Sun-Times: The city could still make a play to keep the Bears

Former South Works site

Did someone read my thoughts on the Bears' stadium issue? The one where I propose the Bears come down to the former U.S. Steel South Works site that is waiting for further development? Well I'm not naieve enough to think that I'm the first to come up with, however, I didn't even see this being discussed.

Anyway from a recent Sun-Times editorial:

We could imagine, for instance, a Bears stadium on land owned by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority at 35th Street and Shields Avenue, just north of the White Sox’s ballpark. Part of that deal could include the proper redevelopment of the 70 acres of surface parking — also owned by the ISFA — that surround the ballpark.

Or, if the Bears would prefer another lakefront stadium, the city could offer a piece of the 500-acre former U.S. Steel South Works site. To do that, City Hall would have to bring the land’s owner, U.S. Steel, to the table. But the steelmaker might be wise to listen, given that two decades of redevelopment plans for the land have fluttered and died like Jack Concannon’s forward passes.

At the U.S. Steel site, the Bears would enjoy a nearly blank slate to build on and the result, if done right, could greatly benefit the working-class South Chicago neighborhood.

“So I just ask you, with all the priorities you have of lifting up communities, which is where the priority has to be, let’s not give up on trying to find a place to keep these guys in Chicago,” [Ward 48 Ald. Harry] Osterman said to Cox.

The planning department did not respond to Osterman’s suggestions, other than reissuing a statement from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office. “The mayor,” the statement said, “has said numerous times, our door in City Hall remains open to engage the Bears.”

Ald. Osterman wasn't suggesting any sites for the Bears to consider within the city, but he does want the city to work further on keeping the Bears from going to Arlington Heights, Illinois. I'm glad to see that someone at the Sun-Times sees the former South Works site as a potentially viable option for whatever the Bears want to do around a new NFL stadium.

Time will tell as far as whether or not the Bears will pull a trigger on moving from Soldier Field. Who knows what effort the Mayor of Chicago would make or even if she would be successful in keeping one of the historic NFL franchises from leaving Chicago. 

BTW, I hardly pay attention to the NFL anymore but I wish I had seen their routing of the Las Vegas Raiders.

79th Street from the bus

 

[VIDEO] I'm sharing this with you as hopefully some of you ride route 79 through the Chatham neighborhood. And perhaps some of you may travel further east towards Jeffrey Blvd as YouTuber DrilTrill does on July 16th. We hear a lot of loud noises because sometimes people talk loudly on public transportation.

And to those people who talk on their phones we don't need to hear your address and we don't need to hear your social security number. If you're handling personal business like that please exercise some discretion as you don't know who's quietly listening.

Aside from that tangent we don't know if someone is talking on their phone or not I do know at the beginning we hear someone loudly letting the bus driver know that they're getting off the bus. Either way anyone reading this blog ride the 79 bus. Have any interesting experiences to share?

CBS Chicago: Brothers Who Claim Rev. Michael Pfleger Abused Them Say They Want To Get Truth Out

 

[VIDEO] Brothers who are victims of alleged abuse by longtime St. Sabina parish pastor Father Michael Pfleger were interviewed anonymously by our local CBS affiliated recently telling their story. Earlier this month Father Pfleger was removed from his position from nearby St. Sabina due to these allegations

WGN: CTA bus driver carjacked in employee parking lot Friday afternoon

 

[VIDEO] The incident shown here happened at 77th Bus Garage (210 W. 79th Street). Suspects carjacked a CTA bus driver who gave up his keys and ran. He was still shot at while running but wasn't hit - thank goodness.

This was said to be the third incident of gun violence towards CTA bus drivers with an incident at 57th & Laramie and on the 6 Jeffery Jump.

Be careful out there everyone.

Car crashes into the Whitney Young Library branch

[VIDEO] This happened earlier this afternoon a car crashed into the Whitney Young Library at 79th Street and King Drive. Will repost any new updates when available.

CBS 2 Chicago on the bus shelter at 79th/Cottage Grove

[VIDEO] You might have seen this on our fb page over the weekend. CBS 2 Chicago news picked up the story regarding the missing bench at a bus shelter at 79th & Cottage Grove. Nothing really new to report here, just that the story gained more traction.

CTA, Chicago Police, Alderman Michelle Harris (Ward 8), and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) all want to address the issue of any loitering at this bus shelter.

What's going on with this bus shelter at 79th/Cottage Grove

79th/Cottage Grove bus shelter loitering

You might have seen this photograph circulating on Facebook and I've been trying to determine where at 79th/Cottage Grove this was located. I see in a recent article from Block Club Chi that this was probably in front of the currency exchange on the north east corner of 79th & Cottage.

