Mayor urges council to approve third Wal-Mart

Looks like the Mayor wants movement on that Wal-Mart at Chatham Market:

Mayor Daley today urged the City Council to approve Chicago's third Wal-Mart — at 83rd and Stewart in Chatham — to send a message loud and clear that Chicago is open for business.

Daley acknowledged that he didn't need the City Council to take action. He has the power to grant administrative approval for the Chatham Walmart without aldermanic approval.

But the mayor said he decided to let Finance Committee chairman Ed Burke (14th) take the lead in ending the six-year stalemate.

That is expected to happen Friday.

"If mayor daley does it, the boss does it. He's gonna ram it right through," the mayor said at a news conference at Prosser High School. "You have to educate your alderman that people don't have jobs."

Keith Tate on the threats to police officers

Click picture to watch video

With regards to that e-mail you've seen an excerpt from in a post from yesterday (you can also watch the video):

"My true hope is we don't fall into a scenario of The Lord of the Flies, you know where there's lawlessness and things of that nature happening within our community, because it's a lose-lose situation for everybody," said Keith Tate reacting to the text message.

Tate is the President of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council.
...
"Police, their primary objective is to maintain communities and also exhibit authority, when their authority is needed to be exhibited. I would hope that anything like that, that's being said, can and should not be, taken as a truism because we're going to work continually to make our community strong and more viable," Tate said.

The threat to officers working in the Chatham community comes just two months after the death of Officer Thomas Wortham IV in Chatham, right in front of his family's home.

Tate has not only been the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council President for the past 14 years, he's also a close Wortham family friend.

"In the Wortham situation, it was not just the Wortham family, it was four additional families. So it's important that people understand, that we are our brothers' keepers. That we need to make sure, that we take care of each other," said Tate.

Hat-tip 2nd City Cop!

PHOTO: That is quite a pothole @ 96th & Prairie

I posted this photo on the Facebook page on Monday. I walked by on Saturday on my way to work and noticed there was a cat lying in this deep hole. By Monday the cat was decomposing as you see here.

This hole has been there for months perhaps since either last summer or last fall.

Capitol Fax: The Great Chicago Train Wreck

Well this post was better off fresh, but I didn't allow myself a chance to post this yesterday. By now you should know that Mayor Daley has been taking a beating poll wise over the weekend. The Tribune took a poll that showed that 31% wants to see Daley re-elected.

At this point most of us are uncertain that Daley will run for re-election or that anyone else would be willing to step up to the plate and run against him. In addition to that if someone does run against the Mayor, it's not certain that they would be able to beat him either. According to the Capital Fax link (with regards to polling about the Mayor) in 2007 41% wanted to see him re-elected but took 71% of the vote that year.

Either way what brought this to mind was going back to that FOX Chicago story that I had linked to earlier:

Police officers told FOX Chicago on Tuesday that the threat underscores the need to get more uniformed officers on the street. The department is 600 officers short of a full staff of 13,200. Another thousand officers are on sick leave.

Some Chicago aldermen are urging Mayor Daley to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to pay for more police. The TIF fund is flush with half a billion dollars set aside for city projects.

However, Mayor Daley rejects the idea of using TIF funds.

"So when you go off budget, and you say 'we're gonna take money from here, here and here,' how do you replace all that money?" he asked. "How do you come back and create something like this? Affordable housing, retail, how do you create jobs?"

Hmmm, to be sure I hear a lot about this TIF issue. The concern I see is where the money is taken from and where the money is going. More police protection amongst other issues is a good reason to go into TIF funds, but in that quote Daley rejects that idea.

Back to the polling story, on the issue of crime do you think Daley is at all that engaged on that issue?

Either way here's what Rich Miller says about "The Great Chicago Train Wreck":

“The city that works” doesn’t. It’s an old cliche, but it certainly applies.

The middle class is being squeezed hard by high taxes and fees and service that gets worse every day, not better.

Expensive parking meters are springing up all over the city where meters have never been. It’s never cost more to take a bus or a train, yet the service has never been worse. Billions are spent on downtown, while neighborhoods crumble. None of Daley’s big projects were done properly because he wanted them done so fast. Midway’s remake was a disaster, for instance. Millennium Park had so many retrofits that the grass where the general public watches band shell concerts couldn’t be sloped for fear that it would collapse the entire thing. So, nobody can see what’s going on except the swells up front.

The schools still suck. The streets aren’t even close to being safe. Remember Natasha McShane and Stacy Jurich, the women who were beaten half to death in Bucktown? There’s a far different vibe in the city now, and the murders of three police officers in the past two months has gotta have residents on edge. Police cameras are everywhere, but crime is legitimately freaking people out.
...

Chicago has failed its people. Illinois has failed its largest city. The federal government has failed one of the nation’s greatest cities.

Why doesn’t the city launch an all-out war on the gangs with the state and federal governments? They infest everything now.

Why not try new ideas in the city’s schools? A friend of mine in Kansas City sends her daughters to a fantastic French immersion charter school. She’s the widow of my best friend and we’d all love her to move to Chicago, but there’s nothing even remotely like that school in Chicago’s public system.

Why not take some of that bloated TIF fund and put it towards hiring more cops?

Why raise CTA fares just enough to barely get by but never enough to make the system decent again?

Most importantly, why isn’t the mayor asking why?

It’s time for fresh thought and a complete do-over. Top to bottom. And Daley is far from fresh.

We have a lot of work to do in this city. Unfortunately who do we trust to take care of the various issues of this city? Do we trust Mayor Daley to do this?

Right now Daley is at the plate. And unfortunately there aren't too many people stepping up to the plate currently. Miller is correct however to say that it's definitely time for some fresh thoughts. Who has any?

Police Uniform No Longer Guarantees Officer Safety

Jay Levine @ CBS2 discussing the fallout from the shooting death of Police Officer Michael Bailey. Here's something you should know if you haven't already:

Hillard had heard about the text message sent warning that gang members might be targeting police in Chatham, where Officer Thomas Wortham IV was killed back in May. There have been similar threats before, he said.

All you can do, said the former superintendent with two kids of his own, on the force today, is hope and pray, and wish for the good luck that nothing ever happens to them or any other Chicago sons and daughters, husbands and wives who risk their lives, to protect ours.

If that first paragraph is true we may have bigger problems than thought. There has been a lot of analysis since it appears that there were thugs out there willing to target a police officer only to steal his car. Unlike Thomas Wortham who wasn't in uniform Officer Bailey was.

UPDATE: Here's more on that subject from FOX Chicago:

An email warning Chicago police that gang members would be trying to kill them has officers on alert.

The email was written on Monday, apparently by a member of the Chicago Police Department's SWAT team.

The subject line said: "FYI--Officer safety." The email goes on to say "per area two detectives, phone calls were received in both the 3rd and 6th Districts in which the caller stated 'More police will be shot. Gangbangers in the area are passing the word. Every night they will be ambushing police in the Chatham area.'"

Three Chicago police officers have been murdered in the past few months, and two of those murders happened in the Chatham neighborhood where they lived.

Well Bailey's murder was actually in the Park Manor neighborhood not Chatham, but both neighborhoods are contained within the 6th!

Both via CapFax morning shorts!

Prayer vigil at 74th & Evans

Park Manor Neighborhors prayer vigil

Got this in an email from the Greater Chatham Alliance. This vigil is in honor of Chicago Police Officer Michael Bailey who was murdered outside of his home one early morning after work. He worked on the security detail for Mayor Daley.

