Police commander checks in with EVA July 6

President Message by John Scheer 

OK! Summer is finally here. The sun has come out and the weather has warmed up. The sidewalk cafes are packed and the street fairs are profitable. Looking around, you would never know the economy is in such bad shape.

Maybe this is a sign of good business planning and a popular neighborhood.

Whatever the reason, there is also an increase in crime. The most recent Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy report indicates that crimes against people are down but crimes against property are significantly higher. I’m not sure if there is a theory as to why one goes up while another one goes down, but it is a clear message that fighting crime is every ones responsibility.

For you own protection, follow the standard recommendations to keep cars, doors and windows locked to prevent easy access. Many crimes are referred to as crimes of opportunity just because something is easily accessible it is an easy target for a crime. Remain aware of who and what is around you when out on the street.

Other recommendations and safety guidelines can be picked up at the monthly CAPS meeting. Beat 1322 is held at Wood Street Police Station on the first Wednesday of the month.

Commander Judith Martin of the Chicago Police Department 13th District will be the guest speaker at the July EVA meeting. Expect the commander to share some of the improvements around the district, as well as updates on current crime investigations and trends. Please plan to attend the July meeting for current information that may improve your safety.

The July meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, July 6 at the Happy Village, 1059 W. Wolcott. In the past, the commander has been very interested in hearing from neighbors about crimes and issues that impacting all of us.

Plans are also under way for the August EVA meeting which will be the annual barbecue. The menu is coming together and everyone should be pleased.

This annual barbecue is the largest EVA event focused on increasing new memberships. Everyone is encourage to bring their neighbors as an opportunity for these neighbors to meet more of the EVA members and join the community group to be part of the neighborhood destiny. Watch the EVA web site for more information and details relating to the August EVA barbecue.

Looking for Chicago Avenue hotspots?

Free wireless Internet access is spreading along Chicago Avenue.

The ChiFi network blankets the Eckhart Park area between Ashland Avenue and Throop Street. But businesses across Ashland are web hotspots as well, including Alcala's Western Wear at Hermitage and Columbia Furniture at Hoyne.

Buildings with small rooftop installations extend the network. The West Town Special Service Area business district plans to add more rooftop gateways across Chicago Avenue from Halsted Street to California Avenue, and eventually along Damen, Milwaukee and Ogden avenues as well.

Computer users access one of the network locations, labeled ChiFi 1 to ChiFi 9. They're then directed to a gateway website to for a new password every month, said program manager Matthew Westfallen.

Getting access was a simple matter on a spring visit to OnShore Networks, 1407 W. Chicago Ave. OnShore installs web networks in apartment and condo buildings across the city, said the firm's Matthew Lechleider.

Businesses who agree to be hotspots, or neighbors curious about the service, can call (312) 850-9390 or visit westtownssa29.org.

Minutes for June 1, 2009 membership meeting

Submitted by Dana Palmer

1. Guest speaker Earlean Collins presented regarding her role with the Cook County Board for District One. Mrs. Collins stated that she served on the Illinois Senate for 21 years before retiring and serving on the Cook County Board. She mentioned that she was raised a Democrat and continues to believe not only in the sharing of responsibilities but also in the sharing of benefits.
   
   Mrs. Collins went on to say that the top two responsibilities of the Board are public health and public safety. She expressed that the main challenge of the Board is finding enough revenue to fund the services that need to be provided. She explained that currently there is an increase in the need for services but a decrease in the amount of revenue generated. Therefore, the Board must find ways of retrieving revenue and they are currently doing so through property taxes, fees generated from the court system and sales taxes.
   
   However, she went on to explain, that the revenue generated not only goes to the Board to disperse to services being provided but they also are divided with the City of Chicago, the park district and the Chicago Transit Authority. In fact, she stated that only about 1.7% of the revenue generated goes to the Board.
   
   One idea for generating more revenue Mrs. Collins presented, was to become a municipality. She stated that by being a municipality you are able to generate revenue in other ways. One other challenge the Board is faced with according to Mrs. Collins is within the time limits in which the revenue can be spend once obtained. She stated that the revenue has to be spent within a specified time frame and that if that revenue is not spend within that time frame the revenue is lost and possibly given to another organization competing for it the following year.
   
   Mrs. Collins also spoke briefly about the John Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. She mentioned that the services provided by the county hospital are not funded by the state of Illinois but from the county of Cook alone due to an agreement set-up prior to her involvement with the Board. Therefore, money can not be obtained from the state to help with generating revenue for services need at the hospital. She stated that one idea she had for combating this was to sue the state for not contributing to the revenue needed for services being provided by the hospital. However, she stated that this idea was not well accepted by others and has not been implemented.
   
   One other issue in regards to the hospital that was briefly discussed was the issue of billing patients for services provided by the hospital. Mrs. Collins confirmed that in the past the hospital was not billing patients for services due to the idea that is was a “free” hospital. However, they are now implementing a billing process and she feels this is a step in the right direction to help alleviate the revenue building for the hospital services from solely the taxpayers.
   
   Mrs. Collins also presented a little bit about the juvenile detention center and court system. She mentioned that she is currently working towards ways of decreasing the enormous amount of revenue going towards housing juveniles who have been convicted on non-violent crimes.


2. Discussion of the August barbecue was postponed by John Scheer until the next board meeting.


3. In regards to Planning, Preservation and Development, Scott Rappe stated that his letter regarding “The Winchester” contingencies presented at the previous Board Meeting mentioned that one of the contingencies was no more that 44 chairs in the outdoor cafe. However, the secretary report stated no more that 50. Dana Palmer reviewed her secretary reports which confirmed that vote at the May 4, 2009 membership meeting stated 50 versus 44. Therefore, Mr. Rappe will amend his letter to be resubmitted.


4. Stephen Rynkiewicz stated that EVA is now on Twitter under evachicago.


5. Steven Crane mentioned that he received two new memberships for EVA. He and Brodi Cole agreed to look into membership renewal comparing the membership list with the Paypal report to find out who still needs to renew.


6. Rich Anselmo stated that he will continue to attempt to reach Joe Hunewinkel regarding making a postcard to distribute to East Village residents directing them to the EVA website.


7. Rich Anselmo and Scott Rappe stated that they would go together to present to the Alderman's office about Pedestrian designations for the properties at the Pizza Hut, Post Office and Walgreens.


8. Meeting adjourned.

Collins: Long road to roll back Cook County tax

Cook County's "indescribable" budget challenges forced an unpalatable 1% sales tax increase, Commissioner Earlean Collins told her East Village Association constituents on June 1.

The 1st District representative voted "present" to rescind the increase and return the tax to 0.75%, a move that did not survive President Todd Stroger's veto. "I don't have any problem voting present when both sides are wrong," said Collins.

At 10.25%, the sales tax paid in Chicago is one of the nation's highest. Collins said federal stimulus money for Cook County Hospital justified no more than a rollback to 10%. Raising property taxes would have been the only alternative. she said.

County spending is boxed in by longstanding from state health-care mandates to the Shakman court decrees against political hiring, she said. "They have a structural deficit they ignored for years," Collins said.

Courts should relieve the county of its spending requirements and force more equitable state funding, said Collins. She nominally controls courts as chair of the County Board's Criminal Justice committee. She also leads the panel on Workforce, Job Development & Training Opportunities, and complained that trainees were required to be paid twice the minimum wage despite their lack of experience.

For more of Collins' comments, read minutes of the meeting.

County Board rep confirmed for Monday meeting

Cook County's 1 percent sales tax increase, which raised the city's sales tax rate to 10.25%, stays in place after President Todd Stroger vetoed a repeal this month.

The county board came three votes short of overriding the veto. Partial rollbacks passed more narrowly and also were vetoed. East Village's representative to the board, Earlean Collins, voted "present" on the May 19 vote to to override the veto.

Collins voted for the tax last year to erase a $239 million deficit in the county's $3.2 billion budget. She told the Tribune the repeal vote was "totally unprofessional. ... Let's stop playing the games and get serious about what needs to be done."

Collins is scheduled to speak Monday to the East Village Association. She'll discuss county services and take questions. Plan to be present at 7 p.m. in the Happy Village bar, at Thomas and Wolcott.

What's on tap at Do-Division? OK, Pabst. What else?

Division Street closes to at least some traffic this weekend from Ashland to Leavitt for the Do-Division Street Fest and Sidewalk Sale.

This year's live music at Division and Damen features Montreal indie rockers Handsome Furs, Mizzou ska-clubbers White Rabbits, Oregon punk/funk/crunk artists Menomena and Chicago DJs Hollywood Holt and Flosstradamus. The main stage again is scheduled by Empty Bottle Presents, festival-booking extension of the Empty Bottle nightclub in Ukrainian Village.

A separate stage on west end of the street festival at Division and Leavitt will benefit LaSalle II Language Academy, 1148 N. Honore, and A.N. Pritzker School, 2009 W. Schiller St. The Family Fun Fest includes performances for children, a bounce house, face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, petting zoo and pony rides.

Division Street boutiques are to hold sidewalk sales. Concessions will feature Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

Admission is $5. Hours for the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce event are noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The kids' stage closes at 6.

The emerging artists exposition Around the Coyote takes place alongside the festival, in the Splat Flats art space above Miller Lumber at 1815-25 W. Division, with more exhibit space at 1000 and 1234 N. Milwaukee. Tickets are $20.

East Village Association on Twitter @evachicago

A high-profile neighborhood vote was first reported not on newspaper websites or blogs but on Twitter.