A bench was removed from this shelter and people who want to just hang out here simply bring their own chairs. I've even seen reports online that although these loiterers may seem menacing at first glance have been courteous enough to offer their chairs to those waiting for a bus. Certainly a plus for any senior citizen who are taking public transit.

However, this is an issue that the police and the 8th Ward Ald. Michelle Harris are looking to take care of the loitering and have taken steps:

Administrators of the Concerned Citizens of Chatham, a popular neighborhood Facebook page, said there were requests to remove the bus shelter bench, as well as one on 71st Street and Indiana Ave., due to the robberies and other “dangerous activities” at both locations.

The shelter bench at 71st Street remained in place as of Sunday.

Harris and 6th District Police Cmdr. Rahman Muhammad said they believe the removals are a good way to combat loitering. But when asked about how the removal affects elderly riders and passengers with disabilities, Harris said the move removal was only temporary.

“Once we get things under control, it will return,” Harris said. “I and Cmdr. Muhammad will be monitoring the intersection for the next week or so, and going from there.”

Muhammad said he is taking a “three-pronged approach” to tackle the problem.

“Firstly, offering those individuals a warning to leave the area, while at the same time giving them job fliers for employment opportunities,” Muhammad said.

Harris and Muhammad are planning to meet with CTA leadership “in the near future” about the issue and possible solutions.

“There will be weekly updates,” said Harris, who added that she hopes to have a meeting with the owner of the nearby currency exchange to persuade them to hire security.

Here's an update with the above photo from Worlee Glover's Concerned Citizens of Chatham

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On The Table at Urban Partnerhip Bank THIS Tuesday

I apologize for this late post, as the information was sent much earlier.

But if you are able to attend, there is at least one open On The Table event in the Chatham area.

If you have additoinal #OnTheTable events, or want to report on yours AFTER the event, contact us at blog+blog@thesixthward.us

Here is the press release for the event

----

Nonprofit Utopia, Providence Bank Invite Local Stakeholders to Write a Memo to the Mayor

Nonprofit Utopia, the ideal community for emerging leaders, and Providence Bank & Trust will host a meetup, On the Table: Memo to the Mayor on May 14, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at Urban Partnership Bank. The bank is located at 7801 South State Street in Chicago. Guests will write a memo to the Mayor, reflecting the results of each table’s conversation, including collective points-of-view; recommendations and ways the Mayor and her administration may address problems, make something better or otherwise follow up.

The target communities for discussion include Chatham, Avalon, Auburn-Gresham, West Chesterfield, Park Manor and Greater Grand Crossing. Guests will break out into 4 groups to discuss issues of concern as they relate to how Mayor Lightfoot can implement policies for individuals around investment and wealth creation; economic development; job creation and affordable housing and related policies.

"Every idea is important", said Valerie F. Leonard, the Founder of Nonprofit Utopia, LLC. "Therefore, our memo will take into account all the ideas shared On the Table". Depending on the pleasure of the group assembled, the memo can be made up of words only; it might include a photo; a vision board; it might even include a poem. It is the guests' opportunity to cast a vision for their local community.

On the Table is sponsored by the Chicago Community Trust, and is a daylong civic conversation involving thousands of people all across Chicago and neighboring communities. All events will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at times convenient to local groups. Friends, co-workers and even strangers gather that day for mealtime conversations about topics that matter to them. This year’s theme is Memo to the Mayor.

Learn more about Nonprofit Utopia at https://nonprofitutopia.mn.co and www.nonprofitutopia.com.

Learn more about Providence Bank & Trust at https://www.providence.bank. Providence Bank & Trust is a Member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Learn more about On the Table events at http://onthetable.com.

Photo: Hurley Green, III

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-table-discussion-with-nonprofit-utopia-and-providence-bank-trust-tickets-60304042013

On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust Tickets, Tue May 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite Eventbrite - Valerie F. Leonard presents On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust - Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Urban Partnership Bank, Chicago, IL. Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.com

On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust Tickets, Tue May 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite Eventbrite - Valerie F. Leonard presents On the Table Discussion with Nonprofit Utopia and Providence Bank & Trust - Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Urban Partnership Bank, Chicago, IL. Find event and ticket information. www.eventbrite.com

Valerie F. Leonard 

Founder, Nonprofit Utopia

Phone: 773-571-3886

E-mail:   valeriefleonard@nonprofitutopia.com Website: https://nonprofitutopia.mn.co

Podcasts: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nonprofitutopia

Coming Soon: Capacity Building Blocks Online

Rant: Community Organizations and the 6th Ward

Worlee Glover shared this rant on Concerned Citizens of Chatham yesterday. Is there truly a disconnect in the 6th Ward between say the western part of the 6th Ward and the eastern part? Basically between say Englewood & Chatham?

