The Sixth Ward

• Shelter Deli sits vacant

  Enclosure: [download]

  
  It's been closed since September according to Worlee on a post over the The Sixth Ward Facebook Page. They made a mean corned beef and also was home to a lounge, unfortunately both are closed. There is a real estate sign in the window [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 9:11am EST
  

• Where's our TIF Funds?

  In an article from the Chicago Reader
  As I've explained many times, once a TIF district is created it essentially freezes the amount of tax revenue the schools, parks, county, and other taxing bodies get from it for up to 24 years. Any new revenue is diverted into the' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 20, 2009, 12:11am EST
  

• Progress IL: Lyle Slams Proposed Wal-Mart Expansion

  Enclosure: [download]

  As part of a broader post regarding the activities of the Chicago City Council:
  Later in the meeting, one of City Hall's most reliable critics of Wal-Mart's race to the bottom, Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th Ward), went toe-to-toe with Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Roper yesterday over [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2009, 6:07pm EST
  

• Do we really care about education?

  I attended my child's report pickup session today at Burnside Elementary . Based on conversations with several teachers about 50% of the parents attended. What was the attendance at the other neighborhood elementary schools?
  
  Recently, we have had several CPS High Schools in the news, Fenger H.S.because parents were' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 19, 2009, 1:23am EST
  

• Chase Community Giving on Facebook

  Enclosure: [download]

  Chase N.A. is giving away $5 million to charities. The charities must be registered on Facebook to be eligible. The charities with the most votes will win awards. Individuals can vote up to 20 times. For more details go to
  
  
  

  
  [...]

  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 18, 2009, 11:25pm EST
  

• Chicago Breaking News: Man critically hurt in shooting near Dan Ryan

  Chicago Breaking News:
  A 22-year-old man was shot and critically wounded tonight near the Dan Ryan Expressway, authorities said.
  
  The victim was shot multiple times and suffered a graze wound to the head at about 9 p.m. near the intersection of 79th and State streets, fire officials said.
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:49pm EST
  

• FINALLY: Cook County commissioners vote to cut in half Stroger sales tax increase

  Clout St:
  Today's vote is the latest development in a political struggle between commissioners and Board President Todd Stroger, who pushed through a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase last year. The unpopular tax hike pushed the sales tax rate to 10.25 percent in Chicago.
  
  Stroger has vetoed past attempts [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 5:07pm EST
  

• What is this Urban Gardening project the Alderman is talking about?

  Enclosure: [download]

  Recently in Alderman Lyle's monthly newsletter there was a reference to an urban gardening/aquaponics project she is working on bringing into the ward. Newsletter
  
  There are currently several urban gardens in the city with the closest one to Chatham at Jackson Park. The Alderman has not released the' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 17, 2009, 12:59am EST
  

• OH MY GOODNESS: Did they really find the School Board President in the river!?!?

  UPDATE 8:14 PM Defender says that foul play was not ruled out in the death of Michael Scott:
  Although the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office ruled Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott’s death a suicide, the Chicago Police Department said too many loose ends need to be shored [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 16, 2009, 9:26am EST
  

• Man shot, then killed by hit-run vehicle

  The beginning of the story...
  Chicago police Sunday were continuing their search for the person who shot a convicted sex offender and struck him with a vehicle near a lounge in the city's Chatham neighborhood.
  
  An autopsy Sunday showed that the man -- identified as Howard Hodges, 34' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 16, 2009, 8:54am EST
  

• Convenience Stores- Do we really need them

  There was a post several weeks ago on this blog concerning a store named ANU Store located on 79th between Indiana and Prairie. I saw the outside and was not impressed with the handwritten sign and the potato chip racks at the door. Also, makes me wonder are they operating [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 15, 2009, 8:41pm EST
  

• UChicago students need help on study of Deneen Elementary

  I got this e-mail today. Looking for parents of Deneen students, Deneen alumni, and people from the surrounding community.
  Levois,
  
  I saw your post on The Sixth Ward about neighborhood schools and was wondering if you know anything about Deneen Elementary? I along with 3 other members of my [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 15, 2009, 12:12am EST
  

• And I almost forgot

  In a flurry of posts for the past week or so I breezed by our two year anniversary here. The first post was on November 7, 2007. The blog was started with one main idea in mind to showcase what I would consider a unique part of our fair [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 14, 2009, 2:50pm EST
  

• Gridiron

  
  In Abbott Park where during the course of the football season the Harlan Falcons would play most of their football games. This isn't a particularly proper football field with markings and hashmarks but adequate if you don't feel like attending football games at any venue [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 4:15pm EST
  

• A Costco on 84th and King Drive

  CAPCC blog writes:
  Would you like to see a Costco come to Chatham at the now vacant lot at 84Th Street and King Drive where the land is fenced off where a Jewel-Osco once stood?
  I've written about this site before and all that could be said is not' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 13, 2009, 11:28am EST
  

• Job Opportunity-EOGP Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Program

  EOGP Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Program
  
  Pre2 Construction Program is 28-weeks of free professional pre-apprenticeship construction training:
  
  Pre Apprentice Training; Dawson Technical Institute Construction Industry Training; Job readiness training, job and employment & placement
  
  
  Recruitment sessions are held at 9:00am
  
  845 W. 69th Street - First Floor [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 7:20pm EST
  

• U. S Census Job Opportunity

  Taking A Count
  
  On Friday November 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. the United States Census Office will be testing, recruiting, and interviewing for the a verity of positions with U.S. Census at the Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) office locates 1525 East 55th Street Suite 312, Chicago, ILIf [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 7:07pm EST
  

• Chicago 'stagnant' on job growth, earns low marks in study

  Crain's:
  The Chicago metropolitan area ranks No. 148 out of 200 U.S. metro areas in an annual report on the nation’s “best performing” cities.
  
