learned that they are taking my advice. My last day on the job will be tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30."
It seems that ECC is broke. That is fitting for an organization with 43 voting members who have the audacity to speak for the 52,000 residents of Edgewater. ECC's is a net negative for the community. And now, they have no money! As we have noted previously, they had to borrow money from a boardmember. And they lost money on their real estate investment according to their IRS disclosure form. One of our readers summed it up very appropriately with this observation: "Here's a nonprofit in serious trouble. Their base of support is city of Chicago funding and local real estate professionals (who can no longer prop up this "community" organization) not the people in the neighborhood." Nothing could be more truthful. This is an organization that pursues its narrow goals with taxpayer money....at your expense. Maybe we can say sayonara to ECC in the very near future. That would be a net positive! ECC: please go away and never return. And take your supporters and allied groups with you. Everyone will benefit. Do it for the sake of whats left in this community. PLEASE! Close your doors, never to return.
Coming Soon: People Speak Up About ECC and More
We have been literally inundated with correspondence from people who want to speak up about their experiences with ASCO, ECC and all the other self proclaimed arbiters of what this community should be like. Unfortunately, to date these people have been frightened of what might happen to them if they did speak up: a lost job, loss of political capital and more. But we have solved that: we optained voice distortion software, which will allow them to tell their sad stories about the powers to be in this community. And we will be featuring those stories in audio on this site. Stay tuned, for finally the little people will have their chance to speak up about the zealots who, while small in number, hold way to much power to all of our detriment. We think you will be shocked and outraged. As well you should be.
Greener Cleaners on Bryn Mawr is GONE!
We recall talking to an employee of the redevelopment wizard for Bryn Mawr several years ago. She indicated that they have turned away numerous prospective business inquiries, while waiting for just the "right" one to come along: meaning one of their favorites to come along. They have been waiting for Nookies for literally years, as if this was the pinnacle to which all restaurants and business strips aspire. In the intervening years, it is hard to believe that not one legitimate candidate to substitute for Nookies was found, or inquired about space on Bryn Mawr. Our recollection of their Halsted establishment was that their FrenchToast tasted like French Fries. Maybe there is no more TIF money left, but Nookies is still not here. And now, another darling of the insider set, Greener Cleaners is gone, after a very short existence. From newspaper reports, Greener Cleaners was really a standard dry cleaner (employing the same old cleaner hydrocarbons), which used biodegradable bags. By that standard, virtually every business is a "greener" business. Another flop for the business engineers in this neighborhood. Another flop for guess who. When will the people ever learn what an absolute disgrace this area is becoming at the hands of the insiders.
Mario Tricoci to "The Morgan", Nothing to the Clarovista...
....Except the omnipresent vacant storefront gimmick "Artists in Motion". What a stark contrast between two shopping areas within two blocks of each other. Contrast the vibrant activities in the vicinity of the Morgan apartments on Sheridan Road to the dead, wasteland around the Clarovista at Granville and Broadway. You will see the fruits of the ECC, EDC, EChamber of Commerce in our area, versus the quality of those that really care about the community in their area. Now, we note that the exclusive hairstylist Mario Tricoci will be opening a salon at the Morgan. While, at the same time, a used clothing shop will be opening on Broadway in Edgewater. Say what you want but is a gleaming new White Hen Pantry better than a cobbled together pair of grocery stores on Granville? Are beautiful window treatments and an absolutely gorgeous downtown style entry way for the Morgan preferable to the shabby (at best) entry for the Clarovista, which now also includes the signage "no loitering, no soliciting" at its entrance. And we didn't notice any car repair shops in their area, but there are plenty on Broadway.....a great use for what should be valuable high end retail businesses just two blocks from the lake. For intelligent residents in Edgewater, the contrast is both shocking, and disgusting. We have only to expect more of the same from our "community leaders". These people have made a shambles of our area. Just have a look yourself at this video a correspondent of our submitted after walking the area. If this isn't a prime illustration of just how far Edgewater has fallen into the abyss of mediocrity, we don't know what is.
Take particular note in this video essay of the well manicured streets, the beautiful flower beds, the exceptional and inviting lighting, the very professional architecture, the well designed and kept storefronts and the EXCEPTIONAL entrance to the Morgan. Contrast that entrance with the entrance to the Clarovista. In a word, the latter is pathetic and goes a long way at explaining why it is that Granville is nothing but a dump. Isn't it amazing that ONE block away, one gets the feeling they are in a completely different community....and they are. Because in Rogers Park, you have committed residents working to better their area. In Edgewater, you have a handfull of zealots working to feather their nests and impose their warped views on everyone. The fruits of their labors are obvious. And before anyone says its all due to the economy, think again. Our area is the product of zealous social and commerce engineering dating back decades. While at the Morgan, that development and adjacent ones were done in the past couple of years. Thank you for your lifetime achievements ASCO, ECC et. al.
