BREAKING NEWS, Week of September 5, 2011
Correspondent Exposes Flaw in Crime Prevention System (9/5)
One of our correspondents provided us this following in response to our most recent commentary on the Kenmore/Glenlake crime 'alley'. The first e-mail is to CAPS (what is promoted around these parts as the panacea for crime. The response from the operator is pathetic. And to date, no response from CAPS has been made:
To: <CAPS024District@chicagopolice.org>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:31:22 -0500
Subject: Reporting suspicious activity in 24th district
Commander Caluris,
Last night, I saw 5 individuals gather on the corner of the 5900 N block of Kenmoor and loiter for a half hour. When I called 311 to report the activity, the operator told me that standing on the corner was not illegal and refused to take action.
I live on this block, and am concerned with the two shootings that have occurred here in the last few weeks. I would like to help the police apprehend those responsible and discourage any further violence in our neighborhood. What, specifically, can we as residents do to help law enforcement be effective in our community?
Next, we show you the e-mail that suggests that the websites are providing incorrect information as to commander of the area, and further, regardless of the commander names, no one reads the messages coming into the websites, clogging the e-mail inboxes to the point where no messages can be received. Unbelievable. Sir, you ask what can we do? A very logical and thoughtful question. Here's a succinct answer: as long as you have apologists in this neighborhood excusing every non-sensical act and making excuses for the politicians and cops, don't expect change. When we have a solid critical mass of outspoken, intelligent, caring and logical persons like you illustrating the problems here, then change will take place. But attaining that critical mass will be tough, because you have a large group of individuals here who worship the ground their politicians walk on; the politicians know their standards of performance can be mediocre at best, and they will still get slotted by the democratic ward cabal; and still get elected no matter what. All thanks to that group of people here who are 'just thrilled' that the politician knows what color of petunias they have planted in their garden.
When I called to follow up, the operator informed me that not only is the commander's name (Steve Caluris) listed incorrect, but it is also over 2 years out of date. I found another page:
https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/Communities/Districts/District24 This page lists Michael A. Wick as the district commander, and a different email address. Both of these names though, are incorrect. The commander in the 24th district is actually James Roussell.
While errors are bound to be present on any website, conflicting information of this level is unacceptable. As citizens, we are entitled to accurate, clear, and accessible information about the men and women protecting our neighborhoods. I would not be surprised if these mistakes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Responding e-mail that the box is full:
cc024@chicagopolice.org
The recipient's mailbox is full and can't accept messages now. Microsoft Exchange will not try to redeliver this message for you. Please try resending this message later, or contact the recipient directly.
Edgewater Development Corporation 2009 Tax Return: Analysis (9/5)
Once again, a so called community non-taxable (how unfortunate) has a late filed tax return. Yes, they got an extension, and filed their 2009 return in the fall of 2010. Why? We think that a compelling case can be made for the fact that keeping info as outdated as the law allows keeps the critics at bay: these operators can always say 'thats not the case anymore'. We are now in the waning days of 2011, and all we can comment on is this operations activities in 2009. I don't know if you readers have ever realized that the vast 501 (c) 3's file their tax returns in a timely fashion. Why is it that the Edgewater ones always "need more time to collect pertinient data" ? Probably, any cynical response to this question is likely correct and on point. The 2009 tax return, the link shown below, shows total revenue of $53,630 AND TOTAL SALARIES OF $55,594 (or 104% of total revenue). When the other expenses of this community organization are added in, a total LOSS FOR YEAR 2009 OF $19,585 WAS REPORTED TO THE IRS. This is where your tax money goes folks. Isn't that comforting? But to be even more comforted, look at the total IRS tax return at this link: http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2009/363/738/2009-363738216-0695d03e-Z.pdf Read it and weep......until the 2010 return is filed.......one of these days.
Help Wanted: Edgewater Crockspot Wants Writers (9/5)
Yet again, the Edgewater Intelligencer is the locus of change in this community. Just hours after we featured the edgewater crockspot, now called the edgewater 'buzzville' and questioned their contribution to intelligent discourse in this community, a correspondent of ours forwarded an e-mail blast from buzzville begging for writers and commentators. They even say they want honest, critical analysis. The purveyor of this site obviously agrees with our thesis: that the sorry group of apologists for everything in this community, and their penchant for attacking anyone with a differing view has made the website a prime example of wasted digital storage, and totally irrelevant. These apologists not only attack a differing view, they attack the person with the view with every cheap, unclassy adjective. Now, maybe, the purveyor sees the light shown by the Edgewater Intelligencer. Our advice: ban Kris, Towanda and her ilk from the site as detrimental to the long term viability of the site. Get intelligent people energized again; get intelligent debate; have a site that has some beneficial impact on the community. And while you are at it, why don't you pen a column thanking the Edgewater Intelligencer for getting you to pull your head out of the sand.....while your site became a parody of intelligent discussion.
Breaking News: Kenmore/Glenlake Crime Scene (10:30 pm/8/30)
The streak continues: On Saturdary at 1:03 pm at the intersection of Kenmore and Glenlake, a 3 way shootout occurred. Sources indicate that at least 45 rounds were fired, most likely from TEC 9's. Cops swarmed the scene. Then, about 7 pm Monday, just one block south of Glenlake, on Kenmore, an incident dangerous enough to require 5 cops cop cars plus a bike cop took place. As we walked by to investigate we could see a building swarming with cops. And tonight, Tuesday, at 10:15, fully 12 cop cars descended on 6030 North Kenmore, just 3 doors down from the Saturday incident. We saw a man, wrapped like mummy wheeled out of the building and into an ambulance; cops swarming the area with flashlights looking for either a gun or knife, and the perp. Are you people starting to see a pattern here? Are you wondering who these landlords are renting to? Are you wondering what the powers to be are doing, other than having town hall meetings, to solve this problem? Are you wondering what the community groups like ECC have been doing for years, other than enhancing their members businesses? Obviously they haven't been addressing the substance of the problem in this area: bad landlords renting to bad people. Instead, they are addressing landfill, wind turbines, environmental plans, and anything but whats important. Thats almost a crime in itself. Anything to say, apologists for the status quo?
Edgewater Blog: The Home for the Neighborhood Apologists (8/27)
If anyone wonders why this community is in the sorry shape its in, look no further than the reconstituted edgewater crock spot, now called the edgeville buzz. Just read the comments of their 'contributors'. One apology and justification for the status quo after another. And if anyone dares to comment otherwise, the same handful of guardians of mediocrity chime in to insult and demean. A case in point: the hole in the ground on Sheridan Road. Read the crap written by the 'contributors' about why you should be willing to accept a hole in the ground for more than a month. Why you should genuflect to the alderman who after one month of inaction did nothing (only acting after the Edgewater Intelligencer featured it-------and it was fixed the next day). You the apologists were willing to be 'understanding' and wait over a month while this certified life threatening hazard got bigger and bigger. And you actually think waiting a month or longer was acceptable and justified? That the alderman responded like the fire department after his inspection 3 weeks ago? That there were so many potholes, no one could get to it? And thats understandable? That Kris or is it Towanda, is responsible for getting it fixed through their network of 311 callers (whose operators even laugh at them)? Are you people sparking on all cylinders? Or even a couple? You are being laughed at by the insiders. They are probably saying "we don't have to do s*** and these people still not only love and adore us us, but will fall under the bus for us, and come up with 100 reasons to explain why we didn't (no couldn't) perform." And what about the edgewater crock spot? As we have noted previously, it is characterized by a decided lack of intellectual honesty; encourages intellectual dishonesty and drives away anyone who really would want to engage in legitimate argumentation. It should be awarded the community "tool of the insiders" trophy for its unbelievable lack of substance and critical analysis. But read the garbage that is saved for posterity at this link: http://www.edgevillebuzz.com/news/huge-pothole-on-sheridan-finally-repaired#comments This clearly and convincingly illustrates what a piece un-public service this contribution to the glut of digital storage really is. And mr. crockspot purveyor, if the hole getting fixed was so important, why didn't you feature the hole being there for weeks on your sight? Is it because that would leave the community insiders looking bad for their inaction, and thats the last group you want to alienate?