If you are able to make this vigil please let us know what happened there. Post a comment in this post or send an e-mail @ thesixthward [at] 1chicago [dot] net. Please replace the [at] and the [dot] with the appropriate symbols, FYI. ;)

Quinn campaign video

Ald. Lyle is in this video featuring Pat Quinn signing a new gun bill into law right at Cole Park on Monday.

Mayor Richard Daley, Gov. Pat Quinn and a host of other Democratic politicians gathered Monday at a South Side park to boast of a new law mandating prison time for gun-toting thugs -- but ended up facing a barrage of questions about whether they are doing enough to combat crime.

The setting, Cole Park in the Chatham neighborhood, was chosen because Chicago police Officer Thomas Wortham IV recently was gunned down outside his parents' nearby home. The suspects are young men, including one who Daley said was recently paroled on the kind of gun charge targeted by the new law.

The Daley-backed law, signed by Quinn at the park, sets a minimum sentence of one year in prison for someone convicted of carrying a loaded handgun without a state firearm owner's identification card. Previously, probation was possible.

The event was planned in part to honor Wortham, but it took on even more significance after Sunday's fatal shooting of uniformed off-duty Officer Michael Bailey two miles away in another middle-class, 6th Ward neighborhood battling violence.

So the 2010 gubernatorial contest has reached the Chatham neighborhood. This time with Pat Quinn taking on the issue of crime. Bill Brady last fall was on the issue of jobs when he visited Chatham Market, the site of the proposed Chatham Wal-Mart.

Big Band Jazz Concert Featuring The Merchants in Cole Park

Big Band Jazz Concert Featuring The Merchants
Date: 07/22/10
Start Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: free
Location : Nat King Cole Park

361 E. 85th St.
Chicago, 60619
312.747.6063

Mather's More Than a Cafe Receives Fourth Digital Divide Grant

From a recent press release....

Mather's More Than a Cafe Receives Fourth Digital Divide Grant

Illinois Department of Commerce Grant Allows Older Adults to Receive Discounted Computer Training

Chicago, IL. (July 16, 2010) �

Since receiving its first Digital Divide grant in 2004, Mather's More Than a Cafe locations in three Chicago neighborhoods have provided computer training to more than 2,500 older adults. Now, a fourth grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce will continue the program and provide inexpensive computer training to Cafe customers. Mather's More Than a Cafe locations include 7134 West Higgins Avenue, 3235 North Central Avenue, and 33 East 83rd Street.

According to new research, older adults are adopting computer skills at a fast rate. More than 25 percent of Americans 50 years and older stay connected using sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. And nearly half of older adults, aged 50 to 64, say they are savvy about the Internet. "

"We are making it very easy and affordable for Mather's customers to learn how to use a computer," said Betsie Sassen, Executive Director, Cafe Development. "We are offering four levels of regularly priced $50 classes for just $10." The computer classes will allow participants to learn the basics as well as advanced techniques. Classes are two hours each, meet once weekly, and run for one month.

In speaking about her computer training experience at Mather's on 83rd, one student said: "I wanted to learn to use the computer but it never was the right time for me until I heard about this opportunity. I am encouraged to learn what I was avoiding all these years."

The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded Mather's More Than a Cafe funding to "Bridge the Digital Divide." The program allows the Cafe to reduce computer class fees for Levels 1-4 to $10 per level. The program will continue until funds are depleted.

Once funds are depleted the Cafe will return to regular fee schedules pertaining to both customers and Mather Advantage Discount participants.

Information and schedules for the computer classes are available by calling: (773) 488-2911

About Mather LifeWays: Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather LifeWays enhances the lives of older adults by creating Ways to Age Well. Founded in 1941 by entrepreneur and humanitarian Alonzo Mather, Mather LifeWays is a unique not-for-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing a continuum of living and care; making neighborhoods better places for older adults to live, work, learn, contribute, and play; and identifying, implementing, and sharing best practices for wellness, workforce issues, memory care support, and empowering caregivers.

To learn more about our senior residences, community initiatives and Institute on Aging, please call (847) 492.7500 or find your way to www.mathersmorethanacafe.com.

Don't suppose some of those lessons could include blogging...?

Chicago Police Officer Killed in Park Manor

Story courtesy of CBS News

Chicago Police Officer Mike Bailey, 62, was shot and killed outside his home in the Park Manor neighborhood on July 18, 2010, after returning home from a shift guarding Mayor Richard M. Daley's home.

He spent 20 years on the job and was ready to retire in a few weeks. But Sunday night, fallen Chicago officer Mike Bailey is being remembered. Just hours after signing off from duty on the mayor's home protection detail, Bailey was shot and killed.

It's devastating for many, and not just for Bailey's family, but the entire police force. Men and women are now coping with the third shooting death of an off-duty officer in the last two months.

A long line of police cruisers traveled a far too familiar path Sunday morning, escorting the body of slain officer Michael Bailey from Northwestern Memorial Hospital to the medical examiner's office for a murder investigation.

"Words cannot express the shock and outrage and sorrow we feel at the loss of a Chicago police officer. This is the third brave officer killed since May," said Assistant Police Superintendent Beatrice Cuello.

For much of the day, the area in front of Bailey's Park Manor home was busy with detectives collecting clues from a street littered with bullet casings. As many as three guns were found at the scene as family members like John Holmes try to cope.

"Everyone is sad --- and this happens too frequently," said Holmes, who is the cousin of Bailey's wife.

Officer Bailey spent the night on detail guarding Mayor Dailey's home. At 6 a.m., still in uniform, Bailey returned to his own house, cleaning out the new Buick he purchased for his retirement next month. Police sources say that's when as many as three suspects opened fire in an attempted robbery of the 62-year-old near the intersection of 74th Street and Evans Avenue. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died at about 6:40 a.m.

The officer -- still in uniform-- managed to fire his duty weapon, but it's unclear whether anyone was wounded.

"He was coming home from work," Ald. Freddrena Lyle (6th) said. "He was out there shining up his new car and somebody accosted him. How do you convince people to stay in a community when you have armed police officers shot down? It's devastating... It's like a war out here."

"The sadness is that we have laws on the books to stop this, but people have no fear for the consequences of what they do," said Holmes.

Neighbors said they knew Bailey as 'Big Mike,' the vice president of their block club who'd stop for a cigarette outside his home after a shift. He was looking forward to his retirement, they said.

"Big Mike was the guy who kept this block straight," neighbor Faia Malik, said. "This neighborhood has fallen. This is random violence — everybody knew who Big Mike was."

Longtime friend Stephanie Tatum, said Bailey was godfather to her two sons.

"I don't believe it. You never think it would have happened," Tatum said. "He made it this long. They are just killing cops like they are crazy."

"He was a wonderful man he was like a father of the block, he was wonderful," said neighbor Kiana McMahn.

She said Bailey's kindness included teaching many here to confront stress through meditation. Others remember him as president of the Community Block Watch Association, trying to keep others safe in his off-duty life.

"He was a wonderful man; he was concerned about his community," said neighbor Lillie Nix, who served on the community watch with him.

"I couldn't believe it. I screamed, I cried," neighbor Guylidia Hester said. "I wanted to go up to him but I couldn't."