Dangerous FOTP Makes Laughable Presentation to Condo
On May 27th, Friends of the Parks made yet another amateurish presentation of their landfill expansion plan to the Board and residents of East Point Condominium. To the disgust of everyone present (except a couple of loyalists of ASCO) Eleanor Roemer once again demonstrated her inability to speak in simple sentences and make intelligent statements. One of our reporters has currently submitted an article on this assault on our community, which is supported by ECC and ASCO (what else is new?). For the complete story, go to the STOP THE LANDFILL tab.
Bike the Drive: Zealots Keep Your Entry Fee of $55
On Monday, Bike the Drive will occur again. Its a fundraiser for the re-named group, the Active Transportation Alliance, just one more in the insider operation and ally of ECC, Friends of the Parks and more. Who is this group, which used to be called the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation? Here's there latest IRS tax return : http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments//2008/363/385/2008-363385886-04dff0da-9.pdf This operation exists on TAXPAYER MONEY (government contributions in the most recent return totalled an astounding $1,290,278 while revenue from membership was a paltry $173,164. (At most, this organization has a membership of only 5500) And they lobby YOUR elected officials for legislation: they admit it on their tax returns! So you, the taxpayer, finances their lobbying which reflects at most 5500 persons, but is directed by only 24 insider voters, quite often for projects that might not be in YOUR best interests. The officers are paid very well: YOU the taxpayers provide the funds to pay the CEO $90,000 a year; the "Chief Strategy Officer" $75,000 a year. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a business operation, pure and simple, that has as its stated purpose promoting biking. Come on!
Which brings us to Bike the Drive. The city provides cops and other workers to limit access, they provide barriers and the like. At Hollywood we saw 4 cops. Multiply that at every entrance to the drive and just imagine the cost to you the taxpayer. What is the cost per bike rider? An astounding $55! Why on earth should a zealot group existing on taxpayer funds be allowed to appropriate Lake Shore Drive once a year and keep the revenues? THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS BROKE. THEIR LABORERS AND MATERIAL ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THIS ENDEAVOR. WHY DOESN'T THE CITY OF CHICAGO MAKE THIS EVENT THEIR OWN, AND KEEP THE REVENUE? WHY GIVE IT TO A LOBBYIST GROUP? Wouldn't that be the honest, responsible thing to do in a city that is looking for new revenue in every nook and cranny? Wouldn't that be the right thing to do for the already overburdened taxpayers of this city?
While the City and ECC Sleeps: Broadway "Business" Strip
Friday evening, around 10:30, a crew first mingled in front of Dominicks; then moved to the shop next to the Indie Cafe. They proceeded to throw one of their crew through the window to "playfully" break not one but two picture windows of the shop, and then take off. Our reporter observed the scene, called the cops (they arrived within 4 minutes) ; and then talked to the shop owner, who stated this was the 2nd time this year its happened: that this crew always hassles him. This is what the business strip we have been talking about for years has devolved into: a lawless, barren wasteland that got that way because of the activist commerce "engineers" dictating to prospective new business entrants to the point where they don't want to locate here. The result: the only people that "want in" are those stores that don't need input from these zealots. Bad commerce = lower property values= lower rental prices = no upscale resident demand = renting to everyone = trouble. Thank you ECC and your compatriots in the block groups. Great work! Maybe a lifetime achievement award one of these days. Meanwhile, we wonder what the patrons of the outdoor cafe at Indie thought when this crew checked them out and then did their bust out. (Note the shards of glass, and broken window-lower left; the adjacent entry window was also broken.) Here's what the responding cops said to our reporter: "they are ruining the area for everyone". How true, thanks ECC.
ECC: "For the Community--By the Community" ha, ha, ha
An e-mail from this crew came to us advertising their upcoming fundraiser at The Raven Theatre. The above is their tag line. There is absolutely nothing in the ECC that adheres to it, nothing! Yet, incredibly, they ask for you the taxpayer to donate to their operation. And you, the taxpayer is allowed to write off that donation on your taxes. So, ECC benefits from taxpayer supported funding, yet pursues an agenda that has absolutely nothing to do with "for the community-by the community". It really has everything to do with "for the insider directors-by the insider directors". People, save your money and contributions for real charitable works that benefit needy people, not developers, insiders, social engineers and the like. DON'T ATTEND THIS FUNDRAISER. TAKE YOUR $35 AND GIVE IT TO A TRULY NEEDY GROUP, NOT A GROUP OF LOBBYISTS.
