Man gets 7 1/2 years for selling properties he didn't own

ABC7:

John Hemphill, 41, was convicted in August of mail fraud and false impersonation of a federal official. U.S. District Judge William Hibbler sentenced him to 90 months in prison term Thursday and ordered Hemphill to pay $166,910 in restitution, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office.

According to evidence at trial, since 2008, Hemphill engaged in a scheme to defraud property owners and prospective purchasers by creating and recording fictitious deeds with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds, then posing as the property owner to sell the property.

He typically filed a fictitious deed conveying title to a parcel of property to one of Hemphill's businesses, and then filed a second fictitious deed purporting to convey title to a third party. He told prospective buyers that he and his business entities held title as a "federal receiver" or had other lawful authority to sell the properties.

In early 2009, he falsely sold property at 5436 S. Paulina in Chicago to an undercover agent for $6,000, the release said. Hemphill was arrested on Oct. 14, 2009, after purporting to complete the sale at his office at 211 E. 79th St.

JP wrote about this location back in October 2009.

VIDEO: Sleet in the 6th Ward

Brian Sleet describes the 6th in the speech for this video as a "collection of safe neighborhoods with middle-class values". Also he says the 6th embodies the "entrepreneurial spirit of self-reliance and economic independence" as well as being "proudly a high voter turnout and anti-machine ward". This video also show scenes from throughout the 6th along such streets as King Drive, 87th, 83rd, and 75th Streets. Duration is at least 3 minutes. What are your thoughts on this video?

SUN-TIMES: Extend Red Line to 130th Street, Emanuel says

Another story about Rahm Emanuel talkin' up the Red Line extension into Roseland & Altgeld Gardens:

Mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel stood in a gospel music store at 107th and Halsted Thursday to announce his first mass-transit priority as mayor would be to extend the Red Line to 130th Street.

“Stopping at 95th Street cuts off stores like this from commuters and customers,” Emanuel said.

Extending the line would cost about $1.4 billion, but Emanuel said he demonstrated as a congressman he would be “strong, direct … and focused” when it comes to winning federal money for Chicago, as he did for the Brown Line modernization.

He also wants $300,000 to fix up the tracks from 18th to 95th streets and another $1 billion to modernize the tracks north of Belmont.

Thursday’s announcement was a “heads up to Springfield and Washington, D.C.” that the Red Line extension will be his top mass-transit priority if elected. He said the project could bring 4,000 construction jobs.

You can read the previous story here!

GCA 6th Ward Aldermanic Forum on Jan. 22

GCA Aldermanic Forum

You should've already heard about this forum already either here or at the Concerned Citizen's of Chatham blog. This is to be held at the Great Hall of Kennedy-King College located @ 740 W. 63rd Street to be held Jan. 22 from 1PM to 3:30PM. If you plan to be there feel free to offer a recap of this event.

Capitol Fax on the Mayoral Race

Polls indicate that former Congressman and White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel is increasing his lead in this race. Also his lead is increasing in Black communities around the city. In addition Emanuel's warchest is building up as far as funds go. Carol Moseley Braun on the other had was outraised by an unknown Black mayoral candidate named Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins.

UPDATED: Emanuel pitches Red Line extension

UPDATE 5:07 PM - Progress Illinois provides this video (shot in the Roseland neighborhood) of mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel talking about his plan for the Red Line.

Clout St:

Chicago mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel today said his first transportation priority is an expansion of CTA’s Red Line, “the backbone” of the city's rail system.

He wants to secure federal funding to rebuild deteriorating tracks south to 95th Street, extend the line to 130th and renovate and modernize lines north of Belmont.
...
The $1.2 billion effort was meant to reach out to disadvantaged minority neighborhoods by adding four additional stations — at 103rd, 111th, 115th and 130th Streets — as well as bus terminals and park-and-ride lots.

Emanuel, the former White House chief of staff, acknowledged that the major infrastructure investment will require “active and sustained lobbying on the federal and state level for funding.”

“It’s a heads up to Washington, D.C. and Springfield that this will be a priority if I’m elected mayor,” Emanuel said inside a South Side business that he said could benefit from increased traffic. The Red Line has “lacked the investment other parts of the system have received. I’ll secure it.”

I hope he comes to the affected communities that could benefit from the extension to show that he's serious about the expansion.

I.C.E. Theaters Receives Financing to Renovate Chatham 14

Concerned Citizens of Chatham:

Stonehenge Capital Company, LLC is pleased to announce today it has commenced financing on a $10 million Illinois NMTC allocation that will enable ICE Development, L.L.C. to renovate and reopen the ICE Lawndale Theaters, make improvements to the ICE Chatham Theater (200 W 87th) , and pay down outstanding debt. The investment by Stonehenge is expected to create and preserve 99 jobs.

“On behalf of ICE Development, we would like to express our deep gratitude to Stonehenge for enabling us to reopen ICE Lawndale Theaters and to make improvements to ICE Chatham Theater which are two projects that will provide a much needed economic boost to underserved areas,” said Donzell Starks, co-owner of ICE Development, L.L.C. His wife and co-owner, Alisa Starks, continued, “We respect that we could not do what we are doing without the Illinois New Markets Development Program, and for that we are also very grateful to our elected officials who had the vision to create the initiative.”

Certainly great news. ICE can reopen one of theaters that they shuttered over three years ago and they can get to work on the Chatham 14 theaters as well. Hopefully the best is yet to come.

Chicago News Report: Gunman Robs South Side Family Dollar Store

Chicago News Report:

On January 16, 2011, around 10:50 a.m., a south side dollar store was robbed at gunpoint.

The robbery occurred at the Family Dollar store at 364 East 87th Street in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood.

Police described the armed suspect as an African-American man with a light complexion, approximately 25-years-old, about 5'7", and 115 lbs. He was last seen wearing a light blue jacket and a black skull cap.

After the robbery, the crook ran northbound on Martin Luther King Drive.

Does anyone know anything about this crime? If you do have any information please contact police. This post from Chgo News Report was posted on Tuesday night.

Barnett Report: Ald. Lyle

Richard Barnett has as his guest a person whom he refers to as the best Alderman in the city of Chicago on his cable access show. This 13 min. video was posted on January 11, 2011. Mainly a little personal history such as how Ald. Lyle got appointed Alderman of the 6th in 1998. Also the various duties of her office and especially notes how the Alderman is closest to constituents than congressman or state legislators. And she talks about all the meetings she would attend in her capacity.

