Belmont Heights

High School Senior on Charter Schools

2012-01-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

Here's an excellent letter to the Tribune's editors critiquing their position on charter schools in Chicago. Written by a CPS high school senior. It's pasted here in its entirety.

I am a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Having been a student in the Chicago Public School system since kindergarten, I take issue with the Tribune's continuous glorification of the charter school system.
"Alderman relents over NW Side charter school" (News, Dec. 22) is a prime example of this. The article quotes people describing Ald. Nicholas Sposato's decision to create a charter school in the 36th Ward as "great news," "best for the community," and a way to "alleviate school crowding." The fundamental flaws in the charter school system are not even touched upon in the article.
The charter school system is one of the biggest problems with our current education system. Charter schools are allowed to be privately operated yet publicly funded, which is a paradox. Instead of public tax dollars going solely to public schools, they are now split between the authentic public school system and the quasi-public charter schools. In a time when the public school system is heavily underfunded, this makes no sense.
Most charter schools prevent teachers from unionizing, leading to an overworked, underpaid work force. Although the media frequently demonize the Chicago Teachers Union, public teachers' unions are some of our most necessary institutions. Children cannot be educated properly if their teachers are not receiving adequate wages or guaranteed the rights all workers deserve.
The worst part about it all is that these charter schools are doing no better than the public schools. In general, charters score no higher than average neighborhood schools. A school like Whitney Young, which is admittedly a selective school, far outscores every single charter high school in the city. The top-scoring high schools in the state on the 2011 PSAE were Northside, Whitney Young, Walter Payton, Jones and New Trier. Those schools are not charter schools.
I challenge the Tribune to look carefully at the charter school system and the negative effect it has on CPS. Instead of publishing articles which essentially celebrate the creation of charter schools, why not publish articles on the need for more resources for existing neighborhood schools?
Clearly the public education system isn't perfect, but the solution is not to give up on it entirely and replace it with a potentially corrupt, more corporate-controlled alternative. We need to dedicate more time and money to CPS, especially its neighborhood schools, not to charters.
— Diana Rosen,Chicago

Remap Meeting Report

2012-01-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

It was an overflow crowd in attendance for the Ward Remap meeting at the DePaul Student Center on Wednesday. Regrettably, I got there 10 minutes late so I was among 40-or-so others not allowed in. Nevertheless, this article from Progress Illinois goes over the goings on. Relevant quotes:

Besides divided neighborhoods, the biggest losers in any remapping are people without the clout to get some of what they want behind closed doors.
This includes rookie aldermen – like the 36th ward’s Nick Sposato – who will lose much of his constituency in any map proposal (and, with that, much chance of re-election). It also includes specific interests and minority groups besides Blacks and Latinos.

Who are the power-wielders here? It's the veteran alderman. According to the article, "...the people in charge of the process appear to be veteran aldermen who are looking to protect their power base while not running afoul of the Voting Rights Act or the “one man, one vote” rule."

That's the best argument I've heard for reducing the number of alderman in Chicago. (The second best being we have more aldermen than New York City.) It's also an excellent reason for establishing term limits for the position of alderman.

Happy Holiday!

2011-12-25T10:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Belmont Heighters (Heightees?), Dunning denizens, and 36th Warders (current). Here's a wry little Xmas article from Ben Joravsky of the Reader, with particular reference to the charter school dust-up. Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Merry Christmas from the Reader to the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago City Council: A Merry Christmas to the Chicago City Council.

Sposato's Battle

2011-12-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

Alderman Sposato is taking quite the buffeting from Alderman Solis, UNO, the Mayor, and the Trib! All he wants to do is study the charter school proposal put forth by UNO and assess input from residents. That's not pleasing to the entrenched powers, who want to guarantee the school opens on time for 2012. It looks to this blogger like our Alderman is courageously standing up to bully tactics. I'm not sure if I'm for or against this school, and I'm ambivalent at best about modern unions in general, but I agree with how Alderman Nick is approaching the issue. Despite the Trib's glowing description of charter school performance, recent studies paint a different picture. Read more about it here, here, and here.

Maybe Demographics Not Everything Behind Ward Remap

2011-12-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

The title of this Sun-Times article says it all: "36th Ward completely redrawn — the voters’ reward for electing a new guy". This is a must read for all ward residents. The question is, what can we, the residents, do about it, if anything? Occupy the 36th? (We already have!) I look forward to more reports and analyses in the media. It will be very interesting.

Demographics Behind Ward Remap

2011-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

The forces driving the ward remap that may involve our ward are emerging from changing demographics happening across the city and, in fact, across the nation. This article from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism discusses the latest local census results.

Interactive Crime Statistics Map

2011-11-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

There's an enlightening, interactive map of district crime statistics created by the Chicago News Cooperative. Check it out at Compare Crime Rates, Police Staffing in Your District - Chicago News Cooperative.

"The Story of Broke"

2011-11-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

We might only be 12 miles from the Occupy Chicago protests, but sometimes it feels like a million. Here's an entertaining little video that puts it all into perspective. "The Story of Broke".

Patio Theater is a Gem

2011-11-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

Saw The Thing at the recently reopened Patio Theater last night. The movie was good (Michael Phillips was right) but the Patio...what a spectacular old-style movie palace! This isn't just a northwest side gem--it's marvel for the entire city. Check it out, ticket prices are only $5. Can't beat it anywhere in the city. Be sure to look up after you buy your ticket. Thanks to the Kouvalis's for restoring and reopening this great movie house.

