NHNA BULLETIN BOARD

BEAT 2422 CAPS MEETING

Willye White Recreation Center,
 1610 W. Howard Street

7:00 P.M. on the 2nd Thursday of every month

http://www.caps24.org/

PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS MEETING

 (Harold Washington Playground

 Willye White & Triangle Park)

Willye White Recreation Center

1610 W. Howard Street

7:00 P.M. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

(For current programs & information

 offered by the Chicago Park District

 link here.)

BEAT 2422 CAPS MEETING TONIGHT

BEAT 2422 CAPS MEETING

Gateway Senior Apartments

7450 N. Rogers

7:00 P.M.

Thursday, March 11th

http://www.caps24.org/

OPEN LETTER TO ALDERMAN JOE MOORE

Dear Alderman Moore,

The North Howard Neighbors Association is in the process of carefully reviewing the DevCorp/Rogers Park Business Alliance Plan (http://rogerspark.typepad.com/CommercialCorridorPlan/RP_Full_Plan.pdf) which was completed in 2006.


Our initial review shows that the "Revitalization Strategies for Howard Street" stresses "historic preservation" (see below). The 'development project' regarding the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site, completely ignores that. The ultra-modern glass high-rise building Mr. Aronson presented to the community last night has no aesthetic or viable place on this stretch of Howard Street for obvious reasons.


At this point, we are interested in knowing why the Alderman's office and zoning board would even 'present' this kind of possible development, which is obviously in complete disregard of the DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street (see below)?


Also, we would like to know if the "Handbook for Developers" (see below) that the 2006 'Plan' calls for, has been developed? If so, how may we obtain a copy. If not available and or not developed, why not?


We will continue to raise community questions and concerns as we further review the 'Plan' as it impacts Mr. Aronson's specific development proposal for the Wisdom Bridge Theatre site on Howard Street.


Thanks in advance for your responses.


Mike Luckenbach
North Howard Neighbors Association


Bcc: NHNA Members, Rogers Park residents and various Media


Please be aware that this information request and all responses will be shared in the public domain.


References: The 2006 DevCorp/RP Business Alliance Plan


From the 'Plan':
Design and Appearance - Improve the appearance of the streets and buildings to cultivate a distinct district identity and encourage more pedestrian activity through better signs, greater cleanliness and physical improvements.


 Howard Street: The efforts on Howard Street will emphasize historic preservation and the reduction of commercial vacancies.


 Howard Street: The efforts on Howard Street will emphasize enforcing building codes, installing seasonal decorations and unique street identifiers, hosting festivals and completing the Howard Street streetscape. Historic preservation and the reduction of commercial vacancies should also be emphasized.


Develop a Handbook for Developers in Rogers Park


As there are currently no guidelines for new development in Rogers Park, DevCorp North should work closely with the Alderman’s office and the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee to assemble a task force to develop such a Handbook. Development Handbook Guidelines would include recommendations for general design and appearance (e.g. be context appropriate/sensitive, avoid block construction, vinyl siding, Dryvit/stucco)


The Alderman Responds:


From: AldMoore@aol.com
To: luckenbach@rcn.com
Cc: (removed by nhna for privacy purposes)
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 3:11 PM
Subject: Re: FW: The DevCorp/RP Business Alliance 'Plan'?


Mike,


You write: "At this point, we are interested in knowing why the Alderman's office and zoning board would even 'present' this kind of possible development, which is obviously in complete disregard of the DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street (see below)?"


Quite frankly, I'm rather surprised you would even ask that question. I have never viewed myself, nor has the 49th ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee ever viewed itself, as the final arbiter of what development proposals are "worthy" of community review. Both the Committee and I review development proposals and make suggestions to the developers prior to community meetings. Sometimes those suggestions are incorporated into the proposed design. Sometimes the Committee and I wait and see what the community thinks of the project.


You would be the first person to complain, and rightly so, if I acted as gatekeeper and prevented a legitimate proposed project from public review. The Business Alliance plan is just that--a plan or set of guidelines. It is not the holy grail. The Committee, which has on its ranks several Business Alliance board members, and I use it as a guideline to help us analyze development proposals on Howard Street. The guidelines are by their very nature general in scope. It is up to us and the community to determine whether a particular project falls within the scope of the plan.


As one example of this need for a broad approach, you stress the emphasis on "historic preservation." As was noted last night, the preservation of the Wisdom Bridge Theater is not economically feasible. And I would add that it is safe to say the building immediately to its east is not historically significant. Do we preserve those buildings at all costs in the name of "historic preservation" or do we examine the possibility that a new development might be a better use for the site? It's certainly something worthy of discussion by the broader community, and should not be subject to aldermanic fiat.


