TIF funds go to Cleanslate, restaurant rehabs in 2007
 By Kate Hawley, Staff Writer

A tax district centered on the 53rd Street commercial strip swelled its coffers by 26 percent to $3.2 million in 2007 from a year earlier, even as it dramatically increased expenditures on job training and small-business improvement programs.
A 2007 annual report released by the city in July gives a breakdown on the finances for the 53rd Street tax-increment financing, or TIF, district (see map on page 2), one of about 160 districts citywide.
TIFs, which are meant to stimulate neighborhood development, cap property taxes for a 23-year period within district boundaries and funnel the excess, or increment, into a fund that can be spent on a range of local projects.
The 53rd Street TIF district spent just $16,047 in 2006. That figure jumped to $185,434 in 2007.
A portion of that was set aside for administrative costs. The rest went to two programs new in the district that year.
Cleanslate, which received $86,875, offers job training through its neighborhood beautification services. Hyde Parkers have likely seen Cleanslate’s interns, as they are called under the program, wearing fluorescent yellow shirts and scouring neighborhood sidewalks for trash.
The Small Business Improvement Fund, or SBIF, a city program that helps small-business owners spruce up their properties, received $79,759.
About $34,000 of that went to Patti and Tom Kidwell, the owners of Chant, 1509 E. 53rd St., for a major overhaul of the restaurant’s interior and exterior, according to Derek Walvoord, of SomerCor 504 Inc., the nonprofit that oversees the SBIF program.
The remainder went to John Frangias of JGF Management for roof and brick work on a building he owns at 1312 E. 53rd St., Walvoord said. A café and sushi bar called The Sit Down is soon to occupy the space.
SBIF money has also been allocated for Kimbark Laundry, 1218 E. 53rd St.; Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen, 1206 E. 53rd St.; and Three Pillars Wellness Center, 1516 E. 53rd St.; according to Walvoord.
And $350,000 in TIF money was approved last year, for on improvements to Canter Middle School, 4959 S. Blackstone Ave. The funds will be matched by the Chicago Public Schools, said Irene Sherr, a local consultant who works with the 13-person council that oversees the district.
The council, which holds open meetings and workshops and issues regular publications, provides a level of public participation that is rare among the city’s TIF districts, Sherr said. The TIF program has been criticized for its lack of transparency.
The 53rd Street TIF district is also unique in that it wasn’t created in order to fund a particular development project, a practice common in other districts, she said.
The next major project on tap for the district, the planned redevelopment of the Village Center mall at 1525 E. Hyde Park Blvd., won’t use TIF funds, according to its developer, Eli Ungar of Antheus Capital.
However, the redevelopment of the Harper Court shopping center on Harper Avenue between 52nd and 53rd streets, still in the early planning stages, is a likely candidate for TIF subsidy, Sherr said.
The 53rd Street TIF was created in 2001 with an eye toward the development of parking to support future building on 53rd Street, and for securing funds to improve Canter Middle School.
In 2007, the TIF took in $808,219 in property tax revenue, a decrease of less than 1 percent from the previous year.
k.hawley@hpherald.com
  Student-led group moves to next phase
By Daschell M. Phillips, Staff Writer

Gang violence, lack of transportation funds, zero tolerance laws, lack of school resources and lack of motivation are some of the main reasons many teens drop out of school, said the teen research group Voices of Youth in Chicago Education.
About a year and a half ago students from Dyett Academy and Kenwood Academy, in collaboration with Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, received a $1.5- million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The teens created a three-year plan to research, organize and make recommendations to the Chicago Public School Board so that a bill can be created to fund programs that will help curb dropout rates.
Since its inception, the group has joined with other teen programs citywide to conduct research. In addition to studying the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), they were sent on trips to visit schools with low dropout rates in states including California, New York, New Jersey and Seattle.
Ruben Castro, 17, said he was surprised at how much the students liked going to school.
“At Science Park School in New York, the students gave us a tour, not the teachers or administrators,” said Castro.
Ashley Humphries, 17, said the students at Westside High School in Newark, N.J. had specialist available to help them cope with personal issues.
“They had parties daily after school to keep the kids off the street,” said Humphries. “They had drug and drug prevention counselors and psychologists there for the students.”
Angela Clay, 17, said she visited several schools in Seattle and found that they had a tailored approach to education.
“Students had a say in what they learned,” said Clay. “If you told your counselor you wanted to be a doctor, you’d get classes geared toward that profession.”
Tiana Johnson, 17, visited schools in California and noticed the amicable relationships the teachers had with the students.
“The teachers were younger and could relate so it was easier for the students to talk to them,” said Johnson.
Now that the group has completed its research phase they are talking to parents, teachers, principals and CPS to begin organizing.
“We’ve been looking at CPS so that we will know the challenges, how to answer their questions and how to partner with them; not be enemies,” said Marlene De La Cruz, 18.
Clay said the group also has been looking at the civil rights movement to learn how to handle obstacles that will come.
As they begin to reach out to the community and CPS, the teens say that they expect open ears and consideration.
“We expect to be taken seriously,” said Castro. “We don’t want them thinking this is from the administration — these are our own ideas.”
The group plans to present its recommendations to the Chicago Public School Board by September.
d.phillips@hpherald.com
  New Murray principal excited to take reins
By Daschell M. Phillips, Staff Writer