Alexander Kouvalis remembered as savior of Patio Theater -

Overview of Committeman Races With a Focus on the 36th

2011-10-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

This article from the Progress Illinois website gives a nice and brief overview and history of the committeeman role. It discusses the upcoming campaign in the 36th and has some very interesting quotes from Alderman Sposato and attorney Larry Andolino, executive director of the Galewood-Montclare Community Organization.

Political News

2011-09-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Howdy neighbors, it's been a while. I've been enjoying the summer, swimming, cycling, and developing smartphone apps. Well, things haven't sat still in the interim. We've got an upcoming ward committeeman election and it looks like it's between Alderman Sposato and Ward Organization pick, lawyer Larry Andolino. But there's a big glitch coming down the pike. A ward remap is in the works and Russ Stewart has speculated that the northwest neighborhoods astride Irving and Cumberland (Belmont Heights, Belmont Terrace, Schorsch Forest View, and/or Irving Woods) might become part of the 38th ward. The remap might happen after the committeeman election and that's going to complicate things.

Side note. I'm a big huge Alderman Sposato fan but I'm a little disappointed to see that his website was created by a St. Louis web development firm. It would have been great (actually, crucial, especially as a signal for local economic development) if a web development firm in the ward had been hired. Are there any? I do happen to be very personally acquainted a web developer in Belmont Heights....

July Home Sales Up in Dunning

2011-08-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a bit of good news from the Trib. July sales of single-family, detached homes in Dunning are up 33% over last year.

Chart: Single-family home sales in Chicago - chicagotribune.com

New Des Plaines Casino Impact

2011-07-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

The 36th Ward is one of the closest to Des Plaines so it's no surprise that the new Rivers Casino might have some effects on our area, besides supplying clientele. According to a post on Everyblock Chicago, the casino has observably increased in traffic somewhat in the northwest part of the 36th Ward. (This would include the neighborhoods of Belmont Terrace, Irving Woods, and Schorsch Forest View.) This isn't official or scientific of course, but it might be worth it for the City to review traffic patterns with the advent of this new attraction located so close to our borders.

Chicago Casino Crummy Idea

2011-06-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

The state legislature passed the gambling expansion bill in Springfield. Depending on what Governor Quinn does with it, it could mean Chicago will see casinos within its borders before long. This legislation represents a failure of imagination on the part of our politicians. With all of our colleges and universities, there's no reason why Illinois shouldn't lead the nation with high tech, smart manufacturing, and green energy. The Trib has a story in its Sunday business section about how the Chicago area lacks, compared to other metropolises, in venture capital spending, and indeed in venture capitalists. When it comes to technology, Illinois has had a spotty, schizophrenic track record. Great companies that got their start here in Illinois, like Macromedia, soon found themselves needing to pack up and leave for the greener pastures of Silicon Valley. Motorola is now threatening to do the same. More needs to be done to promote technology entrepreneurship, bring it out of the elite circles of academia, and identify and cultivate promising ideas, businesses, and startups, here in the bungalow belt and collar communities.

Brand New Day

2011-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's a brand new day in the city and the ward. Everyone knows by now the new political representation and leadership we now have in both Mayor Emanuel and Alderman Sposato. This blogger, for one, hopes to see more modern and progressive city governance from our newly elected officials and increased involvement of the citizenry.

Hello Brand-New Beautiful Dunning Library!

2011-05-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

The new Dunning library officially opened today, with a full Ribbon Cutting ceremony with the complete suite of dignitaries, including Mayor Daley, Alderman Rice, Former Alderman Banks, 38th Ward Alderman Cullerton and emceed by Eli's Cheesecake president Marc Schulman, who generously contributed cheesecake and dessert for all attendees. Bravo. Kudo's thanks to the Mayor, Aldermen Rice and Banks (really, I mean it!) and all who contributed to its construction and grand opening.

Farewell Borders in Norridge

2011-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Sadly, the Borders book store in the Norridge Commons shopping center closed today. It was only there for five years or so. They say there are no bookstores in Chicago west of Western. We've got to find a way to change that somehow.

Holy Moly!

2011-04-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's old news now. We have a new alderman, Nick Sposato! Congratulations Mr. Sposato! Do good! Either way, this blog will report it!!

Something to think about as you head to the polls tomorrow

2011-04-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

In case you're insufficiently pumped up to go vote tomorrow, read "Chicago Inspector General Says We Spend 18 Million a Year on People Who Don't Work".

Don't Forget to Vote

2011-04-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Runoff election day, tomorrow, Tuesday April 5.

Upcoming Aldermanic Run-off Debates

2011-03-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Televised debate between Rice and Sposato next week Monday, March 28th, 7pm on "Chicago Tonight", Channel 11 WTTW.

The live debate at the Bethesda Home on Wednesday March 30, 2011 has changed. It will now be held at the St. William Catholic School, Liebrich Hall, 2559 N. Sayre. Same date, 7:00pm. Get the details at http://galewood.net/2011/forum-new-location/. The sponsor is still trying to secure Mr. Rice's attendence.

36th Figures Prominently in Former Mobster's New Book

2011-03-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

The revelations keep coming...

Frank Calabrese Junior Talks About Chicago Politics and the Outfit: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Sun-Times Profile of Nick Sposato

2011-03-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Firefighter bucks odds in 36th Ward - Chicago Sun-Times

Rahm Likes Rice. Should You?