With respect to your request for a Developer's Handbook, I will refer you to the Rogers Park Business Alliance.


Finally, I note your e-mail is written in the third person. In the interest of full transparency, who besides yourself is the North of Howard Neighbors Association? Do you have regular meetings? If so, when do you meet? If someone is interested in becoming a member, how do they go about joining? And why did you blind copy "NHNA Members, Rogers Park residents and various Media" in your e-mail to me? Don't you think these unnamed individuals would be interested in and entitled to reading my response to your inquiries in an unedited and unfiltered fashion?


Thanks for attending the meeting last night, and sharing your thoughts. I will advise you and others as to the next step in the review process for the proposed development.


Joe Moore


My Response:


Joe,

The question is asked because the development proposal Mr. Aronson presented last night is totally out of touch with and in complete disregard to 'your' 2006 DevCorp/RP Business Alliance development 'plan' for Howard Street. Perhaps if your office did more to insist on at least some semblance of following 'your' established "plans or guidelines", our Rogers Park 'community development' wouldn't be in such a sorry hodgepodge, helter-skelter mess with numerous failed projects scattered about and the resulting empty lots and holes pock-marking our community. One only need to look at the Edgewater community, the 48th Ward, as guided by Alderman Smith, to see the difference that is made when community leadership provides clear, concise and adhered to, community development guidelines and plans, with real neighborhood input (block clubs) forming a basis for solid planning and future thinking on community development.
With respect to the 'Developers Handbook' the DevCorp North/Business Alliance 2006 'Plan' states..."As there are currently no guidelines for new development in Rogers Park, DevCorp North should work closely with the Alderman’s office and the 49th Ward Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee to assemble a task force to develop a Development Handbook." I appreciate you referring me to the 'Alliance' for the Developers Handbook. Am I to assume that means such a Handbook does exist?

Regarding your interest in the NHNA;  the membership of the North Howard Neighbors Association is comprised of ALL people living North of Howard and any other Rogers Park residents who wish to be included. There are no formal or scheduled meetings or dues. Living NoH automatically makes one a 'resident' member. We do maintain an active data base of contact information for those who wish to be kept informed and up to date on issues affecting our neighborhood. That data base currently numbers 98 individuals/households. Our mission statement/purpose is clearly stated on our blog as follows:
North Howard Neighbors Association "The NHNA was formed in February 2003 to provide the North of Howard neighborhood, (historically known as Germania) with a forum, giving all North of Howard residents full representation and a voice in all issues affecting our past, present and future community direction, development and quality of life. "CONSULTATION NOT NOTIFICATION"!"
Anyone wishing to 'join' the NHNA should contact me direct: luckenbach@rcn.com or 773-465-2433.

FYI, I blind copy our members and my media contacts as a way of protecting their privacy, while keeping them informed. And rest assured Joe, your replies to NHNA inquires are always copied to the members, without ANY editing or filtering.
Mike
NHNA
Bcc: NHNA members, Rogers Park residents and various media. 

REPOST REMINDER RE: COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT

Announcement From 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore:

Community Meeting on Proposed Development at

1557-61 W. Howard

Dear Neighbor,
I am writing to invite you to attend a community meeting to review a proposal for a new residential and commercial development at 1557-61 W. Howard (currently the site of the old Wisdom Bridge Theater building and the former DevCorp North office building). The meeting will be held on Monday, February 22nd, 7:00 p.m., at Willye White Park Fieldhouse, 1610 W. Howard.

Developers Richard Aronson and Scott Sinar will present their proposal for a seven-story mixed-use building. The building would contain 60 residential units and 15,000 to 30,000 square feet of commercial space. The proposal would also include 60-75 parking spaces located within the building.

The first three floors of the proposed development would contain parking and retail and office space. No commercial or office tenants have been identified, but the developers have indicated a desire to locate a live theater company at the site. The top four floors would consist of either condominiums or rental units depending on market conditions at the time of completion of the project.

The property currently is zoned B3-3. A zoning change to B3-5 would be required to allow for the proposed development.

I have attached below a rendering and floor plans for the proposed development.