Grocery store in Roseland and SSA in 34th Ward from Citizen Newspapers

In the neighboring 9th Ward there was a groundbreaking for a new grocery store near 115th & Michigan:

Ald. Anthony Beale led ground breaking ceremonies for an Aldi store at 115th St. & Michigan Ave. to cheers of over 60 people who braved the snow and cold this weekend.

“There’s good representation here today — residents, business people, community leaders,” observed Godfrey Lawson, president of the l00~ and Eberbart Block Club. “The neighborhood is coming back!”

Persistence and renewal were the themes of several remarks made at the event. Beale noted he had worked 11 years to address the ward’s “food deserts” and that Aldi would be one of two major grocery stores to open soon. “They will flu avoid with fresh produce, seafood and other items we lack,” said Beale.

According to Musa Tadros, president of Crown Commercial Real Estate and Development Inc., the 18,000 sq. ft. Aldi will anchor a 90,000 sq. ft. mini-mall.

He expects the real work on Aldi to begin in March, with doors opening by the fall. He indicated a bank, restaurant and other services emphasized by the community were being sought to complete the mall.

Then in the 34th there is talk of creating an SSA for that part of the far south side:

Business owners and community residents of 34th Ward crowded into the Sheldon Heights Church located on 11325 South Halsted Street on last week to discuss Special Service Area (SSA) #46.

SSA #45 and #46 are located in the 34th Ward.

The SSA Program is a mechanism to fund expanded services and programs through a localized property tax levy within contiguous industrial, commercial and residential areas, according to the City of Chicago’s website.

The town hall meeting last week was for both #45 and #46 where the debate centered around the calculation of the tax levy where #46’s tax increment is much higher than #45.

Arba L. Houlden, Jr. executive director of the Far South Community Development Corporation (FSCDC) explained that, “The voting constituents benefit from the SSA because a more attractive and safe business district attracts more viable and popular tenants to the Ward. This way residence don’t have to travel outside the Ward to other neighborhoods for goods that their community provides,” he stated.

SSA-funded projects could include but are not limited to security services, area marketing and advertising assistance, promotional activities such as parades and festivals, or any variety of small scale capital improvements which could be supported through a modest property tax levy.

It was noted that there are 43 SSAs city wide. Of those there are only 10 in black neighborhoods throughout the city and only 4 in Latino neighborhoods. And surely the discussion only mirrors what's being discussed about an SSA here in the 6th.

What wrong in Roseland Heights: the video version from candidate Wooten.

This video was based upon the written version I found at Wooten's campaign website over the weekend. There are videos from his campaign for this ward's other neighborhoods as well.

CTA Red Line extension and transit not discussed by mayoral candidates

Since it appears that the Uptown Update & CTA Tattler are promoting "scoping" meetings starting later this month about modernizing and improving the northern most portion of the CTA L system. Isn't it about time this part of the south side continue discussing the proposed extension of the CTA Red Line into Roseland and Altgeld Gardens from 95th Street?

Looks like according to the NBC Chicago Ward Room blog, talks about that Red Line extension. In fact, they think that the poll from the Amalgamated Transit  Union should have asked about completing the L system. In fact that was the basis for that Ward Room post:

Here’s a better transit-related question for the mayoral candidates: will you support completing the L system? Specifically, will you advocate for the funding to extend the Red Line to 130th, with a terminal near the Altgeld Gardens housing project?

Right now, the Red Line ends at 95-th Street, nearly five miles from Altgeld Gardens, a “transit desert” where half the residents don’t have jobs, or cars that could get them to jobs. These people live inside the city limits, but a bus-and-train trip downtown takes nearly two hours. If the Red Line comes their way, they could get to the Loop in 39 minutes. It would also reduce traffic on the Bishop Ford Freeway by an estimated 20 percent. And, it would bring commerce to an area where residents complain they have to pay $5 for a bag of sugar.

The new tracks would run alongside the existing Union Pacific Railroad, but this would still be an expensive project: $1.4 billion, with 80 percent paid by the federal government, and 20 percent by the state. That’s a lot of money for these times, but bringing the L to the poorest neighborhoods of the Far South Side would fulfill a campaign promise every candidate is offering: to make Chicago one city.

BTW, the mayoral candidates made no mention of transit according to Jon Hilkevitch at the Tribune. That was alluded to at the Ward Room in the same post about the ATU poll.

But a new public-opinion poll on mass-transit issues found that the Chicago electorate cares greatly about CTA service, extending even to individuals who don't ride the system.

Do you see a disconnect between the politicians and the public?

The results suggest that mass transit is a big untapped issue that could play a key role in attracting votes, including among voters who consider themselves undecided in the mayor's race, according to the pollster who was commissioned to conduct the survey for the Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents most CTA employees.

"Transit is kind of a sleeper issue in the race," said pollster Vic Fingerhut, who heads a polling firm based in Alexandria, Va. "You'd expect at least one of the campaigns to call for no more service cuts or fare hikes."

Although this isn't indicated by Hilkevitch, I'm starting to think he's referring the ATU poll referred to by the Ward Room. The ATU comes up a little further along in the column:

Officials at the Amalgamated Transit Union said they plan to organize transit passengers as a voting bloc, both for the upcoming election and to contact their elected officials in the run-up to congressional reauthorization of the multiyear federal transportation legislation.

"This is not just a Chicago crisis,'' said Larry Hanley, international president of the transit workers union. "In the last few years nationally, we've seen a crush of new riders but also some of the deepest service cuts and highest increases in fares in the last 50 years.

"Our goal is to get transit back on the political agenda," said Hanley, a former bus driver in Brooklyn, N.Y.

"Gas prices are going to go back up again, and we have a great story to tell, one that people who ride our systems believe in."

Bringing this issue back home here, it's probably about time to ask the Aldermanic candidates what their position is on the Red Line extension. We know already that Alderman Lyle supports the extension, but what about the other candidates? Also how do we keep the extension at the top of the CTA's agenda so that it will eventually be built?

Some links of interest in the closing hour of MLK day

First, Lee Bey talks about the property that once was home to Dr. King when he lived in Chicago to advance the Civil Rights cause up here in the north. That residence has since been torn down however today another residential building currently sits in it's place.

Also YoChicago reflects on MLK day with an accompanying video from the Chicago Tribune marking Dr. King's stay in Chicago.

Curbed, looks at the homes of not only MLK, but the homes of other Civil Rights leaders.

The Tribune has a story about CPS students having a day of service on MLK day. It includes a picture from Englewood's Stagg Elementary School @ 7424 South Morgan Avenue. Well that seems a long way from what I really think of as Englewood. Anyway...