Bulletins from the East Village neighborhood and the larger West Town community are available at http://www.twitter.com/evachicago. A May 4 message read, "After 1-hour Q&A on restaurant, EVA members voted for zoning change with stipulations (security, no deck) and only at 1924 Chicago."

Twitter is a social networking service for Web browsers, cell phones and instant-messaging systems. Its short-message format (roughly 25 words or less) lends itself to announcements of new articles as they are posted at the East Village Association website, eastvillagechicago.org, or the related evachicago discussion group on the Yahoo! website.

The May 4 vote on the zoning change was advisory to Ald. Manuel Flores (1st Ward).

The Twitter feed @evachicago also relays Chicago Police crime reports, property transfer listings and neighborhood news from local websites. The nonprofit everyblock.org search engine and a similar commercial service, outside.in, index articles that mention local addresses.

The neighborhood is underserved by local media. Chicago Journal, a free weekly newspaper, stopped circulating in the area in March, and Pioneer Press shut down a subscription weekly in 2005. East Village is bounded by Division Street, Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago Avenue and Damen Avenue.

The East Village Association also announces its activities on a Facebook page and a Google calendar.

Chicago defends landmark ordinance

1124 N. Damen, Ukrainian Village Landmark District

Chicago has filed an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court to support the city's landmarks ordinance. It expects in June to hear whether the high court will hear the case.

Landmarks Illinois, Preservation Chicago, the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and other organizations and municipalities have signed a statement of amici curiae (friend of the court) to the Illinois Supreme Court in support of the city’s appeal.

This is a reprint of Landmarks Illinois’ February Preservation Brief regarding the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance lawsuit. For more information and copies of the rulings and appeals, visit www.landmarks.org.

Appellate court terms Chicago landmark ordinance “vague”
Answers to common questions

On January 30, 2009, the Illinois Appellate Court issued a decision, in the case of Hanna v. City of Chicago, that the Chicago Landmark Ordinance is unconstitutional because it’s too vague. While the decision did not overturn the ordinance, it did send shockwaves through the preservation community while drawing promise from property rights advocates.

Landmarks Illinois has received numerous inquiries regarding the impact of this ruling. Below, we address the most commonly asked questions.

Has the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance been overturned? No. The Appellate Court’s ruling sends the case back to the trial court that had previously dismissed the case. Before the case returns to trial court, however the City is expected to appeal the Appellate Court’s decision to the Illinois Supreme Court. In the meantime, whether the Illinois Supreme Court hears the case or not, all designated Chicago Landmarks and properties in Chicago Landmark Districts remain protected. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will continue to conduct its business, reviewing building permits and studying other potential properties for local landmark designation.

How long will it be until there is a final decision in the case? Whether the case is next heard by the Illinois Supreme Court or the trial court, it will be a minimum of four to12 months before the trial court hears it again. The duration of a trial, and whether there are further appeals, means the case is not expected to be settled in less than a year-and-a-half.

How likely will the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance be ruled unconstitutional? At this point, based on national case law, it is unlikely the ordinance will be ruled unconstitutional. The Chicago Landmarks Ordinance has functioned constitutionally for 40 years and contains language commonly seen in landmark ordinances nationwide. In 1978, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled New York City’s landmarks ordinance was valid, upholding a municipality’s authority to regulate the protection of historic properties and rejecting a challenge to the ordinance based upon the vagueness argument. In the same way that municipalities have the right to determine appropriate zoning, a landmarks ordinance enables a community to protect the character of neighborhoods, as well as protect individual historic properties.

What is Landmarks Illinois doing to help? Landmarks Illinois’ legal advisors will continue to monitor the status of the case. When the City files an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court, we will provide a letter of support if the city deems it appropriate. Landmarks Illinois also is contacting other interested organizations, both local and national, to support this appeal process. Updates on the case progress will be made available via our website: www.landmarks.org.

Landmarks Illinois is now accepting donations for a fund that will support potential legal fees regarding this issue. Please send a check to Landmarks Illinois, 53 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 1315, Chicago, Ill. 60604.

Board meeting minutes for May 11, 2009

Submitted by Dana Palmer

Attendance
Board Members: John Scheer, Greg Nagel and Dana Palmer
Committee Members: Scott Rappe, Steve Crane, Rich Anselmo and Steve Rynkiewicz
Non-Board Members: Marjorie Isaacson

1. Steve Crane was inducted into the Membership Committee role by Greg Nagel and John Scheer.


2. Ways of promoting new membership to EVA were discussed. Rich Anselmo agreed to find out more about having a post card printed up informing neighbors of EVA and directing them to the EVA website. Greg Nagel discussed the possibility of attending Chamber of Commerce meeting in an attempt to make EVA more present and others aware of us. Greg Nagel also agreed to print out a report of new closures in the neighborhood as a way of finding out who our new neighbors are. The idea was presented that Steve Crane could obtain the attendance list from the previous EVA membership meeting and send and e-mail to the non-members asking them to attend the upcoming meeting and inviting them to join EVA. Dana Palmer agreed to continue sending out a reminder e-mail to current EVA members regarding upcoming EVA meeting and events.


3. Scott Rappe presented is draft letter to present to present to the Alderman regarding “The Winchester” and the contingencies that the vote was made upon. Those contingencies included no roof deck, outdoor cafe to be closed at 11:00 p.m., outdoor cafe should not exceed 44 occupants at a time, doors and windows to building will also be closed at 11:00 p.m., an off duty officer should be posted daily from 10:00 p.m. until closing for the first 6 months of operation to ensure orderly departure by patrons and that construction will conform to drawings presented in proposal.


4. Scott Rappe and Marjorie Isaacson also presented the idea of having a blog for complaints about outdoor cafes as a place to document neighbors concerns and monitor the problems that may be occurring.


5. Greg Nagel expressed that he feels the alderman should be attending more EVA meetings due to his notice of the alderman or an alderman's representative attending EVN meetings. He expressed his concern that the Alderman is not as involved with EVA as he should be. John Scheer agreed to speak with the Alerman's office about being more involved with EVA meetings.


6. John Scheer shared that for the June membership meeting he has confired that Cook County Commissioner Earlene Collins is coming and that he is working on having a master gardener to possibly present.
   
7. Ideas were passed around regarding the upcoming July membership meeting and what presentations could be given. Greg Nagel suggested possibly the fire department or CPR presentation.


8. Scott Rappe made a committee report regarding Planning, Preservation and Development that 920 N. Winchester has been posted for demolition as requested by members of the neighborhood due to lack of upkeep by the owner.


9. Steve Rynkiewicz reported that EVA now has a twitter feed and that he is seeking articles for the next months newsletter.

Board meeting minutes for April 13, 2009

Plan for 840-842 N. Wolcott (Wrap Architecture)

Submitted by Dana Palmer

Attendance
Board Members: John Scheer, Brodi Cole, Dana Palmer, Scotte Rappe, Rich Anselmo, Stephen Rynkiewicz
Non-Board Members: Marjorie Isaacson and Brian Thompson

1. Membership: Ideas were discussed regarding recruitment of new members. According to John Scheer, Greg Nagel is working on a welcome letter for all new EVA members. Rich Anselmo agreed to speak with a representative from Hoosier Mama Pie Co. regarding the possibility of donating pies for sampling at the next membership meeting as an incentive for existing and new members to come. Rich Anselmo also suggested the possiblity of a postcard to distribute to East Village residents regarding EVA and directing them to check out the website.


2. The Winchester/Billy Loumbardias: Discussion was circulated regarding changes made to the previous proposal. Changes included more sound proofing, raised chimney, no PPA license at this time, exhaust system using ultraviolet filter and zoning change. Mr. Loumbardias is scheduled to return to EVA at next Membership Meeting for a vote on the zoning change. Scotte Rappe agreed to draft questions regarding the changes and the extent that the changes are being made. For example, the extent of the sound proofing or the location and actual height of the chimney.


3. Ravi Ricker 840-842 N. Wolcott: A proposal for a new construction with an attachment to an existing building was reviewed. Landmarks is requesting EVA to review and comment to either oppose or approve of the proposal. Scotte Rappe agreed to draft a letter with EVA Board Members concerns with the project such as the reuse of the common brick from the garage, length of the setback for the new construction and number of windows on the front facade.


4. Matt Bailey-greening of Augusta: John Scheer stated he spoke with Mr. Bailey who will discuss with the forestry department about the possibility of obtaining trees to plant along Augusta or other areas in East Village as a means to green the area. John Scheer agreed to continue communication with Mr. Bailey regarding the greening effort.


5. Additional Communication regarding monthly membership meetings on the first Monday of the month: Dana Palmer has agreed to send an e-mail to all listed EVA members prior to the May Membership Meeting notifying them of the change from Tuesday to Monday and inviting them to attend.


6. Agenda for May Membership Meeting: Billy Loumbardias with the Winchester Project. Ravi Ricker with the 840-842 N. Wolcott proposal. Stephen Rynkiewicz suggested the possibility of asking Jennie Felknor to speak regarding the work she does gardening and beautifying the East Village Neighborhood. Rich Anselmo agreed to try to line up a possible speaker for June regarding Liquor Licensing issues.


7. Brian Thompson handed over gift certificates to John Scheer for Easy Bar. Idea was raised that gift certificates might be used as further incentives for new membership.