1557-61 W Howard Elevations[1].pdf (1242 KB)

1557-61 W Howard Floor_Plans[1].pdf (481 KB)

I urge you to attend the meeting to provide your opinions of the proposal. If you are unable to attend, please feel free to reply to this e-mail (ward49@cityofchicago.org) with your thoughts and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Joe Moore

REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE IN 'GERMANIA'/NOH

(click to enlarge)

This property was featured on the North of Howard Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society House Tour last spring. It is truly a one of a kind 'gem' and is in excellent condition, lovingly maintained and cared for by the owner/occupant. For more information and/or additional photographs contact Mike at luckenbach@rcn.com or 773-465-2433.
MLS #07409559

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Please pass the following email/information on to your friends and neighbors:

Eva and Toni,

Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7) is National Walk and Roll to School Day. It’s a national day to celebrate fitness and encourage students to walk/bike/roll to school rather than drive.

In schools across the country activities and fests are held to celebrate.

The exciting news is that the Mayor’s Fitness Council, a group I am on, selected gale School as one of the two schools for this year. What this means is we will be at Gale from 7:45-8:45 helping to lead fitness stations with the students. The principal and community leaders will briefly speak and then they will lead the school in a morning stretch followed by an energized walk around the school./park.

Girls in the Game agreed to help lead, as we are trying to connect the girls at gale with Willye White Park. What we still need are 4-5 volunteers who can come help us with activities – for the boys and girls.

Anyone you can pass this too – I’d be most appreciative! I know people are busy – but we just need 1 HOUR of their time!!

They can email me or call me at the office 312.633.4263.

Amy

Amy Skeen MSW, LCSW
Executive Director
Girls in the Game
Union Park Fieldhouse
1501 West Randolph
Chicago, IL 60607
Office: 312.633.GAME (4263)
Fax: 312.633.4897
www.girlsinthegame.org

OFFICIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY AND CELEBRATION!

(click to enlarge)

Read Fred Mitchell's coverage in today's Tribune!

NORTH OF HOWARD WALK TONIGHT!

Greetings Neighbors and Friends,

Join us for another walk North of Howard this Friday, September 11th at 7:00 p.m.. We will meet in front of the Willye White Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard.

All are welcome,

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitor, Beat 2422
h: 773-761-8206
c: 773-495-8725
elm@clstoons.com

PARK WATCH WORKSHOP AND ORIENTATION TONIGHT

Hi Neighbors:

TONIGHT, Aug. 26, at Willye White Rec Center, from 7-8pm, there will be a PARK WATCH orientation from Mayra Gomez, who does this sort of thing for 2 police districts, 24 and 20. So she knows her stuff.

This will operate similar to a BLOCK WATCH, only the focus will be our three parks North of Howard. We will be registered as an official entity with the Chicago Police Department, and when we call for assistance, we are better equipped to know what/how to talk to 911 and get police action. You will also learn more about the city ordinances that cover the regulations and use of the city parks & playlots and the responsibilities of the police (since 1958), and the Park District. BE INFORMED and INVOLVED.

In addition, I know some of you may have novel ways of getting cooperation from the youth in our neighborhood and building a raporie with them which will go a long way to making our neighborhood and it's parks and the playlot safe and enjoyable places to be.

The goal is to get at least 2-3 dozen people involved in PARK WATCH, so that no one person or group has to carry the burden alone. AND it can be fun. It CAN be a good way for you to take that first step in getting involved in the community and taking responsibility to help it develop and grow to be an REAL community, not just a community where groups live side by side, but never interact with each other.

Thank you,
Sr. Cecilia Fandel,Chairperson
NoH Park's Safety Committee

NATURE'S BEAUTY

(click photo to enlarge)

"Carl's Lily"

BEAT 2422 CAPS MEETING IN THE HWM PLAYLOT

Greetings All,

This is a reminder that Beat 2422 will hold it's monthly meeting in Harold Washington Playground, 7710 N. Paulina, tonight, Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Bring a chair to sit in as seats are scarce.

Look forward to seeing you,

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitator, Beat 2422

BEAT 2422 COMMUNITY WALK TONIGHT

Experience the sights North of Howard this evening at 7:00 p.m.. Meet us at the Willye White Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard. All are welcome including your four legged pals on leashes. We look forward to seeing you there.

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitator, Beat 2422

PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY'S FATHER'S DAY FEST FUNDRAISER

(click photos to enlarge)

For more photos and coverage go to:

24/7 North of Howard Watchers!

AN INFREQUENT SIGHT AT THE CHILDREN'S PLAYLOT

Age appropriate children, with responsible adult supervision, having a wonderful outing at the Harold Washington Memorial Playlot.

