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Looking northwest through the Citgo gas station on the corner of Garfield Boulevard and King Drive.

Citgo owner says sale to university unlikely
U. of C. purchase plans include 15 parcels west of Washington Park
By Kate Hawley

The owner of a Washington Park Citgo station targeted for purchase by the University of Chicago said last week that he’s not interested in selling.
Khalil Abdullah, owner of the station at 368 E. Garfield Blvd., said that while he hasn’t yet seen an offer from the university, he’s not inclined to sell. “Honestly, myself, I wouldn’t even imagine to leave,” he said.
“We’re not too pleased,” he said, of the university’s plans. “We want to hold onto our business.” However, he doesn’t feel immediately threatened, since he holds a more than 25-year lease on the property, he said.
The Citgo station sits on of 15 parcels near the intersection of Garfield Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive that the university plans to buy, according to Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd).
Negotiations began earlier this summer for eight of the parcels without her knowledge, she said — a signal to her that the university is not working in concert with the community.
The Hyde Park Herald and Lakefront Outlook first published the list of properties on Aug. 13. A university official confirmed that acquisition plans are underway for a “modest” number of privately owned properties in the area.
The university will be a “junior partner” in a redevelopment effort that will include the city, local elected officials and the community, according to Sonya Malunda, assistant vice president and director of community affairs for the university.
Dowell said that she fears the university is “land banking,” holding it for future development to the community’s detriment.
Abdullah voiced a similar fear. “The most significant thing is that they could buy businesses, let them get vacant and not redevelop them for a long time.”
“Is it going to be good for the area?” he said. “I don’t think so.”
The university’s goal is to bring new life to an economically distressed area, Malunda said.
A “Land Acquisition Map” university officials gave Dowell shows that the university plans to buy much of the land along Garfield Boulevard from Prairie Avenue to the park.
While the Citgo appears to be thriving and a few other businesses are doing steady trade, the strip is pocked by vacant lots, abandoned buildings and rundown storefronts.
A large shuttered building at 344-360 E. Garfield Blvd., just west of the Citgo, belonged to the Washington Park Shopping Center Joint Venture since the late 1960s, according to Cook County records.
On Aug. 1, the property changed hands, the records show. According to a trust deed, Chicago Title Land Trust Company took ownership, acting as a trustee for another entity. University officials haven’t confirmed that they are behind the purchase, but Dowell said she believed the university was the buyer.
On the south side of Garfield Boulevard, also called 55th Street, a commercial block just west of the Green Line tracks is occupied by a Western Union, Harold’s Chicken Shack and Jardan Food & Liquor. Just east of the tracks are 55th Express Restaurant, a Jackson Hewitt outlet and Salon 55.
John Brown, the manager of KPC Discount Muffler at 359 E. Garfield Blvd., said that business is still steady, although the demolition of housing projects to the north removed a good number of regular customers. The owner of the business was out of the country and could not comment on a potential sale, he said.
Public records reveal little history for property values along the strip, but mortgages on file with the county show that a currently vacant property at 301 E. 55th St. sold for $110,000 in December 2005, and a row of storefronts at 323-331 E. 55th St. sold for $1,950,000 in 2003.
Other parcels have a history of foreclosure and non-payment of taxes, including the vacant lots at 365 E. 55th St. and the western half of a lot at 371 E. 55th St. The current owners have no apparent history of delinquent payments.
On the southwest corner of King Drive and Garfield Boulevard sits land formerly used for an Amoco station. The Washington Park Community Development Corp. purchased the land in 1998. A commercial building that once occupied the site has since been demolished.
On a recent afternoon, a vendor had set up a stand on the lot selling African gifts. In a vacant lot down the street, two cars were parked with their doors open, and people sat nearby in lawn chairs going through the contents of a shopping cart. All along the strip, people spilled in and out of doorways or lounged in plastic chairs on the sidewalk.
k.hawley@hpherald.com

Looking northwest through the Citgo gas station on the corner of Garfield Boulevard and King Drive.