ECC 2009 Federal Tax Returns Available for You to Inspect (8/22)
Finally, as of the fall of 2010, when they were submitted to the IRS, we have the 2009 tax returns of this organization. They never seem to be submitted in a timely manner....only after extensions are given. But that keeps the information somewhat less than current, probably intentionally. A few notable facts gleaned from the return. (1) Salaries composed fully 41% of the total revenue of this 'community group'. (2)ECC lists under 'mission statement' its #1 item: "renovation in the Winthrop/Kenmore corridor". Interesting, for an organization that purports to represent the whole of Edgewater. (3) Government grants are $198,000 (thats your money folks). (4) Other contributions and gifts are $295,000 (thats all tax deductions folks, at your expense) (5) Dues were a paltry $15,590. Thats around 400 members. Note that 43 of those are directors, so over 10% of the membership are directors. (6) ECC paid over $19,000 for janitorial services and over $7200 for phones. Haven't they heard of Magic Jack? At $10 an hour, they could have paid one person to work 40 hours a week to clean their establishment. One good accomplishment: food for the needy. But it seems that this could be carried out by a non-partisan operation, not one that is populated by real estate agents, real estate developers, real estate owners, and NOT one that advocates for landfill expansion as part of their mutual love affair with Friends of the Parks, in total contravention of the overwhelming defeat of this plan in an electoral referendum. And certainly not one that requires 41 percent of the total take to cover employee costs. Here is the tax return for your review and comment. Read it and weap. http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments/2009/362/468/2009-362468991-068c3aa7-9.pdf Your comments are welcomed, and indeed, even encouraged.
Sheridan Road Hole in the Road Finally Fixed (8/22)
Thanks to the pressure exerted by the Edgewater Intelligencer, the infamous hole in the road was finally fixed last Friday. This after literally weeks of sad neglect, when it only grew in size, and damaged untold numbers of vehicles. Along with (1) putting decorations in vacant storefronts (2) creating a weekend market inside the abandoned Clarivista retail space and (3) this road repair, it is more than evident that the EI is truly the agent for improvement in this area. All of the above were the result of photo essays and analytical discussion found here, and only here. Sorry folks, those are the facts.
All of Sudden: Major Barriers Warn of Sheridan Road Hole (8/18)
Interesting: only hours after the Edgewater Intelligencer called attention to the pathetic threat to safety on Sheridan Road, we now see the installation of major barriers warning of the danger. Maybe, these barriers are a precursor to actual repair. Its obvious that this 'rapid response' to the news story which was found only in the Edgewater Intelligencer can be directly attributed to the Intelligencer. After weeks of neglect, there is no other explanation.
Neighborhood Apologists Justify Sheridan Road Hole in the Ground (8/17)
Neighborhood apologists have now weighed on on the Sheridan Road hole: they justify it not being fixed, as you will read below. We should also mention that the warning barriers shown in the pictures below are not normally positioned as shown: they are typically cast to the adjacent parkway, or simply on the ground. There was no police tape until a few days ago. Now, here are a couple of scenarios that could be caused by the hole: (1) a motorcyclist rides down Sheridan Road, thinking there is simply a puddle of water there. He or she enters the chasm, is thrown from the bike, suffering major injuries ranging from paralysis to death! The bike is totalled. (2) A bicyclist rides down Sheridan Road, not suspecting anything of this sort to get in his or her way; is thrown from the bike, and suffers a similar fate to the motorcyclist. (3) A car, carrying a low income earner trying to make a go of it for his family, enters the hole, ruining tires, axle and possibly frame. That worker is now set back considerably.....possibly for years, and may not even be able to get to work. Now, read the response we received from a reader, attempting to justify this hole and why it isn't fixed yet, despite being there for weeks: is it any wonder why the insiders and elected officials in this community have nothing to fear from their constituents? And why this community is in the sorry shape its in?
This has been reported to 311, the DOT and Streets & Sanitation by many many people, including the Alderman for the last 3 weeks. If you think you can wave a magic wand and get it repaired, go ahead. All of us are being told they'll get to it when they can because of all the pot holes all over the city. If and when it gets repaired, it won't be because you posted it on you EI but nice try though.
Its a Damn Shame! Sheridan Road Now Called 'Third World Road' (8/16)
We were provided this compelling photo montage by one of our correspondents. Look at this! At Sheridan and Glenlake, this situation has been unattended to for at least one month. Pathetic, and very symptomatic of the absolute incompetence and ineptness of the 'political class' in this neighborhood. Look at the hole: at least 2 feet deep; at least 4 feet across. And its roped off by the neighbors to protect unsuspecting cars from literally ruining their axles; tires, frame and more. When it rains, the hole fills up: one can't even tell that a hole is there, and who would suspect that there would be one? And what is the political class doing about it? Absolutely nothing! Does it really take a mayoral order to dispatch the proper crew to fix this? And does it take more than a month to do it? In the interim, what are the politicos and their sycophantic minions doing? Well, ASCO talks about the lack of crime in the area; ECC talks about the Edge Card; the reinvented edgewater crock-spot talks about some restaurant; EDC talks about nothing; the streets and sanitation department is not instructed by the alderman to do anything, and they certainly won't initiate any action on their own. And this is what you the taxpayers are financing? When will you, the followers and rabid supporters of this kind of crap come to the conclusion that these insiders are laughing at you! Is it really that hard for you to fathom? Apparently so.
Carol Ronen Makes the Top 50: In Highest State Pensions (8/15) (not 50 most indispensable Chicagoans)
Hot off the presses is the latest hall of shame: a listing of the highest pensions for former members of the Illinois General Assembly. Edgewater's own, Carol Ronen makes this nauseating list, bring in a total of $87,000 per year. She even takes in more than Neal Hartigan. And when you add in the increased pension bump she got from working for Blago for 6 weeks, she tops the $100,000 mark! And what did she do in the 12 years she served? Anyone, what did she do? What notable achievements did she have? What singular legislation did she distinguish herself with? Answer: she was a warm body. And thanks to that warm body, you the taxpayer will cover her luxurious retirement, for which she has already collected over $172,000 in taxpayers money, none of it subject to state of Illinois income taxes. But apologists......keep lovin her.
Inside Info: ECC Headquarters is No More (8/15)
We've written for years that ECC is the tool of the insiders. We have chronicled how its director "proudly" resigned. We have enumerated its outrageous actions and the detriment to the community associated with them. We have challenged its extremist activists to support their positions. Well, lets face it, others must have been just as nauseated by the organization. Apparently, their funds are drying up faster than a puddle of water on an Edgewater street where the sewers don't function. Even the bogus operation ASCO has stated that ECC has lost housing related funds, and that for assistance, you had better go to the Rogers Park counterpart or the Lakeside counterpart. So, Edgewater residents are not to be served by the ECC. Finally, their headquarters was sold, not foreclosed according to Duke Alden, President of the ECC. Question: who induced them to buy the building in the first place? We are confident it was one of their well connected real estate insiders. What was in it for them? Could ECC finance such a purchase without jeopardizing the programs they should, yes, should have offered? Now its simply a shell. The activists ruined it over time. But no ECC today is better than even an operation on its last legs. Question: where will the activist insiders go now?
You are Invited: To tell us what the insiders are up to (7/29)
We are gratified over the growing number of e-mails to us from residents who want change for the better here. We can always use more, and extend an invitation to any members of organizations here who are in a position to tell us what really goes on in those semi-private meetings. Your information is valuable to the community. Your anonymity will be preserved. Welcome!
Coming Soon: Explosive EI Investigations on Edgewater 2020 and More (7/29)
Our growing network of informants and correspondents has sent us very revealing information on the real objectives of Edgewater 2020 and how TIF funds were used to reward certain insiders. Be on the watch for these pathfinding investigations. Yes, people, there are many, many, many residents of the area who are thoroughly disgusted with the status quo. And they are making their concerns known to EI, the font of real information on Edgewater, unvarnished, untainted, and completely objective.
Porky Pig: Joe Moore Roasts Pig to Raise Money for His Fund (7/29)
Wasn't the aldermanic election in February of 2011? Thats what we thought. And isn't the term of office 4 years, or through 2015? Thats what we thought as well. So it comes as a shock that 'reformer' and 'progressive' Joe Moore already is hosting a porky pig roast in his backyard to raise money for his campaign fund. At $125 a couple, isn't this the epitome of arrogance and greed? When will these guys ever have enough? Don't they have any shame? Any class? Any pride? Even federal office holders don't have fundraisers literally weeks after elections. We hope no one shows to this guys event, and he is stuck porking up for days. But there will probably be the certain set who does show, worrying what would happen if they don't.
