THANK YOU

Tom, Harrison and I would like to "Thank" everyone who attended the fundraiser/neighborhood meeting last Friday, 4/25 at O'Donovan's. Your support and kindness was overwhelming.

We would like to extend a special "Thank you" to the following people who extended support and guidance during the last 12 months - in light of the lawsuit filed against us.

Julie and Will Hobert
Daliah Saper
Carol Jones
Bart and Laura Eilts
Sherri McDermott
Susan Tonon
Tam Dillman
Byron Uxtipo
Margaret and Tomas Aguilar
Al Podorski
Pam Fox

If we can ever help any of our neighbors, please contact us.

More information can be found at www.supportyourneighbor.info

COMMUNITY MEETING - Tuesday 5/6/08 7PM

The topic of this meeting is to discuss the proposed "Residential Permit Parking" request on the 1800 block of West Cuyler Avenue.

Your input and attendance is extremely important in regards to this matter. A vote MAY be taken to proceed with this project.

Any questions please contact the 47th Ward's Public Service Office at 773/348-8400.

We have some information on this topic - feel free to send us an email at northcenterneighbors@gmail.com

Fundraiser Friday, April 25 at O'Donovans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH CENTER FUNDRAISER AND ORGANIZING EVENT – FRIDAY, April 25, 2008
TIME: 6 TO 9 PM
LOCATION: O’DONOVAN’S RESTAURANT
2100 WEST IRVING PARK ROAD
SPONSORED BY: LOCAL NORTH CENTER NEIGHBORS

A party and fundraiser is planned on April 25, 2008 to celebrate neighborhood organizing and to raise funds for a neighborhood couple struggling to defend themselves against a lawsuit filed by James C. Jaeger and JCJ Developerment, Llc in May 2007.

The successful developer is pursuing a complaint filed with the Circuit Court of Cook County for Defamation. The suit alleges that statements made and opinions expressed by the neighbor on a Web Blog were libelous and that other damages were sustained in the delay in securing approval to develop the property at 1822-40 West Irving Park Road.

The complaint asks for the neighbor to pay damages in excess of $100,000, punitive damages and attorney’ fees and other costs.

This North Center couple, who had their hands full with a new born baby at the time, spent countless hours trying to help organize their neighbors to adequately express their opinions regarding the proposed up zoning of this development.

Three Community meetings were held by 47th ward Alderman Eugene Schulter regarding this project. These meetings were attended by a very large amount of local residents. As a result of these meetings, the community voted to allow the developer to change the zoning in order to build a 5-story building. The proposed site was previously only zoned for a 4-story building. The developer had originally proposed a project that was 8 stories in total. The site is now under construction.

Julie Hobert one of the organizer’s of this fundraiser and community get together states, “ We’re trying to support them as neighbors. We want to communicate to everyone that neighborhood voices are just as important as the developers.”

Julie Hobert further states, “The alderman has repeatedly stated that his vote on zoning issues reflects the community vote. If we want a say in how the 47th ward is developed, neighborhood organizing is crucial. Intimidation tactics should be discouraged. Developers can come and go, neighbors are here to stay.”

Neighbors are holding a party at O'Donovan's Restaurant 2100 West Irving Park Road from 6-9 PM Friday the 25th of April, 2008 to help support this couple and to promote local grass roots organizing. Please come and show your support for our neighbors and the spirit of organizing. For more information, please call Julie Hobert at 773-497-2872 or email juliehobert@mac.com.

More information is available at WWW.SUPPORTYOUR NEIGHBOR.INFO

WEDNESDAY: Rally at City Council to Save Lincoln Square!

Friends:

It was a pleasure meeting all of you on Wednesday night. We can't thank you enough for coming out and showing your support for the Lincoln Square business owners.

This Wednesday, City Council is expected to vote on the resolution that would grant them the authority to acquire the 4800 block of North Western Avenue for private development, including Chicago Soccer, The Dental Corner, and Decorium Furniture. As you heard Wednesday night, if this resolution passes and the owners don't sell, the city can condemn them through eminent domain. We can't allow this to happen.

These businesses are not blighted, and they are not for sale - and the ONLY way to protect them from condemnation is for the city to NOT authorize their acquisition.
Save Lincoln Square will hold a rally at 9am this Wednesday before the City Council meeting (which will convene at 10am) to urge the aldermen to vote against this resolution. We encourage you to attend and bring your neighbors and friends.