The Sun-Times answers the question as to who helped to make Dr. King's birthday a national holiday.

Now in closing, how did you observe the MLK holiday this year?

Robbery/Purse Snatcher at Jewel's

Just got wind of this incident via e-mail tonight!

My wife was just a victim of a robbery at the Jewel on 87th at the Dan Ryan. The incident occurred at approximately 5:45pm on January 17, 2011.

NOTE: The purse snatcher was a Black male wearing a Black Hooded Top with Blue Jeans. He was driving a late  model Maroon Buick sedan with 4 doors.

Best regards
P.J.Julien

Let's keep an eye out for this individual. Also be very careful out there.

If there are any other incidents out there we should know about feel free to e-mail us.

Labor Laying Ground for Gains in Council Races

Chicago News Coop:

Organized labor is planning to spend millions of dollars and deploy thousands of volunteers across Chicago’s wards in the coming election to expand its influence at City Hall.

Although the largest labor groups appear to be staying neutral in the race for the open mayor’s post, the union that is the top donor to Illinois political campaigns is positioning itself to play an important role in the City Council races.
...
Thomas Balanoff, the president of S.E.I.U.’s state council, said last week that his group and other union activists, including the Chicago Federation of Labor, could spend several million dollars in the city elections this year.
...
This year, with Mr. Daley not running for another term and 10 incumbent aldermen also retiring, union officials say they hope to claim a majority on the Council. “That’s our goal,” Mr. Balanoff said. “We think there is a good chance.”
...
A priority will be to re-elect the freshman aldermen they helped to win in the last election as well as other council supporters with greater seniority. The labor-endorsed incumbents include Pat Dowell in the 3rd Ward, Freddrenna Lyle in the 6th, Toni Foulkes in the 15th, Ricardo Munoz in the 22nd and Joe Moore in the 49th, S.E.I.U. officials said Friday.

What's Wrong in Roseland Heights?

I'm excerpting this from a page from Richard Wooten's revamped campaign website. Most of the other information isn't much different from the other pages dedicated to neighborhoods throughout the ward:

Poor police response time! Unstable property values, due to foreclosures and vacant land, are cropping up in the area. Slum landlords!  Lack of new housing!  And this community wants more Alderman accountability regarding Roseland Heights’ infrastructure. Plus, they want to know why they can’t have more direct interaction with the Alderman to influence the decision-making that affects their community. Should Roseland Heights have the right to express how their taxpayers’ money is spent?  You bet! Further adding to the dysfunction of our ward is the inability of the Alderman’s office to instantly address the problems and–– identify programs that can effect change. My years of service to my country and community have taught me that you are only as good as your team. I want a qualified staff that is continually trained in customer service and communication skills. I want a staff member with grant writing experience to help consult the ward’s community groups and neighborhood businesses. This person will identify grants and programs that groups and businesses can pursue to help restore core values back to Roseland Heights.

For the other pages for the neighborhoods of Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, Chatham, Park Manor, and Englewood the first paragraphs are different. The rest of the information contained within are not.

What are you thoughts?

Voting in the municipal elections

First off if you haven't yet registered the last day January 25, 2011. Be sure that you're registered at your current address. 

Early Voting-City Municipal Election
January 31-February 17, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Whitney Young Library 7901 S. King Dr.

Municipal election day is on February 22, 2011

For more info you may visit http://www.chicagoelections.com/

ComEd renews pitch for automatic rate increases

Crain's:

Commonwealth Edison Co. plans a big legislative push this spring that would allow electric and natural-gas utilities to hike delivery rates each year and would sharply curtail state utility regulators’ power to control the price for power and heat.

The measure, modeled in part on a controversial rate-freeze bill ComEd tried to move through the General Assembly last May, would give the state’s utilities far more certainty about recouping infrastructure investments in a timely way. But consumer advocates warn it would increase utility bills.

In a major change from the previous legislation, the new version would involve all of the state’s gas and power utilities rather than just Chicago-based ComEd. That means ComEd can enlist industry allies and add clout to its lobbying effort.

Under the proposal, utilities that agree to invest in their systems at a specific level would be allowed to automatically change their rates each year based on their costs. That would enable them to avoid the Illinois Commerce Commission’s review process, which often stretches to 11 months. The ICC instead would be given a narrower, after-the-fact review to ensure the costs aren’t egregious.

Congressman Rush doesn't plan to move his congressional offices

I heard about this story but I hadn't read into it until US Rep. Bobby Rush came to last nights 6th Ward meeting. It started off in this way on January 10th:

Rush, a Democrat who represents the South Side and suburbs, said the Arizona shooting spree has prompted him to hear the pleadings of his staffers and agree to move his congressional office, at 700 E. 79th St., out of the area. Rush said there were two or three killings near the office last year and a constituent was mugged on the way to a forum there. Rush has another office in Midlothian.

"There's an increased level of alarm and concern by most members of Congress," Rush said.

Another thing mentioned, is that his congressional office on 79th is located within the confines of Beat 624. I blogged about this police beat based upon a Sun-Times article last year. This story from Lynn Sweet from Jan. 12th, lets us know that Rush was undecided about moving his office:

Congressman Rush has not closed this office and he has not made a decision on whether to close this office, one of two located in the 1st congressional district. Any reports to the contrary are inaccurate.

For nearly two decades Congressman Rush's 79th Street office has been located in Beat 624, which recently was called the "most violent" police beat in the City of Chicago. The office, located near 79th and Cottage Grove, is based in a hot spot for fatal shootings, criminal assaults, robberies as well as gang and drug-related activity. It is also near areas where two Chicago police officers lost their lives. Given these facts, Rush believes that appropriate safety and security resources should be distributed throughout this district so that relative peace and the rule of law can be maintained.

As a lawmaker, activist and responsible employer, Congressman Rush is concerned about the safety of the residents who live within Beat 624 as well as his constituents and his congressional staff.

It's worth noting that the security measures of staff on Capitol Hill are quite different than those used within congressional districts. Rush and his staff are working with the U. S. Capitol Police and other appropriate law enforcement officials to determine the appropriate safety precautions that need to be adopted to ensure the safety of those who access his Chicago district offices, as well as those who work there on a daily basis.

He let us know at the ward meeting last night that he's not going anywhere. In fact pledged to help make Beat 624 much more safer with his presence. Even turned attention to the liquor store at 79th and Cottage Grove that is considered a problem by many. All the same NBC Chicago confirms that:

"I think it was misunderstood.  It was a slow news day.  I don't know what it was, but I just want to be absolutely crystal clear, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I'm like a tree planted by the water.  I shall not be moved," he said Thursday.