Help Wanted: Do The Heavy Lifting for Pennies; Let Erma Live the High Life(7/26)
It is a downright shame what professional lobbyists Friends of the Parks will do when it comes to hiring new personnel. Look at their latest attempt to pay pennies for a 'jack of all trades' staffer, while Erma Tranter, who makes in excess of $120,000 per annum, is freed up to provide vacuous quotes to her insider friends at the non-news Tribune and other insider venues. The 'Mr. or Ms. Everything' will receive $40,000, or less than 33% of leader Tranter's salary. Tranter, already is one of the highest paid, if not the highest paid of any advocacy group so called leader in Chicago. What is particularly galling is the fact that this operation enjoys tax deduction status for contributors, while it puts forth a massive public works program which will cost taxpayers even more. Bottom line, if you want to work for a fraction of the salary enjoyed by your leader, who really produces nothing, please apply. The specs follow below. Also, check out the tax returns of FOTP. You will see for yourself that Tranter sucks up a major portion of this lobbying groups overall budget each year.....while the minions work for hardly anything. What a crying shame.
Why the Narcissism? (7/26)
Look at this picture of one of the sawhorses for the 48th Ward. Why is it necessary to plaster the alderman's name on it? Why not simply "Property of the 48th Ward Alderman's Office"? So that it can be intelligently reused when the next alderman is elected without the expense and manpower needed to paint and replace names? Isn't there a better use of our tax money? Even the state of Illinois has a new law in effect banning the plastering of political officials names on signage. Even they see it as a waste of money and of rank self-promotion. Come on partisans. When is enough enough? 
One can only wonder how many 100's of
these sawhorses are in inventory. How many hours of manpower, how many gallons of paint, were required for this 'do over'.
The Most Definitive, Intelligent, Compendium of Analyses on Last 4 Miles (7/10)
You have been literally inundated with the likes of professional pitchmen such as Bill Kurtis, shirt unbuttoned, deep, resonating voice, espousing a level of concern that literally adds additional lines to his already aged face, when it comes to landfill expansion. His pitch piece is shocking for its lack of analysis, really nothing more than a simple parroting of the junk FOTP dispenses on a regular basis. Kurtis is supposed to be a journalist. Why doesn't he ask the real QUESTIONS with regard to this project? Why does he lend himself to a project that will negatively impact the city of Chicago and all those who don't live on the Gold Coast? This guy is not performing a public service. He is performing a public disservice of epic proportions. A city can't even fathom the resources to pay it bills for everyday expenses. Yet Kurtis promotes a boondoggle. This guy is a journalist? No, he's a flack. For the most rewarding experience for those who are actually interested in a careful objective analysis of FOTP and their boondoggle, refer to http://www.stopthelandfill.org For those who are extremists not interested in facts, refer to the ECC website, the ASCO website and the FOTP website, among other 'organs' of Edgewater.
Friends of Parks Lies Exposed: Beach Poor? Pictures Don't Lie! (7/10)
The lobbying group Friends of the Parks has been thoroughly exposed in these pages. Specifically, Irma Tranter and registered lobbyist Eleanor Roemer have continually espoused lies when it comes to their Last 4 Miles Plan. They repeatedly, ad nauseum claim our area is beach poor. Their partners in the 'big lie' are ECC and specifically self proclaimed tree hugger Ann Comeaux, who feels fully comfortable putting forth lie after lie, and when asked to document her positions doesn't have enough class to even attempt to. These spokespersons for the community have evidenced an ignorance and an arrogance that is beyond compare. We have developed a folio of beach use not on off days but on PEAK days: holidays and weekends. The latest additions to this folio are shown here. Judge for yourself: does it look to you like Tranter, Roemer and Comeaux are being honest with you? Does it look like a $500 million investment in even more beaches is justified? 
These excellent photos are of Hollywood Beach With Foster in the background. 
July 3 @ 2:30 PM 85 degrees July 4 @ 2:30 PM 83 degrees
And if that is not enough, here are a couple of more from 2011. All photos taken on what economists seeking to measure demand for existing facilities consider "PEAK DAYS". Are you fathoming the point here? FOTP and their activist extremist promoters at ECC, including tree hugger Ann Comeaux; their pro-bono architects and real estate agents are not telling you the truth. They are telling you what they know to be lies, all in furtherance of their sick promotion of a capital works project that no one wants and no one can afford.
June 4th 83 degrees (taken 12 noon) July 9th 87 degrees (taken 12 noon)
Emperor Joe Moore? (7/5)
The proposed Loyola expansion as referenced below is a singular opportunity for a major beneficial impact to property values and crime reduction on Kenmore. Yet, Emperor Joe Moore acts like this development is suspect; that his ring must be kissed before he will pass on a simple zoning change to let it happen. His rationale: the development may create shadows (huh?); that whatever traffic is registered on the one block of Kenmore between Rosemont and Sheridan must be analyzed. And as he is quoted, he doesn't give a damn how long it takes to perform this analysis; let the developer be damned! A visit to this street shows extremely large trees creating desirable shade and shadows. Large buildings are already there. What kind of additional 'shadows' could possibly be created? What kind of traffic could be impacted when that traffic already uses a side street? Why is Lulkin in league with the Emperor on the pursuit of this phony issue? Why does Moore, when he has some sort of power over licensing and zoning (but no power over one after another internet cafe/phone card store/junk shop) make it tough on the real quality proposals but everything else doesn't even elicit a peep from him? Bottom line: Moore is a megalomaniac with more power than he ever deserved; more power than he should ever have; more power to negatively impact a community which will feel the effects years after he is nothing but one more city payroll retiree. When is this community going to wise up and demand that Emperor Moore, and his other buddies on the city council reserve their outrage for those entities that are opening retail spaces in this community that will have a totally negative impact on the community? Why not leave the quality alone? I can only wonder how many QUALITY opportunities in this community have been squandered based on the extreme activists like Lulkin, Moore, ECC et. al. These people have no analytical capabilities to truly evaluate anything. They strictly pursue their own agendas under the rubric "for the good of the community". Pathetic.
Loyola Expansion Opposed by Lulkin (ASCO) (7/2)
Here we go again. Once more Sheli Lulkin purports to speak for this organization, BEFORE she even asks the membership for their views. Once more, the organization is used to advance the personal agenda of Lulkin. When will this community learn? How does Lulkin know this project would be bad for the community? In fact, there would be nothing better for the community if the project went forward. Shouldn't the 35 member buildings be asked for their views before the consolidated view of ASCO is put forth? Or is that too time consuming? Unfortunately, the new alderman cow tows to ASCO, aka Lulkin. Why?
Democracy as Practiced by Alderman Joe Moore (7/2)
The 49th Ward has a population well in excess of 50,000 people. Yet, Moore has the gumption to pretend that 'the people have spoken' when he purported to evaluate a liquor license for an existing business on Clark Street. His public meeting on a liquor license moratorium lifting was attended by a whopping 20 people. A further 70 people e-mailed him on the topic. In the aggregate, that's .001% of the residents in this characters ward.....hardly anything close to a representative sampling of the population. We agree that the liquor moratorium should be lifted. But what if the activist extremist anti-liquor crowd cobbled together 70 people in opposition to the lifting? Would Moore have followed their views? You betcha! Is this what this guy characterizes as citizen input to decision making? Pitty the businessman in Rogers Park. Investing in that community is not worth the money. And quite honestly, the situation heretofore in the 48th isn't much better. In fact it might be worse: even less input from the citizenry is elicited there.......everything is dominated by ECC, EDC and their activist 'progressives'.
Thank You IRS: Sheridan Rd Development Corp. Loses Tax Exempt Status(7/2)
As of June 13, 2011, via letter from the IRS, Sheridan Road Development Corporation, one more shell 501(c)(3) operation in Edgewater, had its tax exempt status REVOKED. Congratulations IRS! This 'creation', headquartered at 6101 Sheridan Road East wanted to create a wind turbine farm off of our Lake Michigan Shoreline, which they would run under a 'power cooperative', tapping into taxpayers money. This operation, which has existed for years, but has done nothing, doesn't even file the required tax returns. Its another creation of the famous Shelli Lulkin and her accolyte Ron Simon. We can only hope that the other tax exempt activists in this community such as ECC will lose their exempt status as well.