The Lincoln Square business owners need you to make your voice heard!

RALLY at City Council
Wednesday, December 12th, @ 9am
Outside of City Council Chambers
2nd Floor Elevator Lobby
City Hall
121 N. La Salle Street
Chicago, IL 60602

A flyer is available via email - email northcenterneighbors@gmail.com to request the flyer be sent to you.

The Flyer discusses the the rally, and we encourage you to print and distribute it in your communities. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for one of the committees we discussed on Wednesday night, please respond to this e-mail and let me know how you would like to volunteer.We can't stop the abuse of eminent domain in Chicago without your help! Please don't hesitate to contact me (Christina Walsh) if you have any questions, or contact Imre of Chicago Soccer at 773-271-2255 and visit

www.SaveLincolnSquare.com.

Above posting for Christina Walsh

December in Lincoln Square: Eminent Domain Abuse...

Folks-if you're unable to attend-email or call:

Alderman Schulter at 773-348-8400 or ward47@cityofchicago.org and tell him you oppose the use or threat of eminent domain for private development in the Western Avenue North TIF area.

if you don't know what i'm talking about.....read on:

This Wednesday, City Council is expected to vote on the resolution that would grant them the authority

to acquire (SEIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!) the 4800 block of North Western Avenue (The Dental Corner, and Decorium Furniture) for private development (condos!)

If this resolution passes and the owners don't sell, the city can condemn them through eminent domain.

We can't allow this to happen. These businesses are not blighted, and they are not for sale - and the ONLY way to

protect them from condemnation is for the city to NOT authorize their acquisition.

Save Lincoln Square will hold a rally at 9am this Wednesday before the City Council meeting (which will convene at 10am) to urge the aldermen to vote against this resolution. We encourage you to attend and bring your neighbors and friends. The Lincoln Square business owners need you to make your voice heard!

Any questions please call 773-271-2255 and ask for Imre Hidvegi.

RALLY
at City Council
Wednesday, December 12th, @ 9am
Outside of City Council Chambers
2nd Floor Elevator Lobby
City Hall
121 N. La Salle Street
Chicago, IL 60602

About Save Lincoln Square
Save Lincoln Square is a broad, community-based coalition of small business owners and activists who oppose the use or threat of eminent domain for private development in Lincoln Square. The city is seeking to pass a resolution to acquire our 16 businesses, which are located in the Western Avenue North TIF District, and will condemn our property through eminent domain if we do not want to sell.
Eminent domain is supposed to be for public uses, like roads and schools - not to give our successful businesses to wealthy developers for new businesses and condominiums. We do not want to sell and we will not sell. We demand that the City Council rescind the resolution authorizing the forcible acquisition of our businesses and allow the current owners to lead redevelopment efforts, through private negotiation, on our block.

Contact Alderman Schulter at 773-348-8400 or ward47@cityofchicago.org and tell him you oppose the use or threat of eminent domain for private development in the Western Avenue North TIF area.

StoneLoveDesigns is having an annual Holiday Jewelry Trunk Show

Hello everyone!

Hope this holiday season finds you well!

StoneLoveDesigns is having an annual Holiday Jewelry Trunk Show at
Katerina's on Saturday December 15, 2007 from 5-8pm. We hope that you
can swing by for a drink and some holiday cheer. Appetizers available by
our lovely hostess, Katerina.

Katerina's at 1920 West Irving Park Road.

www.stonelovedesigns.com

Wishing you a Festive Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Frances and Hareklia

Community Meeting - 12/6/07

Location: 47th ward Public Service Office 7pm
4237 N. Lincoln Avenue

Regarding: Demolitions of the Damen and Irving Park Brown line stations.

Representatives from the CTA and McHugh Construction will be available for questions.

Call Alderman's office for more information 773.348.8400

Flood and Tax relief available to residents of 47th Ward

Per neighbors on Cuyler Avenue:

Possible Tax relief: Per Laura Engel and Simon Stein :

SHORT form that Alderman Schulter has that takes less than one minute to complete.
They will look up your pin number for you and you do not
have to do any comparable. And yes, if there is a
strong showing, 60% of property holders in 47th
ward,Gene has confirmed a very strong likely hood of
reduction.

