Trick or Treat!-Bridgeport Tops the List

I'm sure everyone's little ones are looking forward to Trick or Treating tommorrow. Thought I'd share a bit I ran accross on CLTV and Zillow. It is their annual ranking of Chicago Neighborhood Best Places to Trick or Treat. You will all be happy to know that Bridgeport ranked #1 on the list. Here is what they had to say:

"Bridgeport, the #1 Chicago neighborhood to trick-or-treat, is a traditional South Side community with good schools, an easy commute, and friendly faces. “You drive down the street, and you’ve got people waving hello,” says a Bridgeport local. “You may not know their names, but you’ve seen them all your life. It’s really a family neighborhood.” Bridgeport has long been one of the city’s political hotbeds, having been home to five of Chicago’s 45 mayors. In fact, current Mayor Richard Daley was also born and raised in Bridgeport. The Zillow Home Value Index for Bridgeport is $295,600, up 4.9% year-over-year. "

So Let's all get ready, if Mother Nature cooperates it is sure to be a long day of tricking and Treating.

Enclosed are links to the original articles:

• Trick-or-Treat Housing Index: Top 5 Chicago Neighborhoods

• Top Chicago Neighborhoods for Trick or Treating

Wilson Park Fundraiser-Save the Date: Saturday October 24, 2009

We are happy to announce that the council has secured a venue and new date for the Wilson Park Renovation Fundraiser and Silent Auction. The new information is as follows:

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009

Where: 1200 W. 35th Street 5th Floor Ballroom (East Bank Storage Lofts)

Time: 6:30pm - Cocktails and Entertainment

7:00pm-10:00pm Silent Auction, Presentations & Event Program

Donation: $50.00/ticket (information to follow)

The Food for the evening has been generously donated by Mr. Dave Samer at Polo Cafe. The Space has been donated by Mr. Drago Batar of East Bank Storage-South Branch.

If you have items that can be used for silent auction, we are still accepting them. Please contact Lou Sandoval for details. Donations are tax deductible as the Parkways Foundation is non-profit organization.

A few ideas of Items to consider for silent auction:

• Tickets to Sporting events: (Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks)
• Tickets to theater or music events
• Gift Certificates to restaurants, spas, salons, services (car wash, gutter cleaning, house painting etc.)
• Airline or travel packages (timeshare vacations etc.)

We look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser!

Residential Parking Abuse

Bridgeport like any other neighborhood around a major sports stadium is sometimes subject to enterprising residents who abuse residential parking permits. Actions such as this worsten an already tight parking situation during game days.

Enclosed is a report from CBS-Channel 2 that highlighted one recent incident.

2 Investigators: Illegal Parking Spots For Sale

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=62918@wbbm.dayport.com

Nana Restaurant Opens

Nana Restaurant Opens on Halsted

Brothers Omar and Christian Solis didn't just name this organic-focused Bridgeport breakfast and lunch spot for their mother, whom their nephew calls Nana; they brought her in to make dessert. Mom is Cafe 28 pastry purveyor Maria Solis, and she's responsible for everything from cookies to breakfast pastries. Nana offers breakfast and lunch with a Latin twist. Look for staples such as pancakes, omelets and chilaquiles at breakfast, and a lunch lineup that includes a half-dozen different burgers.

Read the Tribune Story in it's entirety: Latin-influenced eateries lead the list of newly opened restaurant

Nana

3267 S. Halsted St.,

312-929-2486

http://nanaorganic.com/

Block Party Tommorrow

Block party times: 12:00 to ?

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our block party tommorrow.

Enclosed is the tentative itinerary.

BBQ pit opens at 300pm (for the Sandoval and Reyes household)
Children's Activities 3-430pm (face painting, balloons etc.)
Jumping Castle and slide (100- 900pm)
CPD Fire Truck 430ish
Whiffle Ball Game 500pm
Baggo tournament 600pm- 700pm
DJ 400 to ???
Dance Contest: 730pm (Bring your best moves!)

Bring a Smile and be prepared to have some fun!!!

Wilson Park Advisory Council General Meeting

The Next General Meeting of the Wilson Park Advisory Council will be on


Tuesday August 18th at 6:30pm

in the Wilson Park Field House.


To be discussed: Fall Fundraiser, Legacy Program Details, Sub-committee activity,

To get involved email Martha Jungenburg by clicking on her name (<<<<)from your browser.

Final Park Design Plans Are in

Equipment Designs

Park Layout (taking into consideration relocating or not relocating the sprinkler.)

Hello All:

Enclosed you will all find the final concept designs for the renovation of Wilson Park. The lower picture is the actual layout for the park. It takes into consideration whether or not to relocate the sprinkler to the Southeast corner of the park or leaving in the NW corner. The rendering also accomodates three different age ranges for the equipment that will be installed.