ECC: "Lets Reclaim the Shoreline from its Owners"
Its really amazing what this small group of unelected zealots thinks they can get away with: they are actually saying that the community should "reclaim" as theirs the properties along the lakefront from Thorndale to Rosemont, implying that somehow these properties were unlawfully appropriated by the current owners, and were previously in the public domain. Nothing could be further from the truth, as is obvious. Yet these ignorant zealots really display their total disdain for the community, and for the property rights of the lawful owners, when they promote through the press and through FOTP e-mail blasts (gleefully reported by FOTP) their expropriation agenda. And they do it all with TAXPAYER money! This, in a nutshell really shows how fraudulent ECC is; why it should be eliminated as a community entity supported by taxpayers. And where was ASCO, the so called block group representing these property owners? ASCO sat in meetings of ECC as the plans were rolled out and voted on by the 43 unelected zealots. ASCO has and still is remaining silent. Why? in two words, Sheli Lulkin. And, where was figurehead ECC president Reggie Griffin when ECC voted to usurp the rights of a large number of people in the community it purports to represent?
ECC + ASCO + FOTP = A Community Disaster
These 3 zealot based insider groups are in league in promoting landfill expansion. Read about them here and at the extremely informative and fact based website http://www.stopthelandfill.org Their most current collaboration is found in the Edgewater Environmental Plan, which very intentionally is a word for word copy of the FOTP plan regarding landfill expansion, including the graphics. Anne Commeaux, and her two colleagues (one of whom is a retired professor) cannot support even one claim they have made as the authors of the FOTP/ECC plan. Commeaux is a long time ECC director (what else is new, a number of ECC directors are also directors of FOTP), and so that gives her the license to say whatever she wants, regardless of whether it is true. But what is really appalling is the stance of ECC/ASCO/FOTP in light of the Chicago Tribune article this week highlighting the income transfer from parks throughout the city to a select few on the lake. Throughout the city, and in Edgewater, parks are literally falling apart; programs are cancelled; grass is not cut. At the same time, funds that would be used to maintain those parks are transferred to a select few lakefront parks. And The ECC plan calls for more lakefront parks.....and more income transfer......at the expense of what's really needed throughout Edgewater. Ask Anne Commeau or her crew; ask ASCO (a 1 person crew); ask FOTP (a 2 person crew) how thay rationalize their landfill expansion plan with "Rome burning". And get ready to laugh as these people demonstrate their wholesale ignorance and rabid zealousness in pursuit of a plan that will further deteriorate resources throughout the city and neighborhood, as more and more $$$ are transferred to the lakefront, at everyone else's expense. ECC + ASCO + FOTP are truly a community disaster. But are you surprised?
Should ECC and Others Retain Their Tax Exempt Status?
Thats an interesting question. Our view is that ECC and others should not; that they are really propagandists and lobbyists disguised as "community organizations", who take tax taxpayer money and who engage in impermissable grass roots and legislative lobbying. We have a group of attorneys evaluating tax returns, community meetings, legislative contacts to formalize the case against these groups. We are almost done.....stay tuned, it will be a blockbuster!
Edgewater Intelligencer Gains Record Viewership
Thanks to you, we have attained unbelievably successful increases in our viewership! Week to week and month to month comparisons of both new readers, and returning readers have grown exponentially.....and with good reason. People are sick and tired of those few zealots that reside in this community and try to impose their brand of social and business engineering on everyone, and they want to read about the latest outrages from these people. And whats more, people are sick and tired of the community groups who are simply in it to aggrandize themselves. What is even more appalling is that these arbiters of everything really have no economic, financial, urban planning or for that matter any technical grounding in what they are promoting. They can't defend or support really any argument they are making with FACT. But that doesn't bother them, in their total arrogance. But, people, as evidenced by our readership, are fed up. We look forward to even more readership, and to further record breaking performance, as we continue to chronicle these arrogant, inept simpletons as they try to ruin our lives, while enhancing theirs.
Wind Farms as Promoted by ECC-A Community Disaster
In the environmental plan put forth by this crew, wind farms, consisting of 400 foot tall turbines off the Edgewater shoreline are proposed. An energy agency is incredibly part of this proposal. It would be run by the shell operation Sheridan Road Development Corporation, and of course the omnipresent voice of no one (but its czar Sheli Lulkin) ASCO. What are these nuts thinking? Not anything about economics, finances or environmental impacts of such a proposal. But that's par for the course. In the May 12th Wall Street Journal, the following costs associated with wind turbine generated electricty are shown: 20+ cents per kwh versus the 9+ cents we pay today. And that doesn't include the taxpayer subsidies we will be stuck with to pay for those turbines. Environmental impacts? Here is a list of lawsuits currently pending regarding wind farms: violations of the Endangered Species Act; the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); the Clean Water Act; the Migratory Bird Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act. Is it too much to expect ECC, ASCO and the Sheridan Road Development Corporation, all in league on this project to have just a modicum of intelligence and do their due diligence before they further trash this community with their wacky money making proposals? Or maybe, the potential to make some $$$ trumps community interest.That wouldn't be shocking to anyone would it? Why don't these people go out and get a legitimate job and quit telling everyone whats good for them. We stand corrected: Your post on the ECC wind turbine proposal is great- right on target. I'm right now writing a post on my own blog discussing this idiotic proposal. However, you missed a number, for the electricity generated by this noisy eyesore will cost more like .35/KwH, after subsidies. And that figure does not begin to take into account the massive extra cost entailed in upgrading the national grid to handle diffuse, intermittent power generation from a large number of small plants, which it is currently not designed to do.