  The Milken Institute index ranks cities on their ability to create and sustain jobs and measures employment, salary growth and technology output. Chicago’s low' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 9:23am EST
  

• Local Holiday Food Options

  The holidays are rapidly approaching and we have some local companies that can provide thiose Holidays treats.
  
  Brown Sugar Bakery- Cakes, Pies, baked goods
  
  Mama Pickys Chocolates- Candies, Chocalates, Sugar Free candies
  
  Honey Baked Hams- 86th & Stony Island
  
  There may be more and [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 3:28am EST
  

• Followup to Walmart Meeting

  Last Saturday at the Walmart meeting Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. stated that he has searched for available options to create jobs in his ward. Per Alderrman Brookins, Walmart was the only company willing to open up a store in his ward.
  
  Today, Chicago Public Radio ran the following [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 12, 2009, 2:58am EST
  

• It's Veteran's Day

  
  A quick shout-out to our Veteran's today. If your children are out of school on this day, let us remember why they have today off. Also a shout-out to currently serving men and women in our armed services.

  
  

  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 11, 2009, 9:47am EST
  

• Deal reportedly reached to avoid CTA fare hike

  Greg Hinz:
  Transit officials and Gov. Pat Quinn have reached agreement on a deal that will avoid a threatened Chicago Transit Authority fare hike, both in 2010 and 2011.
  
  According to reliable sources, the deal involves the Regional Transportation Authority issuing bonds for capital projects that would be [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 10, 2009, 6:25pm EST
  

• Well here's an account on the Wal-Mart forum

  Via Examiner.com. And I did see this guy up front during the portion of the townhall on Saturday for questions and comments. Mr. Theodore Seals outright condemned Wal-Mart for not showing up at the townhall. While I may not use his strong language on this issue Wal-Mart and the [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 7:53pm EST
  

• A follow-up on Whole Foods

  To the post regarding Ald. Howard Brookins (21st Ward) talking to Whole Foods Market about coming to the Chatham Market shopping center to be one of the anchors in addition to Lowe's. Of course that other anchor is expected to be Wal-Mart since at this time' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 5:56pm EST
  

• County board president's race 2010

  Read this post at the Capitol Fax. Danny Davis drops out of the race to run for re-election to his west side 7th Congressional District. He does so because he and three other blacks would have been competing for the same base, Black voters. However Rich Miller reports that [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 10:27am EST
  

• Man riding in vehicle critically wounded in shooting

  Tribune:
  Shots were fired about 11:30 p.m.in the 6700 block of South Perry Avenue, said Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro. When police arrived, they found a man in a vehicle who had been shot multiple times, Alfaro said.
  
  The man, described as in his 30s, [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 09, 2009, 9:48am EST
  

• Quinn sets stage for sales tax rollback

  There are probably going to be a lot of happy people in the suburbs since the law that reduces the number of votes on a county board veto override has finally been signed into law:
  Gov. Quinn signed into law Saturday a measure that slices away some of Cook [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 08, 2009, 9:54am EST
  

• Whole Foods says we're not educated enough for them???

  Expect a more extensive account of today's Wal-Mart townhall in the near future. This was one point heard that I want to address.
  
  Ald. Howard Brookins was there today along with his friend and neighboring Alderman (well our very own) Freddrenna Lyle. Basically he discussed' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 07, 2009, 10:19pm EST
  

• Fannie Mae assist homeowners stay in their homes as renters

  This is not a new idea but one that is now regulated. Article courtesy of  Market watch.
  CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Qualifying homeowners facing foreclosure will be able to stay in their homes -- as renters -- under a new program announced by Fannie Mae on Thursday.
  
  The [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 07, 2009, 12:13am EST
  

• Soul Vegetarian Restaurant creates Feed the People Program campaign for 350's Oct. 24 International Day of Climate Action

  This is dated but we feel we need to salute one of our local restaurants for their efforts. This article appeared in Chicago Now.
  On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m., the Feed the People Program campaign will be visiting Higgins Grammar School on 11710 S. Morgan St., on [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 07, 2009, 11:59pm EST
  

• REMINDER: Wal-Mart townhall meeting hosted by the Greater Chatham Alliance

  Enclosure: [download]

  That's tomorrow at the St. James Lutheran Church @ 8000 S. Michigan Ave between 12 Noon -1:30 PM. Here's the flyer embedded below!
  Walmart Townhall hosted by the Greater Chatham Alliance
  

  
  [...]

