What’s the story with our non-profit neighbors?
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time you know my many tales of the school across the street.
But they’re not the only institution that calls our little patch of Woodlawn home.
The former Christ Apostolic Church was located across the street from our association until they moved into their new home in 2002.
The congregation is now called Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church.
Nonetheless the old building remains—frankly I’m not sure if it belongs to the church or if it’s somehow associated with Rev. Finney’s historic T.W.O. group.
And while it’s a beautiful old building, there has been a marked decline in the curb appeal since the congregation moved.
The words minimum upkeep spring to mind.
Christmas lights from several seasons ago are still in the trees, when a storm blew through here a couple of summers ago the branches and debris weren’t cleared until months later.
Mountains of trash overflowed out of the dumpster until recently.
While all of those things can drive your neighbors to distraction, in my estimation we had bigger fish to fry with impassible sidewalks and piles of garbage across the street.
One thing at a time, yo.
I figured as soon as Mt. Carmel was on track, I’d find out whom to drop a line to so the curb appeal quotient could ratchet up a few notches.
Unfortunately about a month ago that all changed.
I notice things in our little two-block stretch of paradise. Especially since I’m located on the third floor.
So it wasn’t too difficult too notice when every last available street parking space was taken up in the late afternoon on a Saturday night.
It also wasn’t too difficult to notice when about a dozen cars were parked in the vacant lot behind our home.
But it really wasn’t difficult to notice the excessive noise and bullshit taking place on our quiet street as afternoon stretched into evening and evening stretched into the next day.
While I took note of all of this, it was my neighbor Caustic who actually got the 411 on the situation.
Not only did she get the 411 but also dialed 911.
Squad cars and paddy wagon arrived not long thereafter.
It seems that the space is now being rented out for events. Which on it’s face is great, but if you don’t have a special use permit for the space that’s not so good.
Furthermore, if the people you’re renting the space to are either knuckleheads or disrespectful of our neighborhood---that’s a problem.
There are so many “what if’s.”
What if a promoted event exceeds capacity?
What if an emergency happens inside of the building? Do people know how to safely exit?
Those are just the first two questions in the front of my mind. Of course just by asking those questions others such as private security, rental guidelines and community standards pop into my head.
It appears that, at least on the surface, that the rental guidelines may need some tightening.
Now I loves me a good party. Hell I’ve been known to throw a few.
But I maybe have three or four a year---that was before I got laid off ---I always notified my downstairs neighbor in enough time so if they didn’t want 40-50 people walking over their heads they could make other plans.
Plus if you’re a guest in my house, you know you better act like you got some sense or a beat down will be coming your way.
I have to take too much shit outside of my home to put up with any foolishness inside my walls.
From what’s been seen so far, we’re not optimistic about the quality of events that may be held in the future.
So as a service to the decision maker(s) who green light the event rentals, you may want to use the few examples below as a guide:
Drop it like it’s hot rump shaker contest---No.
Eastern Star Five Point Tea---Yes.
Traveling male strip troupe featuring “Chocolate Thunder”---No.
State convention of the Missionary Society---Yes.
Any event that’s promoted with the phase, “Dress code strictly enforced, no hats or gym shoes.”---No
Community Meetings---Yes
With all of the foolishness that’s been going on lately, who wants to rattle the Tiger’s cage?
Let’s keep the warm weather months as drama free as possible.
Showing posts with label The School Across The Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The School Across The Street. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Over---For Now
Mt. Carmel finally picked up the trash on the north parkway yesterday.
It's amazing how good the 'hood can look when the sidewalks aren't awash in Remy bottles.
I've been so busy with the new waitressing gig that I've barely had time to notice. Let me tell you slinging drinks and grub isn't as easy as you would think.
Luckily for me, I was reminded about the trash everytime I left to go to work.
So the north parkway is clean---for now.
I wonder if Mt. Carmel (and their landscape service) will step up and clean without prompting or will this be a continuing point of contention.
It's amazing how good the 'hood can look when the sidewalks aren't awash in Remy bottles.
I've been so busy with the new waitressing gig that I've barely had time to notice. Let me tell you slinging drinks and grub isn't as easy as you would think.
Luckily for me, I was reminded about the trash everytime I left to go to work.
So the north parkway is clean---for now.
I wonder if Mt. Carmel (and their landscape service) will step up and clean without prompting or will this be a continuing point of contention.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Salting The Wounds
The school across the street finally shoveled the snow.
Granted it was a half assed only because they were practically forced effort but at least a majority of the snow was removed from the sidewalk.
Since I’m tired of begging the powers that be to meet their responsibilities, I simply started making my alderman aware of the issue.
Hey, I’ve tried to be nice.
All it gets me is trash strewn, weed choked hell hole.
So like my Mama said, “Time for talking is done.”
From what I understand the school across the street may have gotten a visit from the friendly local streets and san representative.