Attucks parents say CPS broke its word
By Daschell M. Phillips

The Crispus Attucks Alumni Coalition is sending letters out to parents and community members asking them to call Chicago Public School (CPS) and elected officials to tell them not to close the school.
Due to heating and furnace problems at Crispus Attucks Elementary, 3813 S. Dearborn Ave., CPS representatives will make a recommendation at the next CPS board meeting that the Attucks building be closed, the students, staff and faculty moved to the Farren building, 5055 S. State St. They also recommend that Farren’s name be changed to Attucks.
During two community forums that were held in early August, Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) and state Sens. Mattie Hunter (D-3) and Ken Dunkin (D-5), and community members expressed their outrage about CPS making the emergency relocation decision without community input one month before the school year begins. At the forum, community members saw the lack of communication as a sign that Attucks would soon become a charter school. The CPS representatives said they do not currently have any future plans for the Attucks building. At the end of the first forum, Hunter told community members to contact CPS board members and tell them to vote no.
As a follow-up to Hunter’s request, the Alumni Coalition letter lists the names and numbers of each board member and asks the community to call the board multiple times before the next Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
The Attucks Alumni Coalition letter states that in June 2004 students and teachers were moved from Raymond School, 3663 S. Wabash Ave., which will re open as an Illinois Institute of Technology Perspectives Charter School this fall, and Hartigan School, 8 W. Root St., to Attucks with the understanding that CPS would not move the children again.
“The closing of Attucks and moving children to Farren is a violation of the parents’ and students’ rights,” states the Alumni Coalition in the letter. “Children cannot be moved like checkers on a checker board. They should remain at 3813 S. Dearborn; this is their community.”
d.phillips@hpherald.com

New Price principal to meet parents
By Daschell M. Phillips

Dr. Kim Moore, who became the new principal of Price Elementary School on July 7, is vigorously preparing for the new school year.
Moore has written a welcome back letter and, with the help of last year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, mailed copies out to all the parents. She also created flyers for Price’s first ever back-to-school orientation. The orientation is an idea she brought from the school where she was formerly principal.
“The orientation is for students to learn about student citizenship, study habits and what is expected of them in the new school year,” said Moore.
Moore is also interviewing for a part-time art teacher, an assistant principal who will also teach 4th grade, and a teacher who will possibly teach 7th grade, as well as meeting with current teachers one-on-one and fostering relationships with programs that have helped Price academically in previous years.
Moore said she had a brief meeting with Jeff Wright, principal of King College Prep., 4445 S. Drexel Blvd., which is right next door to Price, 4351 S. Drexel Blvd.
“I had a brief meeting with the principal at King to make sure Price students are prepared for King,” said Moore. “I want Price students to learn the expectancy levels and exceed them so they are ready to fill the slots that are available to them.”
Moore also wanted to make sure that King students would continue to tutor price students.
Moore also confirmed the continuing relationship between Price and the University of Chicago (U. of C.) Neighborhood Schools Program where four U. of C. students come to Price to assist in the classrooms.
“The more adults you have in the classroom the more success you have because you can break into groups and personalize the learning,” said Moore.
In the upcoming school year, Moore would like to create more opportunities for teachers to work collaboratively, bring in more after-school programs and increase enrollment.
She is planning to partner with Jacqueline Wilson-Thomas, the new principal of Jackie Robinson Elementary School, 4225 S. Lake Park Ave., to go door to door in the Bronzeville neighborhood so they can introduce themselves and tell community members about their schools. She has also met with Felicia Dawson of The Community Builders, a social service agency for the Oakwood Shores development that replaced the Madden-Wells housing projects, to let parents who are returning to the neighborhood know about Price and encourage them to enroll their children in the school.
Price is a literature and writing magnet school that teaches 4th through 8th grades. Writing is done in all subject areas and classes are taught in a writer’s workshop style that allows students to discuss their work and offer feedback. The students have also participated in citywide school competitions such as Battle of the Books, The Young Authors Program and the spelling bee.
Moore said she has entered the school into the great books extension enrichment literacy program that promotes complexity of thinking and advanced Socratic discussions on what they are reading, and has requested that Price become a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) school. PBIS is a program that trains every school employee to set up and enforce guidelines that teach students how to be safe, respectful and responsible.
Moore began her career in the Chicago Public School (CPS) system as the social work coordinator in cluster 3, where she was responsible for special services to more than 91 schools on the West Side, South Loop and Bridgeport.
During the 2005-2006 school year, she was the assistant principal at DuSable High School, 4934 S. Wabash Ave. When the principal of DuSable moved to Alfred C. Cone high school, she asked Moore to join her. Moore was the assistant principal at Cone for two years. Then she had the desire to run her own school.
Moore was offered the principal position at Kingsley Elementary School, a K through 5 in Evanston, Ill. Although she liked the dedication and understanding of professional responsibility at Kingsley, She found that the school system in Evanston was much different than CPS.
“Because I only had 371 students, I did not qualify to have an assistant principal,” said Moore. “CPS policies help guide decision making. In Evanston there were many unspoken policies that those who are from Evanston or went to school in that system were more familiar with.”
Moore said the daily commute to Evanston was also becoming a strain and she began to long for “home” — the familiarity of the Chicago Public School system.
Moore said that she is glad to be back in a Chicago Public School and is looking forward to meeting the students this fall.
“When the parents and students come back to school they can expect that I am approachable and available, and I will be visible throughout the school,” said Moore.
She said her focus will be on improving the climate of the school and making sure every child feels safe, welcomed and encouraged.
d.phillips@hpherald.com