8. Meeting adjourned.

Tweet this: Birdhouses raise cash for Pritzker School

A Lego birdhouse model of St. Boniface Church at Chestnut and Noble, by Kuklinski + Rappe Architects.

Artists and architects designed birdhouses are now being displayed at Alliance Bakery, City Soles, Stitch and other Wicker Park businesses. They'll be auctioned June 6 in a fundraising auction for A.N. Pritzker School, 2009 W. Schiller St.

The pocket aviaries, no larger than 20 by 20 by 48 inches, were created for the group Friends of Pritzker, which is trying to raise $40,000 to build a preschool and kindergarten playground. See all the entries here.

They'll be auctioned at a mixer from 6 till 10 p.m. at the studio of painter Wesley Kimler, 2046 W. Carroll Ave. The reception includes drinks and appetizers. Tickets are $25; $20 in advance.

The craft fundraiser reflects the project's creative bent. Playbround plans call for painting easels and a stage as well as the more conventional swings, slide and sandbox.

In a separate fund-raiser this weekend, the west end of the Do Division street festival at Division and Leavitt will benefit Pritzker and the LaSalle II Language Academy, 1148 N. Honore St.

The Family Fun Fest includes a bounce house, face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, petting zoo, pony rides from noon until 6 p.m. May 30 and 31. The West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce is the organizer.

Winchester concessions, St. Boniface offering, sidewalk café checks

50 neighbors crowded the Happy Village bar for a presentation on plans for the Winchester restaurant, 1924 W. Chicago.

Planning, Preservation & Development Committee report by Scott A. Rappe

1924/1916 West Chicago Avenue
After a presentation by the landlord and tenant of the proposed Winchester restaurant at the last monthly meeting, a motion was made to not oppose the requested zoning change from RT-4 to B3-2 for the 1924 portion of the property. The motion passed by a vote of 17 to 9, subject to a number of contingencies regarding the construction and operation of the restaurant:

1. The restaurant shall not include a roof deck.


2. The outdoor café shall close no later than 11:00 pm, regardless of whether the sidewalk café permit allows a later closure.


3. The café shall have a permitted, and actual, capacity of no greater than forty four (44) people.


4. Exterior doors opening onto the sidewalk shall close no later than 11 p.m.


5. The Winchester shall employ an off-duty thirteenth district police office daily from the hours of 10:00 pm until closing for the first six months after opening. This officer shall remain outside the restaurant and be responsible for monitoring departing patrons to ensure order, peace and quiet on the adjacent residential blocks.


6. Deliveries to the restaurant shall be made on Chicago Avenue and not on Winchester.


7. The construction and operation of the restaurant will conform to the drawings and commitments made in the developer's exhibits: undated architectural drawings (site plan, south elevation, west elevation), JEF + Associates letter dated April 30, 2009 regarding interior sound control treatments, and attached product literature, Upfront Parking Inc. letter, dated May 1, 2009, Tri-City Equipment Co. letter, dated May 4, 2009/

A second motion was made to oppose the requested zoning change from RT-4 to B3-2 for the 1916 portion of the property; this motion passed by a vote of 19 to 8. A letter was sent to Alderman Flores summarizing the results of the votes.

St. Boniface Church & Rectory
Although a demolition permit has been issued, until recently the Archdiocese of Chicago and the City of Chicago had been negotiating a possible land swap.

The concept was to exchange the St. Boniface property for city-owned land that the archdiocese could use. This would facilitate a private developer’s plans to restore of the church and build elderly housing on the site. Unfortunately this scheme is looking less feasible for reasons having to do with the legality of such land transfers.

The latest word is that the archdiocese is once again proposing that it retain ownership of the land, allowing the building to be utilized under a long term (99 years) lease.


Sidewalk Café Permit Review
The EVA board recently discussed the idea of requesting the aldermen for an advisory role in the approval of annual sidewalk café permits. The recent negotiations with the Winchester restaurant clearly demonstrated the frustration of many East Villagers with nearby bars and restaurants.

While the give and take between residents and businesses can be fruitful, it is difficult to ensure that commitments are lived up to once the zoning change and liquor license are granted. The profitability of these businesses is directly tied to the number of tables they have and how quickly they turn; a sidewalk café increases the effective size of the restaurant during their busiest time season and directly impacts this profitability.

Having the ability to weigh in annually on the granting of these lucrative permits might encourage business owners to be more sensitive to the concerns of surrounding residents.

Restaurateur sets table for 1924 W. Chicago

Membership meeting minutes for May 4, 2009
Submitted by Dana Palmer


Guest speaker Bill Loumbardias, along with attorney Lisa Moreno, presented a proposal for The Winchester restaurant located at 1924 W. Chicago.

Mr. Loumbardias and Mrs. Moreno provided a revised proposal regarding neighborhood concerns raised at the previous March 2009 membership meeting. Among the concerns were noise, parking, garbage removal and storage, ventilation and the seeking of a Public Place of Amusement license:

1. Noise: Many concerns were raised regarding the noise level of The Winchester due to the large capacity of seating, outdoor seating and drunken nuisances.
   
   
   
   1. Capacity: It was previously assessed that The Winchester would seat approximately 290 occupants. However, the new proposal assessed 190 indoor seats with 50 outdoor seats.
   
   
   2. Outdoor seating: Mr. Loumbardias stated that in the new proposal most outdoor seating will be directed towards Chicago Ave. versus the previous proposal having a large portion of the outdoor seating farther down along Winchester. He also explained that the new proposal has the outdoor area operating more as a cafe with a limited menu and that the outdoor area will be closed earlier that the indoor area.
   
   
   3. Drunken Nuisances: Mr. Loumbardias stated that he would agree to hiring an off-duty police officer to monitor patrons leaving the restaurant/bar late at night as a way of lessening the noise to neighbors of The Winchester.
      
   
   
2. Parking: Previously many neighbors were concerned with the lack of parking available surrounding The Winchester.




1. Mr. Loumbardias explained in the new proposal he has hired Upfront Parking Inc. Valet Service to provide valet parking services to patrons of The Winchester.


2. A representative from Upfront Parking Inc. Valet Services was present at the meeting and stated that they have been able to secure 90 spots in four different locations, at 1747, 1752-1758 and 1739 W. Chicago as well as 710 N. Ashland.




3. Garbage Removal: Concerns were previously raised regarding the small alley size and the inability of sanitation trucks to move down the alley for garbage pick up.
   
   
   
   1. Mr. Loumbardias stated that all garbage will be stored in the alley behind the business and will be picked up by sanitation trucks. However, he explained that the trucks will not be going down the alley to gather the garbage but rather the storage bins will be rolled out to Winchester to be emptied into the truck due to the small alley size.
   
   
   2. Deliveries: Mr. Loumbardias stated all deliveries will be made in the front of the business on Chicago Avenue and a loading zone spot will be allocated.
   
   
   
   
4. Ventilation: Neighbors originally requested for the smokestack to be raised for ventilation to exceed the height of the adjacent building. Mr. Loumbardias and the architect with JEF & Associates, LLC, explained that the current structure will not support a stack of the height needed. Therefore, they are proposing the use of a new, high-tech. solution to ventilation called the Gaylord. The Gaylord was explained to be a pollution control ventilation system using ultraviolet technology. It was also explained to be designed to extract the majority of the grease produced from the restaurant.


5. PPA license: Mr. Loumbardias stated that he is not currently seeking a PPA license but that he can not state that he will not seek one in the future.

After much debate, Scott Rappe, committee chair for Planning, Preservation and Development with EVA, made a motion to not oppose the zoning change from B3-2 to RT-4 of the property at 1924 W. Chicago with commitments of:

• no deck on roof,


• cafe to be closed at 11:00 p.m.; windows and doors to building to be closed along with cafe at 11:00 p.m.,


• cafe will not exceed 50 people at any given time, and


• off-duty police officer will be present to monitor crowd control for first 6 months.

Motion seconded by Brodi Cole and passed by majority vote by EVA members.

Second motion by Scott Rappe was made regarding property at 1916 W. Chicago to oppose zoning change. Motion seconded and passed by majority vote by EVA members.

Statement on zoning at 1916-24 W. Chicago

May 12, 2009

Alderman Manny Flores
2058 North Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60647
Re: RT-4/B3-2 Split Zoning
1900-1916 West Chicago Avenue

Dear Alderman Flores:

As communicated in a previous letter, the EVA membership voted to approve the requested zoning change for the 1924 W. Chicago Avenue parcel only. A separate vote was taken on the 1916 W. Chicago Avenue property because there was a consensus that each property should be evaluated on its own merits. It is worth mentioning that the general membership clearly validated this position by opposing the zoning change on 1916 by a vote of 19 to 8.

Similarly, in regards to the other 'split-zoned' parcels on this block of Chicago Avenue, we would like to retain the ability to review and approve zoning changes on a lot-by-lot basis. Thus, we respectfully request that you not pre-emptively change the zoning on the remaining split-zoned parcels.

We are aware that this creates an additional burden on the property owners, but there are larger issues at stake. Without EVA's input on the zoning of 1916-1924 W. Chicago Avenue two years ago, Ranquist Development would have demolished both the 1916 and 1924 buildings. This would have been a great loss to Chicago Avenue, which will now see at least one of the buildings renovated.

The Winchester Restaurant serves as another example. The need for community review of the requested zoning change created a forum for communication between neighbors and the
business. Without the necessity of a zoning change, the restaurant owners would have had little incentive to address these concerns.