...

And while his office is in a high-crime neighborhood, he said he lives in the neighborhood near a public housing complex and is "kind of used to this environment."

"I've been here 20 years.  I'm not moving this office.  I'm going to be here when there's nothing but one building, and that's this building right here.  When everything else is gone, I'll be here."

Of course he said that at the ward meeting last night before I decided to Google for stories about any plans to move his constituent services office. It's great that he is staying, hopefully, this might mean a turnaround for 79th Street. I say this knowing it will take time!

Banks walk away from some foreclosures in Chicago

CPR:

A new study says banks are choosing to walk away instead of completing some foreclosures, leaving buildings abandoned.

The housing research group Woodstock Institute says it identified about 2,000 of these vacant homes in Chicago. Here’s what happens – a homeowner stops paying, the bank servicing the loan files a foreclosure, the homeowner moves out, but then the bank decides it doesn’t make financial sense to actually take ownership. Then the house sits empty. Geoff Smith of Woodstock Institute co-wrote the report.

"While that’s all happening, the property takes away from the quality of life in the surrounding community, costs the city substantially and the servicer essentially walks away without any type of accountability," Smith said.

Smith says it costs the city money to take legal possession, secure the house and then in many cases, demolish it. He says that could total about $36 million just for the vacant properties his institute identified. Smith says most of them are located in African-American communities already hard hit by the housing crisis.

Is it that someone doesn't want to be the bad guy? Or is it all about the money?

Very sad Bennett-Shedd LSC meeting January 12th...

I think there's some interest in this. If you've been following the FB page, Barbara Ellis was the Principal at Bennett-Shedd Elementary School. Sadly she passed away on Monday. This is a personal story as she was my 3rd Grade teacher before she eventually was promoted to Principal. I would like to post more thoughts later but only for publication on the day of her funeral services (provided in a link at the end of this post). Cross-posted from Shedd Public School.

I wrote in my notebook twice about people getting emotional :'(, it was a really sad meeting under the circumstances. I was actually looking forward to seeing Mrs. Ellis again, but I had no idea December was going to be it. Some of the staff said that she was actually on vacation and she even came in at some point before she passed on.

There was some business discusses such as new computers and the new copier at Shedd School that was agreed on the previous month. This was the first time I didn't speak at the meeting. It was easier to do being the only one there as I was in both October & December, but there were more people there. Not sure how many parents but none spoke or identified themselves as such. One man said he was president of the No Child Left Behind program at Bennett.

In public participation the ones who participated was a 5th Grade teacher at Shedd and the President of NCLB who discussed ways to reach out to the community. An issue I am concerned about, but on this occasion I chose to hold my fire at that time. Actually I wanted to tell Mrs. Ellis about this blog, and sadly I waited too long.

Any event the meeting was called to order at 3:55 PM and I left when the LSC went into closed session at 4:42 PM. Here's the acutal agenda.

Bennett Shedd LSC Agenda

The previous post has info on funeral services.al services.

Mysterious Survey Mokey Survey

Saw this posted by a friend on Facebook.

1. If you were in the election poll, who would you vote for?

• Roderick T. Sawyer
• Freddrenna M. Lyle
• Brian E. Sleet
• Sekum Walker
• Cassandra Goodrum-Burton
• Richard A. Wooten

 *2. What do you think is the most important issue that concerns the 6th ward citizens?

(open text)

*3. What do you think the next 6th ward Alderman should address the most?

• Crime
• Housing
• Economic Development
• Lack of city services
• Education
• All of the above

4. What's wrong with the current 6th Ward Aldernman?

• not assessible
• not visible
• not a coalition builder
• not responsive

 *5. What would be the best way for the 6th Ward Alderman to better serve the people? 

• Be responsive
• Be assessible
• Be visible
• Build Coalitions
• All of the above

*This question requires an answer.

So who published this survey? Why can't we see the results?

One thing that disturbed me was Question 4 -- it's phrased to be anti-incombent, rather than saying "what area needs the most improvement". Some people may feel there's something wrong, however, others may legitimately feel otherwise.  And you can't submit the survey without answering it (and no way to add another option).

6th Ward Alderman Candidate Forums

R.A.G.E - Resident Association of Greater Englewood Candidates Forum for the 3rd, 6th, and 20th Ward. This is an open forum for residents and the current runners for each of the wards that serve Englewood. The January 15th forum will focus on the candidates of the 3rd, 6th and 20th ward. Part two will be Thursday, January 27, 2010 for candidates running for alderman in the 15th and 16th ward. Saturday, February 12th will be the last forum for the candidates running for alderman in the 17th ward. The times and locations for part two and three will be announced at a later date. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Spread the word to residents in the 3rd, 6th and 20th Ward on the Englewood side!! For more info email joinrage@gmail.com or call 708.323.7140.


The Greater Chatham Alliance will host a Sixth Ward Aldermanic Candidates' forum on January 22 at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St. from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The GCA will be joined by panelists from community groups representing the 6th Ward to participate in the forum. For more information, call Romana Branker, chairman of the GCA 6th Ward Aldermanic Forum Committee, at (773) 371-0231.

Chesterfield Community Council will host a 6th Ward Aldermanic Candidates' forum on January 18 at New Bethlehem M.B. Church, 8850 S. Cottage Grove at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the Chesterfield Community Council at 773-651-3958.

Mayoral race round-up at the Capitol Fax...

Rich Miller goes after former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun on her lack of knowledge of the anticipated income tax hike and whether or not the city will see a cut of it. Also who amongst the mayoral candidates support the tax hike. Finally Rahm Emanuel supports cutting the number of vehicles used by city workers.

6th Ward Aldermanic forum on Saturday, January 22, 2011

For those of you looking for for a chance to see all the aldermanic candidates, and live, mark you calendars

What: Candidate Forum for 6th Ward Alderman Office
When: Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Kennedy King College, 740 W. 63rd Street (parking available on street and in lot)

SPECIAL GUEST MODERATOR – WVON 1690 AM radio personality, Cliff Kelly

The 6th Ward communities of Park Manor, West Chesterfield, Chatham Avalon, Greater Grand Crossing, Roseland Heights and Englewood would like all residents of these communities to come out and listen to the platforms of each nominee running for office of the 6th Ward Alderman in the February 22, 2011 election.

Please plan to attend to hear about the candidates’ qualifications, vision and specific plans for leading the ward during these very difficult financial and social times.