Weekly Outlook - the week starting August 20, 2008

Weekly Outlook
Wednesday, August 20

Asthma education class, 10 a.m.-noon, Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St. Admission is free. Contact Ms. L. Walker at 312-572-2309.

Open mic Wednesdays with host Lil Rel, 8:30 p.m., Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr. Call 773-373-3390. Tickets $5.

Soule CafÈ with guest artists, 7 p.m., Negro League CafÈ, 401 E. 43rd St. Call 773-536-7000.

Knitting and Crochet Circle, 7 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Meet other teen and adult knitters and crocheters in the community to share tips and patterns. Books will be available for inspiration. Bring your own needles and yarn. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 312-747-0511.

Edwin Daugherty group, 8 p.m., Velvet Lounge, 63 E. Cermak Rd. For more information, call 312- 791-9050.

Live music, 8 p.m., Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. Cover charge is $10. Contact 773-684-1472.

Thursday, August 21

Precious Beginnings, pregnancy centering group with nurse-midwives, 9-11 a.m and 1-3 p.m., Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St. Call 312-590-8476.

Smoking cessation clinic, 9-11 a.m., Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St. Admission is free. Contact Ms. L. Walker at 312-572-2309.

Anti-aging and vitality: fitness classes, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mercy Hospital, 2525 S. Michigan Ave., room 204. Admission is free. Call 773-509-6842.

Right at Home: Parent-Baby Drop In, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chicago Childcare Society Townhouse, 5459 S. University Ave. $5 per family or as able. Contact Katie Cadell at 773-256-2426.

After Work Networking and Steppin’ Affair, 5:30-11 p.m., The Marmon Grand, 2230 S. Michigan Ave. Free admission. For questions, call 312-225-8100 or Ken Bedford at 312-608-6358.

Music Box Thursdays with DJ Emmanuel and DJ Reg, 6 p.m., Negro League CafÈ, 301 E. 43rd St. No cover. Call 773-536-7000.

Tony Sculfield’s Poetry and Variety Night, 8:30 p.m., Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr. Tickets are $10. Call 773-373-3390.

Friday, August 22

Asthma education program, 10-11 a.m., Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St. Admission is free. Contact Ms. L. Walker at 312-572-2309.

Tyler Jazz Quartet, 8-11 p.m., Mellow Yellow, 1508 E. 53rd St. Free jazz Fridays, two drink minimum. For more information, call 667-2000.

Saturday, August 23

Graphic design and photography classes, 1-4 p.m., South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave. Call 773-373-1026.

Live music, 8 p.m., Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. Cover charge is $10. Contact 773-684-1472.

Live jazz, 9:30 p.m., Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Rd. Call 312-791-9050.

Sunday, August 24

Blu 47 Gospel Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Blue 47, 4655 S. King Dr., 773-536-6000.

Bronzeville Community Market, fruit and vegetables on sale, plus live entertainment and health activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., every Sunday through October 26, 4400-4500 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

DuSable Museum of African American History, 12-5 p.m., 740 E. 56th Pl. Admission is free on Sundays. Call 773-947-0600

Jazz quartet with Charles Heath, drums; Robert Irving, III, piano; Graham Czach; special guest, Corey Wilkes, trumpet. Greg Spero’s debut CD is at a discount for the CheckerJazz audience. Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. General admission is $10, $5 for students with IDs. Contact 684-1472.