Once Again, EI Leads the Way in Edgewater! (7/2)
Yes, we are THE source for creative solutions to embedded problems in Edgewater. As outlined in our April 24 memo, we suggested a creative approach for he empty Claravista retail space. Now, all of a sudden pop up business slots have appeared. This is reminiscent of our detailed photo essay on the empty storefronts of Granville and environs. Suddenly, mere days after that appeared, 'Artists in Motion' popped up in the Claravista storefront, and on Thorndale empty spots. Isn't it interesting that both occured AFTER EI detailed the problems and the solutions? Our guarantee: this was not the result of a careful analysis by ECC or any other extreme group in the community. It was all because EI showed the way!
Claravista Retail Stays Empty But it Doesn't Have To (4/24)
They rave about artists in motion, really nothing more than window dressing to imply something is happening in the grossly unrented storefronts. We leave it up to you to determine if these artists are worthy of exhibiting their work. But wouldn't it have been a significant upgrade in the attractiveness of those large vacant spot if a French market concept would have been installed in there, to operate year round (until some viable long term renter could be found). There you could by fish, gourmet products, a wide array of organic foods in the European tradition. Or maybe have a sandwich made from high quality imported meats. You could buy fresh baked bread from artisan producers, a wide array of artisan cheese and much more. You could even buy artisan wine and craft beers, if the morons who continue to fight liquor licensing were marginalized by the spineless new alderman. Maybe the stalls would only be open a few hours a day, or only on weekends. But wouldn't that be better than empty concrete at a highly visible focal point of the community? Or would that impact existing businesses who really can't compete against anyone offering a quality product? The darlings of the insider activists and the democratic precinct operatives. Further, a market of this type, with stalls could be a great source of employment for startup small businesses with little capital to risk. A creative way for new entrepeneurs to test out their concept. A lively spot, even a destination spot for the disposable income set. And it would generate rent for the owner of the building. It would make for a real farmers market just like in Europe. Not the joke that occurs a couple of months a year. Yet in all this time, not one of the geniuses at any of the ECC's thought of this. But the Edgewater Intelligencer did.
Internet Cafe Out of Business (4/24)
The internet cafe on Granville, one is a series of these in the neighborhood (Edgewater, home of internet cafes) is gone. Is it the lack of business? AFtger all dividing up the business between 4 of these places in the space of a couple of blocks may have resulted in less than optimal levels of business. Is it the newfound philosophy of the building owner? Let's withhold comment until we see what goes into the space next. But don't hold your breath for a massive upgrade in quality.
Is ECC on its Last Legs? Thats What Insiders Say (4/24)
Could this positive news be true? Lack of funding, the need to sell the building. Things appear to going south. What a shame. If true, the burning question is: where will all the insider activist social and business engineers hang their hats?
The Intelligencer Hits it Right on the Head! (4/24)
As we predicted, with a high degree of certainty, last week, the response from this communities so called leaders to the rash of heavy duty crime is to call yet another seminar/townhall meeting to discuss the issue. What is there to discuss? Cut the crime, rent to upstanding individuals, hold landlords accountable. Is that so difficult to comprehend, leaders. People, you have no one to blame but yourselves. So, stay hunkered down for another 4 years.
Democratic Insiders Call Themselves "Progressive": What's It Mean? (4/19)
From Osterman to Ronan, to Schakowsky, to their minions, the descriptor 'progessive" is used by them to characterize themselves. But what does it mean? It sounds good. But is an empty descriptor designed to fool and trick the voting public into thinking that these extreme insiders wanting to hold onto power at all costs are really in their corner. Was it "progressive" for Carol Ronan to take advantage of the public and increase her pension by $40,000 by working for Blago for 3 weeks? Was it "progressive" for Harry Osterman, knowing he was running for alderman, to run for reelection to state rep, precluding a legitimate election race? Was Jan Schakowsky acting as a "progressive" when she used taxpayer money to travel the world's finest resorts? Was it "progressive" for these types to raise taxes without ever making meaningful cuts to programs and budgets? Next time you see one of these "progressives" at one of their fundraisers, ask them what being a progressive means. I think it means they are up to no good.
State of Illinois Revenue Forecast is Short $2 billion + (4/19)
That's right, even with the outrageous income tax increase that you the apologists who voted for the status quo watched happen, the state will experience a revenue shortfall of $2 billion. What now, another tax increase? You people got what you deserve. One can only hope that the manifestation of this will be felt by those activist organizations whose funding will be reduced accordingly. The state falls further and further behind truly innovative, intelligent, forward thinking and realistic states that successfully compete with us.
Insider/Activist Continues Democratic Manipulation of Appointments (4/19)
Is it any wonder the state of Illinois is in the shape its in? Judging from the quality of our legislative representatives, its small wonder that Illinois is not actually even more bankrupt than it currently is. The latest outrage is the cynical running for relelection as state rep by Harry Osterman, strictly to hold on to his seat and his salary until he became alderman, allowing for the APPOINTMENT of his successor by the out of control insider activist democratics in this ward. After all, lets continue the process of appointments, eliminating the messy process of actually voting for a state rep (thereby inviting the chance that the winner of a legitimate process might not march lockstep with the democrats in this ward. Osterman was appointed, so why should that process change? And it didn't, vesting Carol Ronan and her bogus operation with 98% of the votes to select a new appointee: Kelly Cassidy. What are her credentials? None that speak to the most pressing issues of the state of Illinois, namely financial soundness, fiscal responsibility, tax issues, government efficiency and the like. No, her qualification is that, in the words of the Chicago Sun-Times, she is a "lesbian activist" and in fact the 3rd proclaimed one in the state legislature. Excuse me but what the hell does that qualification have to do with solving our major problems? Ronan states that "Kelly has a long record of advocacy with issues important to the people", but she never enunciates them. Kelly says "she will defend the social service organizations in the the district". But how about our property taxes, sales taxes, school taxes, income taxes, phoney pension outrages, cutting back state government? Not a word. Cassidy will get a free appointment for 2 years. Her principal opponent in the current selection process, and a person who will be running against her is Paula Basta, another announced lesbian. Again, what the hell has that to do with the ability to do the job, speak to the issues, make intelligent decisions regarding legislative matters? What the activist insiders think is important to the area seems so grossly out of touch with what is really important as to be laughable. I don't give a damn whether the person is gay, straight, white, black, brown, has acne or eats at Banana's Foster. I want someone who can address our material, problems with the analytical capacity to make thoughtful, well reasoned decisions. Why does sexual preference seem to be the singular issue here? Its an insult to every thinking persons basic intelligence. And you let them get away with this garbage.
Car 54 Where are You? Or, how about Another Town Hall? (4/19)
Simply put, we are in the midst of a crime wave in Edgewater. Two weeks ago, at around 10:30, standing at the corner of Broadway and Granville, we witnessed 16 police cars rushing to an area bounded by Glenlake, Granville, Winthrop and Kenmore. 16 police cars! Then, Saturday evening, at 11 pm, we witnessed a police ropeing off an evidence area at Rosemont and Magnolia: the site of a stabbing/robbery. Then, Sunday, we noticed a boarded up window at the rib joint on Granville: it seems like someone wanted their cash register. Now, Zansibar also has a boarded up window. Probably the same people doing it. This all in the midst of the multiple murder on Saturday; the police chase associated with it. And who knows what else. We see this on our limited walks in the area. Don't you people wonder what goes on the other 23 hours a day? Of course the apologists will say there is no crime here. Maybe the new alderman will call a meeting soon. That will certainly solve the problem. Reality is hard to face for the insider activist apologists in this area. They are living in a dream world.