All 6th Ward residents are invited to attend.Please invite your family, friends and 6th ward neighbors!

Come out and hear from the candidates, all were invited to participate:

• RODERICK T. SAWYER
• FREDDRENNA M. LYLE
• BRIAN E. SLEET
• SEKUM WALKER
• CASSANDRA GOODRUM-BURTON
• RICHARD A. WOOTEN

Please join us!

It is important to participate in our own community’s future.

For more information, contact: Ava Martin at 773-412-4025 or Avamart22@yahoo.com

The event is organized by Greater Chatham Alliance, with presidents of leading 6th Ward Community Organizations as panelists (such as Park Manor Neighbors Community Council , Chesterfield Community Council , Chatham Avalon Park Community Council).

The style will be similar to the League of Women Voters format for debates.

Future events from Ald. Lyle's office

Thanks to Kari Steele for alerting us to these events!


Southside Collaborative Chicago Community Resource and Career Expo
February 5, 2011 (Saturday)
10:00 a.m. - 2:00p.m.
Chicago State University
9501 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr.
Description: Learn how to save ENERGY & MONEY & Where JOBS are! Hosted by Ald. Freddrenna M. Lyle 6th Ward, Congressman Bobby Rush, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Senator Donne Trotter, State Rep. Marlow Colvin, State Rep. Connie Howard, Ald. Anthony Beale 9th Ward, Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. 21st Ward, Alderman Carrie Austin 34th Ward  

6th Ward ICONS Awards Luncheon

February 13, 2011 (Sunday)

2:30 pm - 6:30pm

Harambee House Banquet

11901 South Loomis Street, Chicago, IL

cost: $50.00

Description: Join Alderman Lyle's  "SOAR Community Development Corporation"  as they showcase individuals that help make the 6th Ward a vibrant and stable community.  This is a chance to say "Thank You for all the hard work that they do"!  For more information call 773-994-5747

Mazany: Focus on accountability and testing has been excessive

Chicago Public Radio:

Though he only plans to stay on as head of the Chicago Public Schools for six months, interim CEO Terry Mazany laid out a dramatically different course for schools Monday, saying that under No Child Left Behind “we’ve traded off our pursuit of excellence for the tyranny of accountability.”

Mazany said the focus has been on failing schools and all that encompasses, including firing bad teachers and principals and closing schools.

By doing so, we’ve ignored the 80 to 90 percent of schools that are good, and lost opportunities to make them great, Mazany said.

“If…we think about schools as needing to improve—not needing to be closed—then we focus the system’s resources on support and development,” Mazany told civic and business leaders at a speech at the City Club.

THURSDAY: January '11 6th Ward Community Meeting

January 2011 Ward Mtg

Place: New Bethlehem M.B. Church @ 8850 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Time:  Thursday, January 13, 2011 @ 6:30 PM

For more info contact the Alderman's office by phone: (773) 846-7006 or e-mail: ward06 [at] cityofchicago [dot] org

Slain police officer's star retired

Photo by José M. Osorio, Chicago Tribune

Tribune:

The star of slain Chicago police Officer Thomas Wortham IV was to be retired weeks ago with a ceremony honoring his sacrifice, but it had to be postponed because it fell on the same day as services for Michael Flisk, the fifth officer killed in the line of duty in 2010.

Today, the moment finally arrived for Wortham's star No. 6181 to be placed inside a glass cabinet in police headquarters beside those of the 477 other Chicago police officers killed in the line of duty since the 1800s.

Wortham was a 30-year-old Englewood District officer who was fatally shot in May when four people tried to rob him of his motorcycle while he was off-duty outside his parents' Chatham home. Just days before Wortham's death, the Tribune had quoted him in a story about how he and others in Chatham were battling to keep their middle-class neighborhood safe.
...
The stars of Flisk, an evidence technician killed in November, and Officers Thor Soderberg and Michael Bailey, who were each shot and killed in July, are still to be retired.

While fielding questions from reporters after the ceremony, Wortham's father, Thomas Wortham III, himself a retired Chicago police sergeant, wiped away tears as he discussed street violence.

"This is too much killing," he said.

The Tribune pic above is of Officer Thomas Wortham's parents being escorted after the ceremony that retired Wortham's Police star.

Legislature finally ends free rides for most senior citizens

CTA Tattler:

A bill to allow free transit rides only for low-income seniors has been sent to Gov. Quinn for his signature after the state Senate passed the bill on a 54-2 vote on Monday. The House had OKed it on Saturday 95-15.

The bill would allow seniors who qualify for the state's Circuit Breaker aid program to continue to ride free, while all others would pay half price. Here are the income limits for the Circuit Breaker program:

• $27,610 for a household of one.
• $36,635 for a household of two.
• $45,657 for a household of three.

Great start, perhaps for those seniors who don't qualify we can have reduced fares for them like what used to be the case before this free rides mandate. It was mentioned that Gov. Quinn hasn't said whether or not he would sign this bill and if he did, that veto could be overturned.

Calumet Heights wants a Whole Foods

Click pic to visit company website

Going so far as to post a petition on the Calumet Heights Community Coalition (CHCC) blog. This quote I grabbed from the petition link:

Isn't it time we had affordable naturally grown foods available in our neighborhood.

A little over a year ago, I blogged about the possibility of bringing Whole Foods to Chatham Market as mentioned at a neighborhood meeting for Wal-Mart in November 2009 by our neighboring Alderman Howard Brookins (21st). I do wish however that CHCC would say more about their drive to bring a Whole Foods to the Stony Island Corridor between 83rd & 95th Street.

Don't know how many have already "signed" this online petition, but I'm sure this organization doesn't have a problem with people from outside their immediate community express support.

BTW, Calumet Heights also contains the neighborhood of Pill Hill.

Tribune candidate questionnaire for 6th Ward aldermanic candidates

Go here for races around the city. So far Roderick Sawyer, Ald. Lyle, and Cassandra Goodrum Burton had responded. The Tribune editorial board makes clear that no one has been endorsed so far.

Roderick Sawyer's questionnaire. This quote is about the Chatham Executive Building that has remained vacant even after renovations.

We have a state-of-the art "green" building in our community owned by African Americans, yet it remains virtually empty primarily due to the surge in violence on 79th Street.

Ald. Lyle's questionnaire. Her response to how to encourage employers to our city.

By providing an educated workforce, a culture that supports businesses and assisting new businesses in cutting through the regulatory maze.

Cassandra Goodrum Burton's questionnaire. Ms. Burton has this quote about Chicago State University.