Now this is Interesting: ECC Takes $$$ Loan
It has to make you wonder: what financial shape is ECC in when it has to take a $10,925 loan from presumably a member of its 'august' group, Nancy Schroeder, a director of ECC and long term ECC insider. This "Loan for Fund Gap" was made April 2, 2008 and is contained in the ECC untimely filing of their calendar year 2008 tax return in the fall of 2009. We guess taxpayer largess wasn't sufficient. It appears this group of zealots can't balance their budget. We wonder if it was paid back yet, but we'll have to await the next untimely tax filing from this group to find out. Our bet: it wasn't.
ECC Takes A Bath on Real Estate Investment
Analysis of the latest IRS tax filing by ECC shows that this operation experienced a loss of over $5000 on their real estate investment in a building on Granville: the building where Standee's used to be. That's the Standee's, a reputable, rent paying tenant for decades, that was evicted by ECC because they didn't meet the "standards" of ECC. In their place was supposed to be another restaurant hand picked by ECC and the other owner of the building, reported to be a member of ECC's board as well. But its been almost 5 months since the eviction, and no remodeling has occurred. Nothing! Why? And in those 5 months, no rent has been forthcoming. Maybe the new ECC return will show even greater losses. Why is a taxpayer supported entity investing taxpayer funds in speculative investments? And when you go by, take a look at the shape ECC has kept that building in. You will be appalled.
ASCO: "Members, You Exist for Me, and Me Alone"
The President of ASCO has created quite an entity: a group of 35 condos on Sheridan Road that pay their annual dues to this group. Presumably, they pay because they think ASCO represents their interests. In reality, on the biggest issue confronting this area, Landfill Expansion, ASCO ignores the entreaties of its members, ignores the results of referenda, but puts forth the view of its President, Sheli Lulkin that offshore islands would be something she would like to see. Who does she speak for, except herself? (Sound similar to the dictators and unelected activists at ECC?) But, because she finagled an organization of condo owners, it looks like she speaks for them, giving her power and supposed influence. In reality, its pay up and shut your mouths. Read more under the ASCO tab. And see how this group, an ally of the ECC, operates. If you are a thinker, you won't be pleased. If you are another of the commonplace apologists, you will be mad that your icon has been exposed.
Edgewater Development Corporation Tax Returns
Intelligencer Analysis: ECC Serves the Community?
The bottom line: ECC represents no one but the narrowly defined interests of their voting membership, a whopping 43 people not elected by any one of the 51,000 residents of this community. And even then, their purview is not Edgewater as a whole: its really the Winthrop / Kenmore corridor! Unbelievable. Read more under the ECC tab.
ECC Releases 2008 Tax Return
Check out their return at http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2008/362/468/2008-362468991-05588ab7-9.pdf You'll find very little real information, other than the fact that very little goes to programs; fully 50% goes to salaries. In contrast to the paucity of real information on the 2007 return, found under the "Financial Forms" tab, even less information is made available. What we do know for sure is that the MAJORITY of funding comes from you, the taxpayer through government grants. This is money that could be put to much better use, obviously, given the track record of this crew. ECC Pathetic Deception and Ignorance-Update #2
On March 17th, we wrote Ann (Treehugger) Comeaux challenging the claims in her report on parks that was contained in the ECC inspired Environmental Master Plan. We asked for support for those claims. (Read the ECC tab for the actual letter to her). She responded in the usual way: we'll look into it. Meaning, they won't look into it. Why? Because they can't support their assertions, pure and simple. On April 7, we wrote her again asking for support for her erroneous assertions regarding the paucity of park land in Edgewater. She didn't respond, so on April 16 we wrote her again, along with the figurehead President of ECC Reggie Griffin and the two co-chairs of her parks group. As of May 8, no response. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is how ECC operates. They bank on no input from anyone but their insider group: a group of backslappers at best and wannabe dictators at worst. But when someone with real knowledge intrudes on their turf, they can't handle it. Come on Comeaux, and your two compadres on the parks committee (one of whom is a retired professor). Put up or shut up! We think its clear that this group is a bunch of frauds. No doubt about it. Put up or shut up!