Osterman Continues to Milk our State (3/25)
One would think that after winning the highly contested race for Alderman, Harry Osterman would cut on going to the money trough of the state of Illinois, as he transitioned out of the job he currently will hold to the bitter end. But no, he still had to tap into state funds to announce his "health fair" via a mailing to 10,953 persons (many of whom did not qualify as senior citizens. The super sized postcard announcing this fair, which could just as easily have been promoted through the multiple activist organizations and media in the area at NO COST, was printed at state of Illinois expense. Likewise for the cost of postage. The total cost was easily several $1000 of your money. At a time when the state is virtually bankrupt and raising your taxes an average of 66%. All to promote an individual. Do these ingrained politicians know any bounds of decency and fiscal honesty? One would think that this money could have been put to better use: like feeding the hungry.
Schakowsky Sees the World on Your Dime (3/25)
When you see her on television, she comes across as one of the nastiest, most disagreeable political partisans on the face of the earth. To approve of this empty headed zero is shocking. And as the Tribune reports, she is the second highest user of taxpayer money to finance trips for her around the globe. Portrayed as 'fact finding' these trips are really opportunities to visit exotic spots, stay in first class deluxe hotels, all on your money. And what is she fact finding on in Croatia, in Honduras, in Spain? What the latest late night dining spot in Madrid is? What the Dalmation Coast resorts look like? What the cigar quality coming out of Honduras is? This do nothing congresswoman visited 10 foreign countries, more than any of the congressional delegation from Illinois. She spent more of the taxpayers money than anyone by Durbin and the great Senator Burris. What is particularly astounding is that there is a large segment in this district that follows her every utterance, with slavish dedication. This is a women who was on the board of a company run by her husband, who by the way committed a felony and served a year in the federal pen. Yet knew nothing about it. Has anyone ever heard her on TV say anything of any real import or substance? Do anything of real import or substance? We are stuck with this tax money sucking representative for another two years.
Osterman Supports Tax that will Impact over 9000 Illinois Businesses (3/14)
When asked by the Tribune what his solutions to the Chicago revenue imbalance were, Harry Osterman only mentioned the Internet Sales Tax which he voted for (in between Aldermanic campaign stops) as a state representative. Last week Quinn signed this tax into law, and almost immediately, Yahoo and Amazon notified Illinois business affiliates that their affiliations were to be terminated, some as early as this week . According to the Wall Street Journal, OVER 9000 ILLINOIS BUSINESSES WERE NOTIFIED OF TERMINATION! That means that they will earn no commissions and no sales from any business that heretofore was referred through either the Yahoo or Amazon business sites.
In his zeal to vote for anything that raises taxes, while proclaiming he is against raising taxes, Osterman revealed a shocking lack of understanding of the essentials of private sector business. Nowhere is there any statement from this professional lifetime politician who never held a private sector job that thousands of Illinois workers could be negatively impacted by this tax; some of whom quite likely live in the 48th Ward. Did he do the elemental calculation of loss of jobs and costs of such loss versus whatever tax revenue increase would ensue? Of course not. And with the two big operators severing tiles with their Illinois affiliates, there will be no tax revenue increases from this sales tax, since purchases will be coming from other purveyors in other states. Bottom line: Osterman voted for a tax, which resulted in a loss of jobs but no increase in tax revenue. An example of what we can expect in terms of decision making for the next unfortunate 4 years. EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
Secretive Political PAC Funded Osterman's Campaign (3/11)
According to press reports, that high end mailing by Osterman was funded by a shadowy organization called the "For a Better Chicago PAC". The organization will not reveal its donors. But it was leaked that one was Chicagoan Daniel Herro who financed campaigns against golden boy Alexi Giannoulias. He also is purported to have donated to Karl Rove's PAC and to opponents of Joe Moore. The head of the PAC previously worked on the campaigns of Blago. Apparently State Rep/Alderman Osterman will take money from anyone to further his objectives. And with all that money, with all those mailings; with all those robo-calls, with 4 opponents operating with no funding to speak of, no famous mother, or roster of ingrained insiders shilling for him, still, a significant number of voters in the 48th voted against him. What does that tell you? EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
Analysis: The Mailers of Mr. Osterman (3/11)
We find got around to reading the drivel contained in the fancy, PAC funded mailers from Osterman. They are almost laughable. But one thing is evident: there is no substance in what these mailers say. Example: "Osterman has worked to hold the line on property taxes". Maybe his property taxes but not yours or mine. There are 3 ways a property tax can increase: (1) the assessed value increases; (2) the tax rate increases and (3) the state equalization factor increases. Can anyone out there supply even one scintilla of evidence that Osterman undertook any action to impact any of the three factors? Can anyone provide one scintilla of evidence that he has "held the line on property taxes"? This is the kind of garbage you will be hearing from this individual for the next four years. No substance; just specious statements. EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
That is correct: for all you visitors to this site who can't seem to accept the truth, here's a way to articulate your specific facts on any topic that we discuss on this source for hard news. Make your compelling arguments for your point of view. Tell us where we are wrong. Tell us the real facts, the real truths as you know them. Our team of journalists (a dwindling supply in Chicago) will be happy to publish whatever you say.
Edgewater is Pot Hole Capital of the World (3/7)
Drive at your own risk: flagship Sheridan Road looks like those you see in a bankrupt nation. Glenlake is a shambles, despite being re-done last year. Now, I know the apologists for Edgewater will say this is only normal during a tough winter. They will say, "Why are you saying this about our beloved neighborhood? Why are you criticizing? Why are you mean?" The bottom line is this: IF THE WORKMANSHIP AND THE MATERIALS THAT WERE USED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS INITIALLY WERE NOT SUBSTANDARD, YOU WOULD SEE NO POTHOLES. Ask your insider activist engineers that populate ECC about that. People, you are and have been taken for a ride. And precious taxpayer money that could go to better use is spent over and over and over again to address the same roads, the same potholes. Wise up people. Be just a little openminded. Because your apologist stance only encourages more of business as usual. And by the way, where the heck is the ECC on this? Are they calling for repairs? Are they inventorying the disrepairs? Are they doing anything useful and productive? Probably not. Comment? EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
Yet Another Beautiful Addition to The Morgan Complex (3/6)
Check out the gorgeous new yogurt shop in this upscale development a mere two blocks from our Granville shopping strip. In fact the development is close to being fully rented out. Apparently the Claravista marketing team doesn't quite match up, as their retail space is fully vacant except for Aldi's. What a shame. And they have been marketing it for years. EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
The Apologists for the Status Quo are Back Again! (3/6)
Here's the lastest from a reader who just can't seem to handle reality:
" Really - you can't even spell someone's name correctly you facts are not clear and unfounded and you can't take critical conversation. You do nothing for the neighborhood but spread hate."
Okay: (1) show me one article in this body of analytical excellence where the facts are not clear, are wrong or unfounded; (2) enumerate the correct facts and (3) provide some critical conversation on the issue. I'll be happy to publish it. Somehow, I don't think I'll be hearing from you. Because the only comments I hear from you and others are hate comments directed towards me. Oh, and by the way, your tag is "truthsquad". Now we know who wrote all those comments in the edgewater crockspot for the past several months.
You see, the cold reality of the situation is that I AM telling the truth. I am showing the falsity of your dream world. And you just can't accept that. So, you spew hate. A little self-reflection might help. EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
Its 5:30 PM: Are you Hunkered Down in your Bunker yet? (3/6)
Why: Because this area is rapidly becoming a war zone. Last Saturday, 6 police cars had gangbangers up against their cars in the one block section of Kenmore between Granville and Glenlake. At 5:30 PM, not a 3 am! The week before, we all know about the 5:30 shootout. Time for another meeting. EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
Back to Business:Chronicling the Key Issues Impacting Edgewater (3/5)
Yes, we are back in business, devoting our full efforts to exposing what is REALLY going on in Edgewater, from the dealings of the activist insiders to the deteriorating nature of the infrastructure, to the rampant increase in crime, despite what our ingrained politicians and their accolytes say. We will explore the continuing abuses of the block clubs, using information gathered from some of our undercover members themselves. We will track the work of our new alderman/state representative, who calls himself "a man of few words" and an independent thinker. We will explore the ludicrous blogspots (really more appropriately called crock-spots) that seem to be polluted by non-thinking apologists for everything in this community. And we will continue to expose and analyze the not-for-profit entities in this community, their activist promotion using taxpayers money; the largess that benefits a few businesses at the expense of many. We'll show you their tax returns and more.