Community input, in the form of zoning-change reviews, is an important element in ensuring that development on Chicago Avenue is positive and serves the larger good.

Thank you,
Scott A. Rappe, AIA
Chairperson
Planning, Preservation & Development Committee

Illinois tries to find you, and give you money

By Greg Nagel

Banks and businesses must turn over unclaimed property to the state Treasurer’s Office if they are unable to locate the rightful owner after five years. The laws that govern this activity are called escheat or unclaimed-property laws.

From my previous life in Corporate America I recall how common it was for companies to not issue checks for credits on accounts, but rather simply turn over this money to the state. Also, there was situations where payroll money also got turned over to the state when an employee's contact info became stale.

Nearly every state has a website to look up your name to see if you can claim any of that money. In Illinois this site is subtitled Cash Dash.

Simply go to this site, type your name and search. If the state has unclaimed funds in your name, you'll have to fill out a short form, get it notarized, and mail it to the state.

I collected a whopping $68 for myself. I hope you find your pot of gold!

May 4 vote on Chicago Avenue restaurant

The East Village Association takes an advisory membership vote Monday, May 4, on a zoning change for 1916-24 W. Chicago Ave. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Happy Village Tavern, 1059 N. Wolcott.

Billy Loumbardias, the prospective tenant, described the proposal before the March 2 membership meeting. Here Loumbardias summarizes recent changes to the plan:

The proposed Winchester restaurant, to be located at 1924 W. Chicago Ave., has been previously presented to this community. We are pleased to advise that the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce and the East Village Neighbors have pledged support to this exciting project.

On March 2, this project was presented to the East Village Association. Although some concerns were raised, we are hopeful that we have successfully addressed these concerns below and are happy to have the opportunity to address any remaining concerns again on May 4 at the East Village Association general meeting:

Noise Control

We pledge to use materials such as special rated drywall and special laminated
other materials designed for the soundproofing element to ensure that most noise will
be kept within the establishment. Furthermore, the Landlord is also requiring special insulation and sound proofing so that the residential occupants above the ground
floor will have quiet use and enjoyment of the premises as well.

Ventilation

We have addressed this issue by agreeing to: elevate the existing exhaust stack;
add brick to its construction; and install a stronger fan to ensure that the exhaust is taken up and away so as not to disturb patrons, tenants and passers-by. Furthermore, the bricking of the facade of the stack will not only improve functionality, but also appearance.

Parking

As an existing legal non-conforming use (this building was built around
1901) parking is not required by code. However, we will provide a full Valet Parking Service for patrons of the establishment.

Zoning

The property at 1916-24 West Chicago Avenue, has two separate zoning designations on a single parcel of land. For example, the majority of the subject property (the front two-thirds of the parcel) is currently zoned B3-2. However, the rear third of that same parcel is zoned RT-4.

It has recently come to our attention that the subject parcel, along with five other parcels with frontage on Chicago Avenue from 1900 through 1924 W. Chicago Ave. (from Wolcott to Winchester), have been incorrectly rezoned.

According to the City of Chicago, these parcels were rezoned in error, because a single parcel of land has more than one zoning designation on the same lot. Instead of changing the zoning designation along the alley line, as was done on either side of this block, the change in zoning from B3-2 to RT-4 occurs on the rear third of all the lots. We are requesting this zoning change to correct this error so that the property at 1916-24 W. Chicago Ave. has one complete zoning designation instead of two.

The zoning designation that we are requesting already exists on the front two-thirds of the parcel, a B3-2 zoning designation. This zoning designation already exists on the majority of the property, as well as on the other parcels up and down Chicago Avenue. The requested change in zoning will bring this property in line with what already exists on both sides of Chicago Avenue from Damen Avenue to Wood Street.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to address any remaining questions or concerns and look forward to seeing you at the May 4 meeting.

Stump the Recycling Expert!

The city’s Blue Cart recycling program may finally be mainstream, but many people still have questions about what can go in them. We all want to recycle as much as possible, but putting non-recyclable items in your blue cart can be worse than not recycling at all.

Marjorie Isaacson, the East Village Association’s recycling expert, will be on hand for a round of "Stump the Recycling Expert!" at the May meeting. This is your opportunity to ask questions or better yet, bring in items that you wonder whether are recyclable or not.

EVA meets Monday, May 4, in the Happy Village Tavern, 1059 N. Wolcott.

Can East Village think green year-round?

President Message by John Scheer 

Spring is time to think Clean and Green. Every year the city sponsors an event to inspire residents to clean up our local areas and encourage the greening of the season. The city provides tools and bags in support of the cleaning activities.
The Clean and Green date was April 25 this year. But everyone can continue to pick up trash, rake leaves and debris or remove personal signs from lamp poles and mailboxes.

EVA has approached Matt Bailey, the 1st Ward contact for the Clean and Green, in support of a more specific greening initiative for this year. The request is for coordination and support with the Department of Forestry to plant some trees along Augusta Boulevard.

Staying consistent with the Clean and Green philosophy, this planting would be a significant improvement, and the first step of what is a much larger plan published several years ago to redesign of the Augusta streetscape.
This whole project is considered too big for undertaking at this time, but planting some trees along this street is a good start. EVA board members have gathered a list of addresses along Augusta Boulevard as well as several other streets within EVA as part of this greening request.

Please consider what else you can do yourself to contribute to this annual event. Think about composting the leaves and last years plant material that has over wintered. Don’t forget to use the blue bins for all of the paper, glass and plastic that complies with the recycling guidelines.

And start the summer season off right by planting seeds and other bedding plants from any one of our neighborhood gardening stores. This can be a great support for our local businesses too.

Tax freeze for historic buildings

Significant remodeling work can earn a significant tax break in Ukrainian Village and East Village.

Many buildings in the two neighborhoods' landmark districts are eligible for 12 years of favorable tax assessments. Remodelers must spend at least 25% of the lowball figure the Cook County Assessor names as market value.

Ukrainian Village homeowner Dan Nehm told the East Village Association on April 6 how he got this tax break — which freezes assessments for eight of those years. As city assessments rise, taxes that get an assessment freeze edge lower.

Dan Nehm's handout outlines the process well. Nehm had more recommendations for future applicants:

• Start early on one long piece of paperwork: It can take six months for the city to issue a waiver of building permit fees. Anyone in the landmark districts can get that break, and Nehm, a union carpenter, applies for the waiver every year just in case he works on his home. The permits prove the changes meet landmark-district requirements.


• The major application, to approve the tax break, goes to the state. Take lots of before-and-after photos and organize your receipts. "You can't just send a shoebox full of records," Nehm said.


• Plans must meet minimal energy efficiency requirements. Closed cell spray foam insulation is the most effective for old houses, in Nehm's opinion. It costs at least twice as much as fiberglass, but has higher “R” values and is not subject to mold.

Details on the tax break are available from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Events on the East Village Association calendar

The next EVA membership meeting is 7pm Monday, May 4, at the Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave.

Events on the East Village Association calendar are worth noting. Check the page and click on the dates for details.
April 8 and 14 -- 1st Ward recycling for multiunit buildings without city garbage pickup
April 11-- 1st Ward community meeting on Blue Line renovations -- your stimulus dollars at work
April 25 -- Chicago Clean & Green volunteer cleanup -- call 311 to volunteer

60622 post office needs forwarding address

Public-affairs officer Mark Reynolds (from left) and East Village Association president John Scheer listen to postal real-estate specialist Susan Bourgart and customer-service manager Gerrie Barnett-Campbell.

The Division Street post office will be packing up when its 50-year lease runs out Aug. 31.

The retail location likely will move within a few blocks, Chicago area postal executives told East Village Association members on April 6, but the rest of the operation at 1635 W. Division could go elsewhere. Negotiations with the current landlord are at an impasse.

Real-estate specialist Susan Bourgart said rehabbing another building will take two or three months, so the post office is under the gun to find new spaces this spring. With rent at the current location likely to triple, "it's 90% likely we probably will not stay there," Bourgart said.

Customer-service manager Gerrie Barnett-Campbell said the quick move will not disrupt service. But residents in attendance pressed the postal executives to do better. "I'm hoping the new facility leads to higher levels of service and accuracy," said EVA vice president Greg Nagel.

When Nagel called the station the worst in Chicago, operations manager Keith Pugh assured him that service was improving — and at least one unnamed city post office was worse.

New York transplant Barnett-Campbell admitted that the 60622 station has gone through several managers in the past year. "We're not trying to get just anybody," she said, "we're looking for a good fit." Meanwhile, absenteeism is a persistent issue "like any other business."

Division-Ashland-Milwaukee plaza open house

An open house March 21 and 22 in a Milwaukee Avenue storefront gathered ideas on Polish Triangle improvements.

Take a survey on the Division-Ashland-Milwaukee plaza.

Read a report on the open house from the Metropolitan Planning Council.

Alderman Flores rejects zoning for dry cleaner

EVA treasurer Brodi Cole accompanied Ald. Manny Flores (1st Ward) on a tour of a Lake View dry-cleaning plant March 14 after members declined to support a zoning change to open a similar plant on Chicago Avenue. The alderman's office issued this statement on March 30:

I am writing to give you an update regarding the proposed zoning change at 1916 W. Chicago Avenue. As you may recall, the CD One Price Cleaners company was interested in renting out the commercial space at the above address to open a dry cleaning pick-up site with an on-premise dry cleaning plant. This necessitated a change in the zoning from B3-2 to a C1-2 to allow for an on-premise dry cleaning plant with more than 2 employees.