ECC Gets in Your Knickers Once Again
Its bad enough that this crew wants to do everything but tell you when to go to bed (don't give them any ideas, or they might figure a way of couching that in terms of energy savings). Now they are convening a meeting of their board to evaluate the propriety of issuing a zoning variance to a tiny salon on Broadway. The location of the salon is zoned appropriately at present. But a hold on that zoning requires an appearance at the zoning board of appeals and expenditure of $1000's of dollars in order to receive a variance. Can someone explain why an operation like ECC, with their voting members ranging as far away as Andersonville has any right to attempt to pass judgement on a small salon on the 5500 block of Broadway? The gall of these people, the arrogance of these people, the willingness of these people to insinuate themselves in everyones business is more than detestable, its nauseating. Is it any wonder why no one with any legitimate large scale, well known business operation wants to come into this neighborhood? Its amazing that only Aldi's could have the stomach to put up with these social, environmental and commerce engineers at ECC. A crew thats well worth staying away from. If they weren't so dangerous and destructive, they would be comical.
Major Study of Unrepresentative Block Groups Starts
In what promises to be a key breakthrough in exposing the block groups in this area and their disproportionate impact on community decision making, EDGEWATER INTELLIGENCER today announces the commencement of a wide ranging analysis of each of the 19 registered block groups in Edgewater. We will determine (1) the total population residing within each block group's boundaries; (2) the number of people actually belonging to the block groups themselves; (3) the number of people who actually speak for the block group; (4) an examination of the minutes of each block group to evaluate their positions and (5) a total evaluation of those decisions and how they impact the community. This promises to be extremely revealing, and potentially disquieting. Results will be rolled out as they are produced. Block groups: who are you representing? We think its not us.
Thorndale/Sheridan Cave In, Week 4, Traffic Jams Abound
At least 3 weeks ago, a major manhole collapsed on Sheridan Road at Thorndale. If a car went into it, not only the tire, but quite possibly the wheel and the frame would be severely damaged. You would think that with groups such as ECC always vigilant with regard to the community, this would have been called to the attention of the city. But as of Sunday evening, nothing had been done to rectify the sitiuation. Why? Isn't there anything in it for ECC? Or is their "Environmental Plan" more important than infrastructure? Answer: yes, because the latter means insider deals. Patching a hole means nothing for them. And besides, issues such as this are so pedestrian for an august group of deep thinkers and philosophers. Is it any wonder this community looks like hell? As of April 6, this hole, measuring approximately 12 square feet and at least 1 foot deep, is still there. Unbelievable. On Sheridan Road, the highest travelled road in the area, unthinkable......but reality. Traffic backed up to Granville. Travel times increased. Environmental pollution concentrated. Gas consumption increased. All negative environmental impacts, but apparently ones that are so pedestrian ECC can't bother with them. And yet a group that just released their Environmental Comprehensive Plan doesn't have the time to see to it that this gets taken care of. Shame on you ECC! Now, if only ECC could figure out how to grow herbs in that pothole, or put a solar panel on it. (As of April 24th, it has been fixed.)
Edgewater Community Council is Anything But
It is absolutely amazing that this so called community council puts out reams of theories, plans and designs without so much as a scintilla of evidence of analytical support. E-mails to these self-appointed arbiters of the community go unanswered. In the rare instance where a response is made, the inquiry itself goes unanswered. Case in point: a letter to the figurehead President of this organization, Reggie Griffin. Three e-mails; all unanswered; both not even acknowledged. Standard operating procedure.Case in point: e-mails to Anne Comeaux regarding her false claims regarding landfill expansion and parkland in the area. Her claims were adopted as formal policy by ECC. Read her response to our inquiries, really a non-response. Why? Because these zealots can't answer any inquiry of any substance. Standard operating procedure. So, in their honor, a TAB devoted to Edgewater Community Council has been created here. It will serve as the repository for all things related to that dictatorship. Check it out!
Edgewater Community Council Dictators
In yet another attempt to impose the views of the select insiders at ECC on you the citizens of this community, the activists in this operation are now promoting landfill expansion once again.....even though 63% of the voters in the 2008 Presidential election rejected it. But that means nothing to them......they and only they know whats best for the area: just look at the fruits of their work over time. Impressive isn't it? Look at business activity here. Pathetic. Look at facades here: pathetic.As if that wasn't enough, they are also proposing a wind turbine farm off of the Edgewater Shoreline. These turbines, each being almost 400 feet in height, would cause severe noise and light issues for the area. But ECC doesn't care: except for a couple of their members, all live west of Broadway. If you live in proximity to the lake, thats your problem.