You are at the right spot for the best and only source for what is happening. Forget the Tribune, their level of journalism is a joke at best. The Sun-Times tries but doesn't have the resources. But the Edgewater Intelligencer does. Welcome to the best in the business! EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com
The Alderman Race is Over: Insider Politics Wins Again (3/5)
The race is over: insider legacy politician Harry Osterman won. After spending close to $200,000 in his warchest along with major money from a PAC that won't disclose its donors, and after having nothing but free time to campaign (since he really never has held a full time job) it is not surprising that he won. What is surprising is that the other candidates, essentially working for a living while Osterman kept himself busy shaking hands, garnered 20% of the vote, evidencing a significant residual of disgust in the status quo in the 48th Ward. Hopefully that disgust will manifest itself over the years when the entrenched machine and their activist apologists will be swept from positions of influence.
From the start, the campaign was a big fix. Endorsements were canned. Groups ran through the motions on their endorsements. The IVIIPO was shown to be a total sham organization, populated by democratic party regulars who voted for themselves, including the new alderman, Steans, Ronan and more. Osterman wouldn't debate the more articulate and thoughtful Bernstein (because he knew he would be beaten); the Tribune endorsed Osterman because of his "immigrant rights" position, not because of his understanding of the need to solve the city financial crisis (he thinks an internet sales tax will do that); the Chamber of Commerce endorsed him, even though he was rated at near 0 by that group relative to his legislative record. And Osterman sent out postcard after postcard extollling the fact that he would "fight" for everything, while offering no plans for those everythings. We'll see what this self described independent will do to improve the ward, and improve the city. But don't hold your breath. Guarantee: there will be much to talk about in these pages in the coming months. In the meantime, Mr. Osterman will be living off of his state of Illinois salary as a state representative until he is installed in his new position. And watch out: as always, the insider democratic party will anoint his successor as state representative......just like he got the job in the first place. Does anyone get the idea, that these insiders are laughing at you, the hoi polloi? EdgewaterTruth@gmail.com Sun-Times Lauds Bernstein Candidacy
The Chicago Sun-Times lauded the candidacy of Philip Bernstein, candidate for Alderman in the 48th ward with this insightful statement:
"Philip Bernstein, former planning chief in Chicago for the US Army Corps of Engineers and a small business owner, impressed us with his hard-nosed views on cutting city spending, and his take on how insider politics deters business development and shuts out the views of regular Chicagoans."
On arguably the two most important considerations impacting the future of business and the economy, both in the city and the ward, the Sun-Times recognized the totality of Mr. Bernstein's "big picture" view, and its relevance to the ward and city council. No other candidate for alderman has evidenced even close to that big picture view, nor offered the solutions the massive structural financial negatives of the city. No one. Thank you Sun-Times for recognizing Mr. Bernstein's insights.
Osterman Flouts Ordinance with Campaign Signs
In yet another instance of arrogance, Aldermanic candidate Harry Osterman has populated public property with his campaign signs. This is against the law, period. Refer to section 10-8-320 of the Municipal Code for the language. There is a fine of $1000 for each offense, which in the aggregate would totally exhaust this candidates campaign funds. The arrogance of power; the arrogance of insider politicians. In contrast candidate Philip Bernstein has refrained from placement of these signs on public property. He has elected to follow the law, not flout it. Osterman has been reported to the Commissioner of Street and Sanitation: the official tasked with enforcing the ordinance.
ECC Building for Sale
A massive for sale sign is noted in the window of this insider clubhouse. Apparently this operation is financially hurting. Could it be that just maybe those that regularly contributed to it finally figured out that the return on their investment was near zero? That the activists populating this group wasted their money by pursuing an agenda that was contrary to the wishes of the residents? Case in point: The Edgewater Environmental plan, a heavily promoted plan by ECC which featured landfill expansion as its focal point. But the problem is that over 64% of the residents in the 48th Ward voted against it. So why would the bogus ECC put themselves out on a limb by supporting landfill expansion? Because many of their activist members like it. And the extreme lobbying group Friends of the Parks just awarded ECC with their "prestigious" advocacy award. But most of the contributors don't subscribe to either FOTP or ECC, so they stop contributing. And ECC must sell its building to stay afloat. Too bad. One wonders how much of the taxpayers money and contributions went into buying and rehabbing this building in the first place. Another bad use of precious funds. Another insider inspired fiasco in Edgewater.
Wondering about 1127 West Granville? Read the Tax 990
We once again invite you to peruse the tax returns of EDC. A link is contained here. And review the public statements on this property, also contained here. Review the questions raised by EI. Some people protest too much!
ECC and the Environmental Sustainability Plan
At a recent presentation by Aldermanic Candidate Philip Bernstein to EBNA, a "director" of ECC claimed that ECC had nothing to do with the Environmental Sustainability Plan which included support for landfill expansion (which itself was rejected by over 60% of ward residents in an official referendum. This "director" was not telling the truth, period. Even the logo for the plan shows ECC/Environmental Sustainability Project. Just google it. Further, from the minutes of August 13, 2009: "A benefit to support ECC and ITS Environmental Sustainability Project.......". Just google that. Isn't it high time that these insiders start telling the truth about something? Anything? But they prefer to attempt to shoot the messenger......except they keep missing.
Bernstein Leads.......then........
Edgewater Blog Poll Hacked by Osterman Fanatics!
The aldermanic candidacy of Philip Bernstein is resonating with the ward's "silent majority", but that doesn't sit well with the lockstep Osterman legacy campaign. A poll of a local blogs' readership appeared to be running in an orderly and honest fashion since it was put on the site on Monday, Oct. 18. But then something unexpected happened: Philip Bernstein overtook Osterman in the voting on Saturday evening. At 9:57 PM Saturday, Bernstein had a sizeable lead, with the total Osterman votes at 171. But within the space of less than 2 hours, late Saturday evening (11:53 to be exact), he got 288 votes for a total of 459 votes, or over 3 votes per minute. Then, in the space of 3 minutes he received another 30 votes, or 10 votes per minute! In the next hour, he got an additonal 45 votes. This is the response of a desperate candidate, and his followers, when confronted by a rare challenge to the legacy insider politics of the 48th Ward. Folks, this is how things work here. Threaten the status quo, and they will fight you tooth and nail. Dirty, dirty, dirty.....but predictable, and very pathertic.
Apologists: Defend this Outrage
Sun-Times (October 23) details the following which aptly illustrates what is wrong with this insider cancer in this ward and in the community of Edgewater: (1) Marion Volini was the alderman (2) Her husband currently makes $110,000 a year working for the city and he was democratic committeman for the 48th ward until the unethical Carol Ronen got the job (3) Volini's wife makes $74,000 working for the city and (shocking) avoided any layoffs in her department. Harry Osterman wants two jobs. His brother works for the city as well. And it goes on and on. People, will you ever wise up to the insider dealings in this community? Will you ever see it for what it is?
Alexi: The Great Humanitarian
Alexi G, the candidate for Senate doesn't seem to care much about charitable causes, even though he is a multi-millionaire. The Chicago Tribune reports on Oct. 21 that despite $3 million in income between 2005 and 2006 (the latter is the year he worked but didn't work for the bank so he could claim a $1.9 million tax refund) he gave a total of $9000 to charity. This is pathetic. And, yet Alexi has the gall to state in his campaign literature that he has donated "tens of thousands to charity". Defend that readers!
Bernstein to Speak to the Masses at EBNA
The candidate for 48th Ward Alderman has accepted an invitation from EBNA to speak at their meeting on Oct. 26, 7 pm at the Presbyterian Church on Bryn Mawr. In addition to his presentation, he will be taking any and all questions from the audience. All are welcome, even if they aren't in the boundary of that block club.
Osterman Accepts Bernstein Debate Challenge
At a meeting between the two candidates for Alderman, Harry Osterman accepted a challenge by Philip Bernstein to engage in a series of debates subsequent to the November elections, where he is running (unchallenged) for State Representative. The parties will decide on the venues and dates at a later time. Stay tuned.
Harry Osterman Is Indeed Running for 2 Offices! WOW!