Before making a final decision on the proposal, I and a few neighbors visited an existing CD One Price Cleaners facility to view the dry cleaning operations. The store was well-lit, well-kept and was a generally well-run operation. However, when I asked employees about the safety and clean-up procedures in place in the event of a solvent spill, I did not get a knowledgeable response from store employees. This was a cause for real concern.

Although CD One Price Cleaners does not use the highly toxic perchloroethylene (perc) solvent, it does utilize a hydrocarbon, or petroleum-based, cleaning solvent. The EPA lists this solvent as a neurotoxin and as a skin/eye irritant, necessitating careful and immediate clean-up in the case of a spill.

Therefore, based on the fact that store employees did not appear to be properly trained on safety and clean-up procedures in the event of a solvent spill, I did not feel a sufficient level of comfort to approve a zoning change to allow the CD One Price dry cleaning plant operation at 1916 W. Chicago Avenue.

If you have any additional questions or comments regarding this matter, please feel free to communicate with me via e-mail at ward01@cityofchicago.org or via phone at (773) 278-0101.

Sincerely,

Raymond Valadez
Chief of Staff for
Alderman Manuel Flores
2058 N. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 278-0101
(773) 278-2541 (fax)

Please note: If you would like to be added to the First Ward informational electronic mailing list, please sign-up at our website, www.flores1stward.com

Landmark tax breaks at April EVA meeting

Landmarking a building or neighborhood is said to have many values. But some you can take to the bank.

Have you ever talked to someone who is saving thousands of dollars every year on their taxes by investing in renovating a landmark building? Dan Nehm, a long term East Village resident, will share his experience in doing just that at the April meeting of the East Village Association on Monday (not Tuesday) April 6.

Nehm's renovation was already under way when the city's Ukrainian Village landmark district was created. He proceeded with his renovation plans and learned the rules for applying for a freeze of his real estate taxes. Join us to hear how easy the process is, and the savings he has received.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott. Also on the agenda: an update on plans to move the Wicker Park post office.

Flutes at Piccolo? Bar, appetizers on menu

By Phil McFarland, Piccolo

859 N. Damen, Chicago 60622, 773-772-3355

Piccolo plans to expand the menu during summer 2009. To do this, we'll be applying for an incidental liquor license for the cafe as allowed by right with the B3-2 zoning of the business district we're in on Damen from Iowa to Augusta.

We would offer primarily beer and wine as that best fits the menu that we offer but would of course have spirits available for those that wanted them.

The beer list to date is envisioned to include 10-15 bottle placements including lagers such as Peroni, Belgian farmhouse-style ales and other quality craft brews that have proven popular at SmallBar.

It is also our plan to offer a variety of wines available by the glass and some by the bottle. This will include champagne and other sparkling options. As of yet we have not determined the size of the list we feel is appropriate.

We intend to create a small list of custom cocktails such as a refreshing, lime sorbet mixed with club soda and vodka. Or a flute of champagne mixed with a raspberry sorbet. This list is still in the works but will focus on interactions with our sorbet and other existing items.

To compliment these new offerings, we will be creating more plates that can be enjoyed by a group over a glass of wine. This may include olive plates, antipasti platters with fresh cheeses and cured meats and other items along those lines.

Finally, we will also be adding a high-top seating section to accommodate 10-12 people. This will be in the back of the room for those that want a more casual, lounge atmosphere while dining with us in the evening.

We hope that our continued honest and open operation and our community involvement with the local chambers of commerce, schools, park groups and local events will help local residents feel confident in their support of our incidental liquor license application.

CD One Price Cleaners pressed in plant tour

1916 W. Chicago Ave.

By Brodi Cole

A tour of the CD One Price Cleaners facility on 2955 N. Ashland was arranged March 14 by Ald. Manny Flores. (1st Ward). The location is described to be similar to the proposed location that owner Mike Coreao wants to open at 1916 W. Chicago Ave., at Winchester.

During this tour, there were opportunities to see the plant and discuss concerns with both the alderman and owner. When Coreao spoke at an East Village Association meeting in January, attendees at the meeting expressed a number of concerns, especially regarding traffic and environmental issues.

Regarding traffic (including the adjacent alley), Coreao did mention that traffic would increase, but mostly from customers since locations only average one delivery per week. Because the delivery trucks are typically about the size of a UPS truck, there should be minimal issues getting them into the alley for delivery. At the Ashland location, the delivery trucks just unload in the street. Coreao did mention that he is concerned about parking, but that three existing locations (including the one on Ashland) have basically no parking and everything works out, from his business’ perspective.

At the EVA meeting, some members got the impression that he wanted to market CD One Price as a “green cleaner,” which they clearly are not (according to Flores, who demonstrated having done a lot of research before the tour). Coreao did say that the facility is not truly “green” like Greener Cleaner on Damen, but that they use a hydrocarbon solvent that is not as bad as some other chemicals.

He also said they use better machines that use only 10% the solvent that standard machines use, and each one uses 9 liters of solvent versus the standard 5 gallons. (Note that 9 liters is actually 20% of 5 gallons, not 10%.). They also recycle hangers but not plastic bags (something about which Flores was concerned).

When asked if he planned to advertise or mention in any way that CD One Price is a green cleaner, Coreao hesitated before he responded no, they are “greener but not green.” This distinction was made only when the point was pressed, and contrary information is stated on the company’s website: "the latest high tech, environmentally friendly cleaning equipment.”

Flores was also very concerned with the solvent used in the cleaning process, which is delivered in the weekly schedule every 3 or 4 weeks. When there are spills, the cleaned up mess is kept sealed on site until a hazardous-materials pick-up is scheduled. Spills and related issues are strictly regulated by OSHA, and there are very large fines to pay, so it is unlikely that any sane company would willingly violate these regulations. It is important to note that we would be adding a business that uses hazardous material, something that is clearly not environmentally friendly.

When asked about complaints by neighbors of the Ashland location regarding the smokestacks, etc. Mike said that steam from the press vent did go into the house next door, but they addressed it by redirecting the pipe so it stopped. He said they have not received smell complaints. This information was not verified by visiting the neighbors or nearby businesses.

Flores was asked why he scheduled the facility tour after it seemed apparent that EVA was not interested in this cleaner moving to the neighborhood. Flores said he had not met with EVA. Flores held a hearing for residents of the 800 block on Winchester but he wanted to see for himself if the zoning should be changed.

One cause of great unease is that according to Coreao, the average CD One Price Cleaner location does $1 million in business each year. In looking at our neighborhood, and the cleaners we already have, I am concerned that having One Price Cleaners set up shop on Chicago Avenue would be just like Wal-Mart moving into a small town, and that it would undersell the existing dry cleaners and drive them under.

The company’s website supports that concern, stating that “while the small, neighborhood dry cleaner … would like to compete with us on price they typically can’t do it.” If small cleaners cannot compete with the pricing, one wonders how small cleaners could keep customers.

Our neighborhood is not densely populated and dominated by high-rises the way that Lincoln Park is, so I do not know that we can support a megalith dry cleaner like they can. Personally, I am much more concerned about CD One Price’s effect on local businesses than I am other aspects of their potential move (like traffic and environmental issues). While all of us want to save money in a tough economy, should we be willing to sacrifice the livelihoods of our neighbors to do so?

Block out Do Division, West Fest weekends

President Message by John Scheer 

The East VIllage Association has a new set of officers. I want to extend a wholehearted thank-you to officers who have helped support the EVA group during this past year: Thank you to Brian Thompson for his support as treasurer and other roles in prior years. And thanks to Joe Hunnewinkel for his support as secretary. We look forward to both of you continuing your involvement in EVA. Thank you to Greg Nage rleturning as vice president, and to the other board members for their continued contribution.

Spring is in the air. We have moved to daylight savings time, the weather has warmed and the sidewalk cafes are open for the season. Neighborhood activity is picking up as everyone emerges from their winter seclusion. Now is also the time for everyone to renew their safety programs. There has been an increase in the number or reported break-ins and robberies. Please be careful.

The summer festivals are getting scheduled too. Do Division (May 30-31) and West Fest (July 11-12) will return this year. West Fest is looking to expand its appeal by creating a Pet Fest. There have been early indications that Around the Coyote also may be in and around Division Street this year. These are good ways to enjoy a Chicago weekend and stay close to home. We should all look for ways to help the hundreds of street festgoers get the best impression of our neighborhood.

The East Village continues to welcome more neighbors to join and be part of our community. Greg Nagel chairs the EVA membership committee and has already been scheduling attractions to draw more participation. If you have taken the time to renew your EVA membership for 2009, I thank you. If you are still pending, please renew soon so that you can retain your voting privileges. And if you prefer to remain a non-member, you are welcome and encouraged to still attend the EVA monthly meetings. Your support will be put to good use.

Being green will produce more $$green$$

By Greg Nagel

Sometimes we have to choose between doing the right thing for the environment and our pocketbook. But thanks to President Obama's stimulus plan, we can have our cake and eat it too.

In basic terms, the American Investment and Recovery Act of 2009 calls for a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 per primary home, starting in tax year 2009, for energy efficient furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters installed in 2009 and 2010. The credit is based on total installed cost, so a $5,000 install would max out the $1,500 credit.

The law extends some previously available tax credits. Find details from the American Institute of Architects on what you can claim on taxes this year. The federal Energy Star site goes into more detail on what products qualify.