Gregory Mason became the new principal of Murray Language Academy on July 1, but this is not his first experience working with the school.
“About five years ago I had the opportunity to work with the Hyde Park Magnet Cluster,” said Mason. “I used to judge math competitions and science fairs so I know of the rich tradition and community involvement at Murray.”
Mason said that he is excited to be a part of a school that has such strong, passionate and committed parents. He believes that their support will help his plans to enhance Murray, 5335 S. Kenwood Ave., academically.
Mason, who received his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Illinois State University and master’s degree in school administration from University of Illinois Chicago, taught math at Bowen High School for two years and Whitney Young Magnet High School for five years, tackling subjects from 7th-grade math to calculus. For three of his five years at Whitney Young, Mason was the chairman of the math department. He then worked for the Chicago Public School Central Office as the math and science administrator for about 80 elementary schools before becoming the assistant principal at Miles Davis Academy, 6723 S. Wood St.
Mason believes that his past experiences are what gave him the edge over the other candidates who wanted the position that became available when Murray’s former principal, Michael Keno, retired on June 31.
“Murray has a person who’s taught high school math at high levels, worked with several different schools that have different math curriculums,” said Mason. “ So now I can open my suitcase with all the experiences and add them to Murray’s curriculum.”
When parents and students return in the fall, Mason said they can still expect to see excited teachers and faculty there eager to work with them to get the school year started. He said Murray is an excellent school so no changes will be made — only enhancements.
Mason plans to work with the school’s science chairman to open up the science fair to all grade levels and add a science fair workshop for parents. The workshop would help parents help their children come up with ideas for projects and teach parents how to help children in the planning process.
“With teachers and parents helping the students from both sides, that can only lead to success,” said Mason.
Murray also got support from CPS Extended Learning Program and is now designated a community school, meaning the school will now have extended hours, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., to provide a safe haven for community activities. Mason said that school administrators have been brainstorming activity ideas. And chess, language classes for parents and Girls On The Run, which is an athletics organization for girls, have been proposed. Mason said he plans to meet with Ald. Toni Preckwinckle (4th) to get advice on how Murray can best use the after-school program to serve the community.
He also plans to make sure that Murray continues to foster the relationships it has with the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, where Mason once served on the presidential advisory board.
Mason said that he is super excited about being at Murray and understands that it is an honor to be there.
“I understand the demand,” said Mason. “And I am committed to the task at hand.”
d.phillips@hpherald.com
  “Chickens” contest roaring along
Herald readers continue to respond to our contest regarding the possibility of a Barack Obama Presidential Library in Hyde Park with great enthusiasm. Folks are eager to count our chickens with us. Here are just a sample of the many suggestions made so far:
On the Midway (at Cottage Grove and Maryland avenues): "Both Barack and Michelle advocate new beginnings, rebirth...what better place to build the library than near the University of Chicago Lying-in Maternity Hospital where babies are born?”
Olympic Stadium: "A fitting arena and, as he says, it's walking distance from his home, so he can start planning when he attends the games after his second term ends."
47th Street Co-Op building: "Lots of space for storage, exhibits, etc. and so far lots of parking."
Have your say! Write in to the Herald with your ideas for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from the University of Chicago bookstore and a plaque of appreciation. Send suggestions to Presidential Library Contest c/o Herald Newspapers, Inc. 1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd. Chicago IL 60615 or email them to contest@hpherald.com. Only the winning entrant will but identified, but include your name with the entry.
HYDE PARK HAPPENINGS - the week starting August 6, 2008

Ongoing
 Wednesday, August 6

Mysore yoga, 6:15-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Bird walks, 7 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 493-7058.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Iyengar yoga, 9:15-10:45 a.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. For a reservation, call Randa 857-1081.

Knitting, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Beginner’s bridge, 1-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tap dance class, 6-7 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Knitting and Crochet Circle, 7 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Attendees should bring their own needles and yarn. They will meet other knitters and crocheters in the community, and share tips and patterns. Knitting and crocheting books will be available for inspiration. Light refreshments will be served. For teens and adults.  For more information, call 312-747-0511.

Thursday, August 7

Hyde Park Farmers’ Market, through Oct. 30, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., 52nd Place and Harper Avenue, on the cul-de-sac.

Pilates class (legs), 10-10:30 a.m., (upper body), 10:45-11:15 a.m.; EZ Total Body Stretch class 1:05-1:35 p.m., Lotus Living Center. 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

Led primary yoga, 7:15-8:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

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 256-2426.