Now she just wants to be able to comfort his grieving wife and console her over the loss of a man she calls a sweet angel.

"I'm scared to even look at her right now," Hester said. "I can't. It's so emotional right now."

Outside the hospital where Bailey died Sunday, members of the force gathered to show their respect in yet another instance of a murdered colleague.

"The frequency in which we are experiencing this is disturbing but it does go along with what's happening in our communities and it's unfortunate," said Mark Donahue, president of the police officer's union.

Daley was stunned and outraged when he heard of the officer's death.

"This is a tragic, stunning reminder of the senseless violence that stalks too many of our neighborhoods. Another Chicago Police officer gunned down, this time just weeks before leaving a long career of protecting Chicago. It's absolutely outrageous," Daley said. "Our prayers go out to the family of Officer Bailey. I knew him; he was a good man. He did not deserve this."

Police sources say Bailey's son, who was home at the time, tried to run after the suspects. They are said to have driven away in a tan Ford pickup truck possibly with bullet holes on the side. Detectives are searching for a black male, between the ages of 19 and 21, with "very short hair," and a tall, slim build. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and a brown belt.

Independent Police Review Authority and Calumet Area detectives are investigating. If anyone has information, contact police at (312) 747-8272.

Bailey is the third Chicago Police officer to be shot and killed since May. On July 7, Officer Thor Soderberg was shot and killed with his own weapon outside a police facility at 61st and Racine.

And late on the night of May 19, Officer Thomas Wortham IV was shot and killed outside of his parents' home as four men tried to steal his motorcycle.

Sunday morning, those fallen officers and thousands of others killed in the line of duty were remembered during a memorial ride.

"2010 has been a bad year for us-- Allan Haymaker, Thomas Wortham, Thor Soderberg and today Michael Bailey," said Officer Curt Kiebels of the Wheaton Police Department.

Former Police Superintendent Phil Kline lead more than 100 cyclists in a moment of silence for the latest Chicago police officer to die on Chicago's streets.

The cyclists came from all over the state to ride from police headquarters to the Gold Star Memorial honoring the more than 550 Chicago police officers killed in the history of the department. Many were fellow officers who started the ride four days earlier, more than 350 miles downstate.

"We all hope that none of us have to use the organization, but we all come together to raise awareness, to raise money, and to help those in their darkest hour when a situation like that does occur," Kline said.

Fifteen-year-old Riley Kralik knows about that darkest hour. She lived it when her uncle John Walsh was killed in Joliet six years ago. She knows how it felt then and how the love and support of other officers helped with her recovery. That's why she traveled to Chicago from her Tennessee home.
They were always there for u, so coming back and helping the new survivors grieve with everything they need makes me feel better," she said.

Several of the Illinois cops who rode across Illinois did so in honor of Officer Alex Valadez who was gunned down in June of last year. Valadez's sister, Brenda, says such support has meant everything to her family.

"It means so much to us and we want to express that same gratitude to the other families," she said.

It's what the late Thomas Wortham did for her family when he travelled with them to Washington to pay tribute to her murdered brother at a national police memorial. That was in May. Her seven-year-old son Adam made the trip and got to know Officer Wortham just days before he too was shot dead.

Complete story at http://cbs2chicago.com/local/police.officer.killed.2.1810874.html

7801 S Cottage Grove: One year later

Over a year has passed since this blog brought up the subject of 7801 S. Cottage Grove Chicago, Il 60619. The building has been in disrepair for many years which has led for some to call for the property to be demolished.

The city of chicago asked for proposals to rehab the building and we had several http://thesixthward.blogspot.com/2009/08/input-on-proposals-at-7801-s-cottage.html.

Now one year later we still have a building in disrepair. What is the status of this building?

Chatham Business Association Awards dinner -- NOT in Chatham?!

Saw this sign for the Chatham Business Association's annual awards gala, to be held on September 17, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

Why isn't it being held at some place such as Captain Hard Times Dining? It's a perfect place for an awards banquet (or a wedding reception, or other special events)

Seems kind of strange that an organization that is supposed to promote business in the neighborhood is taking it (necessarily?) out of the neighborhood, no?

Unless there isn't capacity in our neighborhood, why not have it here?

Now, if there are so many attendees that it might not be practical to have it at Captain's. But if the only issue might be parking, perhaps they could provide complimentary valet service (using places such as Ruggles School and local businesses).

Let's hope other community leaders continue to use the meeting rooms of businesses such as Army & Lou's and Chatham Pancake House.

First Time Homebuyers Class

Greater Chatham Alliance hosts community group leaders...

From an e-mail sent today...

Dear Greater Chatham Alliance members and Chatham neighbors:

This Saturday, July 17, GCA is proud to host a rare opportunity to
meet the CEO/Presidents of the largest 6th Ward CommunityGroups.
You will get to meet and hear from:
= Eli Washington, CEO of the Chesterfield Community Council
= Darlene Tribue, President of Park Manor Neighbors Community
Council
= Michael LaFargue, Vice-President of the West Chesterfield Community Organization

We are still awaiting word on the attendance of Keith Tate, President of the
Chatham-Avalon Community Council.

But here's your chance to get an overview of what is going on in communities neighboring Chatham in the 6th Ward.

You'll learn what the priority issues are --and what we allneed to do together.As our new president Madelyn James said in her invitationto these groups, it promises
to be a lively discussion. Andwe hope your questions will be equally up to the
occasion.

Plus, Toya Bey, our Safety & Security Chairman, will have the
information you need to know about the new handgunlaw recently
passed by our City Council.

MEETING:
Saturday, July 17

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

St. James Lutheran Church
8000 S. Michigan

Leslie Honore
GCA Corresponding Secretary

if you can make it, please post details!

Note that this meeting happens at the same time as the 6th ward Picnic at Tuley Park at 91st & King Drive.

Lee Bey: Farming as a solution to the problem of vacant land

Basically Lee Bey's recent post uses Detroit's example to suggest urban farming in Chicago. In fact his first picture appears to be right in the Englewood neighborhood off of 63rd & Halsted. I believe in the past we have posted about an urban farm in the Englewood neighborhood.

Now Chatham isn't home to vast vacant lots of course that's not to say none exist. Well this post doesn't have to be limited to Chatham. The 6th Ward has some parts of Englewood in it as well.

The idea is until we do finally find something to build on the various vacant lots within our community we should turn them into gardens. Especially growing food if you believe we live in a "food desert". It would be a great service to the community instead of letting such lots grow weeds and collect trash of all kinds.

This reminds me I know that the CAPCC blog likes to throw out many ideas for the revitalization of Chatham. This ought to be one of them. Who knows if this community will be home to R&D companies and foster the next technology entrepreneur.

Then again who knows if a Wal-Mart will ever be built at Chatham Market. Until it is decided what will be built there that is a perfect place for a garden or urban farm. Well perfect unless it's time for a ground breaking for whatever will be placed there on the site.

What do you think about gardens/urban farms in our community?

South Side cop who coaches to be honored at All-Star Game

Southtown:

Fullman, of Chicago's South Side, was voted the White Sox's representative in "All-Stars Among Us," a nationwide program sponsored by Major League Baseball and People magazine that honors people serving their communities.

Fullman knows firsthand that helping youths early on may prevent them from making mistakes later.

