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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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“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 |