2011-03-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of consternation and gnashing of teeth on the blogs about Rahm's endorsement of Rice. It shouldn't really come as a surprise since he's basically returning a favor. It was the 36th Ward Democratic Organization that got out the vote for Rahm in his successful bid to become congressman of the 5th (our) District in 2002. This, in turn, resulted from Mayor Daley's request to Alderman Banks in order to reward Rahm for, among other things, doing a good job in Daley's 1989 mayoral campaign.

Now just because Mayor-elect Rahm endorses an aldermanic candidate, doesn't mean it's a lock. Emanuel endorsed machine candidate Tommy O'Donnell in the 47th ward aldermanic race and he ended up losing to wunderkind pot-hole-reporting app developer Ameya Pewar. You gotta really like that.

Check out Ben Joravsky's story in this week's Reader, "How Ameya Pawar Bowled Over the 47th Ward".

Heir, Apparently

2011-02-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Quote from an article on the aldermanic runoff elections in the Trib:

Rice scoffed at the idea the vote was a referendum on him. He said some of the other candidates entered the race as "shills" simply to depress his vote totals and force him into a runoff.
"If even one of those other five hadn't run, I'd be dancing in the street today," Rice said. "Instead, I have to take money I would have spent on community baseball and softball programs and use it to print signs so I can win in April. It's a shame."

Darn this pesky democracy thing!

How The 36th Voted in the Mayor's Race

2011-02-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

36th Ward Mayoral Results

Turnout	Emanuel	Chico	del Valle	Braun	Van Pelt-Watkins	Walls	% Asian	% Black	% Hispanic	% White
48.1%	49.7%	36.9%	9.5%	2.4%	0.5%	0.4%	3.5%	5.6%	33.1%	56.4%

It's A Runoff

2011-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

36th Ward Aldermanic Results

Updated 10:33 a.m. Feb. 23, 2011
100% of precincts reporting
Source: Associated Press

Candidate        Votes Pct.
---------        ----- ---- 
Rice             6,709 48.1% (runoff) 
Sposato          3,346 24.0% (runoff) 
Biancalana       1,964 14.1% 
Murphy           656   4.7% 
Motzny           650   4.7% 
Randazzo         628   4.5%

Revolution Day

2011-02-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

From Baghdad to Cairo to City Hall to west Belmont, let's bring regime change to our ward.

36th Ward Candidate Forum

2011-02-02T11:03:00.000-08:00

A 36th Ward Candidate Forum will take place on Thursday, February 17, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the West Belmont Branch of the Chicago Public Library on 3104 N. Narragansett Ave. It's being sponsored by the Galewood Gazette, the Galewood Residents Organization, Moms In Action, and Garden Club Galewood/Montclare.

Arby's on Harlem Closed and Land Up for Sale

2011-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Arby's on Harlem has closed and the property is up for sale. This is notable for two reasons. One, this Arby's has been there for what seems forever, as emblemized by that big old dilapidated cow poke hat sign. Can't say I'll be sad to see it go. It's an ugly relic. Secondly, Harlem between Addison and Irving is overdue for some aesthetic enhancement. It's been starting to go to seed in recent years with uncollected litter, grafitti, little greenery, and uninspired development.

Why Public Transportation is an Important Issue

2011-01-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

Even though Belmont Heights is only 12 miles away from downtown, it takes over one hour to get downtown using the CTA. That's slower than 12 miles an hour. You can get downtown faster on a horse. There are farther suburbs where access to downtown is much faster than ours. If we want better access to higher paying downtown jobs and attract more professionals to our area (think increasing the tax base) then we need improved public transportation to our community.

Updated List of 36th Ward Aldermanic Candidates

2011-01-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

These are the candidates whose names will appear on the ballot:

JODI BIANCALANA
THOMAS J. MOTZNY
BRIAN MURPHY
BRUCE RANDAZZO
JOHN A. RICE
NICHOLAS SPOSATO

Aldermanic Candidates Respond to Tribune Editorial Board Questionaire

2011-01-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Tribune has submitted questionaires to candidates running for local office. Of the eight candidates listed as running for 36th Ward alderman, so far these two responses were posted (Brian Matos' was removed, apparently due to a successful petition challenge):

Click on the names above to see their responses.

38 & 45 Ward Aldermanic Forums

2011-01-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Nearby wards are having Candidate forums. We in the 36th should too.

OIPA & PPNA 38th Ward Aldermanic Candidates Forum

Thursday, January 20, 7 PM
Irish American Heritage Center
4626 North Knox at Wilson, Chicago

45th Ward Aldermanic Forum, cohosted by 5 neighborhood groups

Wednesday, January 26, 6:30 PM
Copernicus Foundation
5216 W. Lawrence, one block east of Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

  Cohosted by:

Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association (www.jpna.net)
Portage Park Neighborhood Association (www.portagepark.org )
Old Irving Park Association (www.oldirvingpark.com)
Mayfair Civic Association (www.mayfaircivic.org)
The Copernicus Foundation ( www.copernicusfdn.org )

Open Letter to 36th Ward Aldermanic Candidates

2011-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Y'all,

Of course we all remember Harold Washington, but did you ever hear of Leon Despres? That's what the best of Chicago leadership looks like.