His father, Gerald Fullman Sr., was killed one night when he tried to break up a gang fight. Kenny Fullman, a Chicago police officer, was 12 when his dad died.

"I think about him all the time. We had a very close-knit relationship," Fullman said Friday.

"I had just broken my leg playing baseball, and he was trying to cheer me up that morning. Then he's dead that evening," Fullman recalled.

Years later, he's following in his father's footsteps by "trying to make a difference."

That's why Fullman coaches varsity baseball at Harlan Academy, 9652 S. Michigan Ave., and also coaches White Sox Amateur City Elite, an inner-city baseball program sponsored by the White Sox Charities.

"This is a great outlet for the boys. It keeps them out of trouble. I'm just trying to help these kids. That's why I do it," he said.

Congrats to him!

I do however wonder what happened to the former baseball coach at Harlan, Rick Attreau.

Greater Chatham Alliance Hosts other community organizations THIS Saturday.

Several community organizations will be at the Greater Chatham Alliance Meeting this Saturday at 11am at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church

Went to buy a city vehicle sticker at the Alderman's office...again

Unlike my last experience a couple of years ago, there was less of a line standing outside of the office. There was a lone older gentleman handing out tickets for our place in line. The wait was relatively short since I was back out within half an hour.

What probably helped was that I came in relatively early which is not long after the scheduled starting time for city sticker sales. I would expect also that a lot of people had bought their city stickers already to at least avoid that July 15th deadline although it has been extended until the end of the month.

I would like to offer a comment to the city clerk office. It's great that they'll offer their services in the various wards of our city. Without hopefully having to travel very far from their homes to buy a city vehicle sticker. Otherwise city residents will have to either find a currency exchange or other vendor such as Seaway Bank to buy their stickers and permits in addition to going to offices of the City of Chicago in the neighborhoods in addition to going directly to city hall.

Anyway, I was purchasing a city sticker for my mother and since I only was prepared to pay for a city sticker I didn't write the check for a parking permit as well. I for some reason thought that the permit was already included in the price of a sticker if the permit was only going to be renewed. For the most part if you have a parking permit the vehicle sticker serves as the parking permit.

All the same I was prepared to use another method to pay for the permit. I had a check and I said that I could debit it. According to the young lady who was educating me, she said that they don't accept partial payments. So the comment is that the city clerk office should consider allowing people to split their payments on city stickers and permits between two methods. Well that's my idea and I'm sure it will be beneficial to a number of people around the city.

Does anyone else have any suggestions with regards to doing business with the city?

6th ward picnic THIS Saturday at Tuley Park

Just a reminder that THIS Saturday, July 17, is the annual 6th Ward picnic.

It's located at Tuley Park, 501 E. 90th Place, and will take place 11am - 5pm.

Last year they had free food & music, as well as activities for kids. They will also have a marketplace, so be prepared to shop.

If you have any questions, please contact Picnic Coordinator Francine Smith at 773-846-7006


Anyone want to meet up at 1pm? If so, we'll try to work out some details as to where.

p.s. Don't forget to buy your city sticker TODAY!

Thomas E. Wortham IV Playground Fund

Friends of the Parks in partnership with the Wortham family, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Police Department, the Fraternal Order of Police, United Service, Alderman Lyle and Children’s Memorial Hospital have begun planning the creation of a playground in honor of slain Chicago Police Officer Thomas Wortham IV.

This new children’s playground will be constructed in Cole Park at 85th Street and Martin Luther King Drive across the street from his parents’ house. The new playground will be named the Thomas Wortham IV Playground in honor of this exemplary citizen.

Thomas Wortham IV was the President of the Cole Park Advisory Council and was active on a city-wide Park Advisory Council Network. Thomas committed his time, energy and vision to improving Cole Park. As President of the advisory council, Thomas worked on expanding recreation programs for youth, improving the children’s playground and the running track. At 30 years of age Thomas Wortham IV was a dedicated and respected community advocate who was a model for his community and all of Chicago. His loss on May 19th was devastating to all Chicagoans.

The Thomas Wortham IV Playground will be designed and constructed in Cole Park. The playground will be accessible to children of all abilities. The goal is to build the Thomas Wortham IV playground in the fall of 2010 during a two-day community-build event with volunteers from the Police Department, his family and friends and Friends of the Parks.

The cost of the playground is expected to be $225,000. Contributions can be made to the Thomas Wortham IV Playground Fund in c/o Friends of the Parks, 17 N. State Street, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602 or online at http://fotp.org/volunteer/thomas-e-wortham-iv-playground-fund

Get your city stick @the 6th Ward Office TOMORROW (Tuesday July13)

Just a reminder of this city sticker post from 2 weeks ago.

On July 13, 2010 the Ald. Lyle's service office @ 406 East 75th Street will conduct vehicle sticker and parking permit sales from 10 AM to 6 PM.

The deadline for having the stickers is now July 30, but don't wait -- put it on as soon as you get it! Otherwise, the Department of Revenue will live up to its name! (Unless of course, you enjoy "donating" $120 to the city).

Has the original Chatham Pancake House closed for good

Passed by the Original Chatham Pancake restaurant now known as Yonni;s Chicken & Waffles, earlier this week and saw the infamous green city sticker"License Revoked" on the window. Typically with restaurants they are significant sanitation issues that were uncovered and not corrected in a timely manner.

The current owners the Edmonds were not restaurant people so I'm wondering will they continue or just keep it closed.

Anyone with additional information?

South Side gardener planting, beautifying, uniting her community

Photo from Chicago Defender by Dominic Brown

Defender:

Walking arm and arm with her mother down Cottage Grove Avenue, Leiana Gary noticed an empty flower planter and said, “Humph somebody needs to do something about that.”

Her mother replied, “Who might that somebody be?”

Little did Gary know that somebody would be her.

With her mother’s words resonating two years after her death in 2007, Gary decided it was time to do something about that planter.

To get started she sent letters to Alds. Freddrenna M. Lyle (6th) and Michelle Harris (8th), and the Department of Transportation, to get permission to put flowers in the planters.

With the OK to move forward, with her green thumb and care for her community the Chicago Public Schools speech pathologist and avid gardener then headed to Home Depot.

She told the Defender she spent about $2,500 on gardening materials. And with some help from her son, Jerald, and others, Gary began digging, planting, cutting and watering the 75 different plants and 48 varieties of perennials she planted in the cement “pots.”

Gary started planting Memorial Day 2009 at 80th Street and Cottage Grove, looking to beautify her Chatham community. This Mother’s Day, she dedicated that planter to her late mother. And her work continues.

Read the whole thing.

I believe this woman was on Ald. Lyle's 6th Ward Scene that is showing the 1st and 3rd Thursday and Friday every month. The episode I recalled seeing aired earlier this year and also was shown again within the last two or so months.

Also Ald. Lyle offered us this tidbit via E-mail back in May she may have been referring to Ms. Gray:

There's a resident that started a project last year maintaining the stone planters on Cottage.  Take a look at her newest endeavor that displays student art at 80th

Hmmm, now is there anyone else with some artistic talent and a green thumb willing to volunteer their talents to beautify our community?

GCA Meeting Flyer

July Gca 2010 Meeting Flyer[1]

Every Block items

Looks like one neighborhood Walgreen's will be allowed to sell liquor according to info from Every Block 

• 11 E. 75th St. WALGREENS #03539 
• License for Package goods (liquor) issued on July 7, 2010.