Tax assessment and appeal update:

Last night 11/26 there was a meeting regarding real
estate tax increases in our neighborhood. Alderman
Schulter's office has committed to supporting the
residents of our ward to help appeal (reduce) our
recent increased tax assessment.

The process is simple. Here are the steps:

1) Pick up an "assessed valuation complaint" form
from the Alderman's office.

2) Complete the form and return it to the
Alderman's office. Do not mail it in to Cook County on Clark
Street! In order to have the greatest chance of
success, the Alderman wants to submit a large
stack of these appeal forms at the same time.

Alternatively, the form is short enough to be completed in person
at the Alderman's office.

3) Make sure to tell the Alderman's office/staff
that you learned about this appeal opportunity through
the neighborhood outreach program.

Also, please spread the word to all of our neighbors and residents in
our ward.

Conclusions. The Alderman's office believes that
there is a strong chance that 60% of applications
for reduction received will be approved. Those are
great odds and these odds have increased substantially
thanks to the involvement of the Alderman.

However, there is one big condition for this to work. The
Alderman's office needs a big turnout ie.,
completed forms for this to be effective.

The Alderman's office will not be able to do much
for us if they receive only a handful of these forms
from us.

Hence, strongly encourage every property
owner in our ward to submit a valuation complaint form
as quickly as possible. Even if you are very
wealthy, like to pay higher taxes, and don't need any extra
money for investments, vacations, or college
funds, you will be helping your neighbors by submitting
these forms. The Alderman is going to bat for us and
let's show him that we are concerned and displeased with
our increased property taxes.

The deadline for submitting the assessed
valuation complaint form is December 6, 2007

FLOOD DAMAGE THIS SUMMER: PER Simon Stein:

If anyone suffered flood damage this summer, you are potentially eligible for a one year reduction on property taxes based on the damage.

For example, in my case, Allstate estimated our
basement flooding damage at $10,000. According to
the Alderman's office, if I submit proof of this damage,
the Alderman will try to reduce our assessed property
value by a like amount. We have already made the
repairs to our basement, but we are still eligible
for this reduction as we went out of pocket for the
damages.

In order to apply for this separate reduction, proof
of any flood damage must be submitted in a separate
envelope with the tax parcel #. This proof can be a
combination of photos, contractors estimates, and
insurance claim forms. This can be submitted
concurrently with the valuation complaint form.

Litigation continues

Jaeger v. Okon

Jim Jaeger and his attorneys are still pursuing their lawsuit against Tom Okon.

Jim Jaeger filed a complaint against Tom Okon in May 2007 - stating defamation.

This case is in the discovery phase of its litigation

Ravenswood Art Walk - this weekend

Come see the fantastic artwork of our Bill Moran of 1832 W. Larchmont Avenue.

He will be showing his designs at his studio at 1832 W. Larchmont Avenue #3 as well as at Golden Loaf at 1921 W Irving Park.

The art walk is from 10-6pm this Saturday and Sunday - 10/6 and 10/7.

Art walk closing celebration at Golden Loaf on Sunday from 5-8pm - for food and beverages.

See link below for more information.

http://www.artwalkravenswood.org/site/epage/51424_611.htm

8/21/07 Community Meeting Results

Hello Neighbors

Last night at the community meeting a vote was taken and a zoning change was approved for the 1820-1842 Irving Park Properties. The vote was 59 "for" the zoning change and 44 "against" the zoning change.

We would like to thank Alderman Schulter, Mr Luna - Alderman's chief of staff, JCJ Development, Jonathan Splitt, the Pastor of the Pilgrim Church and all the neighbors for all their hard work,dedication and involvement with this issue.

Here is a brief summary of the meeting:

1. Building being proposed:

a. 3 separate buildings.
b. Each building will house 16 condo units, totaling 48 units for the 3 buildings combined.
c. Each condo unit will be 1300-1438 square feet, sale price $399,000 - $599,000.
d. 24 parking places in each building - there will not be any parking available for the ground floor retail space in each of these 3 buildings with the exception of any metered spaces in the front of those buildings. This will amount to approximately 5 metered spaces for 3 retail store fronts.
e. All the residential parking will be entered via the 1800 block of Cuyler Alleyway.
f. 4 units per floor
g. Each building will be 65 feet in height
h. Each building will have a "green" roof
i. There will NOT be any affordable housing units in any of these 3 buildings
j. Length of construction 18 months


2. Much to our surprise ! The Alderman only allowed 'property owners' a vote. He only allowed 1 vote per address. This is different then what he had communicated in the past when he allowed residents a vote and not just property owners vote.