Sincerely,

Ben

Let’s build cities for people (not cars)

2011-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

From a fascinating article on population size, urban planning and future cities, "Let’s build cities for people (not cars)":

"The suburb/city with its inefficient, hugely distributed systems of pipes, wires, and pavement stretching toward the horizon was powered by artificially cheap energy."

and

"Today’s cities have dense urban centers ringed by ever-expanding, car-dependent, undifferentiated miles of inefficient urban and suburban sprawl. This structure is environmentally unsustainable and not conducive to pleasurable human activity. We need to break up that sprawl into a galaxy of cities, towns, and villages. Doing so would free up vast swaths of land for parks, agriculture, and wildlife, all of which would be easily accessible to people without having to resort to long, slow, polluting car rides. "

(Hey, didn't I basically say this a week ago? Yep, I did!)

List of 36th Ward Aldermanic Candidates

2011-01-07T22:19:00.000-08:00

Here's the lineup of candidates for 36th Ward Alderman. "Challenged" indicates their petition signatures have been challenged.

JODI BIANCALANA Challenged
SANDRA D. MALDONADO Challenged
BRIAN MATOS Challenged
THOMAS J. MOTZNY Candidate
BRIAN MURPHY Candidate
BRUCE RANDAZZO Candidate
JOHN A. RICE Candidate
NICHOLAS SPOSATO Candidate

History of Chicago Machine

2011-01-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

WBEZ's Best Game in Town segment has been running a great series of shows on the history of the Chicago Machine and its persistance of influence and corruption. One of the stories was actually produced by the BBC (that's right, the British Broadcasting Company). We're not just bad and nationwide, we're international! You can hear the story at http://www.wbez.org/blog/best-game-town/bgit-19-bbc-examines-chicagos-culture-corruption. But today's story on the history of the Machine was especially good and enlightening. Wonder why there's no choice in our local elections? It's explained in this story. Since it just aired this evening, the audio isn't yet posted on http://www.wbez.org/bestgame, but keep checking. It's worth it.

Republican Candidate for 36th Ward Alderman

2011-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

In a previous post I pondered who else is running for Alderman in the 36th. Well, it turns out there is another candidate. Brian Matos, a Republican, is running as a write-in. You can learn more about him and his efforts to be included on the ballot at http://www.matosforchicago36.com/.

Bikes, Laptops, Cell Phones, and Coffee Shops

2011-01-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

What's the bungalow belt and Dunning going to look like after Daley and Banks? Here's what I think fans: Chicago's bungalow belt is obsolete. Yep, bedroom communities surrounding a central hub where all the work was is going away. That suburban-style model largely served an economy built on fossil-fueled manufacturing and cars. Where's the new work going to be? It's going to be more localized. Modern technologies combined with the desire for environmentally cleaner and more healthy lifestyles is going to foster more community entrepreneurialism. Of course, how well this proceeds is going to depend on the amount of recognition and support provided by civic leadership.

36th Ward Aldermanic Race Has Begun

2010-12-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

"Elect John Rice" signs have popped up all over the ward. In store windows, on construction site fences, and bus stop benches. Question is, who else is running?

1911 Map of Jefferson Township

2010-10-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

From The Township of Jefferson, Ill. and Dinner-Pail Avenue: From Mastadon to Man by Alfred Bull.

Creating a Vibrant Community

2010-10-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Creating a pleasant, vibrant community is probably the biggest theme of this blog. An article in this week's Parade Magazine lists some things that contribute to a healthy local zeitgeist.

1. Support the arts: Until everybody starts reading this blog, a local newspaper that focuses on and publicizes local cultural events would be nice. "Our Town" does a nice job despite the fact that it covers the entire north side. There are events at Wright College, Eisenhower library, local libraries, and churches that could use additional promotion provided by a local newsletter.
2. Boost biking and walking: The painted bike lane on Narragansett has been a welcome addition. The Harlem-Irving-Forest Preserve drive triangle is still a pedestrian nightmare.
3. Create a "green belt": If space was available, a playlot or two between Hiawatha and Shabbona parks would enable residents to walk, instead of drive, their children to a recreational area.
4. Prohibit drive-throughs: It's us against the big fast food chains
5. Stamp out cigarettes: City's doing great there already.
6. Shrink signage: It's improving but there are some lingering instances on north Harlem.
7. Empower the people: Yep, that means referenda and plebiscites (you know, all that goofy, nutty stuff they do in California and not here).

Reader Confirms What This Blog Said 3 Years Ago: Belmont Heights Needs a Grocery Store

2010-08-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

The map below shows food deserts in Chicago. It's from the front page article in this week's Chicago Reader, From Farm to Food Desert. A food desert is defined as an area where the average distance to a grocery store (that sells unprocessed fruits and vegetables) is over three miles away. When the Dominick's in Norridge on Forest Preserve and Harlem closed three years ago, this blog noted that there was no full service grocer within, or within walking distance, of Belmont Heights. The map below simply confirms this fact. The expansion of Target's grocery department in the HIP will help alleviate the situation but prices there have not been regularly competitive and it is still not a dedicated, full-service grocery store.

Bellezza Gelato Caffe Best In Chicago

2010-07-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Bellazza Gelato Caffe for getting picked as the Best Gelato in Chicago by Reader readers. Check it out at on 3637 N. Harlem, just north of Addison.