Refer to this post about Walgreen's wishing to sell liquor at their locations once again.

Here are some crimes

• 6900 block S. Prairie Ave Aggravated battery: Handgun 
• Place: Street. Reported at 11 a.m. on June 28, 2010.
  
  7500 block S. Rhodes Ave Robbery: Strongarm: no weapon
  Place: Street. Reported at 5 p.m. on June 28, 2010.
  
  00 block W. 69th St Theft: Purse-snatching
  Place: CTA train. Reported at 6 a.m. on June 28, 2010.
  

I saw an old posting for 87th Street on the Red Line for Domestic battery. May we be very careful out there!

July 8th Aldermanic meeting.

This meeting will take place tomorrow @ Northern Trust Bank, 7801 S. State Street. Featured are representatives from the Water Management Department, Environment Department, and Safe Haven-Safe Summer Program for the 006 Police District.

The starting time is 6:30 PM.

If you're there you're more than free to offer your thoughts on the latest aldermanic meeting in this post. You can also send an e-mail.

July Meeting 2010

The old site of Kennedy King College

Appears to be all gone now. Perhaps I need to drive by there when I get a chance. What new ideas can be had with this free real estate, I wonder?

Photo posted on Flickr by Noah Vaughn.

Teen girl missing from South Side

Sun-Times:

A 16-year-old girl has been reported missing from the South Side.

Briana Harris, 16, was last in contact with her family Friday, according to a missing persons alert from Calumet Area detectives.

Harris is described as a 5-foot-8, 119-pound African-American with black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion.

She was last seen wearing a black tank top, gray jean shorts and black flat shoes with a rhinestone design in the middle, according to the alert.

Harris may be with a person named Ronald Robinson in the area of the 300 block of West 75th Street, the alert said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Calumet Area Special Victims Unit detectives at (312) 747-8274.

 I know the address here is really west, but it's a missing young girl and it's close enough to us that perhaps someone reading this blog may have some answers!

The picture of Briana is courtesy of Chicago Breaking News.

17-year-old shot in Park Manor

From Chicago Breaking News where this was one incident of many shootings overnight from the holiday!

About 9:15 p.m. Sunday night, police said a 17-year-old boy was shot in the 7400 block of South Vernon Avenue in the Park Manor neighborhood on the South Side. Police found the teen with two gunshot wounds to his left leg. He was taken in good condition to St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center. Preliminary reports said the boy was walking down the street when he heard shots and felt pain in his legs.

Happy Independence Day

I wish everyone a wonderful and safe 4th of July holiday. Stay cool out there as well!

City Council OKs strict gun law

AP:

Members of the Chicago City Council have approved what city officials say is the strictest handgun ordinance in the United States.

Friday's 45-0 vote comes four days after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it almost certain that Chicago's handgun ban would be overturned. The high court ruled Americans have a right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they live.

The new city ordinance bans gun shops in Chicago and prohibits gun owners from stepping outside their homes, even onto their porches or garages, with a handgun.

Some of what I heard about the new gun ordinance is reasonable. I do have questions about prohibiting a gun owner from even stepping onto their porches or into their garages with their guns. And as for banning gun shops well that's more money that's going into other municipalities while the city is suffering through budget deficits.

BTW, know that there are going to be challenges to this new ordinance in court and the Supreme Court ruling ordered this case remanded to a federal district court so the fight with regards to guns in our city isn't over.

Labor deal paves way for stalled Chatham Wal-Mart

Sun-Times:

Now that Wal-Mart and organized labor have ended their six-year-long stalemate, paving the way for a $1 billion Chicago expansion, Mayor Daley plans to do what he could have done long ago: grant administrative approval to build a Chatham Wal-Mart in Brookins' ward.

"Why not? Why wouldn't he?" said a top mayoral aide, who asked to remain anonymous.

"There needed to be some sense that this was not the desire of a handful of people, but that the citizens wanted it. That has been demonstrated."

Brookins said one way or the other, his Wal-Mart Supercenter at 83rd and Stewart is a "done deal."

Either Daley will sign the agreement, or Finance Committee Chairman Edward M. Burke (14th) will lift the brick in time for approval at the July 28 City Council meeting -- after the developer files a new economic disclosure statement.

Via Capitol Fax morning shorts!

So will we actually have two supercenters within a short distance of each other? One in Pullman and then one here in Chatham?

Voice your opinion on whether you would support a smaller scale Chatham Wal-Mart in our recent open blog.

Free July 3 BBQ at Chatham Food Market

Just a reminder about the free BBQ at CHatham Food Market this SATURDAY, July 3 (but in honor of Independence day on the 4th).

They are at 327 E. 79th Street (on 79th at Calumet).

Times weren't listed, but  stop by between 11a, and 3pm, and you should find something.

City council approves Pullman Wal-Mart

Clout St:

The City Council unanimously voted today to let Wal-Mart build a second store in Chicago, ending six years of political gridlock that prevented the giant retailer from expanding inside city limits.

"Today's vote sets the stage for a strong, long-term relationship with Wal-Mart in neighborhoods all across the city," Mayor Richard Daley said. "If it can happen in a suburban area, why not here? As simple as that."

The vote allows construction to begin on the 270-acre Pullman Park development on the South Side that will be anchored by a Super Wal-Mart. It is a project long championed by Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, who said the new store will bring badly needed jobs in a hard-hit area suffering from a dearth of grocery stores.

The council’s action, Beale said, signaled “a better day and a better opportunity for our communities. . . . This was about the people, and we finally — in this body — finally put people first, in front of politics.”

The vote gave Wal-Mart a key victory in its effort to build dozens of new city stores, large and small, while also ending a years-long political battle that pitted Wal-Mart, Mayor Richard Daley and the city’s business community against the unions and aldermen who supported them.

Next stops? Chatham and Englewood? What do you think about this development!

UPDATE 3:40 PM A statement from Wal-Mart via e-mail:

“Today is a victory for the residents of the South Side. The Mayor, Alderman Beale and the Council are to be commended for representing the will of the people of Chicago.

But there is more to do. To that end, we have already started to identify additional opportunities across the City that will help more Chicagoans save money and live better.

Over the next several months, we look forward to working with the City to help ensure our stores are part of the solution in terms of creating jobs, stimulating economic development and eradicating food deserts here.

With each new store that opens here and every new job created, Chicago moves one step closer towards returning the City to better economic times while also serving as a successful model for other cities across the country that face similar challenges.”

"Right to Carry" rally permit denied by Chicago officials

Illinois Review picks up the story that I saw first from Mick Dumke at Clout City. Earlier this morning in the comments for the original post here was an update. This pro-gun meeting will be held at Chicago State University tonight!

• Wed. June 30, 2010
  7:00pm – 9:00pm
  Chicago State University
  Williams Science Center - Rm. 116
  
  99th and King Dr. Chicago, Il. 60619 

If you plan to attend this meeting I would like for you to offer a brief write-up for this event. Post a comment here or send an e-mail and it will be published here!

Clerk’s Office Extends City Sticker Deadline To July 30th

The Expired Meter:

Normally today, June 30th, is the day your old Chicago city vehicle sticker expires and must be replaced on your car’s windshield with the 2010/2011 sticker.

Of course, the city traditionally gives stragglers a two week grace period to purchase and affix their $75 decal, making July 15th the ultimate deadline before drivers risk a $120 ticket for “failure to display” their city sticker.