Men’s group, 8-10 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Intermediate bridge group, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Exercise class, 10:40-11:25 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Computer class, 11 a.m.-noon, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Intermediate French class, 5:15-6:15 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Every Thursday Café Society, professionally moderated discussions of a civic or cultural topic, 7 p.m., Valois Cafeteria, 1518 E. 53rd St.

Partnership for Advancement of Refugee Rights, 7 p.m., 5710 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information, contact Aruj at aruj@uchicago.edu or Tsion at tgurmu@uchicago.edu.

Hyde Park LaLeche League, 7 p.m., Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave. For more information, call 538-6128.

Salsa classes, 7:10 p.m., Say Salsa, United Church of Hyde Park, 1448 E. 53rd St., 551-0022.

Kids Story Time, 11 a.m., Borders Books, 1539 E. 53rd St., 752-8663.

Friday, August 8

Mysore yoga, 6:15-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Iyengar Yoga, 9:15-10:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

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

Walking Group, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tai Chi, 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Friday Film, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Trumpeter and composer Kafele, Chant After Dark, 9:30 p.m-12:30 a.m., 1509 W. 53rd St. 324-1999.

Saturday, August 9

Bird walks, 8 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 773-493-7058.

Join Jackson Park Advisory Council and Chicago Park District in a volunteer workday (second and fourth Saturdays) to maintain a healthy habitat in Jackson Park’s Wooded Island. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Meet at Darrow Bridge, south of the museum. For more information, call Ross Petersen at 486-0505.

Upper-body toning class, 9:15-9:45 a.m., 10:45-11:15 a.m.; leg toning class, 10-10:30 a.m. Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

61st Street Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., through Oct. 25, Experimental Station, 61st Street between Dorchester and Blackstone avenues.

Children’s Summer Reading Program Finale Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Readers are invited to celebrate the end of the “2008 Summer Reading Program Read Green Live Green” with games and raffle prizes.  Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 312-747-0511.

DJ Shaun T, Chant After Dark, 9:30 p.m-12:30 a.m., 1509 W. 53rd St. 324-1999.

Sunday, August 10

“Theft,” Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, executive director, National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, speaks, 10 a.m. Part of The Ten Sayings summer workshop series at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave. Free and open to the public. Childcare is provided. For more information, call 363-6063 or visit www.hpuc.org.

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

Pain-free knees/back, workshop to increase range of motion and minimize pain. 12-1 p.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. The cost is $25 (10 percent discount for Hyde Park residents). To reserve your spot, contact Bill at 312-493-9766.

Monday, August 11

Iyengar yoga, 9:15-10:45 a.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Randa at 857-1081.

Walking group, 9 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Advanced bridge, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.  

August 11, Monday, 7:30 pm

Jackson Park Advisory Council meets to discuss major park business, 7:30 p.m., field house, 6401 S. Stony Island. For more information, call Ross Petersen at 486-0505.

Live jazz, 7-11 p.m., Hidden Pearl Art Café, 1060 E. 47th St., 285-1211. This event is sponsored by Little Black Pearl and the Musicians Network Mecca. Musicians are always welcome. For more information about the network, call Larry Hanks at 312-808-0005.

Live rhythm and blues and jazz music, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave., 684-1472. Tickets are $10 with a two-drink minimum.

4th Ward Report, 9 p.m., CANTV Channel 19.

Tuesday, August 12

Led primary yoga, 7:15-8:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Pilates class (legs), 10-10:30 a.m., (upper body), 10:45-11:15 a.m.; EZ Total Body Stretch class, 1:05-1:35 p.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

Exercise class, 10:40-11:25 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Computer class, 11 a.m.-noon, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Mah Jongg group, 12:30-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Troubadours Sing, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Teen Knit and Chat Circle, 4-5 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Teens ages 14 and up are invited to share knitting tips, patterns and to discuss related books.  All levels are welcomed and knitting books will be available for ideas.  Light refreshments will be served.
Knitters interested should bring their own needles and yarn. For more information, call 312-747-0511.

Soccer, 6-9:45 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062. Admission is $7.

Salsa classes, 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Say Salsa, United Church of Hyde Park, 1448 E. 53rd St., 551-0022.

Wednesday, August 13

Mysore yoga, 6:15 a.m.-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Bird walks, 7 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 493-7058.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Children’s story time, 10:30 a.m., 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St., 684-1300.

Knitting, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Beginner’s bridge, 1-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tap dance class, 6-7 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

MEETINGS

Tuesday

Harte Elementary School LSC, 6 p.m., 1556 E. 46th St., 773-535-0870.

Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) open office hours, 6-8 p.m., 2325 E. 71st Street,

Wednesday

Kozminski C.A., 6:30 p.m., 936 E. 54th St., 773-535-0980.

East Hyde Park Action Committee, 6 p.m., Treasure Island lower level, 1526 E. 55th St. Meeting to discuss parking.

Calendar deadline is noon Thursday before Wednesday publication. Submit calendar items to the editor by fax: 643-8542, e-mail: calendar@hpherald.com, or address: 1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615