TIF Spending by Ward from the Reader

2010-06-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

The 36th's take in the TIF game is $6,033,418.55. Not the lowest, but in the bottom quartile. The article notes that the wards with the lowest TIF grants tend to be those with middle- and working-class residents. That could probably describe our ward to a large degree.

TIFs generally go for business development, but as the article states, funds are often used for infrastructure. I can think of a few capital improvements right off the bat. For instance, how about some nice neighborhood welcome signs or pylons at the main thoroughfare entrances? A nice parkway down the middle of Forest Preserve Drive. Designer street lamps along Harlem and Belmont Avenues.

Police and Thieves

2010-04-18T19:55:00.001-07:00

Police and Thieves isn't just a great reggae song. It accurately describes conditions on Bucktown streets. Recent brutal beatings of citizens by thieves and the police requires the immediate attention of and action by the superintendent and the mayor.

Gang Activity on the Rise in Portage Park

2010-04-05T20:25:00.003-07:00

Hey, I bring the news, good and bad. Here's an unfortunate bit of news from our neighbors to the east. This story is from the blog ChicagoTalks.org. Most notorious was the recent brazen shooting at a hair parlor within a block of the park.

Post Comments Prove I'm Not The Only One Reading this Blog!

2010-04-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Based on some of the comments made to this blog, it looks like I've raised the hackles of several Alderman Rice supporters. (Can you say, "Machine Toadies"?) Well, I suppose it's nice to have readers. Seriously though, regardless of how the appointment process works, he deserves the opportunity to succeed, as most of the posters protest. So Alderman Rice, do your thing. Hopefully your work will help to sustain and raise the quality of living in our fine ward. As a resident I certainly would like that. This blog wishes you the best.

Member of the Banks Clan Passes

2010-03-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

Samuel V.P. Banks, brother of former 36th Ward Alderman Willam, died last week. The linked Suntimes obit has interesting anecdotes about Samuel's prosecution of Lenny Bruce and defense of so-called "made-man" alderman Fred Roti. Hmm.

Dunning-Read Convservation Area Profile

2010-01-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

A nice article about the Dunning-Read Conservation Area on examiner.com.

Failing to hold accountable those who hold the police accountable

2009-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

This amazing little story appeared at the bottom of page 11 in the first section of today's Tribune. It's entitled "Reprieve for cop board absentees". Here are the first couple of paragraphs:

An attempt to penalize members of the Chicago police disciplinary board for failing to attend meetings where the fates of officers facing misconduct charges are decided stalled Tuesday at a City Council hearing.

Ald. Isaac Carothers, 29th, balked at the idea of holding Chicago Police Board members to attendance standards.

So let's get this straight. The city council Police and Fire Committee, overseen by Carothers, blocks an effort to improve the abysmal attendance at disciplinary hearings of the Chicago Police Board. Try not to be cynical about this one.

Dunning Profile in Tribune

2009-11-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Tribune's series of community profiles in its Friday real estate section covers Dunning this week. Read it at http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/Chicago_IL/chi-dunning_profile_chomes_1113nov13,0,604747.story.

How to Fix the 36th

2009-10-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

(Another video of a bald, middle-aged, pontificating, white guy? What can I say? They're both good!)

Forest Preserve Drive and Rogers St. are the Indian Boundary Line

2009-10-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Very interesting story on the Forgotten Chicago website about how both Forest Preserve Drive and Rogers St. (in Rogers Park, Sauganash, and Forest Glen) line up on the North Indian Boundary Line (the South Indian Boundary line is 20 miles south).

http://forgottenchicago.com/features/chicago-areas/the-northern-indian-boundary-line/

Mike Royko Holding Court in 1982

2009-10-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Mike Royko dishes on 16-inch softball at the Billy Goat Tavern in downtown Chicago.

Mike Royko is interred in Acacia Park Cemetery on west Irving Park Road.

Replacement for Alderman Banks to be Appointed

2009-10-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

I went to the CAPS meeting last night and a representative from the Aldermanic Office was there. He said that a replacement for retired Alderman Banks will be appointed by the end of October. On Halloween perhaps?

Questions I should have asked but didn't (hopefully, the papers will answer these):

Who is doing the appointing?
Who is on the list of appointees?
When will we have the next aldermanic election for the 36th Ward?

Banks Joins Law Firm

2009-10-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Our former Alderman William J.P. Banks has become a partner at the Chicago law firm Schain Burney Ross & Citron Ltd. He will stick around as a committeeman for the ward and also remains as treasurer of the Cook County Democratic Party.

Dunning Ranks 39th in Walkability of Chicago Neighborhoods

2009-09-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

The greening of America continues as the desire grows to live in a neighborhood where shops and amenities are within walking distance. Walkscore.com ranks the "walkability" of neighborhoods based on the number of basic activities that can be done without a car. According to their measure, Dunning ranks 39th out of 77 Chicago neighborhoods in walkability. The Loop, Near North Side, and Lincoln Park are the top three respectively. Of course, the walkability of a neighborhood elevates its sense of community and improves its appeal. It's increasingly important because of high gas prices, the obesity epidemic, and an aging populace that needs convenient shopping within walking distance. BTW, that's safe walking distance. Try crossing the street at Irving and Forest Preserve Drive. You're literally risking your life as right-turning vehicles ignore the signs and barrel down upon you.