But this year, because of an un-sticky situation, the Chicago City Clerk’s office has announced an unprecedented 15-day extension of the city sticker grace period extending the deadline for until July 30th.

This break from tradition is due to quality control issues the Chicago City Clerk’s office has been facing with this year’s stickers.

As reported last week, small batches of the first shipment of defective city stickers did not have enough adhesive to keep them affixed effectively to windshields. While complaints in the very first days of June alerted the Clerk’s office to the problem, and forced them to take quick action in tossing out what remained of the first shipment of 125,000 stickers, enough of the defective decals were mailed to drivers to make it an issue.

Please note that on July 13, 2010 the Ald. Lyle's service office @ 406 East 75th Street will conduct vehicle sticker and parking permit sales from 10 AM to 6 PM.

City council expected to debate Wal-Mart today

As I write this I'm actually watching the city council proceedings online at the city clerk website.

Video above via ABC7

Another item to share is this video from CBS2 highlighting the positive about the city's only Wal-Mart in the Austin community.

 That Wal-Mart is expected to be 24 hrs in the near future and average wages there is $11.77. One business owner says that this area is now considered safer because he operated his business during days when it was more crime ridden.

Found that second video via Carpe Diem!

UPDATE 1:06 PM The City Council appears to be discussing Wal-Mart right now! Also here's a link from Illinois Review about the Wal-Mart issue. This issue once again is being discussed in terms of the state race for Governor.

Chatham avalon Park Sub Area IV meeting on THURSDAY

A reminder from resident Elgie Sims -- the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council Sub-Area IV has a meeting on Thursday, July 1, from 6pm - 7:30pm at Whitney Young library, 79th and King Dr.

For more information, contact them by PHONE 1-866-272-1215 or VOICE MAIL 1-773-488-3952

Its Time for Chatham to demand the stores that they want!

Now that Pullman will get their Walmart and pay higher prices than Evergreen Park and Englewood now putting their bid in for 63rd Halsted. Do we really need a Walmart at 83rd and Holland?

Several years ago developers started acquiring land at 77th-79th Stony Island east to South Chicago for a rumored Super K-Mart. Should we now ask Alderman Lyle and Alderman Harris to open talks to Meijer's, Costco or Woodman's, etc?

Supreme Court extends gun rights in Chicago case

The US Supreme Court has ruled on Chicago's gun ban!

The Supreme Court reversed a ruling upholding Chicago's ban today and extended the reach of the 2nd Amendment as a nationwide protection against laws that infringe the "right to keep and bear arms."

The 5-4 decision appears to void the 1982 ordinance, one of the nation's strictest, which barred city residents from having handguns for their own use, even at home.

Gun-rights advocates have been closely following the Chicago case. They said a victory for the 2nd Amendment would clear the way for constitutional challenges to restrictions on firearms to be heard in federal courts nationwide.

The ruling against Chicago's ban had been widely anticipated.

The City Council could consider new gun-control measures as soon as Wednesday, Mayor Richard Daley said last week.

I would like to refer you to Ald. Lyle's comments in a post from the weekend on a related matter:

Regardless of the outcome of the Supreme Court's deliberations, there will be limits on handgun ownership in Chicago. As to the right to carry a concealed weapon, that debate will continue for some time.

Well, I'm OK with limits on handgun ownership, but let there be a debate on concealed carry in this city. Not sold on it necessarily, but it's something we will have to decide at some point.

UPDATE 11:50 AM Perhaps a hint of what the city has in mind in response to this Supreme Court ruling:

As a result of this morning’s expected ruling, the Police Committee of the Chicago City Council began meeting at 10:30 a.m. to consider a replacement ordinance introduced directly to the committee by Mayor Daley. The meeting was soon adjourned until Tuesday, though, with committee chairman Anthony Beale (9th) saying he needed time to review the more than 100-page Supreme Court ruling.

Chicago gun owners could be required to take a training course, register their firearms, allow police to perform ballistics tests and even purchase liability insurance.

Daley hasn’t tipped his hand on all of the specifics as he awaited the court ruling. But he has said to protect first-responders, he’s prepared to go above and beyond the replacement model crafted by Washington D.C. after its handgun ban bit the dust.
...
As a result of this morning’s expected ruling, the Police Committee of the Chicago City Council began meeting at 10:30 a.m. to consider a replacement ordinance introduced directly to the committee by Mayor Daley. The meeting was soon adjourned until Tuesday, though, with committee chairman Anthony Beale (9th) saying he needed time to review the more than 100-page Supreme Court ruling.

Chicago gun owners could be required to take a training course, register their firearms, allow police to perform ballistics tests and even purchase liability insurance.

Daley hasn’t tipped his hand on all of the specifics as he awaited the court ruling. But he has said to protect first-responders, he’s prepared to go above and beyond the replacement model crafted by Washington D.C. after its handgun ban bit the dust.

When Ald. Howard Brookins ran for State's Attorney last year he was on record (that record being Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz) as saying he believes responsible people should be allowed to own guns. One of his opponents in that Democratic Primary Ald. Tom Allen is quoted in this article as saying the gun ban was largely ineffective:

Northwest Side Ald. Tom Allen (38th) said the ban has done nothing to stop the bloodbath on Chicago streets as evidenced by the 26 people shot this weekend.

Asked whether Chicago would be more or less safe without the ban, he said, “It’s a wash. The bad guys are gonna have their guns and the good people who are responsible citizens — they will also have their guns. But they’ll do it in a responsible way in their home to protect their family or in their place of business to protect them from armed robbers.”

Daley has talked about requiring gun owners to take a training course, register their firearms, allow police to perform ballistics tests and even purchase liability insurance.

But Allen said there’s no guarantee that those measures will be any more effective than the ban itself, which was roundly ignored.

“We can make some legislation. We can add insurance as a component. And I’m hoping they will comply better than they do with mandatory auto insurance. Because one out of three people on the street doesn’t have insurance,” he said.

And of all people Ald. Ed Burke has this to say about the gun ban!

Chicago’s 1982 handgun freeze — and a companion requirement that existing gun owners re-register their weapons every year — have been likened to Prohibition and denounced as a widely ignored charade.

Last week, Finance Committee Chairman Edward M. Burke (14th) acknowledged as much.

“There’s widespread disobedience of the law. There’s widespread flaunting of the law by people who strongly believe that they should have a weapon in their house,” Burke said.

“Just in the last 60 days, we’ve seen three instances where law-abiding citizens who had possession of a weapon in their home shot and/or killed violent offenders in their home or in the vicinity of their home. It’s noteworthy that no one has prosecuted those law-abiding citizens. Probably, we oughta pass a city ordinance and give ‘em each a medal.”

In that sense, Burke argued that a city registration implemented to replace the ban might be an improvement.

“Nobody can register it, so the city doesn’t know. Is it not better that the city knows who has a gun?” the alderman said.

Hmmmm, I wonder how many more people on the City Council are thinking exactly the way Burke and Allen are thinking. I hope they may offer alternate legislation.

Via Capitol Fax!

OPEN BLOG: What about the Chatham Wal-Mart?

UPDATE: According to JP Paulus, Ald. Brookins was on the radio talking about the possibility that the Chatham Market Wal-Mart may see some movement this year.