A correspondent has contacted Osterman's office and was told that Osterman is on the November ballot as the candidate for State Representative. That was confirmed by Osterman in a face to face. He also plans on being on the February ballot as candidate for Alderman. What is he up to? Three scenarios are all plausible. (1) He is trying to cover all flanks--if he loses one, he still may have the other and hold on to that precious public sector salary; (2) he is privvy to insider gimmickry which will allow him to hold BOTH jobs at the same time if he is doubly successful and (3) he is up to the typical old legacy politician tricks of resigning one of the jobs and have it given to a crony and political insider for the next 4 years.....like he got his original job as a state representative.
Whichever scenario or multiple scenarios plays out, doesn't this suggest a contempt for the voting public? Even his most zealous of supporters must be shocked at this game playing.
Bernstein Calls for Harry Osterman to Debate
Harry's Army: Nasty to a Fault
An extremely viable candidate to challenge lifetime professional politician Harry Osterman's bid for a pay increase (by running for alderman) is met with extreme anger, extreme hate, extreme irrationality. His band of supporters jump to his defense supporting him for doing exactly what? For showing up at block group meetings? For voting against school vouchers, thereby precluding parents from choosing the best schools for their children? For voting against business? For voting for a 50% income tax increase? From voting for everything and anything his democratic masters tell him to vote for? People, is taking a group photo with Harry Osterman and having him know your first name that gratifying that you are willing to see the ward go south? Luckily, there are enough real independent thinkers in this ward to overcome your hate, your anger and your irrationality. These people want to see Harry Osterman go out and for the first time in his life, compete in the private sector for a job.....for a much needed career change.
JMN: Answer These Questions--We Can't Hear You!
Mr. James Ness, you have said EI lies about 1127 West Granville. And you said you have the TRUTH. Here's your chance---tell us where we lied. In particular, provide us the TRUTH on the following:
The 80% owner of the building says EDC owns 20% of it. You say they didn't pay any cash for it. Please tell us how they became 20% owners of it.
Also explain how we lied when we said a director of EDC and ECC is 80% owner of the building.
EDC lost several $1000 on the building according to their tax returns. Show us the K-1 and tell us where the funds to manage, operate and maintain the building for the EDC 20% share came from.
Tell us what, if any, funds from taxpayers were used to pay for the upgrade of the building, both recently and in the past, and what funds if any from the taxpayers were used to operate and maintain the building.
Mr. James Ness, your name is on the EDC tax returns as the "keeper of the books". So you have the info at your fingertips. Your reply will be reprinted in its entirety, unedited by us, in the true spirit of objective journalism which we are known for.
What People Don't Want to See: The Facts
It is extremely amusing to read the reactions of a very tiny subset of this community to the facts that are presented here. Apparently, reality is not what these people want. They want a utopian view of this neighborhood, and they don't want to be reminded about how bad the governance in the area, the city and the state is. They don't want to know the shenanigans of a small group of insiders who presume to speak for everyone, to everyones detriment. These are but a few of the headlines EI has reported that a few have taken umbrage with:
Carol Ronan working 3 weeks in a job to increase her state pension by $50,000 a year. (thats ok people?)
A business opening on broadway with plywood windows (not glass) selling junk. (good for other business?)
Wrecked cars sitting in a weed infested lot on Kenmore (a new junkyard helps property values?)
ECC promoting landfill expansion without asking anyone who lives in the impact zone ($450 m of your $$)
Publishing the tax returns of EHS, ECC, EDC (shouldn't you see where your tax money goes?)
Discussing the financial condition of the state of Illinois and the do nothing attitude of our representatives
The empty storefronts and deteriorating facades on Granville (good for attracting new business?)
A comparison to the upscale development at Loyola to Granville (the comparison is stark, and sad for us)
The lengthy time to fix a traffic jamming sinkhole on Sheridan Road (absense of govt. oversite/accountability)
The lawsuit against EHS (a story picked up by the Sun-Times) ( zealots devoting resources for a crusade)
$500,000 of taxpayers money to Uncommon Ground, instead of for community wide projects (insiders at work)
The emptiness of Hollywood Beach during the summer, and why landfill is a boondoggle (obvious)
Parking meters on Ridge and the traffic impacts they will cause (bad decision making/ no impact study)
Gang Bangers breaking windows in front of patrons of Indie Cafe (Crime is down!!!!, the diners love it)
The Abuses of ASCO and their phony block club (as anti-democratic as you can get, but typical here)
Why Bike the Drive revenue should go to the city (we pay the help, they get the money for lobbying!)
If any of the critics of EI can explain why the above stories are not pertinent or are ANGRY please do. But in the process please provide the rationalization for why the above suggest good governance in this community. Frankly, you too should by ANGRY when you read what goes on in this "idyllic" community. Think about it for a minute.
Bernstein Candidacy Attacks Continue
In a microcosm of what is ailing Edgewater, the adherents to the status quo continue their hysterical attack on the aldermanic challenger in a neighborhood blog. They clearly demonstrate what little utility blogs have. This small group of zealots have apparently unlimited time on their hands. And they surely cannot contenance any challenge to the way things are done in this ward. Why? Is being recognized by "Harry" so ego building? A review of the dozens and dozens of comments, most by someone called Towanda (some one after another, after another) and someone called JMN (or whatever---its not even worth the time to go back and check the initials) reveal two striking characteristics: (1) there is not ONE comment from these people about ANY of the positions taken by Bernstein, as articulated on his website http://bernsteinforalderman.com not one and (2) there is not ONE comment from these people about the accomplishments of Harry Osterman and why he is their chosen one, not one. But there is an abundance of ad hominen attacks on Bernstein. It clearly illustrates the type of people these professional bloggers are. And clearly shows why most thinking people don't bother with blogs.
Town Halls, Task Forces, Block Groups
A number of people have commented on the prevalence of town halls, task force meets and block group meetings. The general conclusion is that town halls on crime, task forces concentrating on the situation of certain streets are really symptoms of bad government in the ward. They reason that if conditions were suburb like, there wouldn't be the need for meetings of this type. Yet, some people seem to think that candidates running for office have only to appear at these meetings to show their bonifides for office, even if they have no ideas to address the problems. They never figure out that the meetings are the manifestation of bad government. They never figure out that the meetings have no utility but to make the people feel they are getting input.
A number of people have also commented on the block group phenomenon in Edgewater. They cannot fathom why it is that the miniscule members of block group members seem to think they have been elected to determine every issue of import in the community. In fact they are not elected, and they DO NOT represent anyone but their own selfish interests. These block groups have been accorded way too much influence and input in this ward. This needs to be changed. At least one candidate for Alderman proposes radical changes in the block group construct. Block groups do not even represent those that live in their delineated boundaries let alone the community.
Intelligencer Readership Growing Exponentially
To all of our critics who find us to be a real challenge to their love of status quo, who have very bad news for you. The Edgewater Intelligencer is adding new readers in record numbers. In September alone, over 1300 new readers (who subsequently have visited the site numerous times) have been added to the several 1000 regular readership base. Sorry critics, you are grossly outnumbered. And our new readership even on October 1 has surpassed mean daily trends. Apparently, many many many people out there are ANGRY and DISGUSTED with the STATUS QUO.
Our Challenge to You: Rebut one FACT Featured Here
In all of our months of writing this chronicler of the real FACTS of Edgewater we have received many many congratulatory comments. The fact is, no one else is reporting what we have uncovered. No one. But there are a few people that are uncomfortable with anyone challenging the "rosy" picture. And in response, they attempt to slander the authors of EI. But, they never once provide rebuttal to anything shown as FACT in these pages.
Our challenge to them: find a misstatement or unfounded assertion and tell us where we are wrong. Tell us where we went astray in terms of reporting the facts. We are waiting. Put up or shut up.
Political Conformists Go Crazy
Anyone looking at a local blog and the series of hateful invective from the local "intelligentsia" regarding the gutsy aldermanic candidate Bernstein must be astounded. No one ever realized that any challenge to the normal plans of annoitment and succession could be met with such hate and anger. Why? Because the political conformists can't seem to find anything in Bernstein's platform to rationally rebut. So, they resort to hate and name calling.