Dunning Read Conservation Area Opening Saturday, Sept. 19

2009-09-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Dunning Read Conservation Area will have its Opening Celebration and Dedication Ceremony this Saturday between 3 and 6pm. This is a great enhancement to our community. And it's non-commercial! It's located on the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center grounds at Irving Park Rd. and Oak Park Ave. The parking lot entrance is on the west side of Oak Park Ave. north of Irving.

Read the Trib story by clicking on this link.

Maureen Dowd Right On The Money

2009-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

NY Times columnist Maureen Dowd is right on about the (barely) sublimated racism in the current right wing uprising against President Obama. These articles are essential reading: "Rapping Joe’s Knuckles" and "Boy, Oh, Boy".

Dunning or Belmont Heights?

2009-09-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

"Explore Chicago" (www.explorechicago.org) is the Chicago Office of Tourism's program to promote Chicago neighborhoods as destinations for visitors. Once again, the neighborhood map in the new fold-out paper brochure identifies Dunning as Belmont Heights. Yet, on the cover of the very same brochure there's a list of neighborhoods where Dunning is listed and Belmont Heights is not. This is a very colorful and appealing brochure. The inconsistency isn't a major drawback but it contributes to confusion about Dunning. It's no surprise that many Chicagoans know nothing about Dunning when even the city isn't consistent in references to it in promotional literature.

36th (Our) Ward Now Without Representation

2009-09-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Now that Ald. Banks has retired (the only fanfare being the canceled, chauffeur-sponsored benefit dinner in Rosemont brouhaha) our ward now has no representation in the City Council. The recent vote for Chicago's Olympic bid would have been yet another total rubber-stamp victory for Mayor Daley except that there was no alderman from the 36th to make it a unanimous 50-0 vote!

Graffiti at Addison and Osceola

2009-09-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

What appears to be gang graffiti on the garage on the northwest corner of Addison St. and Osceola Ave.

Same garage wall.

Another angle.

The 36th After Banks

2009-09-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

First off, this blog wishes Alderman Banks well on his retirement and in his next endeavors. He has been alderman of the 36th Ward for 26 years. We thank him for facilitating the building of the new library branch on the Dever school grounds. If the new building is anything like the Oriole branch or even the Austin-Irving branch it will be a boon to the neighborhood.

Here's a suggestion for our next Alderperson. Dunning/Belmont Heights needs a strollable business district, like Lake Street in Oak Park or Northwest Highway in Edison Park. This would dramatically improve the appeal of the community, not to mention the local economy. How can this be achieved? By adding some public art works like a sculpture or a fountain. An off-street public parking lot that's not associated with a particular strip mall or store. What might be some candidate areas? Harlem or Belmont Avenues are two that come to mind.

The 36th Ward's budget expediture has been one of the lowest in the city. Our next alderperson should spend a little more on public works to enhance the community.

Forest Preserve Drive Getting Repaved

2009-08-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

Forest Preserve Drive is getting resurfaced. Something to consider: adding a raised parkway with trees would greatly enhance the beauty of the north edge of Belmont Heights. It would also help cut down on the speeders that make that street unsafe to cross.

Wry Dunning History on Gapers Block

2009-08-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Read this funny and well researched article about Dunning and its history on Gapers Block.

Alderman Banks' Budget Available

2009-08-17T11:33:00.001-07:00

The Chicago Tribune has posted aldermanic expenses for every ward. Check out the budget for the 36th at http://councilexpenses.apps.chicagotribune.com/ward/36/. Relatively speaking, Alderman Banks has been very fiscally restrained. (See, I can say something positive about our Alderman.) However, one wonders if spending a little more would result in some neighborhood improvements. Like attractive architectural pylons or "Welcome" signs at entrances to the neighborhood on main arteries.

Banks' Driver Our New Alderman?

2009-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Did you know our esteemed alderman, William J.P. Banks, has his own driver? Or rather had, now that Banks is retiring. (BTW, Did we pay for that?) Well, it appears this personal driver, one John Rice, has garnered enough exposure to aldermanic insight to become our new alderman! Banks has nominated him to be his replacement after his retirement. Until the next aldermanic election, I hope. I suppose you can learn a lot about the 36th ward while driving to and from City Hall. Well, golly gee, that makes me feel optimistic for the future of the ward.

The Tribune and CBS2 report that Rice is feting banks at a Rosemont restaurant on August 28th. (What, Pollo Ranchero, Caponies or Luke's on Harlem not good enough?) If you do go to Banks' retirement bash (do try to sneak in without coughing up the $200 donation) please be sure to post what you see here. It should be very enlightening.

Chicago Nursing Homes Failing for African Americans

2009-07-08T18:20:00.001-07:00

An excellent story in the Chicago Reporter on the sorry state of nursing home care for African Americans in our city. You can read it at http://www.chicagoreporter.com/index.php/c/Cover_Stories/d/Lower_Standards. Here's a suggestion for President Obama: make quality care, aggressively enforced, for the elderly, the infirm, and the mentally ill a significant goal for health care reform.

Banks to Step Down this Summer

2009-07-08T18:13:00.001-07:00

According to CBS2 News, Alderman Banks has announced he will step down from his 26-year position as alderman of the 36th ward this summer. Twenty-six years!?! Yeesh. Who's next?

Circuit Judge John Fleming

2009-06-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Surprise of surprises: a rogue Chicago cop gets a slap on the wrist by an ever so compliant judge. This time, the cop is the world-infamous Schorsch Village resident Anthony Abbate and the judge is John Flemming. Remember the name of that judge come election time.