And then, ASCO, the bogus community group that holds hands with ECC and other insiders is now proposing an ASCO energy cooperative, to be run by the Sheridan Road Development Corporation (an operation that is nothing but a shell and files no federal tax reports). Its run by Ron Simon, handpicked by Sheli Lulkin of ASCO. Do you think that this operation is out to benefit the public or to benefit the operation? Take a guess.
E-Mails to the authors of the ECC report, and its president have gone unanswered: the typical response from those that couldn't put up a defense for any of their work under any circumstances.
Carol Ronen Solicits Candidates for Lt. Governor
In what must go down as the most laughable request in many a month, this member of the Illinois Democratic Party sent out an e-mail soliciting applications for the Lt. Governor post. Unbelievably, she is one of the 38 persons in the politboro that will choose the final candidate. What she didn't mention was that anyone could simply go to the Illdems.org website and fill out the application form on-line. And not go through her edit/approval before she submits the application. Must be a simple oversite. Your trusty editor went ahead and applied. Among other things, I promised to emulate her grand trajectory as a paid state employee: to work a few years; resign and then get another job for a few weeks to kick up my pension. She was good at this: $60,000 per year retirement; work for Blago for 3, yes 3 weeks, then quit and kick up the pension to $109,000. Not bad for a self described progressive, representing the ideals and the values of the democratic party. How does she justify her rip off of taxpayers money?
Uncommon Ground At the Public Trough
Is there no end to the amount of taxpayer money that this restaurant taps into? An article in the Chicago Tribune reveals that this Devon Avenue operation (1)received a tax rebate from the insolvent state of Illinois and (2) a federal tax credit for the installation of several solar panels on its roof. The sum total of these taxpayer subsidies reduced the cost to Uncommon Ground by 50%. Then, this subsidy acted to reduce their utility consumption. Interestingly, as one of the most overpriced restaurants in Edgewater, these taxpayer subsidies really go right to their bottom line, and act to increase their profits, nothing more. They do not go to reducing the prices of their menu items. The latest tabulation on taxpayer monies flowing into this operation to enhance their profits: $500,000 of taxpayer money to buy their building; $20,000 of taxpayer money to create their rooftop garden and now this, and who knows what else. Add to this the musicians that perform there, the equivalent of indoor buskers......working solely for tips, and what you see is a restaurant that is operating with a taxpayer subsidy to increase their bottom line, while conveying the idea that they are a socially conscious operation. What frauds. Question: is this where you, the taxpayer, want your hard earned money to go? We bet you would rather see it in your pocket, or going to truly legitimate causes that benefit the community as a whole, not a bunch of moochers running a restaurant, and a very mediocre one at that.
Watch Out: ECC is at It Again
This organization, made up of real estate developers, real estate agents, architects and their cronies, is now rolling out their urban environmental inititative, which among other things promotes park expansion. Does that include landfill expansion? Of course it does. That project was rejected by over 63% of the voters in the November 2008 election. These people just don't give up trying to impose their pet projects on a public that doesn't have the time, or the appetite for ripping the public off to fight them off at every turn. So, they have it all their way......at our expense. Read about who these self-appointed spokespersons for Edgewater are at http://stopthelandfill.org/schemers.aspx and note their interconnections.
Hamburger Mary: Wash Your Hands and Use Gloves!
That Edgewater initiative pictured a cook at this Andersonville restaurant stuffing his beefy hands into a "biodegradable" take out carton of hamburger and fries......all without gloves. This is an elemental health requirement in any restaurant. These people aren't even smart enough to don gloves in the kitchen even when they are being photographed. Hey jerks: instead of worrying about your contributions to the environment, or your carbon footprint, set your priorities straight and worry about the health of your customers by eliminating your fingerprints from their food. Who knows what this cook had his hands in.....or on. Brother! And this is what impresses the media? No wonder the Tribune is on the downward slope.
Clarovista Gives Up!
In what must be a last gasp, Clarovista is now painted with signs on its entrance promoting the fact that units are now being discounted up to $100,000 per unit. Most units in the building are now being discounted by at least $75,000 per unit, which represents a discount of almost 30%. This is the clearest indication yet that the project is unfortunately a flop. If anyone was crazy enough to have previously purchased in this building, they are already siting with a major, major financial loss, as their units just went down in value by 5-6 digits. With the exception of Aldi's, which some of the faux enlightened community opposed, no retail space has been rented to date. It appears that the only units in the building that are populated are being rented, and to multiple parties.