Less common equipment can qualify, like electric and geothermal heat pumps, natural hot gas boilers, and circulation fans. Required specs are in this summary developed by the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning industry. More tax credits are available for hydrogen vehicles, solar wind, and other items.

As mentioned in Marjorie Issacson's article, Chicagoan get new furnace rebates Chicago has a "free money rebate" on much of the same equipment. So between the federal tax credits, Chicagoland rebates, and monthly energy savings, there is a pretty compelling financial argument that green is $$green$$.

One final tip: Many installers like to bury high labor costs in the supposed cost of the materials. Therefore, when I work on HVAC on my own development projects, I purchase my own equipment wholesale, then have the installers bid the labor only. The cost savings is quite significant. Feel free to email me and I'd be happy to refer you to sources for wholesale equipment and reputable installers that will bid out labor only.

Local, Global and Green Conference. Learn what opportunities await small businesses March 28 from 9:30 am to 2 pm at the UIC Student Center (750 South Halsted Street). There will also be representatives from local, county, state, and federal small business aid agencies and a small business workshop. For more information please visit: paccgc.org.

Board meeting minutes for March 9, 2009

Submitted by Dana Palmer

Attendance

Board Members: John Scheer, Greg Nagel, Brodi Cole, Dana Palmer, Rich Anselmo, Scott Rappe and Stephen Rynkiewicz

Non-Board Members: Marjorie
Isaacson, Joe Hunnewinkel and Brian Thompson

1. Brodi Cole and Dana Palmer made the transition to official Board members as treasurer and secretary.

   
   

2. John Scheer declared that the change was made to the bylaws eliminating absentee/proxy voting. Stephen Rynkiewicz stated bylaw update has been added to EVA website.

   
   

3. John Scheer requested a possible change of the monthly membership meetings from the first Tuesday of the month to the first Monday of the month on a temporary basis.

   
   

4. Stephen Rynkiewicz informed the Board of updates to the website that included the bylaw change. He also discussed a letter that was received from Jacob Wheeler, a fellow neighbor and journalist asking EVA about their thoughts on a new newspaper for the neighborhood due to the discontinuation of the East Village Chicago Journal.
   

   
   

5. Greg Nagel agreed to make contact with local businesses regarding their interest in becoming EVA members and purchasing advertising space. He also expressed ideas about recruiting new EVA members such as everyone bring a neighbor to a meeting.

   
   

6. Suggestions for April membership meeting included possible permit review for 4842 Wolcott, potential urban gardening speakers and Dan Nehm regarding Real Estate tax freeze with landmark renovations. Greg Nagel also agreed to make a final effort to have post master for Wicker Park Station come to EVA meeting.

   
   

7. EVA received a thank you letter from Sister Ann Schaffer regarding donation to Koska Soup Kitchen at St. Stanislaus.

   
   

8. Brian Thompson reported that a transfer of funds was made from the paypal account.

   
   

9. Scott Rappe relayed that ST. Boneface demolition permit was granted.

   
   

10. Rich Anselmo reported on his visit with Alderman Waguespack regarding the possible liquor moratorium lift.
    

    
    

11. Meeting adjourned.

    
    

Library to open at Chicago-Ashland Goldblatt's early in 2010

By Aaron Bilton 

Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey expects the city Department of Consumer Services to vacate space in the Goldblatt's building at Chicago and Ashland by mid- to late April.

At that point the Chicago Public Library, along with the Department of General Services, will be able to get to work remodeling the new library branch there.

Money for the project has been budgeted and it appears everything is lined up to go forward. Dempsey expects the new library to open sometime in the first quarter of 2010.

Reservations about Chicago-Winchester restaurant

Parking can be a challenge even picking up a pizza on Chicago Avenue. So residents near Chicago and Winchester were skeptical about plans for a restaurant at that seats 364.

Developer Bill Loumbardias on April 3 submitted details on his restaurant proposal for at 1924 W. Chicago to the East Village Association’s planning committee. At the March 2 general meeting, members peppered Loumbardias with questions about the 5,500-square-foot dining hall and kitchen, and he has asked for another appearance to address their concerns.

It would be the first restaurant for Loumbardias, who sells high-end used cars at Lakeshore Motorcars but is from a family involved with the Giordano's and Boston Blackie's chains.

"The neighbors' fear is that after 9 at night you're going to turn into a cacophony of sound," said David J. Stumm Sr., a volunteer coordinator for the police beat there. While Loumbardias emphasized that the restaurant would not be a nightclub, he plans fundraising events in a private room and adjacent space seating 75. "My family is political," he explained.

The April proposal from attorney Marino & Assoc. said the restaurant is not seeking an amusement license "at this time."

Alley access would be tight and valets busy, residents said. They also asked where an exhaust stack could be located for minimal impact. The upper two stories facing Chicago Avenue would be residential, Loumbardias said.

Raymond Valadez, chief of staff for Ald. Manuel Flores, said residential zoning along the alley would have to be waived. Past plans for the corner would have razed the building for condos.

A bylaws change was ratified 19-2 to eliminate absentee voting. "There's something that's important about showing up and listening to a presentation," said Aaron Bilton, a past EVA president.

Members set new EVA officers in place for 12 months, elevating Brodi Cole to treasurer and Dana Palmer as secretary and returned John Scheer and Greg Nagel as president and vice president.

The new officers went right to work at the board meeting a week later. Planning chair Scott Rappe said the city had issued a demolition permit for St. Boniface Church but stated it was continuing to work with the Archdiocese of Chicago to find other uses for the church at 921 N. Noble St.

The next membership meeting is Monday, April 6 in the Happy Village Tavern, at Thomas and Wolcott. The meeting is likely to include an update on the Wicker Park post office. The station chief canceled a scheduled March appearance.

How would you remake the Polish Triangle?

Planners will hold a weekend open house to gather great thoughts on improvements at Ashland, Division and Milwaukee.

They'll set up shop Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a vacant storefront near 1275 N. Milwaukee (just south of the Radio Shack).

The open house will feature hands-on exhibits and activities to get people thinking about what would make the Polish Triangle a more appealing destination.

To take the online survey described in the EVA newsletter, click here.

For more Polish Triangle news from the East Village Association, click here.

Another round for Chicago-Winchester neighbors

The two buildings at 1916-24 W. Chicago continue to be topics of community discussion. The properties would have been razed for condominiums in an unsuccessful 2007 proposal.

Both addresses came up in a meeting that Ald. Manny Flores (1st Ward) called Feb. 26 to get neighbor feedback on the 1916 property. Flores said he had not yet made a decision.

CD One Price Cleaners and landlord Kenneth Lebovic both have asked the East Village Association to revisit its recommendation that Flores not allow a dry-cleaning plant there despite the prevailing storefront zoning. Board members feel the issue was thoroughly aired before the January membership vote.

The alderman's meeting discussed parking and environmental concerns with about a dozen neighbors. The newer chemical One Price uses is a neurotoxin and skin and eye irritant, but less toxic than traditional solvents and handled in cartridges for safety. Flores rejected claims that this was a "green" process, but said the Environmental Protection Agency and city fire Department had no issues with the plant.

Flores also discussed The Winchester Bar next door. The original request involved a zoning change, an incidental liquor license, an amusement license and the right for a rooftop deck. Flores said he would not support a rooftop idea or anything with Bar or Tavern in the name.

Neighbors voiced concerns about prospects of DJ entertainment and the overall size of the establishment, which would compete for scarce parking even with a valet on site.

SoKo boutique stays on Chicago Avenue

A message from SoKo Fashion, 1925 W Chicago, was forwarded Friday to the CAPS Beat 1322 e-mail list, with a comment from beat coordinator David J. Stumm Sr.: “You have done a GREAT job of helping a neighborhood business!”

Within days of announcing the closing of SoKo Fashion, customers came out in droves searching for answers & of course seeking out some amazing deals.

It was sad to explain to customers that fear had invaded the air and the economy was raining on our parade. Lucky for SoKo Fashion though, 2 things happened:

1. Customers shopped like their lives depended on it (this was the much needed x-mas that didn't happen in December) and

2. SoKo was presented with 2 offers from customers who were just unwilling to accept that SoKo was shutting its' doors. The first offer was to buy the business. The second offer was to partner with owner, Sheri Roney. WooHoo!

We decided to go with the latter and partner with our long-standing customer who has also become a great friend to the owner!

Let us introduce Amanda Wood! No seriously, we want you to come to our meet 'n greet with Amanda on March 12 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. More details to come. With that said, please note the final day of our 40% off sale is this Sunday, March 1.

We are so thankful to have such loyal and dedicated customers, because without you this wouldn't have been possible.

It really does take a community to raise a business. Thank you.

Postmaster to deliver an update on Wicker Park station

Postmaster Gerrie Barnett Cambell meets Monday, April 6 with East Village Association members to give an update on a planned move of the Wicker Park post office.

Plans to move the 60622 post office from 1635 W. Division will be discussed at 7 p.m. Monday at the Happy Village Tavern, at Thomas and Wolcott. Options may include separate retail and operational stations.

The postal update is rescheduled from March. Previous stationmaster Carlos Johnson told EVA two years ago that finding a larger space was a priority in efforts to improve mail delivery.

Service concerns have been a hot topic even before that year, when a postal audit gave Chicago low grades for overnight mail delivery and the postmaster general called the city's delivery service the worst in the nation.