We still have a long way to go to raise money by the 11/1/2009 cutoff for the renovation to begin Spring of 2010. We will need the help and cooperation from everyone to ensure that the Fall Fundraiser is a success and helps us meet our goal of raising the $130,000 needed to fund the public portion of the project.

Stay tuned in the weeks to come for information on the Legacy Program that will allow us all to leave our imprint on the renovation of the park for our families, children or in the memory of a loved one or pet. The Legacy program will be pretty unique as you can purchase imprinted pavers, benches or name trees in memory of someone.

I will be reaching out to each one of you to see how we can come together and work with our independant resources to help the fundraiser succeed. In the interim if you have any ideas don't hesitate to email me.

Wilson Park Advisory Council Meeting

Meeting Announcement-

When: Tuesday 7/28/2009
Where: Wilson Park Field House
Time: 6:30pm


Review Progress on Fundraiser, Discuss park renovations plans. Need neighbor input and help on Fundraiser organizing committees.

Save The Date- Block Party

2nd Annual 1100 W. 34th Place Block Party.

Hello Everyone-

A quick note to remind you to Save The Date

When: Saturday August 29
Time: 12:00 to ?
Where : 1100 block of W. 34th Place
What: 2nd Annual Block Party

More Details to Follow.

We are gathering info on activities for the children and will circulate figures for those shortly.

On Behalf of the Block Party Organizing Committee- See You There.

____________________________________
Sent via BlackBerry from AT&T Wireless

2016 Ward Meetings

The 2016 Ward Meetings for the 11, 12 and 25th ward will be held on Wed 7/8/09 at

the McKinley Park Fieldhouse (2219 W. Pershing Road) 530pm. For More Info visit http://www.chicago2016.org/

2016 bid team to host meetings in each ward- Chicago Tribune

Wilson Park Advisory Meeting This Thursday

Just wanted to let everyone know that there will be a Wilson Park Advisory Council Meeting This Thursday

 

June 11, 2009

6:30pm

Wilson Park Field House

 

 

Hope to see everyone there.

 

 

 

Lou Sandoval

 

CAPS Meeting

Just a quick note that our Next CAPS meeting for Beat 924 is on

When: June 9, 2009
When: 9th District Community Rm. 3120 S. Halsted.
Time: 6:30pm

If someone can attend that would be great and report back to the group with any major issues.

Our Neighborly 'Jack Rabbit'

We were greeted by the friendly neighboorhood Jack Rabbit this morning. Or as Sofi calls it "my rabbit"

____________________________________
Sent via BlackBerry from AT&T Wireless

On Neighboring

Read this article today in the Trib and it made me think. This economy and all the issues that trail it effect many in different ways. In the end, assistance is not too far away- but often you have to meet it 1/2 way.

A story of desperation, loneliness and an old man's love for his dog

Saturday's dramatic standoff began with a call to Chicago police from a Buffalo Grove animal hospital.

A Northwest Side man who'd just been told his dog had cancer was distraught, barely coherent and talking about killing himself, hospital personnel said. They were worried.

To Read the Article:
http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/

____________________________________
Sent via BlackBerry from AT&T Wireless

It's Officially Mosquito Season!

With all the rain we've had recently This news blast is not surprise. Time for Bug Spray.

West Nile found in Cook County mosquitoes

Movie Night-Wilson Park

Movies In The Park

Just a reminder that the "Movies in the Park" will be at Wilson Park on Thursday June 25, 2009. "Kung Fu Panda" the Dreamworks movie will be playing at dusk.

Bring a lawn chair and join the group.

New Restaurants Coming

Nana's Breakfast Place (33 & Halsted) is preparing to open soon. Sounds like it will be a great neighborhood place to go with the family. The owners are nephews of Gabe Solis (Tacos Erenderia). More info to follow. Support our neighborhood businesses!

Stay Tuned.

____________________________________
Sent via BlackBerry from AT&T Wireless

Bridgeport in the News: Mural Gate...

Call it a Slow media day or a balancing act for too much coverage of the Stroger-Sales Tax decision- Alderman Balcer came under fire for his decision to paint over a mural on 31st street. Pictures of the mural are located above. Given the problems we've had with taggers and unsightly walls in the neighborhood- I can't say that the Alderman should be faulted for responding to the needs of the neighborhood. We may want to provide some support for the Alderman on this. Just thought you all might want to see what all the hubbub is about. For the story on WBBM' site- READ HERE

Pull Out your Quarters...

As if the meter debacle wasn't enough, it looks like the Park District will now be putting meters in over 4,400 spots on the Lakefront. Of greatest concern to many in the neighborhood will be the lots on 31st Street Beach.

It seems contrary to their mission of making Chicago's parks accessible to all. In the mean time, we have few diversions for the kids in Chicago's neighborhoods. Now, if parents in some underserved neighborhoods want to have their kids enjoy the parks- they will need to shell out at least $1/hour or risk being ticketed which is a bigger hit to the pocket books.