Coming soon Chatham Meat & Produce??? #6WardChicago

This was posted to Nextdoor over the weekend as something of an update to the closure of Chatham Food Market

Chatham foods will be closing within a week. EVERYTHING is marked down to 50% off. Fresh meat is brought out daily & I took advantage of the sales. They will be closed for at least 2 months, slated to reopen in June as a MEAT & PRODUCE MARKET!!!! 

Because they're in the remodeling stages and moving many shelving units that haven't been moved in decades??? The store has a peculiar aroma of a stagnant mice farm. Also, if you choose to by can & glass non perishables CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES....

So we're going to get a new iteration of this local grocery store. And I'm a little concerned about the reports of the aroma since we found out about the market's impending closure for renovations.

To be fair, I've only been in the store once and was disappointed when this business was sold to non-Black ownership. On the other hand since it seems the trend has favored larger grocery chains I'm glad that this local business will continue in some way.

It makes me wonder how an independent grocery store could compete with the Jewel, Mariano's, Walmart, Foor 4 Less or Whole Foods of the world.

Chatham Food Market closing?

Photo by Worlee Glover

On Nextdoor it was reported that Chatham Food Market (fka Chatham Food Center) will be closing March 24, 2019. It was also reported in that thread that the property that would be left vacant won't be in that state for long. If you believe the photo above by Worlee Glover which was shot sometime on Sunday (also posted on Nextdoor), perhaps a name change is in store.

Here's a video posted on this blog over a decade ago from YoChicago which featured the previous owner of the grocery store located at 79th & Calumet. [VIDEO]

Tribune: CTA driver jumps out window during shooting on bus in Chatham

Ulric Slovig flickr

Taking the bus out there be very careful. As you see here (or in headline) the bus driver had to dive out of a window to avoid shooting:

A CTA bus driver jumped out a window at the sound of gunfire on his bus late Tuesday in the South Side’s Chatham neighborhood, causing injuries to his neck, back and leg, according to police.

The driver was the only person hurt in the shooting around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday in the 7900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, police said. The shots fired by a rider did not hit anyone.

The shooter got on the bus at 79th Street and Drexel Avenue. Another man got on two blocks west, at 79th and Cottage Grove. Five other passengers were on the bus when the men started to argue, a police source said. The shooter took out a handgun and fired several times at the other man, then ran off the bus, police said. The other man also left the bus before police arrived.

You may have also seen this story on:

• WGN
• Block Club Chi
• CBS Chicago

Status - 79th/State #6WardChicago

Photo taken in October 2009 - 79th/State

You know perhaps I should dust this post off, the vacant lot on the southeast corner of 79th & State Streets has been mentioned by Worlee Glover on Nextdoor. Allow me to share that post with you and then link to a post which was one of the first times we've mentioned this corner.

• Several weeks ago their was a post on Wendy’s that digressed to a discussion on 79th State.   In the post there was a discussion on a proposal to purchase/lease the vacant property at 79th State to build a Culver’s restaurant. 
  
  Statements were made suggesting that the city initiate imminent domain proceeding on the site which would force Carter Temple church to sell the property to the city. 
  
  The church board met this past weekend and decided that they needed to bring in a consultant to evaluate proposals and internal plans and make a recommendation on which was in the church’s best interest. No time frame was given in when a decision will be made. The church board includes local residents State Senator Elgie Sims and businessman Paul Williams. 
  
  Carter Temple which has been in the community for 40 + years purchased the property at 79th State approximately 20 years ago after a long fight with the property owner who had let the property diminish and become a nuisance in the community . The church had a vision to redevelop the building that was presented but found it too costly. The church has indicated they want to build a senior living facility with retail in a multistory building. Subsequently, the pastor at the time Henry Williamson was promoted and left the church. Over the past 15 years the church has had a string of pastors and the there has been differences of opinion within the church about the property. 
  
  The church has sought to stabilize the leadership team with the Rev.Joseph Gordon and board member Sims.
  
  As information comes forth will update.

PHOTOS: 79th & State Street with vacant lot and abandoned building from October 2009

And perhaps it's time to go to that corner and take some updated snapshots, almost 10 years later. Perhaps when the weather warms up or when the snow melts...