Isaiah Spencer’s Jam session 9:30 p.m.-midnight, 67 E. Cermak Rd., Velvet Lounge. Call 312-791-9050

Monday, August 25

Musicians’ Network Jam, 7-11 p.m., 59th Street Harbor. This event is sponsored by Little Black Pearl and the Musicians Network Mecca. Musicians are welcome every Monday, especially young musicians. Admission is $10. For more information about the network, call Larry Hanks at 312-808-0005.

Live jazz, 8 p.m., Velvet Lounge, 67 E. Cermak Rd. Call 312-791-9050.

Tuesday, August 26

Weight loss clinic and “biggest loser” contest. Personal coaching and 12 weeks of nutrition classes. Contribute $29 and biggest weight losers win 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. The more students, the larger the pot/winnings. 4014 S. Drexel Blvd,, suite 3R. To register for free ongoing class, call Desiree Peerman at 847-219-3121.

Jazz jam sessions, 8 p.m., Negro League Cafe, 301 E. 43rd St. Call 773-536-7000.

Wednesday, August 27

Knitting and Crochet Circle, 7 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Teens and adults will share tips and patterns. All levels are welcomed and knitting books will be available for ideas. Light refreshments will be served. Those interested should bring their own needles and yarn. For more information, call 312-747-0511.

Soule CafÈ with guest artists, 7 p.m., Negro League CafÈ, 401 E. 43rd St. Call 773-536-7000.

Jazz Festival Pub Crawl, 6-9 p.m., Velvet Lounge, 63 E. Cermak Rd. Presented by the Jazz Institute of Chicago. For more information, call 312-791-9050.

Open Mic Wednesdays with host Lil Rel, 8:30 p.m., Jokes and Notes, 4641 S. King Dr. Call 773-373-3390. Tickets are $5.

Ongoing

Museum of Science and Industry, hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 57th and Lake Shore Dr. General admission is free for children 11 and younger through Sept. 1. For more information, call 773-684-1414 or e-mail www.msichicago.org.

FaiE African Art in Bronzeville, 4317 S. Cottage Grove Ave. For hours and other information, call 773-268-2889.

Computer boot camp classes. All ages. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Senior citizens. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday. The Abraham Lincoln Centre, 3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Call 773-285-1390.

Gallery Guichard, 3521 S. King Dr. For hours and other information, call 773-373-8000.

Neleh Galleries, Ltd., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m-5 p.m., 3219 S. Calumet Ave. Call 312-225-5692.

Live music, 8 p.m., Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave., cover charge is $10. Contact 773-684-1472.

Meetings

Wednesday

CAPS police beat 224 youth meeting, 4:30 p.m., Hall Branch Public Library, 4801 S. Michigan Ave.

Donoghue U. of C. Charter LSC, in the library, 6 p.m., 707 E. 37th St. 773-729-5300.

CAPS police beat 2112, 6 p.m., College of Optometry, 3420 S. Indiana Ave.

Washington Park Advisory Council, 7 p.m., field house, 5531 S. King Dr. For more information, call Cecilia Butler 773-667-4160.

Thursday

Graham Training Center LSC, 3 p.m., 2347 S. Wabash Ave. 773-534-9258.

Drake Elementary LSC, 3 p.m., 2722 S. King Dr. 773-534-9129.

Friday

Mollison LSC, 3 p.m., 4415 S. King Dr., 773-535-1804.

Saturday

Price LSC, 10 a.m., 4351 S. Drexel Blvd., 773-535-1300.

CAPS police beat 224 and 231, 6:30 p.m., Hall Branch Public Library, 4801 S. Michigan Ave.

Monday

Ariel Community Academy LSC, 8 a.m., 1119 E. 46th St., 773-535-1996.

Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter LSC, 5:30 p.m., 8 W. Root St. (41st and State St.), 773-535-1460.

Tuesday

CAPS police beat 2124, 6 p.m., Cottage View Terrace (community room), 4829 S. Drexel Blvd.

CAPS police beat 213, 6:30 p.m., Monumental Baptist Church, 729 E. Oakwood Blvd.

The Weekly Outlook covers community events occurring from Wednesday, the date of this issue, through the following Wednesday. The deadline for event information is noon, Thursday before Wednesday publication. Address details of local events to: Calendar editor, Lakefront Outlook, 1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615