The combination of rentals, reduced prices and an absolutely shabby entrance to the units from the street (one crumpled out of skew rug), insures that this building will never be attractive to those who desire a high class, lake proximate housing unit. The rental units depress property values in the building. The further reduced prices, vacant storefronts, a decrepit business strip, terrible Detroit style facades combine to insure that no one with any desire to maintain and grow their asset would purchase here. Thats just common sense. And where is the major mover behind this project, the Edgewater Community Council and Edgewater Development Corporation and Edgewater Chamber of Commerce? Answer: no where to be seen. Just another example of the absolute ineptitude, combined with hubrus of the community organizations that purport to serve the community. What a joke. I wonder what Norm Cratty thinks: after all, thats his territory.
East Point Condo Rejects Friends of the Parks Plan
In a first for Sheridan Road condominiums, the Board of East Point Condominium, by a unanimous vote, came out in strong opposition to the Friends of the Parks "last barely 1 mile" plan of landfill expansion throughout Edgewater. The board, voted to reject any and all attempts to add to the existing shoreline, from paths to beaches to roads. The board also sent a formal letter to ASCO, the group which supposedly represents condo buildings in the area, asking them to formally oppose Friends of the Parks and their plan, per their bylaws. We will be very interested in following this pathfinding effort by the enlightened East Point board, and the response of the group ASCO, led by the infamous Sheli Lulkin.
Did you know that Friends of the Parks estimates their plan to cost $450,000,000? That comes to $92,000 per lineal foot of shoreline they would create for the benefit of a select few insiders, including their board members and members of the Edgewater Community Council who have either put forth detailed designs of the landfill plan, or who have actively promoted it (claiming, as real estate agents that property values would increase) as representing the will of the community....even though over 63% of the voters rejected the plan during the November 2008 elections.
What Has Jan Schakowsky Done for her District?
The quote of the year: John Kass, Chicago Tribune, Feb. 10 "...won a conviction of a famous political check kiter, Robert Creamer, spouse of self promoting "reformer" Jan Schakowsky" . So very very true.
Answer: Absolutely nothing! Can anyone name just one positive program, product or construction job that this woman has taken the initiative on in her district? Her predecessor, Sidney Yates always was successful in getting project funding for this area. But Schakowsky seems to concentrate her energy on fundraising for the democratic party, empty brained comments about political foes, and nothing more. She does walk lock step with her handlers in the democratic congress. Does she have any original thoughts? What a con artist. But then, so was her husband, who mishandled over $1 million of others money in a money transfer scheme that landed him in the federal penitentiary for one year. Interestingly, she was on the board of directors of her husbands firm....but knew nothing. When do you hear from Jan Schakowsky? Two days before an election, when she may send out a postcard, extolling her "accomplishments". Then, she goes underground for two years doing nothing, but collecting a salary and building her federal pension. This year she didn't even do that further illustrating her contempt for the voters, and the fact that she really had nothing tangible to report on. The voters got it: she received 12% less votes in her uncontested race than those cast for Governor....evidence that at least some of the people of the 48th ward showed well deserved contempt for her, not voting for her in protest of her lightweight performance. What an empty suit! The Invisible woman.
Standee's Restaurant Yet Another Victim of the Elitists at Edgewater Development Corporation
Dripping with arrogance, a board member of this organization said of Standee's: "we did not consider the current operator to be a solid investment". Thus, the organization that presumes to promote commercial development, stability and neighborhood revitalization, refused to renew the lease for this venerable (60 year old) restaurant. And as of January 3, they are gone! Walk by the decrepit building that is owned by a board member of the Edgewater Development Corporation. Its not just the Standee's storefront, but the adjacent, empty, deteriorating facades that this owner has allowed to be in the state its in. Pathetic. Arguably, there are very few, if any, shopping strips as horrible and as low class as the Granville, Broadway, Thorndale strips. And you know what: they are all overseen by the Edgewater Community Council, The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and the Edgewater Development Corporation. This is what you, the residents of this area, have deferred to. How do you like it now? You better like it, because it ain't going to get any better.
What will replace Standee's?: M. Henry, an Andersonville hash joint that claims it is European inspired. We didn't know that pancakes and bacon have such an exalted history. Look at this operations menu: $9 pancakes! Now thats an indication of a "solid investment". Only a dope would pay that in this neighborhood: Michigan Avenue hotel rates on the "magnificant 1/2 mile, Granville". Or how about the "French Toast" as pictured below: an agglomeration of excess. We can see why this upgrade over the pedestrian French Toast of Standee's was required. Say so long to Banana's Foster: there's only room for one overpriced breakfast place on "the magnificent half-mile".
Ummmm, good!