We Ain't Ready For Reform

2009-06-16T18:34:00.001-07:00

Our latest laughable attempt at reform in the New York Times. Read it and weep...or laugh...or whatever!!

Cell Phones, War, and Rape in the DRC

2009-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

I usually post items about our little enclave of Belmont Heights, but many of us use cell phones and laptops and here is a related, compelling story we, even here in our tidy bungalows, should be aware of.

Coltan is the ore from which tantalum is extracted. Tantalum has many uses, but one of its greatest is in the electrolytic capacitors used in cell phones and computers. As great and necessary as these devices are, the world community needs to recognize the great cost paid by the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Much of the coltan mined in the world comes from Congo and it is the source of ongoing strife and atrocities. Here is a brief video.

Roots of Chicago Corruption

2009-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of interesting articles explore the sources of the pervasive corruption we're all so proud of here.

Cecil Adams responds to the question in the Reader and references the identical question posed to Slate e-zine.

Straight Dope summary:

Corruption is fun for both perps and observers.
No opposition party.
It isn't so much Chicago corruption anymore, as it is Illinois corruption these days.

Slate analysis:

A century-old culture of corruption.
Large, easily manipulable ethnic population.
No successful reformers or reform efforts.
We treat politicians like celebrities who can get away with anything.
Although high, our level of corruption isn't really the absolute worst, we just happen to be in the spotlight.

Alderman Banks Retiring in Two Years?

2009-04-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

Essential reading on aldermanic politics in the Chicago Daily Observer. In this article, writer Russ Stewart relays expectations that Alderman Banks is contemplating retirement in 2011 and will "hand off" the position to his son, Joey.

Quigley Wins!

2009-04-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Good. Let's hope he keeps up the good work and continues to be a gadfly to the entrenched machine.

Foreclosures Soar in Dunning.

2009-03-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

Foreclosures have zoomed to over 300% overall in Dunning since 2006. This according to a report by the National Training and Information Center (a community organizing group). What does this mean for you, fellow Belmont Heights resident? A faster decrease in real estate values relative to other similar middle-class enclaves in the city.

If you had any doubt about Fritchey being the Machine candidate

2009-02-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

"The most odiously connected elements of the Machine"

2009-02-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

From a fine Don Rose piece in the Sun-Times:

"The [5th, our] district’s power emanates from the most odiously connected elements of the Machine, lodged in the western wards and suburbs, where the line between crime and politics is often diffuse.

The big boss is State Sen. Jim DeLeo, indicted in the “Greylord” court bribery scandal, who got a hung jury in his trial then pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge to preserve his legislative post.
Then comes 36th Ward alderman/committeeman William J.P. Banks, whose opponents frequently accused him of ties to the old First Ward, when that term was a euphemism."

This blogger is torn between Tom Geoghegan and Mike Quigley for Representative of the 5th District.

God Bless Paul Krugman

2009-01-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

What's with the footdragging on implementing universal health care in the U.S.? That this is still even an issue, and that only Paul Krugman is regularly beating the drum in the NY times, is dismaying. Okay, listen up people. This is the United States of America. The single most powerful nation in the history of history. Why we should not have 100% coverage, when Cuba freaking has it, is not only an international disgrace--it is an example of vast special interest greed (of our beloved medical establishment, big pharma, and "friendly" insurance companies) and our societal obtuseness at its worst.

Meathead City

2009-01-26T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hyde Park Progress is one smart blog.

It's the Economy, Señor

2009-01-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Now that Chicago pols and appointees are running the nation (Obama, Axelrod, Jarrett, Duncan--at least they're not typical of our fine ward heelers and precinct captains) I feel free to recommend to them this Mother Jones article, Fiscal Therapy, about how to fix the economy. It's by David Cay Johnston and has some incredibly illuminating points. An excellent read.

Taco Bell at Harlem and Cornelia Robbed at Gunpoint

2009-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

Fortunately no one was hurt, but a gun was used to rob $800 from the Taco Bell on Harlem Avenue one block south of Addison. Customers dining at the restaurant yesterday evening were forced to lie on the floor. The story was reported on WBBM NewsRadio's web site. Note that the picture, with grafitti on the sign, is not of this particular Taco Bell.

John Fritchey: Rahm's Machine Replacement?

2009-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Interesting article in the Chicago Daily Observer about the upcoming election to replace our soon to be former U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel. John Fritchey is the machine candidate and just happens to be yet another a member of the Banks clan in a position to gain more power over our congressional district.

CloutWiki ROCKS!

2009-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

A Google news filter delivered a wonderful link to my E-mail box today. It's CloutWiki at http://www.clouttracker.org. It debuted in September of last year. Essentially, it's a Wikipedia-like compendium of who's who in the Chicago pantheon of politicians. Check out Alderman Banks' profile.

Travel Guide Rips the HIP

2009-01-03T13:15:00.001-08:00

The NFT Guide ("Not For Tourists") states, on their web site, that the Harlem-Irving Plaza has "Every tacky, low-end, wholesale-to-public you could ever want." Now I've seen this black clad book in the bookstores and it may even be sold at the Walden Books in the HIP. I'm not a big fan of the HIP, but they certainly have it wrong. It sounds like they've never even walked into the place. They must have confused it with Gurnee Mills.