One underused resource in the ward is Chicago State University. I would like to see the University serve as an economic engine for the area much like UIC does for the west side.

I would like to write more about their comments. It interesting to read their thoughts about how they think CPS should be administered whether continuing the status quo, switching to an elected school board, having a CEO with education experience, or who should appoint the CEO. Also interesting is how each would address the issue of crime and economic development.

I will continue to check in future for responses from the other candidates for 6th Ward Alderman.

Via Uptown Update!

Ill. rep concerned for safety after Ariz. attack

The tragedy in Tucson, Arizona over the weekend is reverberating here with Congressman Bobby Rush:

Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush says he's "very concerned" about his own safety and the safety of other congressmen following the shooting attack on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona.

The Chicago Democrat tells The Associated Press the climate for political leaders is bad, particularly for those who've supported President Barack Obama.
...
Rush says he's told those around him to be more vigilant. But he doesn't plan to scale back on any public appearances.

Also, west side Congressman and former Mayoral candidate Danny Davis also claimed to have received a threat over the weekend as well:

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis said his office received an e-mail threat on Sunday.

"It was some person who emailed one of my staff persons and said that 'Danny Davis is next,'" Davis said. Davis, a Chicago Democrat, said the Capitol Police and Chicago police have been notified.

Chicago police news affairs could not immediately confirm that a report of a threat had been filed with the department.
...
Davis said he would typically ignore such a threat, but a shooting Saturday that injured U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, killed six and injured 14, prompted him to be on alert.

I know there are those who are blaming political discourse in this nation for the Tucson tragedy. This has nothing to do with political discourse, but everything to do with a nutcase who was bent on committing some form of violence.

Best wishes to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who was the target of this individual. She was shot in the head at close range, but is still with us (check this CBS News update) and there were 8 other people who are still hospitalized. Best wishes to those people as well.

Community Policing Is Caught in a Cross-Fire

Mick Dumke at the Chicago News Coop has more on the CAPS program:

Last Monday, neighborhood residents and police officers gathered at a Humboldt Park community center for their monthly community policing meeting. Crime in their police district, the 11th, had fallen, but it still outpaced the rest of the city in many categories, including homicide, where it ranked No. 1.

Those at the meeting also noted that the drug trade was as robust as ever. In November and December, residents of one two-block stretch of North Ridgeway Avenue had called the police 127 times, an average of more than twice a day.

Despite the problems, turnout at the meeting was poor: five police officers, two residents and a local housing advocate. One of the officers, Sgt. Davina Ward, announced that because of budget constraints the 11th District would hold fewer community meetings. “CAPS has been cut,” Sergeant Ward said, referring to Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, the city’s 18-year-old community policing initiative.

Mr. Weis said last week that the department remained committed to community policing. 

What do you make of this statement?

Critics countered that the police department, at Mr. Daley’s behest, veered from true community policing years ago. It should be doing more than encouraging citizens to snitch, they said. It should be teaming with them to confront the neighborhood disorganization that leads to crime, like irresponsible liquor stores, abandoned buildings and drug dealing.

You should read the whole thing.

Unknown Chicago: A New Plan for Saving (1-10-1910)

John Schmidt had written about a defunct old bank that served the Englewood neighborhood once located at 63rd & Stewart. This financial institution had closed in 1941 before the neighborhood turned by the late 1960s.

Aldermen critical of proposed income tax increase

Two aldermen, Joe Moreno (1st) and Walter Burnett (27th), aren't very happy about this potential income tax increase being considered in the lame duck session of the Illinois General Assembly:

A group of aldermen have now joined the growing list of city officials critical of the proposed state income tax increase. While some agree the tax increase could help cure the state's dire economic condition, others remain concerned that the hike will create more financial problems for taxpayers and businesses, especially if Chicago does not see an increased share of the new revenue.

"If our citizens have to pay into the pot, it's only fair that our citizens get some money out of the pot," said 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett.

Burnett joined Ald. Joe Moreno and several others who want to make sure that if state lawmakers approve an income tax increase, Chicago gets its fair share. As it stands, revenue to Chicago would remain capped at one tenth of one percent -- regardless of any increase.

The opponents say with ongoing budget woes and pension commitments, the city cannot afford to miss out on millions.

"With unfunded mandates like funding the pensions for police and fire, it's unworkable and it's just unfair," said Moreno of the city's 1st Ward. 

Generally I'm against tax increases - especially income taxes - however, I do support the efforts of these Aldermen to make sure the city gets its fair share of taxes. The city isn't doing that great fiscally itself so of course Illinois' largest city wants to get a significant piece of that pie.

The contents of this tax increase are:

The proposed state tax deal would temporarily raise the personal income tax rate for the next four years from 3 percent to 5.25 percent. It would also increase the corporate income tax rate from 4.8 percent to 8.4 percent and boost the state's cigarette tax by $1 to $1.98, which would generate roughly $7.5 billion each year.
...
Supporters say the new revenue would be used to reduce the state's debt and fund education and human services. It would also pay for the $12-billion loan Illinois would borrow through a deal to immediately pay off the state's annual pension contribution and its growing backlog of bills.

Taxpayers would also get some of the money back annually in the form of a $325 property tax rebate check.

According to a research group, the income-tax rate moves Chicago to one of the highest-taxed areas in the country.

We're currently in a recession, correct? So while we consider raising taxes in a recession the Capitol Fax (from where I found this story) talks about how our neighboring state is expecting to benefit from this tax increase. Yeah this state and our city needs to pay the bills but what could this mean for future economic growth here?

FAFSA Workshop for Seniors at Harlan on Jan. 11, 2011

I could've used this years ago when I was a senior. There was very little clue on my part about federal financial aid (such as grants or student loans) or other forms of financial aid. I know this event is about filling out the FAFSA, but hopefully there are events for getting scholarships and information for students about borrowing money for school. The way college tuition is going up, today's high school senior needs a run-down of college financing.

Having to consider these things are intimidating, but hopefully the ones who are very serious will do what they need to do to get in school. Also the ones who are serious will surely be the ones who will attend this event. May the finances work out for them.

Chatham Business Association - free meeting

From the Eventbrite page

CHATHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SBDI


MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING PRESENTS:


Chicago Architecture Foundation


South Central Community Center

1021 East 83rd Street (83rd and Ellis)

Chicago IL 60619



Tuesday, Janaury 11, 2010

Registration 8:00 a.m.

Meeting start at 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast is served



Come and learn about a new tour program to showcase our wonderful Chatham community.