Since then, a new 60642 ZIP code was carved out east of Ashland Avenue (still served by the Wicker Park office) and a 1st Ward Customer Advisory Council was set up. (Its website indicates no meetings since last June).

Alderman Burnett supports landmarking St. Boniface

By Scott A. Rappe

A large group of East Village, Noble Square and Eckhart Park residents converged on the Chicago Avenue office of Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 19. Their appeal to the 27th Ward alderman, one that they have made several times previously, was simple: Request landmark designation for St. Boniface Church before it’s too late.

Suprisingly, Ald. Burnett agreed to do so, and even signed the Commission on Chicago Landmarks’ Landmark Suggestion Form. But the fear is that it’s already too late. The 90-day demolition delay expires March 4, and Burnett’s request won’t be on the commission’s agenda until the April meeting. The archdiocese could legally demolish the vacant building at 921 N. Noble St. in the intervening time.

It is difficult to know whether this is a cynical last-minute attempt by the alderman to sign on with preservationists to avoid blame if the church comes down, or whether word of a potential development deal has made landmarking a real possibility.

Ald. Burnett disclosed that a developer is looking at the St. Boniface property as the potential location for a senior housing development that would include the restored church. The developer is seeking the generous tax benefits that come with restoring a landmarked property, but does not want to pay for the property.

To work, such a deal would have to rely on a "property swap," whereby the archdiocese would transfer ownership of the church to the city in return for another property. The city would then transfer the St. Boniface to the developer.

Apparently the archdiocese has been interested for years in Richard E. Byrd Community Academy, a public school in Cabrini-Green at 363 W. Hill St. Ald. Burnett has denied previous requests to give away the building, which the archdiocese would demolish to provide parking for St. Joseph school across the street. Now, the archdiocese’s interest in Byrd, the community’s desire to save St. Boniface and a private developer’s plan for restoring the church have created the unique potential for an eleventh hour solution.

Although this is a positive turn of events, those attending the meeting left with many questions unanswered. Will the archdiocese consent to extend the demolition delay another 90 days? Will the developer’s plans meet with community approval? Will the dismantled school facade be reconstructed? Will the three-way property transfer actually work?

Perhaps one important fact that came out of the meeting can provide a clue: Mayor Daley wants St. Boniface saved.

Casual dining planned for Chicago and Winchester

By Billy Loumbardias

I am interested in opening up a restaurant at the property my family has located at the corner of Chicago and Winchester. The Winchester, at 1924 W. Chicago, will be an inviting establishment catering to the needs and demands of the neighborhood.

The space will include an elegant and open layout with a large dining area, bar and a gourmet kitchen featuring food prepared by Chef David Gray and my mom. The sidewalk will be fixed up beautifully with the exterior of the building.

Flat-screen televisions and music set our overall ambience. We are looking to cater to neighborhood functions as well as charitable events, so I am requesting an incidental liquor license from the city, along with a "public place of amusement" license.

I need the PPA for fund-raisers in the dining/private room. To collect any cover charge or money you need that license. Also, I need a music controller/dj for some events or if there is a game going on where the TVs will all be on. During commercials music will be played. Usually there will be no sound on the TVs, just some music for the feel of the place. There will be no stage.

Our concept will offer elements of casual dining featuring a flexible service model serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. This allows our patrons to choose among convenient dining options such as quick casual counter service, comfortable dining table service or even take-out. We will offer boldly flavored, made-to-order menu items.

The Winchester target market is based on serving the immediate neighborhood area, the local business owner as well as families dining out. We will have valet parking. We want a variety of customers and will make sure everybody can enjoy The Winchester experience.

This is a project that would hopefully be done by September if all goes well. We are excited about our project and have had great feedback from friends, residents, local businesses and the alderman’s office. We will be renovating our vintage property extensively to maintain the look and feel to blend in with the neighborhood appeal.

My family and I are looking forward to serving you and creating a contemporary atmosphere for you to frequently enjoy.

February 2009 minutes

General Meeting minutes for February 3rd, 2009 Membership Meeting
Submitted by Joe Hunnewinkel

Attendance 18
Members: 11
Non-members: 7

Presentation by owners/investors of 1659 W. Division for zoning change to allow proposed boutique hotel.

1. Dan Sheehy of Third Coast Construction presented plans:

1. Business would consist of small hotel, restaurant and lounge.

2. Hotel would have maximum 14 rooms for low impact neighborhood. Hotel staff would be 10-15, restaurant up to 40 positions.

3. Construction would begin at least 10 months after approval. Stressed Green building focus.

4. Vote was proposed, motion passed 11-0 not to oppose zoning change.

2. April board elections were discussed. Membership showed no interest in forming a nominating committee.

3. Some discussion on progress of St. Boniface. Members are encouraged to contact Alderman Burris to landmark the church and school facade.

4. Members discussed change to EVA bylaws on proxy and absentee voting.

5. City is looking for public input on improving Polish Triangle. EVA website contains link to survey, and members are encouaged to submit suggestions

6. Members discussed revisions to 24/7 Zoned parking .

7. Members voiced concern about continuing problems with Rite Liquors. Suggestions were made on steps that could b taken to force the owner of the property to improve conditions, or risk losing his license.

8. Meeting adjourned.

Board Meeting minutes for 2-9, 2009
Submitted by Joe Hunnewinkel

Attendance
Board Members: Greg Nagel, Brian Thompson, Joe Hunnewinkel, Rich Ansalmo, Scott Rappe, Steven Rynkiewicz

Non- Board member: Margie Issaccson.

1. Rich Ansalmo will ask neighbors for documented examples of how Rite Liquors has been bad neighbor.

2. Margie Issacson agreed to get exact voting language for her motion to eliminate Absentee/Proxy voting in article in next newsletter

3. Rich Ansalmo will find copy of Augusta Tree Planting plan. EVA will verify resources still exist and work with the aldermen to hopefully incorporate into the spring Clean and Green.

4. Suggestions for March general meeting included current Wicker Park postmaster as guest speaker. Vote on Proxy/absentee voting.

5. Brian Thompson agreed to get documentation needed to access Paypal funds from new memberships.

6. Joe Hunnewinkel and Greg Nagel will actively welcome new neighbors in a door to door effort.

7. Board members discussed possible candidates for upcoming elections.

8. Meeting adjourned.

2009 East Village Association officers

John Scheer – President

My name is John Scheer and I moved to the East Village in 1995. Since that time I have reached out to EVA for support on numerous occasions and in return I have invested my own time and energy toward a number of neighborhood initiatives.

Most recently, I have become more active in a number of the neighborhood associations that border the East Village to establish a broader and more inclusive view of policies and directions for our members. I have also had the fascinating opportunity to learn firsthand how similar neighborhood groups are addressing some of the same questions in Milwaukee.

I continued to see the value of the EVA organization to facilitate communication and a venue to allow the residents to manage the change within our neighborhood. I have been EVA president for the past year and would appreciate your confidence in supporting me as the next President of EVA.

Greg Nagel - vice president

My name is Greg Nagel and I’m running for EVA vice president. I’ve owned and lived in a 4 flat at 1040 N. Winchester for six years now.

I grew up in the suburbs but have lived in the city since my graduation from college. I worked as CPA with Deloitte & Touche, as a management accountant with Kraft Foodservice, and as corporate controller for Pasquinelli Portrait Homes. For the last four years I have worked for Cedar Realty as a developer and residential realtor focusing on multiunit residential investment properties.

Other than being in favor for being kind to babies, puppies, and the elderly, I’m for responsible and thoughtful development and growth. I would characterize my positions as moderate and look for pragmatic compromises on most issues.

I’ve served as a board member for the last year in the capacity VP where I backed up the President running several general and board meetings, contributed to the summer barbecue, and am now chairing the membership committee. In the previous year, I was the aldermanic liaison, where I enjoyed a productive and frank relationship with Alderman Flores.

It's been a great experience and I’ve learned a lot. We have some really talented neighbors that have given so much to our community for many years that really deserve our thanks. I hope to learn from them and follow in their footsteps.

Brodi Cole - Treasurer

My name is Brodi Cole and I’ve lived in East Village since August 2006. I enjoyed the neighborhood so much that my husband and I bought our first condo at 1143 N Damen in January 2007.

I’ve lived in Chicago for 5½ years, and have spent that time working in human resources. I am currently the employee relations manager for American Girl in Water Tower mall, and in that capacity, I maintain budgets for both job recruiting and employee events.

Since joining the EVA this past August at the summer barbecue, I have taken an interest in many of the projects outlined in the monthly newsletter, including the proposed hotel at Division & Paulina. I am very excited to take a more active role in such a vibrant neighborhood, and look forward to getting to know more of my neighbors!

Dana Palmer – Secretary

My name is Dana Palmer and I am running for EVA secretary. I grew up in a small town in central Illinois and moved to Chicago in 2000 to join Americorps and later attend the Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC. I am currently employed as a medical social worker at the John Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

I settled into the East Village neighborhood in 2003 with my husband. I am relatively new to EVA being a member for just over two years. Being from a small town, I missed the sense of belonging and community involvement when I moved to Chicago. However, EVA has helped to restore that sense and has taught me a great deal about city life and how to become aware of issues in my neighborhood and also how to bring people together to help resolve those issues.

I am very eager to become more involved in the neighborhood that I live in and help to preserve that sense of community and belongingness that it emits. Being elected secretary of EVA, would be a great step forward to becoming more involved.