  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 8:54pm EST
  

• Weis 'extremely nervous' over police retirements

  Sun-Times. Ald. Lyle is quoted in this article so I'm italicizing her comments:
  Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said today he is “extremely nervous” that a wave of police retirements next year — after an arbitrator rules on the new police contract — will stretch a burgeoning manpower shortage' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 7:03pm EST
  

• African-Americans hit inordinately hard by recession

  An important story to consider, especially if many seek to keep Chatham a middle-class enclave especially for Blacks:
  The cold fact, however, is that this deep recession is hitting African-Americans more severely than the overall population, due largely to the staggering levels of unemployment for this segment of the [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 06, 2009, 9:17am EST
  

• A landmark in our ward

  Michael Reese Hospital wasn't the only site that those would want to declare historical landmarks:
  The two-story Wright House, at 4831 S. Vincennes Ave., and the Brooks House, a modest cottage at 7458 S. Evans Ave., were recommended for landmark status to provide a historic link to what the' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 10:18pm EST
  

• Second guilty plea in Chicago bank teller's killing

  Sun-Times:
  A second bank robber involved in a violent South Side shooting that took the life of a bank teller pleaded guilty today in a deal with prosecutors that would mean 20 years in prison.
  
  Alton Marshall, 32, also agreed to testify against David Vance, the third suspect [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 05, 2009, 6:13pm EST
  

• Englewood wants a Wal-Mart as well

  Enclosure: [download]

  
  
  Via Worlee's Concerned Citizens of Chatham, this story from ABC7 illustrates the first public push to bring a Wal-Mart to the Englewood community.
  A group of Englewood residents and community activists stood on the site where they say a Wal-Mart would greatly benefit the neighborhood. They [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:01pm EST
  

• Man Shot, Killed in Chatham

  
  (Clicking this pic will send you to Tribune's Chicago Breaking News site)
  
  Tribune:
  A 24-year-old man was shot and killed outside a store this morning in the South Side's Chatham neighborhood, police said.
  
  Officers responded about 10 a.m. to a call of [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 3:53pm EST
  

• PRESS RELEASE: Quinn picks four Chicago State trustees

  The Dome:
  CHICAGO - November 4, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today named four new members to the Chicago State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, which oversees the management and operations of the higher educational institution.
  
  "Chicago State University is committed to academic excellence and strives to provide students" [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 11:12am EST
  

• Cook County sales-tax receipts plunge

  Crain's:
  Suburban Cook County experienced the biggest drop in sales tax revenue during the second quarter relative to the six collar counties, according to a study released Wednesday.
  
  Sales tax revenue plummeted 14.4% during the April-June period from a year ago, based on a study conducted by' [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 04, 2009, 10:57am EST
  

• City zoning official admits taking bribes

  Well this is a big shock (lol):
  Former zoning investigator William Wellhausen admitted to federal Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow on Tuesday that he took a wide array of payoffs.
  
  But he pleaded guilty to a single charge of taking $8,000 from building owners seeking approval to squeeze [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 3:51pm EST
  

• "Hey, A Great Idea!" from CAPCC...

  From the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council blog...this entry has had the most comments they have ever had on their blog (so far):
  We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, think that a way to rid the neighborhood of all the vacant storefronts along 75Th Street and 79Th [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 12:49pm EST
  

• Remember CAPCC blog talking about the site of the Rhode Theater

  
  
  I revisited this the site of this old theater last week and snapped some newer pictures.
  
  First off at the CAPCC blog back in August there was a post that indicated what should be here on this site. What they [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 10:23am EST
  

• Motorist Charged In Chicago Police Chase

  An update from the news yesterday about a chase that ended near 79th and Lafayette. Starting with the Southtown:
  Four people wanted for firing shots from a vehicle are in custody after leading police on a chase on the Dan Ryan Expressway that ended in a crash early today.
  [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 03, 2009, 8:27am EST
  

• YoChicago: Neighborhoods for the rest of us: Grand Crossing

  Joseph Askins at YoChicago gives a basic profile of another 6th Ward neighborhood, Grand Crossing. Starting off, Askins would mention how this neighborhood got it's name from a series train wreck in 1853 near 75th & South Chicago the discusses some stats. High and low income people are [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 5:45pm EST
  

• Police chase ends in crash, four in custody

  Sun-Times:
  Four suspects wanted for firing shots from a vehicle are in custody after leading police on a chase on the Dan Ryan Expressway that ended in a crash on the South Side early Monday.
  
  At 1:45 a.m., Targeted Response Unit officers were in the 5100 block of [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 02, 2009, 11:20am EST
  

• ARCHIVED NEWS: Making it - The Story of Chatham part 2

  Here's part two of this series entitled "Fulfilling middle-class values : Community is proud of work and education". You might see more of it as I continue this series published in the Chicago Sun-Times in April 1986 a common theme is mention of popular TV sitcom The Cosby Show. [...]
  Share | Rate | Archive

  Posted: November 01, 2009, 12:07pm EST