The link is here

Updates 2011 and reading the blog on the cell phone

I didn't however add the qualifier "elections" to it. :P

Nothing new to the 2011 page, just deleting and rearranging information. Just making sure to note who is no longer currently on the ballot. In addition I would like very much to reflect the ballot position for all 6th Ward aldermanic candidates. The job however will never be finished until there is no longer an election to cover.

Also you can now access this blog on your cell phone if you can't get enough when you have to be away from the PC. Perhaps it's not that serious, but you can now read the blog at http://thesixthward.blogspot.com/?m=1. If you're on a BlackBerry for example the only thing that's likely to be off is the header because well it won't fit on the screen.

According to this entry on Blogger in Draft, the mobile templates are fully supported on WebKit-based mobile browsers. Since this is only a "beta" expect more improvements as time moves forward.

BTW, I tried using a mobile template on an iPhone. I don't currently own one, but know that if you type in the blog's address minus ?m=1 the browser will automatically direct to the mobile template unlike on the BlackBerry where it will simply direct to the blog's PC ready template.

Thanks for reading and following as always!

6th Ward videos

Would you like to rate them? Today we look at videos (via Early & Often) from Ald. Lyle in her re-election bid and one of her opponent in February, Richard Wooten.

Let's start with the incumbent who advertised her accomplishments such as building houses and parks, additions to schools (such as Deneen right of the expressway), attracted both big and small businesses, created more youth programs, and increased the number of police patrols in the neighborhood. Duration is 30 seconds for this one.

Her opponent Richard Wooten has a video of roughly two minutes talking about what values he wants to restore to the 6th Ward. In fact he did another video announcing a revamp of his website and now the original address @ http://www.chicago6thward.com/ now redirects to http://restoringvalues.com/.

Wooten calls on new leadership that focuses on family values, community safety, increasing property values, and the value of our elderly and their wisdom. He also discusses raising his family in Chatham where he says he's gained an appreciation for a solid education as well as a safe & secure community. Also notes his work with the GADC as an advisor.

What do you think of these two vids?

ALSO, I saw an FB posting on Burundi Davis' profile from January 2, 2011 that says that he is no longer running for 6th Ward Alderman. So far the first withdrawal since petitions were filed in this race.

CAPS Meetings To Be Less Frequent In 2011

Roscoe View Journal:

Starting this month the Chicago Police Department will no longer conduct monthly CAPS meetings.

“Chicago’s Alternative Policing Strategies” meetings, which emphasize face-to-face contact between the actual officers from each beat and local residents, have been moved to quarterly and bi-monthly schedules, depending on police district.

The changes are a result of a city-wide shift of officers from administrative to on-the-street duties.

The need to move personnel around in response to need especially in putting officers where they are needed in those neighborhoods that see an uptick in reported crime. One way to address it is to be sure police officers are in touch not only with any particular alderman but also with the community itself.

I found this article via Second City Cop who stated:

And a result of shrinking attendance, limited impact, fading revenue sources and who knows what else. A "mercy flush" for CAPS would be in order ASAP.

If true that would be disappointing. Of course it seems 2nd City Cop aren't fans of this program either. Just wonder what could be done to increase interest in CAPS or a similar program.

Greater Englewood Residents has R.A.G.E.!

Got this press release via e-mail today. The main thing I want to excerpt below are plans for Aldermanic candidate summits for the various wards that make up Englewood:

Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Englewood United Methodist Church located at 6400 S. Stewart at 4pm R.A.G.E. will host part one of the “Who’s Running?” Summit. This is an open forum for residents and the current runners for each of the wards that serve Englewood. R.A.G.E. will also have a deputy registrar on hand to sign-up new voters from the community and provide residents with information that outlines the roles and responsibilities of public officials.

The January 15th forum will focus on the candidates of the 3rd, 6th and 20th ward. Part two will be Thursday, January 27, 2011 for candidates running for alderman in the 15th and 16th ward at the 7th District Police Station from 6pm-8pm. Saturday, February 12th will be the last forum for the candidates running for alderman in the 17th ward. The times and locations for part three will be announced at a later date.

The general election is February 22nd and everyone in the community is encouraged to participate and be a part of the candidate forum. “Residents should feel empowered again, R.A.G.E. goal is to make sure their voices will be heard at these summits”, Corrinn Cobb affirmed. Members of R.A.G.E. are determined to demonstrate their commitment in improving conditions and to assure residents understand the vision of these candidates who wish to represent Greater Englewood. Residents will have the opportunity to speak with the candidates and discuss their goals, platforms and other issues affecting the Englewood neighborhood.

You can check out this organization's Facebook page to find out more about this organization below is the full press release.

CTA Train Tracker is coming...

Do you remember when CTA Bus Tracker first came online that we actually had a widget for that here on the blog? It worked similarly to the actual website where you would find the route and then input the actual stop you expect to board the bus.

Hopefully in the future, we may be able to offer a widget where you can check the arrivals of Red Line trains in our community. Currently we do have status updates for Red Line trains from a feed in our sidebar provided by the CTA's official website.

I do wish however, that we could have a feed for updates to bus services in our community. It was posted over the summer that bus service around Chicago State University was changed where the no. 3 & 4 buses were allowed to terminate right on the campus of Chicago State. Before this summer, the buses were forced to terminate away from the campus.

In any case I look forward to this eventual roll-out this month of CTA Train Tracker. I can hopefully time my commute according to when the train arrives. Bus Tracker worked especially when I knew that a bus would be at 95th by the time my actual train arrives. With this new program I can at least know how long my wait for the train will be.

Also like the Bus Tracker you can also access this service via a cell phone. That is you can either use an internet enabled phone to track arrival times or you can use the text messaging function as well. I just found out that you can download an application (apps) to check arrival times as well.

Via Sloopin.

LSC meetings this month

Since I have successfully attended three LSC meetings (two each for Bennett/Shedd Elementary and one for Harlan High School) before 2010 came to a close. I'm going to go for both this month as the schools have returned to session in the new year.

To clarify, yes Bennett School (located @ 10115 South Prairie Avenue)  isn't in the 6th Ward. It's just south of the Calumet (Bishop Ford) Expressway in the 9th Ward. However, Shedd School (located @ 200 E. 99th Street) which is located in the 6th Ward is connected with Bennett School as it is considered a branch. Thus the Bennett LSC is also over Shedd School. Their meeting is scheduled on January 12, 2011 @ 3:30 PM. Check out this LSC meeting dates for Bennett/Shedd.

Harlan's LSC (located @ 9652 S. Michigan Ave.) will meet on January 20, 2011 @ 6:30 PM. You can check out dates for Harlan's events through their official website.