Since that Pullman Wal-Mart Supercenter appears to be moving forward and there is a plan in place to allow for the construction of more Wal-Marts in the city of Chicago, it's time to re-examine the Chatham Wal-Mart. We haven't heard much about the Chatham Market store since this Pullman development was proposed in recent months.

BTW, I'm stealing this question first from Worlee Glover on his Concerned Citizens of Chatham Facebook page who asked if Chatham residents would support a smaller scale Wal-Mart store since one is likely to go up in Pullman. The CAPCC blog also asked about a Wal-Mart store in Chatham.

QUESTION: Would you support a smaller scale Wal-Mart store in Chatham? Are there other similar retail chains you would prefer to open up shop in Chatham? Leave a tweet, send an e-mail or comment on this post.

Brookins: Wal-Mart opening late next year

I was just listening to V103 (102.7 FM - WVAZ) and Alderman Howard Brookins said that if the Wal-Mart vote goes well this week, the Wal-Mart project could get out of committee.

Alderman Brookins said that depending on the weather, ground could be broken by this year, and the Chatham store could be open by late next year.

We can check the news for official statements, but that's the news off of the radio.

It's a confusing situation, as the Chatham Wal-Mart was stuck due to Ed Burke and the Finance Committee.

However, the Pullman store had to go through the Zoning Committee, which it did.

After that, Ald. Burke made comments that can lead one to believe that the Chatham store would be "released" from limbo.

We should know by the end of the week where the situation stands.

Clout City: Park District Balks at Gun-Rights Group Meeting

You know in the past week (perhaps even the past month) or so I've have taken a look at any story that focuses on what the city plans to do if the US Supreme Courts strikes down the city's gun control ordinance. It seems for the most part the Daley administration seems to have no plans to allow citizens in Chicago to own a gun at all. In a recent city council police & fire committee hearing it appears that the committee was loathe to hear anyone in favor of allowing city residents to own handguns.

Not long after the death of Officer Thomas Wortham there was a story about Chatham residents expressing their wish to own a handgun at home. Of course who knows if this is a passing trend or a call for allowing individual citizens a right to own a handgun for their self-defense.

Well recently there would have been a meeting in our community to discuss at the very least concealed carry as mentioned in this post from Clout City. Read the comments because the one who attempted to get a permit to host said meeting at our own Tuley Park (Gerald Vernon) believed that Ald. Lyle may have found an excuse to scuttle this meet. Her comments were posted in the article as Mick Dumke made contact with her:

UPDATE: I first heard about the planned town hall meeting when Sixth Ward alderman Freddrenna Lyle groaned about it during a City Council hearing. But when I followed up with her Friday, she said she had nothing to do with the decision to yank the permit. "I have never spoken to anyone about this," she says.

Tuley Park is in Lyle's ward. Lyle is a strong backer of gun control but said Illinois Carry should be allowed to hold its meeting. "They want to go into a community touched by the violence because it's an easier sell," she says. "But those people have a right to meet and it's up to us who disagree with them to show up and make another argument."

But the crux of this story involves the lotheness of may in our city especially the mayor and many on the city council to allow individual citizens to own handguns with the belief that banning them would solve the issue of violence that we've had in this city since the weather warmed up. I've been reading a lot of posts written by Dumke on this issue and he's right we need to re-examine whether or not the gun ban is truly effective. Surely there are other means to keep a criminal from committing a gun crime.

Either way let's hope that if the Supreme Court rules that Chicago's gun ban ordinance is unconstitutional that we can actually have a debate on whether or not it's been effective. Hopefully no one will get shut out of this debate either.

Also Ald. Lyle is right. We want to hear not only from people who are opposed to gun control, but also from those who are in favor of gun control. So let Mr. Vernon have his meeting at a venue of his choosing and the same for those who are in favor of gun control.

Prayer on 79th Street -- THIS Saturday at Noon!

From JP Paulus...

I apologize for this last minute post. But i wanted to make sure people who were interested at least had an opportunity to make plans to be there, or have someone there. I am going to try to connect with New Life Covenant Oakwood (who is organizing this event), to create a better network so interested people can organize and/or attend.. (New Life Covenant Oakwood is led by Pastor John Hannah, who is also the morning DJ at Inspiration 1390 AM).

Basically, New Life is having people line up on 79th, starting at Greenwood, and making their way West to State street (or beyond, if we need to). I was a part of the prayer circle at Ruggles on May 28 (THANKS to those who came!!!), but this will be much bigger..not sure how it will work...but let's get out there  & see how God uses us!

I should be there at 79th & Calumet, in front of Creative Floral and Gifts. Please feel free to e-mail me here at jp (at) 1chicago.net to connect!

Zoning committee approves Pullman Wal-Mart

Chicago News Co-operative:

The City Council’s Zoning Committee today voted unanimously to give preliminary approval to the Pullman Park project and its Wal-Mart store, which will be the second in Chicago.

The full council is expected to give final approval to the plan Wednesday.


After receiving the favorable vote, a spokesman for Wal-Mart said the company had made no agreement to do anything out of its ordinary practices at the new store on the South Side.

Although he acknowledged meetings with labor leaders, Wal-Mart official Steve Restivo told reporters outside the council chambers that the only deal the company had made was with the residents of the South Side.

“There were not any negotiations. There were not any proposals. There were no deals,” Restivo said.

With the opening of the city’s second store set for 2012, Restivo said any raises for employees there would be based on performance.

For some more reading let's see Greg Hinz says about this Wal-Mart deal:

 Chicago labor chiefs bragged Thursday about winning "additional concessions" from Wal-Mart in exchange for allowing the discount retailer to expand in Chicago.

   But the company insists it made no new concessions. And one labor leader later candidly conceded, "You've got to know when to fold 'em."

   The fact is, in the midst of a terrible recession, facing a split in its own ranks and an issue that was polarizing along racial lines, labor didn't have much choice but to take the best deal it could get.

   Labor could have gone to war again, just like it did in City Council elections 3 1/2 years ago. But the terrain has changed since then. And the stakes — Wal-Mart offered to pay a minimum of $8.75 an hour, labor demanded $9.25 — just weren't worth it.
...
Equally meaningful is who is going to get most of those jobs: minority folks. That's because most of the dozens of new stores Wal-Mart now intends to build will go in inner-city neighborhoods, many starved for grocery, clothing and other retail options.

   The image of a bunch of mostly white labor guys denying jobs and good shopping to minority neighborhoods that lack both was untenable — a loser. Labor got outflanked.

I won't excerpt but you should also read this other post by Greg Hinz on why the city council should "open its eyes, hold its nose and vote for Wal-Mart". Especially read the reasons why Greg Hinz thinks this should be a done deal. It makes a lot of sense than to just force Wal-Mart to pay this arbitrary raise because many thinks they don't pay enough money.

All the same it looks like the second Wal-Mart in this city is moving forward, but this time it will occur in Pullman and it will very likely be a Super Wal-Mart. Perhaps more to come in the future.

Wal-Mart on the gubernatorial campaign trail

Bill Brady, the Republican nominee for governor, was in Pullman today with his state Senate colleague Rev. James Meeks in support of building a Wal-Mart in that neighborhood. Back in October, Brady also made a campaign appearance at the Wal-Mart site at 83rd and Steward to discuss his thoughts regarding this issue. This quote is via a press release from Brady's campaign:

Republican Gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady today stood with Reverend Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago) and Pastor Larry Roberts, Sr. to support an agreement to build a new Wal-Mart in the Pullman neighborhood.  Brady said the agreement would result in thousands of new jobs, more consumer choices, and boost much needed tax revenues for Illinois.