They further characterize these pages as hate. As anger. But of course they don't seem to get angry about giving $500,000 of taxpayer money to Uncommon Ground to further their business. About Carol Ronen working 3 weeks so that she could increase her pension $50,000 per year. About pictures of our beaches virtually empty on holidays AND the prospect of spending $450 million to create more beaches here. About Harry Osterman voting AGAINST school vouchers, which would have given caring parents the option of improving their children's prospects for a good education. Of Osterman using $40,000 in contributions to fund a block party, WHEN HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN USING IT TO FEED THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS. Of the EDC using taxpayer money to invest in a building that they lost money on. That a decades old small restaurant, a good business citizen, gets tossed on the street to satisfy some insiders game plan. No, none of these things make them mad. They are so wedded to the politics of the machine that they can't see what the whole world sees: this system in Chicago is bankrupt.
These loving people, who characterize everyone else as angry and unstable, in short in character assassination, think that attending a block club meeting is a great plus for the ward and a mark of community involvement. But why should a select few activists, out of the many residents in the block delineation who don't participate, get to dictate to the WARD as a whole what policies should be enacted; what stores should be ok'd or rejected; don't these loving people, congratulating themselves, really see that their involvement innures to their benefit, not everyones? Or maybe that is WHAT THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO PRESERVE. The Bernstein candidacy threatens that. And rightfully so.
Bernstein Announces for Alderman: Ants Nest Stirred
It took literally only minutes before the candidacy for Alderman was announced before the insiders and elites commenced their ad hominem attacks in a neighborhood blog. How dare anyone have the temerity to run against an ingrained lifetime professional politician with a totally undistinguished legislative record? How can anyone have the unmitigated gall to challenge the cozy insiders club in this ward? How can anyone have the lack of class and put positive programs forth, and call for REAL change in this ward? How can anyone have the raw nerve to say that all people will be listened to in Ward 48, not just the block club and ECC insider power hungry types? The Bernstein candidacy particulars can be found at http://bernsteinforalderman.com Instead of reading the personal attacks that these non-thinking guardians of the status quo come up with to protect their insider access, check the site out and analyze the platform of this candidate. Then, compare that platform to the "platform" and record of Osterman. And then, you will understand why the only thing the entrenched insiders can say about the Bernstein candidacy is attacking him on a personal basis.....like ants will protect the mother ant in a frenzied display that has no honest or ethical limits. A typical response from the entrenched political class. And we all know it.
Osterman, Steans and the Non-Thinking Cabal
Harry Osterman has done such a bang up job as State Representative that he is now running for Alderman. Heather Steans has done such a bang up job as State Senator that she sends out her newsletter chock full of platitudes,and asks for another do nothing term in office. Neither of these people can bring themselves to buck ECC by denouncing landfill expansion, which in our financial shape, should truly be a no brainer. Now, the Chicago Tribune reports (Sept. 24) that the state's financial rating is going even lower. Moody's characterizes the state's financial position as "unstable", saying futher that the financial stress has "intensified"; the debt burden will "escalate"; "further credit deterioration" is likely. Moody's cites the state's unwillingness to enact proper fiscal measures, like spending reductions as the cause of trouble. And during this all Osterman and Steans were in the state's highest legislative body....doing absolutely nothing, saying absolutely nothing of substance to recognize and fight for changes necessary to right the ship. They are our elected representatives. And yet when a simple question is asked of them: "are you for or against a new $450 million boondoggle?" they refuse to answer. Osterman thinks his non-performance is worthy of yet another job.....a job he clearly is not qualified for. Steans and Osterman must think everyone in Edgewater is stupid. And if they are listening to and talking to ONLY their pliant insider elite friends, they are becoming delusional.
Steans Can't Bring Herself to Denounce Landfill
In another sign that the elite insider political cabal in Edgewater regards the public, the voters, the constituents are so much detritious, Heather Steans has been incommunicado for months and months when it comes to stating her position on landfill expansion. Her opponent for State Senator, Adam Robinson has forcefully come out against this insider inspired boondoggle, and Steans has repeatedly been asked for her position, the lastest 3 requests coming within the past couple of weeks. She has not seen fit, not been classy enough to respond! Why? Given her position in the state, witnessing the destruction of its finances to the point that it is ranked as the least stable of all the states, one would think that denouncing another $450 million project would be easy. To be silent is the height of arrogance. But she is only silent in deference to her compadres at ECC who support the project. This is why the voters will turn out these types of politicians in November. And its about time. We heartily endorse Adam Robinson, a man who speaks his mind, as an able and articulate replacement for the incommunicado Heather Steans.
Bed Bug Capital Disputed
We have received correspondence that our story on bed begs NEVER REFERENCED EDGEWATER. Unfortunately, there are residents and apologists for the bad situation in Edgewater who just can't face reality, or the facts. The FACTS are contained in the article......2 large maps showing that indeed Edgewater does merit the appelation our article gave it. Sorry folks, reality trumps fantasy.
Edgewater Bed Bug Capital of City
About the only thing this community wins on is the number of complaints of bed bugs. Reference the Sept. 18 Chicago Tribune. And note in the article that Gov. Quinn just signed a bill to create a committee to investigate bed bugs, and report their findings and recommendations by December 31, 2011! Is it any wonder this state is in the shape its in? If it takes 16 months to investigate this problem, and recommend solutions, its obvious that we are in deep trouble on every significant problem that needs resolution. And by the way, where was the ECC when this problem came to light years ago? Why weren't they working with others to nail slumlords in the area? To insist that owners clean up their buildings? No time? Too worried about landfill expansion? About liquor licenses? About Aldi's?
XXX Rated Comment from Reader
If you want to read a comment sent to us by a reader, and can take the gross nature of the comment, including the individuals very "clever" email address, go to the "Seen and Heard" tab. It never ceases to amaze us that when the passionate followers of the ingrained elitists in this area don't like a FACT based statement from anyone outside their insiders club, they react with an animal fury, with profanities, with ad hominem attacks. But they NEVER, EVER respond with intelligent verbiage, and rebuttal. NEVER! Why? Because they are so bereft of any real intellectual capability. And up until now, they haven't needed any. Because there was no entity calling them out. But now there is, the Edgewater Intelligencer.
Legacy Politicians Choose Osterman
In what comes at no surprise, Harry Osterman was chosen by the elite insiders in Ward 48 to run for Alderman to replace Mary Ann Smith who is retiring. The grand announcement was made by Heather Steans, who literally in the same sentence as the announcement pleaded for donations to Osterman's campaign. These people go to $$$ like bees to to honey. Osterman himself has demonstrated himself to be totally unqualified to manage; to innovate. His 10 years in the state senate were totally undistinguished: unless you consider total obsequeousness to Mike Madigan as a singular accomplishment. He calls himself a "full time politician". Is that something that appeals to the thinking voters? We think not. Its time for change. Osterman is not change. Osterman is more of the same. And interestingly, look at who is displaying his campaign signs: True Nature Foods, the darling of the elite insiders and the recipient of taxpayer money to grow herbs. Doesn't that say everything you need said regarding Osterman? Read more about the do-nothing Osterman and his ten year tenure in the state legislature, essentially functioning as a minion of Mike Madigan, in the "Area Politicians" tab.
Gourging at the Public Trough: Carol Ronan
We received an e-mail from this rip off artist who is one of the political elites in the 48th Ward. On her website, she includes the web addresses of her pals Osterman, Schakowsky, Steans and more. She characterizes the do nothing Schakowsky (who sat on a board her felon husband ran- before he went to federal prison for fraud) as a true gem and her opponent, Joel Pollack as a RIGHT WING EXTREMIST. This is how the left wing "progressives" operate. Ad hominem attacks because they really have no substance and are fighting for their lives in the next election. We suggest you go to Pollack's website, pollackforcongress.com and see for yourself if he is a right wing extremist. His site enumerates his positions on a wealth of important topical issues. And just what are Schakowsky's positions and accomplishments on ANYTHING.
And insofar as the gouging Carol Ronan is concerned, consider this: this "progressive" democrat retired from her state senator job at a pension of $60,000 per year; she then worked a total of 3 weeks for Blago before quitting to work for her comrade Barack Obama. But that 3 weeks of work got her another $50,000 in annual pension payments, for a grand total of $110,000 per year for life, and this woman will probably live another 30 years. Now, don't you people who are enamored with the local democratic politicians and their friends at ECC, et. al. think that Ronan truly lives the democratic principles of fairness, equality, equity, honesty? No folks, she just lives the principle of gouging at the public trough, like the rest of the elite snobs in politics in this city and ward.
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?