Not sure where you stand on this, but speaking for myself- we are headed down a treacherous path as a city, county and State with this fee/tax frenzy we seem to be on. If you feel as strong: write or call Alderman Balcer and let him know how your feel about the meters in the Lake front parks issue. Silence on this is our enemy. The squeaky wheel gets heard...

Ald. Balcer's Office: 773-254-6677 Fax in your letter: 773-254-8776



From the Tribune:

Mayor Richard Daley defends plan to charge for parking along lakefront 5/17/09


Chicago to charge for Lake Michigan parking 5/16/09

Join Us For Bike the Drive

Neighbors:

We will be loading up the Burley and heading out for Bike the Drive on Sunday May 24, 2009. If you are in town join in.

The Sandovals

Info on siging up is located below.

Reserve your space on the Drive - sign up now!

Experience Chicago like never before – biking on a car-free Lake Shore Drive, May 24, 2009.
See the city’s famous lakefront and architecture; relive legendary memories at the site of the 1893 World’s Fair or the site of Barack Obama’s history-making election speech; breeze through lush parks; and come together with family and friends – all while biking on eight lanes and 15 miles of a tranquil Lake Shore Drive.
The experience begins in Grant Park at Columbus and Jackson. From there, ride for miles in a bicycle utopia.

Wilson Park Planning Committee Meeting

1100 Block Neighbors:

Sorry for the short notice. I just got word from Martha Jungenburg, President of the Wilson Park Planning Committee.

Meeting Tonight

When: 5/14/2009
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Wilson Park Field House
Contact Martha to be placed on the distribution list.

I'll make sure to get the communications from Martha with more advanced notice so that we can be better represented at the meetings.

Wilson Park Advisory Council

Sonia and I represented the 1100 block at the Wilson Park Planning committee meeting last night. We found out about the meeting. from the Bridgeport News.

Enclosed are some quick notes from the meeting:

The project has been under planning now for almost five years. It is estimated that there is less than 1/3 of the estimated funding needed for the whole project so far. Martha Jungenburg (who lives in the village) is the committee chair. There was a strong representation from Bridgeport Village.

In attendance was the project coordinator from Chicago Park District, Michael Lange, who discussed the project progress to date and identified the milestones we've yet to accomplish to have this become a reality.

The Advisory Council Exec Board is as follows:

Martha Jungenberg - president

Sandra Matual - secretary

Christine Rios - treasurer

Website: www.wilsonpark.org ( I have also added it to the sidebar >>> )

1. Budget Update:

If all goes as planned and funds are raised, Alderman Balcer has promised to match 1/3 and Chicago Park District will match the other 1/3 needed for the project. Several businesses in the area (e.g. Tripplite etc) have been generous in the early stages with contributions to the project but more funding is needed.

It would be advisable that many of us from the 1100 block become involved with the group to help with the planning and fundraising.

2. Discussion of the project scope and process:

The goal for the project is to continue and complete the project fundraising for the public part (our portion) over the summer months. The formal RFP will be put out for bid in the fall to city vendors. A decision is planned on the RFP over the winter months 2009-2010 with the expectation that ground will be broken on the project Spring 2010.

3. Costs

The pricing discussion was quite vaugue. I made a request of the treasurer for more clarity on the budget, where we stand and what is left to collect. Additionally, from a transparency perspective, it would be good to know in which financial vehicles the funds collected to date are being kept and to verify if the fund is eligible for any interest acrued on the funds.

Examples of the Swing/playsets that are being proposed are located below.

Please provide feedback to Gina Arredia at the Wilson Park Field house- (312) 747-7002 on which sets you think might be best.

Example 1. (most popular in most Chicago Parks)

Example 2. Alot of the kids seem to like the aesthetics of this one

Example 3.


Example 4.1

Example 4.2 (same type different components)

Be On the Look Out for Taggers

As the warm weather would have it, we had the first ever incident on our block of graffitti in a large scale. After talking to many of you, it seems as though somewhere between 12:00 midnight and 7:00am this morning some taggers had their way with four garage doors on our block (two at each end). One of us has filed a report with the police. In talking to the gang tac unit, I can assure you that if we don't have the issue removed stat- we'll have overtagging by any rival gangs.

Unfortunately, it will be up to us to report any suspicious activity (to 911) immediately. So be on the look out for people not from the neighborhood loitering around. The taggers also hit a home at 34th place /Morgan and its reported that they hit various buildings (residential and commercial) from 39th and Morgan down to 3100 S. Morgan. They were busy.

Be on the lookout.

Welcome 34th Place Neighbors

Welcome to the Blog page for the eleven hundred block of 34th place in Bridgeport. I'm still moving some things around but if you check back from time to time, you will be able to see updates from all the goings on for the block and neighborhood.

L. Sandoval

P.S. If you would like to be added to the publisher list so that you can post send me an email or request through our Google Group and I will add your e-mail address.