(click photos to enlarge)

This is why so many of us worked for over 10 years to get the HWM Playlot built. I am currently serving as the President of the Park Advisory Council for the Playlot and urge and encourage residents of the community to join us at our monthly meetings, the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7PM, at the Willye B. White Park Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard Street. We need your input, ideas, support and involvment. If you have questions please contact me at luckenbach@rcn.com or 773-465-2433.

Mike luckenbach

TONIGHTS CAPS MEETING REMINDER

This month's BEAT 2422 CAPS meeting at 7:00 P.M. tonight, will be held in Triangle Park, at Hermitage Avenue and Juneway Terrace in the NorthWest corner of the North of Howard neighborhood. If you're not sure of the location of Triangle Park click on the map to locate. In the event of rain the meeting will be held at the Willye White Park Recreation Center at 1610 West Howard Street.

http://www.caps24.org/

UP DATE: A MEETING REMINDER FROM SISTER CECILIA

Hi everyone:

Because of the threat of bad rain, we WILL meet at

Willye White Recreational Center on 1610 Howard street

Still 7-8pm.

spread the word.

See you there.

Cecilia

Original Meeting Announcement

Hi everyone:

Triangle Park council meeting on Tues at 7pm in Triangle Park.

Triangle Park Advisory Council Meeting – June 2, 2009 7:00-8:00

Held at Triangle Park Picnic Area – Bring a chair or campstool.

Here is the Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Meeting with Derek Martin, North Region Area Supervisor

3. Peace Pole Project – where to put it, a peace garden also?

4. Cultural Festival – Jamaican community members will explore ideas on celebrating Jamaican Independence Day (Aug. 6) some weekend near that date.

5. What other event could Triangle Park hold before November?

6. Information on Grant Proposal to obtain exercise stations.

7. By- law changes will be noted for discussion. Approval in July.

8. Other events coming up at Willye White Park.

9. Next meeting date: July 7.

Cecilia

COMMUNITY WALK THIS EVENING

From CAPS Facilitator Eva McCann:

"Walkers Needed for a lovely stroll through North of Howard (Germania) at 7:00 p.m. this evening.
Meet in front of Willye B. White Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard.
Frolic in the parks for a bit and
End our pleasant little romp

back where we began at 8:00 p.m.
Add a little adventure to your evening

and join the fun.
Hope to see you this evening."

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitator, Beat 2422
h: 773-761-8206
c: 773-495-8725
elm@clstoons.com

MUST READ

A big loss for the students (and teachers) at Gale Math & Science Academy and, as a result, our community at large.
Read it here in the Lake Effect News!

NEWS RELEASE

VETERAN CHICAGO REPORTER STARTS ONLINE NEWS SITE
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15, 2009

Lorraine Swanson, 16-year veteran reporter and former editor of the Chicago Journal's News-Star, will debut her own online news site next week. Called 'Lake Effect News' (LEN), it will cover news and events in Chicago's North lakefront communities. Lake Effect News will be up and running before May 22, 2009.

Lake Effect News (www.lakeeffectnews.com) will be a daily online news site. It will be updated throughout the day, offering up a daily dish of politics, crime reports, development updates, school information, entertainment tips and more, all with a hyper-local focus.

Lake Effect News will focus on Rogers Park, West Ridge, Edgewater, Andersonville, Uptown, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, North Center, Lake View, Albany Park and other neighborhoods. LEN will combine traditional journalistic values with multi-media news presentation. Swanson has long made community journalism a personal commitment. She has covered Chicago's North Side from Howard Street to Roosevelt Road for Lerner Newspapers, Pioneer Press and, most recently, Chicago Journal. She resides in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.

"We'll focus on those neighborhoods, but if something else is happening in the Chicago region that affects our readers we will certainly write about it," Swanson said. "For that matter, if something happens anywhere in the world that impacts our neighborhoods, it's on our radar."

"Now more than ever our lakefront communities need an independent neighborhood news outlet," Swanson said, "We haven't asked for a grant and don't want one. We won't pander to readers and have no hidden agenda. In fact, we love to expose hidden agendas."

"Much of what transpires in the Chicago City Council is hammered out in neighborhood church halls, school gyms and community meeting rooms," Swanson said. "The traditional neighborhood print newspaper has always served the role of watchdog. We want to continue that role online, with our strong personal commitment to and interest in neighborhood-level news. Unlike a traditional newspaper, we're more environment-friendly and none of our issues will ever end up in a puddle on your front yard."

Welcome back Lorraine!

We wish you much success!

CONGRATULATIONS SISTER CECILIA FANDEL

Inducted into the

'Chicago Senior Citizen Hall of Fame'

May 3rd, 2009.