I sincerely hope that I won't be the only member of the public to attend either meeting as had happened at both Harlan's and Bennett's past meetings. It is my belief the community should know what's going on at their neighborhood schools as in some way what goes on or doesn't go on will affect us in someway in the future.

Also, in recent months a community representative at Ruggles School @ 7831 S. Prairie Ave has reached out to the blog. Hopefully in future the community could pay a visit to LSC meeting there as well. I expect to post a notice for future meetings there, but the Ruggles LSC usually meets on the last Thursday of every month.

Karin Norington-Reaves takes County position

From Chicago Tribune's Clout Street local politics blog

Karin Norington-Reaves, a former deputy director in the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, replaces former state Rep. Art Turner as head of the President’s Office of Employment and Training, Preckwinkle confirmed today.

Ms. Norington-Reaves is a Chatham resident, and a 2007 candidate for 6th ward alderman.

see the full article at the Chicago Tribune's Clout Street :

Preckwinkle makes change at troubled county job training program

Chicago's Challenge: Maintaining a strong middle class

If you check out his FB page, you might see the term "middle-class" frequently used by 6th Ward Aldermanic candidate Brian Sleet. In fact you might see "middle-class" in an ad that he put in a recent edition of the GCA newsletter. For now here's what the Tribune has to say:

Maintaining a strong middle-class population with safe neighborhoods, jobs, quality housing and good schools will continue to be a mandate for big-city mayors for years to come. In Chicago, efforts to transform troubled neighborhoods into vibrant mixed-income communities, like the city's attempts to improve schools, have proceeded unevenly.

With the economic collapse at the end of the last decade, the rug's been pulled out from neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Dozens of South Loop condominium buildings have unsold units that are up for rent, and home foreclosures threaten the stability of once solidly middle-class blocks in communities including Uptown, Avondale and Chatham.

"We have to work hard, and we have to redouble our efforts," said Joel Bookman, co-director of LISC Chicago, a community development group helping to coordinate a $47 million New Communities Program to bring stability to 16 neighborhoods.

"You want to feel like you have a community that has possibility and that has growth rather than looking at vacant lots, boarded-up buildings and foreclosed properties that not only give a sense of insecurity, but also decrease property values and give people the feeling that their neighborhood and the city is on the decline," Bookman said.

Such perceptions have driven many middle-class residents out of Chicago, as manufacturing jobs disappeared, the crime rate soared and public schools were branded as the nation's worst.

For years, miles of high-rise public housing buildings stretched across the city's skyline, blocking off entire neighborhoods from any hopes of improvement and further defining Chicago as an urban failure.

Today, much of the city's stability rides on the success of the $1.6 billion effort launched by Daley in 2000 to tear down those public housing towers, sending thousands of Chicago's poorest residents to new neighborhoods.

QUESTION: What can we do to keep the neighborhoods in the 6th attractive to middle-class people?

Ald. Lyle on privatizing Taste of Chicago...

You may have heard about the possibility of charging an admissions fee for the Taste of Chicago late last year. More from the Chicago Sun-Times:

Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) said she would reluctantly swallow a $20 admission fee with $10 rebated to patrons in the form of food and beverage tickets. 

But Lyle drew the line at the joint-venture’s proposal to sell $65 concert tickets to Taste’s biggest-name entertainment stage.

“The last concert I went to was Maze and Frankie Beverly. Tom Joyner had done a promotion and everybody came out. I saw thousands of middle-aged black and Latino people all dressed in white. They were out there enjoying the lakefront. It was exactly what you want at a Taste event,” Lyle said. 

“More than half of those people would not have come if it was $65. They’re making just about the minimum wage. They wouldn’t have been able to afford a $65 ticket. Taste of Chicago is not Ravinia and we should not be trying to make it Ravinia.”

Urban Partnership Bank shutting Kenwood, Bronzeville branches

More changes at the former ShoreBank:

The branches at 3401 S. King Drive and 4659 S. Cottage Grove Ave. will close on March 17.

Also closing on that date will be the bank's non-profit service center at 134 N. LaSalle St. and its single branch in Cleveland. The news was first reported on the Chicago Tribune's website.

The bank has seven other remaining locations in Chicago and one location in Detroit.

A spokesman for Urban Partnership Bank, which rose out of the ashes of the failed ShoreBank, said that the financial institution is seeking "more accessible and convenient locations" to serve customers in Kenwood and Bronzeville and in Cleveland. He added that in the case of Cleveland, the bank is hoping to add retail services to the future new location.

Concerned Citizens of Chatham: Updated 1/3/11- Another One Bites the Dust

Courtesy of Concerned Citizens of Chatham, Brian Sleet and Sekum Walker had the objections to their petitions overruled and they will appear on the ballot with Ald. Lyle, Roderick Sawyer, and Cassandra Goodrum Burton. The only objections that remain are against Burundi Davis.

What been going on over the New Year's Weekend...

Well the New Year leaves the 6th Ward Aldermanic ballot without certainty as the petition challenges to Brian Sleet, Sekum Walker and Burundi Davis remain unresolved according to Concerned Citizens of Chatham. Won't be until mid-January until we know who else will finally be on the ballot in February.

Also, it was reported recently that Burundi Davis had lost his father. Michael Harris posted this news over at our Facebook page and it was seen at Concerned Citizens of Chatham as well.

Also I wanted to note the interest in this decrepit house located at the northeast corner of 74th & Indiana. We want to increase interest in another property JP highlighted in March 2010 which was also decrepit. Hopefully these homes are remodeled and available for ownership and occupation in the near future.

Also GCA is having a candidates forum for 6th Ward Aldermanic candidates on January 22nd. That link also has the December GCA newsletter which features ads by Aldermanic candidates Cassandra Goodrum-Burton, Roderick Sawyer, Brian Sleet, and Richard Wooten. I would like to write about about some of their statements in their ads regarding Chatham in the near future.

Also in comment at Concerned Citizen's of Chatham, the Alderman did talk about a potential snub by GCA. She says neither GCA or the Alderman herself had snubbed anyone. For this one I had to read between the lines as it appears she was concered about placing an ad in the GCA newsletter in an organization that wasn't yet a 501 c(3). Furthermore she was concerned about how this forum was organized. I expect that well there will be some more work to be done in organizing this worthwhile event between GCA and other 6th Ward neighborhood organizations.

This is a basic run down as to what has been going on in the community since the last post. I hope you've had a wonderful holiday and you celebrated the New Years safely.