3. There were quite a few people we did not recognize at this meeting.

4. A consultant paid by the developer - stated how the "zoning laws" are out of date and need to be updated for the current state of property availability in Chicago. Please read the "Purpose and Intent of the zoning code City of Chicago" it details their purpose and intent. See our blog - entry dated May 12, 2007. No where in the "Purpose and Intent" does it state "so that landowners can make money on projects due to the cost of land, therefore zones should be changed."

If you have any questions or comments - please email me at northcenterneighbors@gmail.com

Best Regards,
Joy Okon

COMMUNITY VOTING MEETING 8/21/07

COMMUNITY MEETING ANNOUNCED
TUESDAY AUGUST 21, 2007 - 7PM
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 4300 N. Winchester Avenue

Please attend and be prepared to vote - bring proof of residency or property ownership.

Meeting being held to discuss a proposed zoning change of the properties at 1820-1842 Irving park Road from the existing zoning of B3-2 to B3-3.

The existing zoning of B3-2 allows for a 50 foot tall structure approximately 4 stories.

A B3-3 zoning allows for a 65 foot structure approximately 5-6 stories

We are assuming what the developer will be proposing the same project he proposed to a small core group on 6/15/07 - please see the blog posting on 6/15/7 for more information.

Lawsuit continues

Mr Thomas Okon is still being sued by JCJ Development and Jim Jaeger. Mr Okon's attorney filed a "Motion to Dismiss" Mr. Jim Jaeger's complaint in Cook county circuit court on Friday, August 3, 2007.

At this time, Mr. Okon's legal fees have exceeded $2,500 just to respond to Mr Jaeger and JCJ Development's complaint.

Beware 3 sexual assaults in Lakeview & Lincoln Park Area

In case you have not been following the news there have been 3 sexual
assaults in the past 10 days in the Lakeview & Lincoln Park area.
The man has come up from behind the woman who have been walking alone and has attack her very close to their home. Please be extra cautious!!!

"Developer on the Prowl"

Rumor has it.....the developer is approaching the businesses on the south side of Irving Park.

I would assume he has been approaching them for years but maybe now he is approaching them more strongly.

Neighbors split over six-story development

Link to Article

Note to China: Hands off BraBaby

Link to Article

Proposed development update as of 7/10/07

Details of Proposed development of 1820-1842 Irving Park Road - which was Voted down on 7/10/07:

Requesting zoning change from B3-2(max height=55 ft) to B3-5 (max height=80 ft)

Estimated proposed height 65 - 70 ft at the 6th floor penthouse

7,600 sq ft commercial space
20 commercial parking spaces
110 residential parking spaces

6 story building at the penthouse level on East side of building
66 Residential condo units

224 ft width frontage
120 ft depth
23ft back setback
9 ft 6 inches front setback
12 ft setback on side
15 ft setback from alley
2ft setback ground level through parking level

B3-2 zoning to B3-5 zone

Other similar development on 3823 N. Ashland

Traffic engineers are KLOA engineering

132/66 equals 2-1 ratio of parking, not 110/66

Impact on electricity - not addresses

Impact on Sewage - not addressed

Thank you

We want to thank Alderman Schulter for a successful Community Meeting last night.

The proposed zoning change was voted down last night, not necessarily the proposed project.

It is most important that the community be informed and participate, than anything else.

We want say "thank you" to the Pilgrim Lutheran Church and their pastor - for hosting the meeting.

We want to thank the developer, his attorney and his architects for taking the time to present their proposed project. "Thank You"

But most of all we want to THANK the community for getting involved and for showing concern for their neighborhood.

VOTING MEETING TONIGHT

Community Voting meeting tonight - to vote on the proposed zoning change at 1820-1842 Irving park road.

PLEASE LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD - BE THERE TO VOTE

YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT

Bring proof of residency or property ownership

LOCATION:

PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH - 7PM
4300 N Winchester
Chicago IL 60613

Any questions - email us at: NORTHCENTERNEIGHBORS@GMAIL.COM