Brady last year introduced legislation that would prevent municipalities from blocking the construction of such stores, and previously visited with local officials in the Chatham neighborhood in support for a new Wal-Mart there.

“I’ve supported this proposal from day one because it means thousands of both union and non-union jobs for communities that desperately need them – and for consumers who deserve them,” Brady said.

“Estimates show this proposal could result in almost 10,000 new jobs, and $500 million in sales and property tax revenues for Illinois.  I was encouraged to hear Mayor Daley yesterday voice his strong support for this proposal, and join everyone here today in urging the zoning board to approve it,” Brady said.

“With record high unemployment, state government should be doing every single thing it can to promote job growth. I don’t believe our Governor is fighting hard enough for this community, and for other food deserts.”

“That’s one of the greatest differences between myself and Governor Quinn – I believe Illinois needs real and permanent jobs – not just temporary jobs that go away when federal funds dry up.  If it weren’t for the Mayor, and for leaders like those here today, this proposal would never have gotten off the ground.”

I really got wind of this visit by Brady via Capitol Fax which posted an earlier press release and Rich Miller also found an article that expresses Gov. Pat Quinn's feelings on the deal to bring more Wal-Marts to the city:

Quinn said Tuesday that he is happy to see so many jobs potentially coming to Chicago. He tried to downplay the politically sticky issue that many of those jobs will not be union jobs, and will pay less than the demanded "living wage."

Quinn instead focused his comments on the need Wal-Mart could fill in providing supermarkets to Chicago-area residents.

"It's a municipal issue for the city of Chicago…It puts people to work, gets grocery stores where they need to be located in every neighborhood, and at the same time helps our economy go forward."
...
"I've said all along that I believe…[in getting] a good wage for employees who work in the stores and for those who build the store," said Quinn.

And the governor hopes that point can smooth over any election year bitterness from labor groups who may be unhappy with a final Wal-Mart deal.

"The person I'm running against, Sen. Brady, he had a home building business that didn't hire union labor that didn't have union contractors. I believe that when we build something in Chicago we build it the right way."

But Quinn said he has not actively taken part in any negotiations. He instead will leave the deal-making to the Chicago City council.

Wait, only union labor and union contractors is the right way to build anything?

Anyway yesterday there was a rally outside of the Daley Center with protestors playing their vuvuzelas (horns that have been made famous by the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa). You can read this write-up or watch the video below.

Finally there is another rally scheduled outside of the Thompson Center tomorrow morning:

Jobs Rally

Aldermen and Community to Rally Before Zoning Vote

WHAT: Ald. Anthony Beale (9th), Ald. Howard Brookins (21st), Ald. Emma Mitts (37th), City Council colleagues, Community & Ministerial leaders, Rhymefest

WHEN: 8 AM
Thursday, June 24

WHERE: State of Illinois Plaza

BTW, if you would like to know more about this rally which I have recieved via e-mail there is some contact information in the e-mail. If you would like to see that information I would be happy to e-mail it to you.

UPDATE 4:45 PM I've got one more link for you to read from Clout Street regarding today's appearance of State Sen. Bill Brady with Rev. James Meeks outside of a vacant Pullman building:

But Meeks, who in the past threatened to run for governor only to be bluffed out by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, stopped short of endorsing Brady, a Senate colleague from Bloomington, or Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Asked by reporters if a Brady endorsement was possible, Meeks, who also is pastor of Salem Baptist Church, responded: “All things are possible. That’s what the scriptures teach us.”

Though Brady and Meeks sought to promote job growth ahead of a critical City Council Zoning Committee vote on Wal-Mart’s future that could take place as early as Thursday, the political picture was one of a prominent city African-American lawmaker standing side-by-side with a downstate white Republican who is vehemently opposed to the Democrats’ fiscal and social agendas.

Brady and Meeks differ vastly on tax policy. Meeks has long championed higher income taxes for schools while Brady is campaigning on a theme of opposing and cutting taxes. Still, both men have worked together on efforts to launch a school voucher program for disadvantaged children.

“I’m not making a commitment or an endorsement at this time of either candidate,” Meeks said. “I support many of the initiatives of Gov. Quinn. Gov. Quinn and I both support a tax increase. Sen. Brady does not. Gov. Quinn and I both support many initiatives. So we’re together on many things.”

"Docs & Dialogue"

So Fresh Saturdays

Presents

"Docs & Dialogue"

@ The P.E. A.C.E Center

6455 South Peoria Ave.

Saturday, June 26th

1pm-3:30pm

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!!
Featured Documentary

"A War for Your Soul"

Strong Language: Parental Advisory Warning

Youth ages 12-19 are strongly encouraged to attend!

Adults: Bring your youth groups, students, pre-teens & teenagers!

We want to hear their voices!

Complimentary popcorn, chips and refreshments served!

FREE ADMISSION

For more information, please check out: http://sofreshsaturdays.vpweb.com/

Note: this event is being organized by Asiaha Butler, who is also a part of Black Star Project's Deborah movement.

Recap of Grand Crossing Park Playground Building Days

Friends of the Park


More than 100 volunteers helped construct Grand Crossing Park's new playground on Friday and Saturday, June 18th and 19th. This was the first community-playground-build project in nearly a decade!

Playground partners included Friends of the Parks, Kohl's Department Stores, Children's Memorial Hospital, Grand Crossing Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District.

Below are pictures of volunteers building the playground.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotpchicago/sets/72157624208272231/show/

Chicago ranks third in getting mortgage help

Sun-Times:

The region accounts for 5.1 percent of activity nationwide in the Obama administration's Home Affordable Modification Program, or HAMP, said the report from the U.S. Treasury Department.

The program started in response to record home foreclosures amid the economic crisis, high unemployment and mortgage scams. The federal government gives incentives to lenders to change the existing mortgage by reducing the monthly payments. Banks usually change the mortgage by lowering interest rates or extending the loan term, but few have offered to reduce or eliminate home-equity loans or lines of credit.

The Chicago area's activity ranking is below the 6.4 percent in the L.A. area and 6.1 percent in the New York area, and just ahead of Riverside, Calif.'s, 5 percent. In total numbers, 17,428 Chicago-area homeowners won permanent loan modifications, an increase of 17 percent from 14,890 in April, the report stated.

Via CapFax morning shorts!

Megan Cottrell: When ‘They’ Move Into Your Neighborhood…

Cottrell discusses the new residents moving to her neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Also she mentions that some rental units are ready for new CHA transplants. What is of focus in this article are the bad habit some of these new residents bring with them such as for instance standing around hanging out shooting dice. She mentioned that she was excited because her mostly white neighborhood is seemingly more diverse now with Hispanic and Black families moving in.

Now if you read her piece, does what she says seem familiar to you? We may say the same about new residents moving to this community and we may also come to the same conclusion that she had about who "they" are and where "they" came from.

Where is the Chatham Community Garden?

The pictures here are from the 65th Woodlawn Community Garden. The land is owed by First Presbyterian Church and 10 x 10 lots are leased to residents for $35 a year. To decrease poaching they have planted various vegetable plants on the outside that are Free to the public.

Can't we do this?