History of Chicago Machine

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

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

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 Here's what I think fans: Chicago's bungalow belt is obsolete.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

"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

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

Creating a Vibrant Community

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.