Blight on Harlem, Part II

2009-01-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

The latest article in the "Neighborhoods for Sale" series in the Chicago Tribune points out the sidewalk-eating behemoth on Harlem and Addison:

On Harlem Avenue in the 36th Ward, a developer who has given the alderman $3,000 used a zoning change to put up a five-story condo complex despite objections from neighbors. Now the builder is trying to entice potential buyers by offering a year without condo association assessments.

The justification the mayor gives for giving aldermen final say in what gets built in their wards is that if they displease the residents they'll get voted out. This apparently happened in former Bucktown alderman Matlak's loss. But a lot of architectural havoc is wreaked before that happens.

The Guy Behind the Guy: Our State Senator

2008-12-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

Look, it's been over 10 years and I still miss Mike Royko, but John Kass can (occasionally) get pretty darn close when he's writing about our very own Northwest Side pols. This excellent profile of our estimable state senator, James DeLeo (D-"How ya doin?"), is a must read for all northwest side residents. (The problem, I'm afraid, is that many Dunning residents who might even bother to read this will just shrug their shoulders and ask, "So?")

No Bookstores West of Western

2008-12-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

Now that the Guv'nuh is the latest local political shark to jump the shark, can we, the fine citizenry of Chicaguh and Illinois, finally put our collective fist down for honest, decent, and accountable governance from our elected officials? (Okay, maybe only accountability is somewhat plausible.) Or is the bungalow belt too goddamn doltish to believe that anything beyond pay-to-play and old-school machine patronage is possible here in the Windy City?

Oriole Park Community Club

2008-11-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

The residents of Belmont Heights need a voice in the decisions that get made in our community. Nearby Oriole Park has a community club that appears to be an effective neighborhood organization. They should serve as a model for what we can do here. Check it out at http://orioleparkcommunityclub.org.

The Next Depression; Brought to You by Your Friends at the Chicago School of Economics

2008-09-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

I heard an interview with Ann Pettifor on This is Hell (best show on the radio). She has been predicting our current debt crisis for so long now that she seems seems downright psychic. Check out this article on her blog, Debtonation.com.

Chicago's Three Neighborhood Types and Why it Needs a Fourth

2008-09-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

True Chicagoan writes that Chicago needs a fourth type of neighborhood, a type that it doesn't have, one that's ethnically and economically heterogeneous and safe. He identifies three existing neighborhood types: gentrifying, deteriorating, and "family-friendly" (generally the white bungalow belt). Gentrifying neighborhoods are increasingly unaffordable, deteriorating neighborhoods are crime-ridden and, well, deteriorating, and the family-friendly neighborhoods are hyper-fearful of "change" and defensive (and bigoted) because of it. I think a lot of this stems from several historical causes:

Mayor Richard J. Daley's use of the expressways to segregate races in the 50's and 60's.
The racial and social upheaval of the 60's and 70's.
White flight to the suburbs in the 70's and 80's, redlining, rise in crime, and fear of plummeting property values due to the prospect of overnight neighborhood change.

Other cities do seem to have pleasant, affordable, and integrated communities. Chicago should strive to have them too.

19% Real Estate Tax Increase for Dunning

2008-09-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dunning homeowners will see a 19% tax increase this year according to this article from the Sun-Times. Not as high as in the poorer parts of the city (ironically) but not as low as the ritzier parts of town (ironically).

Feds Closing in On Our Very Own Alderman?

2008-06-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

Carol Marin writes in today's Sun-Times that the Feds are trying to close in on Alderman Banks. This is one story that promises to get very interesting. The intriguing question is, if the Alderman is eventually indicted, how will the 36th Ward constituency react? Will they react? Hey, wake UP!!!

Two Die in Separate Belmont Heights Motorcycle Accidents

2008-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Two people were killed in motorcycle accidents in Belmont Heights in as many weeks. One was on a motorcycle and another on a motorbike. The accidents occurred at the intersections of Osceola and Addison and Olcott and Belmont.

Aldermen in Bed With Real Estate?

2008-06-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

What with the O'Connors and our very own Banks families, zoning in Chicago is definitely a family affair.

Operation Crooked Code

2008-05-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

U.S. Attorney General's Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Postal Service's probe into zoning and permits corruption in Chicago has tapped deep into Alderman Banks' organization, it was reported today. Banks cronies named include William Wellhausen, Beny Garneata, and Anthony Valentino.

It ain't so, right Alderman Banks?

Big Blight On Addison and Harlem

2008-05-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the ginormous concrete condominium monolith on the northwest corner of Addison and Harlem? Apparently Godzilla's been moonlighting as an architect. This thing is clearly out of scale and way too close to the street. Like the HIP, the sidewalks are practically consumed as pedestrians cower in its shadow. Once again, as modern urban planners strive to design more pedestrian friendly areas, we're still in the dark ages. Greenery? Hah, don't be silly. Well how did it appear? Were local residents notified or given an opportunity to weigh in? It's typical of the kind of ex cathedra decision making that gets rammed down our throats. We residents of Belmont Heights and Dunning should have more say in construction decisions that impact our neighborhood and property values.

Dunning Sales Way Down For Second Year in a Row

2008-05-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Real Estate Report blog reports that Dunning home sales are down for the third year in a row. 224 homes sold in Dunning last year. Compare that to 354 in 2006 and the all-time peak of 507 in 2005. Average sales price dropped by 24% in '07. The post goes on to predict even lower housing prices for the foreseeable future.