Kwanzaa on the 9 #6WardChicago

Sorry for the late notice on this, but if you're not busy this Saturday here's a flyer for an event to take place on Saturday on 532 E. 79th Street!

Pop-ups expected to grow in Chicago thanks to new licensing system

Perhaps an idea for those who own real estate in the community. Create a spot for those "microbusinesses" to come in and establish their businesses. Perhaps this should be a trend in a variety of vacant store fronts or other commercial buildings. What do you all think?

Got wind of the above report from ABC 7 via Ald. Michelle Harris' (Ward 8) fb page.

Black Mall Grand Opening

Found this through an email blast from 6th Ward Ald. Roderick Sawyer

Did you know The Black Mall have a storefront across the street from the BoomBox near 79th/Rhodes? Feel free to follow them on ig @theblackmall

Health & Wellness Fair #6WardChicago

This event will take place tomorrow

Wednesday, October 3, 2018
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

706 E. 79th Street (community room)

The alderman's office, of course!

See the ig post below and feel free to call the alderman's office 773.635.0006

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Greater Chatham Initiative (@gcicommunity) on Sep 30, 2018 at 8:59pm PDT

Curbed Chgo: Kanye West wants to reopen Chicago’s historic Avalon Regal Theater

What has been going on with the Avalon Regal Theater. Some new developments according to Curbed Chicago.

Kanye West wants to reopen Chicago’s historic Avalon Regal Theater https://t.co/FWZdM0zzFi pic.twitter.com/3at6vayHOH

— Curbed Chicago (@curbedchicago) September 10, 2018

The building was purchased out of foreclosure for $100,000 in 2014 by entrepreneur Jerald Gary. The South Shore native hoped to raise funds to cover numerous plumbing, electrical, and tech-related updates. As of Monday afternoon, a crowdfunding campaign had raised about $200 of its $150,000 goal. The property owner says that he already put “over $1 million” of his own money into the theater, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

 

Gary hopes the restored Avalon Regal will be ready in time to host a holographic concert organized by Chicago rapper Chief Keef on September 26. If not, a “hologram truck” with a built-in stage is standing by as a back up and will host the free show in the theater’s adjacent parking lot, says the Sun-Times. 

Meanwhile, the building’s ornate lobby eyes a return to the lineup of the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House Chicago weekend, scheduled for October 13 and 14. The site was abruptly pulled from the last year’s event to comply with a court order requiring the property to remain “vacant and secure,” reported the Chicago Tribune.

Provided the renovations move forward, the Avalon Regal would become the latest historic Chicago movie palace to see new life. Other notable projects include the ongoing redevelopment of Logan Square’s 2,900-seat Congress Theater and the recently announced rehabilitation of the massive, 4,381-seat Uptown Theater. 

[Kanye] West’s interest in the South Side venue was one several Chicago-related tweets published by the celebrity over the weekend. Additionally, West announced plans for a Chicago Yeezy fashion store as well as news that he would be teaching a course at the Art Institute of Chicago.

It's great to know Kanye West is involved in the efforts to restore and ultimately reopen the former movie palace. If the Uptown Theater can garner some excitement with rehabilitation so can the Regal.

 

Poll: Do you know what BoomBox Chatham is?

I missed this over the weekend. Over at Concerned Citizens of Chatham there was a poll over whether or not anyone in the community knows what BoomBox Chatham is. I suppose Worlee Glover is attempting to determine if anyone in the community knows it actually exists.

I'll be on the lookout later however Worlee has been outspoken about the lack of a plan for the BoomBox location at 79th and Rhodes - the site of the demolished Rhodes Theater. And every once in a while our IG page gets tagged by BoomBox on the latest happening at the space. Here's the latest happening as of earlier this month.

Custom T-shirt’s made while you wait. Represent Chatham with a “79th for life” shirt and support a local entrepreneur @blingismybiz. #boomboxchatham #chatham #southside #womanowned #blackowned #chismallbiz #shopboombox #shop79 #79thforlife

A post shared by BoomboxChicago (@boomboxchicago) on Aug 9, 2018 at 2:08pm PDT

#6WardChicago Senior Ice Cream Social Thursday

Last week I posted that and in the title I erroneously typed August 6th.  As is stated in the flyer embed below the ice cream social is on August 9th. My apologies, the previous post on this was corrected.

The 6th Ward Democratic Organization and Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer invites you to come and join them at the 6th Ward senior ice cream social

When: Thursday, August 9, 2018
Time: 11am-1pm
Venue: 6th Ward Community Room
Address: 706 East 79th Street