Who will finance the construction of this monument to great European breakfasts? Who else but the taxpayer. It has been reported (by the august head of yet another community organization) that M. Henry will avail itself of $150,000 in taxpayer funds engineered by the Edgewater Development Corporation to build out their new restaurant. Isn't it nice that the taxpayers must finance a private enterprise, one that should be able to stand on its own economic merits? But, after giving out $500,000 + to finance Uncommon Ground, $10,000 to grow herbs on the roof of True Nature, whats another $150,000 of our money? Apparently it takes the taxpayers to finance an operation to make it a "solid investment". No wonder there is no money to fix roads, or fix anything!
Who is the landlord? Nobody else but the Edgewater Development Corporation and one of its board members, the same lady referenced above. Could it be that the owner of this building threw out Standee's to get that $150,000 for upgrading of the building she owns? Did contributors to this elitist organization realize that they were buying real estate with their money? And who are the leaders of this elitist group of self-appointed arbiters of this community? Check it out in their latest report to the Feds. http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2007/363/738/2007-363738216-044fe17c-Z.pdf
Look at the directors: real estate insiders like Tina Travelos, a big landlord, and the ubiquitous Thom Green, the same guy who has taken the Edgewater Historical Society to the brink in the lawsuit regarding a private home discussed elsewhere on this site. He's also a member of numerous other elitist extreme activist organizations.
One only has to look at the sorry, sorry state of commerce in this area, versus any other area on the northside, to see what an absolute disaster the Edgewater Development elitists have wrought on our community. The proof is in the pudding: the results speak for themselves. Yet they keep dishing out our tax monies to their favorites, at our expense.
And as of May 20th, absolutely nothing has been done to this building, except black plastic on the windows. Thats 5+ months of a vacant space, where a viable business thrived for decades. Good move EDC and ECC.
Parking Meters on Ridge? Another brilliant move by the elitist activists at the Edgewater Development Corporation. Reduce traffic on Ridge to 2 lanes from 4. Then, expect that Sheridan Road traffic will increase as a result. Thats the jist of this goofy proposal. Where were the studies? there are none. What is the number of parking slots? They don't know. What is the solution to the problem: lets extend Lake Shore Drive to Evanston. That proposal brought a big wide, toothy smile from the panel, including Doug Fraser from the Aldermans office. Thats Doug, who used to work at the Edgewater Community Council. Don't these guys ever get real jobs?
Edgewater Historical Society on the Verge of Sinking!!! Elitist activists hijack the society to pursue their own interests; they are sued and so is the society; now they beg for money or free legal help. Read their predictably pathetic and self serving cry for help and more in Edgewater Historical Society
The Sun-Times article "The Cost of History" , August 11, recounts the travails of the owner of this property, who was subjected to the shameless onslaught of the elitist activists from the Edgewater Historical Society. Read it at http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1710183,CST-NWS-historic11.article And a look at the blog associated with this article reveals that an overwhelming number of respondents support the owner of the home, and feel the elitist activists are getting their just desserts. Check it out!
As of this date, the case goes on. It is not getting tossed from court. Good luck Katerina. May you win. And when you do have your rights affirmed, we hope you get lots of $$$ from these insiders.
The Farmers of Edgewater: Learn how you can become a farmer right in your own neighborhood! And see a REAL working farm without going to the country. You can even work on the farm (for no money). And with tax dollars, maybe you can develop the first RANCH in Edgewater. Read more in Uncommon Ground
JOE MOORE INSULTS A Multi-Billion Dollar COMPANY
Joe Moore made an ass of himself once again in his "performance" at a public meeting concerning the addition to the community of an Aldi store at Broadway and Granville. He ranted against the store and its employees at the meeting, threatening them for virtually anything they would do in the future, unless he ok'd it in advance.
To the thundering applause of the stacked audience who didn't like Aldi, but didn't know why, he railed against them for having the temerity to invest in this community. How dare they?!!!! After all, Edgewater business along this stretch is thriving, booming and really a mecca for economic activity. We don't need more, especially a worldwide operation with literally hundreds of stores throughout the US and over 178 stores in Illlinois alone. After all, who would shop there? Not the virtually non-existent resident base of the Claravista.
When the meeting ended, the bottom line was that Aldi was moving in, despite Moore and his herd of community zealots who prefer the status quo. While his blood pressure probably went through the roof, we can only hope that this new store will serve as an engine to further upscale establishments including boutiques, restaurants and the like.
The existing shops might feel threatened. But too bad. Let them compete. Now we can report that Aldi's is open. We have checked it out: it is clean, has a nice portofolio of food items, and it is busy. I didn't see any lowlifes shopping there. It should prove able competition for the likes of Dominicks, True Nature and the assemblage of 'ad hoc' grocery stores in the neighborhood. According to some, the opening is a day of sadness and reflection. Sorry ASCO, if your standards have not been met. But in the meantime absolutely nothing hs gone in at the othe vacant locations in the Claravista. Nothing! ECC, EDC where the hell are you? Hiding out?