Brief campaign gets one day shorter: Next meeting Monday, March 2

President Message by John Scheer 

Just when you thought all of the campaigning was over and the election run-offs were behind us, it’s time for the East Village Association membership to exercise their voting rights one more time and vote for the EVA officers for this next year.

We are not going to spend any money on TV spots and there are no town hall meeting scheduled. It's a much shorter election cycle than we've been used to lately.

The March meeting is the annual EVA officer election and this year. It should prove as interesting as any prior one, if for no other reason because new members are stepping forward to volunteer their time and energy to be part of the East Village.

We have two new candidates running for secretary and treasurer. Dana Palmer and Brodi Cole (be sure to read more about their biographies) are both newer to the East Village and both have very good roots within our neighborhood. Both are women, which enables us to improve our diversity in this next year. Please join us at the Monday, March 2 EVA general meeting and bring your support for our candidates for this next year.

That's another important fact about the March meeting: It is being moved up one day, rather than on the traditional first Tuesday of the month. It still will be held at 7 p.m. at the Happy Village tavern, a Wolcott and Thomas streets. I want to make sure that everyone gets the message of this date change and hope that personal schedules can accommodate this change. Please join us then.

If you have taken the time to renew your EVA membership for 2009, I thank you. If your renewal is pending, please submit your dues payment soon (you can pay online from the lower left corner of this page) so that you can retain your voting privileges. And if you prefer to remain a non-member, you are welcome and encouraged to still attend the EVA monthly meetings. Your support will be put to good use.

Let's meet and vote on absentee ballots

By Marjorie Isaacson

The East Village Association will be voting on an amendment to the Bylaws at the March General meeting on Monday, March 2. The purpose of this amendment is to restore the voting procedures to their original status. I reviewed this issue in an article in last month's newsletter, available here.

To summarize the motion: I am proposing that our Bylaws be amended to remove the proxy and absentee voting. The vast majority of large and small democratically run organizations only permit voting by those in attendance. Furthermore, quoting Robert's Rules of Order, “proxy voting is incompatible with the essential characteristics of a deliberative assembly in which membership is individual, personal and nontransferable.”

An essential point here is that an individual needs to be present for the discussion about an issue in order to make an informed decision on the vote. At our meetings, EVA goes to some trouble to provide a forum for stakeholders in issues to inform the public or make their case for an issue. We do everyone a disservice when we don’t demand that the people making decisions are present to hear them.

The specifics of the motion are to amend the bylaws to remove the second paragraph of Article VI, the last sentence of Article X and the second sentence of Article XII.

I look forward to seeing you at the general meeting on March 2.

Poll tracks Polish Triangle from many angles

A 10-page online survey asks neighbors how they would change the Division-Ashland-Milwaukee intersection's uses and aesthetics.

The canvass starts with rating the Polish Triangle's lighting, safety and comfort, followed by open-ended questions about the triangle's pluses and minuses.

Participants make choices on landscaping and other decorations, kiosks and space for fairs or other events, CTA access, traffic lanes and surrounding stores.

Finally, the poll links to a Facebook-style comment wall where readers register to post messages, photos and videos.

The survey is part of a renovation initiative in early stages. A mid-March open house will solicit more comments, said Karin Sommer, project manager for the Metropolitan Planning Council, which drafted the survey.

East Village Association planning chair Scott Rappe is on the steering committee for what he calls a "brainstorming" effort to improve the streetscape.

The Wicker Park & Bucktown Special Service Area, which funds sidewalk improvements in the business district, plans to solicit ideas from a kiosk or perhaps even a storefront. Everything's on the table, even closing streets or adding CTA entrances underground.

Residents will be encouraged to "throw out ideas" on what to do at the Division-Ashland-Milwaukee intersection, Rappe told people attending the February EVA meeting. Organizations involved with the area still need to work out details — not just financing but points as basic as who owns the land on around the Nelson Algren Fountain.

January 2009 landmarks conditions for East Village & Ukrainian Village

The following permitted work has been reviewed and approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, during January 2009. For a comprehensive list of approved work, by address, please go to: news.eastvillagechicago.org/search/label/Landmarks

East Village District

1030 N. Winchester
Exterior only: Replace 19 windows and 1 door. All work same as 1/22/2009 existing. All window replacement to be located on rear building. No window replacement to front building. No other work permitted with this approval

Ukrainian Village District

847 N. Oakley
Exterior: Replace 2 existing enclosed porches with 2 open wood 1/7/2009 porches as per Landmarks stamped drawings dated 01/07/08. No work permitted to any street facing facades, windows, or roofline with this approval.

1101 N. Damen
Exterior: Rooftop solar panels serving one unit only, and remove 1/15/2009 and replace siding only on existing penthouse as per Landmarks stamped plans dated 1/15/09. Plumbing work associated with solar panels per previously approved permit #100250649. No increase in size or height of penthouse. Mechanical Electrical only: Low voltage wiring. 1/28/2009 1/27/2009

2036 W. Haddon
Mechanical Electrical: 200 amp service. No other work permitted with this 1/26/2009 approval. 1/28/2009

2035 W. Walton
Interior work only: removal of interior non-load bearing partitions 1/27/2009 within existing 2-unit - deconvert to sfr as per Landmark stamped plans dated 01/27/09.

East Village armed robberies alert

The 13th District police commander, Judith G. Martin, distributed this safety alert on Feb. 11. Seven crimes that fit this description later were reported online this month on the everyblock.com website.

There have been recent robberies reported in the area of the Division to Augusta/Wood to Leavitt. Various days of the week, various times of the day.

General description: Male black, 30 to 45 years of age, 6'00" to 6'04", 200-230 lbs, brown eyes, dark hair, light to medium complexion. The offender approaches a victim, displays a handgun and demands proceeds from the victim. The offender then tells victim to walk in the opposite direction. The offender has been described as having a calm demeanor during the robbery.

Safety tips:

• Call 911 when you see anyone fitting this description or anyone you feel is suspicious. Do not confront the individual.


• Should a robbery occur, take no action which would jeopardize your personal safety.


• If you feel you are being followed look for a store or a large crowd to go to and call the police. Cross the street if possible.


• Never fight or resist the offender when the money or items are demanded. Items can be replaced but you cannot!

Chicagoans get new furnace rebates

By Marjorie Isaacson

Free money! The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is offering rebates on energy efficiency.

The program is designed to help you purchase the most energy-efficient new furnaces, boilers, clothes washers, water heaters, and insulation. The maximum rebate amounts are: $750 for insulation, $600 for boilers, $450 for furnaces, $400 for water heaters and $100 for clothes washers.

Here's how it works. You may be considering purchasing a new furnace. That's a good idea, since if your current furnace is more than 10-15 years old, it's using more gas than it needs to, and with natural gas prices where they are, you're really wasting money. When you start looking at new furnaces, you'll find that they operate at different efficiencies. It's common for people to install furnaces that are only 80% efficient, even though furnaces that are 90-95% efficient are also on available.

A new furnace is a relatively expensive investment, and high-efficiency furnaces are an additional couple of hundred dollars more expensive. But not purchasing the higher-efficiency model is a penny-wise, pound-foolish decision. You'll quickly earn back the extra cost with lower fuel bills, and continue to save every month thereafter. But now, this grant can be used to pay for the difference in cost between the lower and higher efficiency models.

Of course, this money isn't really free. If you look on your Peoples Energy bill, you'll see a line item called the Enhanced Efficiency Program. Because funds are limited, only a small percentage of customers will be able to take advantage of the rebates. Why shouldn't you be one of them? The result will be lower costs for you, and the energy efficiency improvements will have environmental benefits that everyone can enjoy.

To see a full list of eligible models and insulation and learn how to apply, link to Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program or call 866-964-7345. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the purchase or by May 31, 2009, whichever comes first.

Developers pump Division-Paulina hotel idea

Neighbors met prospective builders of a restaurant and boutique hotel for Division Street at the February meeting of the East Village Association.

A vote was unanimous not to oppose a special use for 1659 W. Division. But even if Ald. Manny Flores slates the project for City Council approval, the principals said it will be 14-16 months before anything happens.

Pump Shoes and Accessories has a long-term lease at the southeast corner of Division and Paulina. Dan Sheehy of Third Coast Contstruction hopes to help relocate the shoe salon and upstairs single-room occupancy tenants.

The city would have to approve the site for the restaurant and 13-room hotel, which likely would have rates near $200 a night. Sheehy is a contractor on "green building" projects and plans to build to LEED certification standards.

"We've seen the neighborhood grow from kind of a sketchy place to a thriving neighborhood," said Terry Alexander, a partner in the Division Street venture who operated the former Soul Kitchen and current Francesca's Forno restaurants. With him was Donnie Madia, who worked with Alexander on the Randolph Street restaurant Avec. He declined after the meeting to give details on the first-floor restaurant concept.

Following the presentation, treasurer Brian Thompson reported that there's $1,200 in the EVA bank account following a $300 donation to the St. Stanislaus Kostka soup kitchen.

More on Polish Triangle renovations came from planning chair Scott Rappe, who is on the steering committee for what he called a "brainstorming" effort.

The Wicker Park & Bucktown Special Service Area, which funds sidewalk improvements in the business district, plans to solicit ideas from a kiosk or perhaps even a storefront. Everything's on the table, even closing streets or adding CTA entrances underground.

Residents will be encouraged to "throw out ideas" on what to do at the Division-Ashland-Milwaukee intersection before organizations involved with the area work out details — not just financing but points as basic as who owns the land on around the Nelson Algren Fountain.