And while I’m not sure if there was a meeting, I can imagine if there was one it might have gone something like this:
Streets & Sans Rep: “Hi.”
School Across the Street: “Hi.”
Streets & San: “Apparently you’re not shoveling the snow on the south end of your property.”
School: “Yeah, so.”
Streets & San: “Well you might want to make an effort to shovel.”
School: “Why?”
Streets & San: “Besides that Woody screaming her head off, it is in violation of current ordinances.”
School: “Yeah we pretty much marginalize her and only respond to her bootleg concerns only when she calls. We figure we’ll wear her down. You do know that we don’t consider anything on the ‘other’ side of the fence our concern, right?”
Streets & San: “Well that very well may be, but it’s a new day in these parts. You have to keep up all of your property. Not just the parts your student, staff, visitor and fat cat alumni see.”
School: “So what if we don’t?”
Streets & San: “Let’s not get into a pissing match. I’m here as a friendly warning. You do know that I have the power to fine you, right?”
***Stone silence***
School: You know we pride ourselves in being a good neighbor.”
Streets & San: “Well then act like it---this is the only discussion we’ll be having on this subject. If there’s a next time, the fine notices will start showing up.
So after two weeks of having an impassible sidewalk, the school across the street finally shoveled sometime on Thursday morning.
Naturally since the shoveling was done with a minimum of effort, it didn’t go down to the sidewalk. This packed down the snow to create a even slicker walkway.
To keep to the theme of half assing their commitment to the ‘hood, the school didn’t even put any salt down to melt the snow left behind by the half assed shoveling job.
At least then the shitty shoveling job would of made sense.
See ‘cause then you would of thought, “Ok, they didn’t go down to the pavement but at least the salt will melt the rest of the snow.”
Apparently we’re not even worth salt.
Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable.
Because this institution let free money from the South East Chicago Commission go unused; because this institution needs constant reminding of their parkway & sidewalk responsibilities and more importantly because of this institution’s lack of serious commitment to Woodlawn they finally need to be named.
Mt. Carmel High School doesn’t live up to their commitments.
Perhaps they have a soup kitchen in the neighborhood or help the seniors down the street. Maybe they help locals with free tax prep services.
I may be wrong, Mt. Carmel may be doing tons of service oriented projects around Woodlawn that I may not be aware of.
Hell, I don’t know everything, right?
But a lack of true community involvement plus spotty sidwalk & parkway maintenance equals a crappy neighbor.
So to commemorate this auspicious occasion, every time Mt. Carmel doesn’t shovel the snow, or pick up the trash or cut the grass the Mt. Carmel Watch-o-Meter will go up somewhere on the blog.
That is if I can figure out how to tweak my template.
If their track record is any indication, I suspect the Watch -o-Meter will be going up very soon.
Granted it was a half assed only because they were practically forced effort but at least a majority of the snow was removed from the sidewalk.
Since I’m tired of begging the powers that be to meet their responsibilities, I simply started making my alderman aware of the issue.
Hey, I’ve tried to be nice.
All it gets me is trash strewn, weed choked hell hole.
So like my Mama said, “Time for talking is done.”
From what I understand the school across the street may have gotten a visit from the friendly local streets and san representative.
And while I’m not sure if there was a meeting, I can imagine if there was one it might have gone something like this:
Streets & Sans Rep: “Hi.”
School Across the Street: “Hi.”
Streets & San: “Apparently you’re not shoveling the snow on the south end of your property.”
School: “Yeah, so.”
Streets & San: “Well you might want to make an effort to shovel.”
School: “Why?”
Streets & San: “Besides that Woody screaming her head off, it is in violation of current ordinances.”
School: “Yeah we pretty much marginalize her and only respond to her bootleg concerns only when she calls. We figure we’ll wear her down. You do know that we don’t consider anything on the ‘other’ side of the fence our concern, right?”
Streets & San: “Well that very well may be, but it’s a new day in these parts. You have to keep up all of your property. Not just the parts your student, staff, visitor and fat cat alumni see.”
School: “So what if we don’t?”
Streets & San: “Let’s not get into a pissing match. I’m here as a friendly warning. You do know that I have the power to fine you, right?”
***Stone silence***
School: You know we pride ourselves in being a good neighbor.”
Streets & San: “Well then act like it---this is the only discussion we’ll be having on this subject. If there’s a next time, the fine notices will start showing up.
So after two weeks of having an impassible sidewalk, the school across the street finally shoveled sometime on Thursday morning.
Naturally since the shoveling was done with a minimum of effort, it didn’t go down to the sidewalk. This packed down the snow to create a even slicker walkway.
To keep to the theme of half assing their commitment to the ‘hood, the school didn’t even put any salt down to melt the snow left behind by the half assed shoveling job.
At least then the shitty shoveling job would of made sense.
See ‘cause then you would of thought, “Ok, they didn’t go down to the pavement but at least the salt will melt the rest of the snow.”
Apparently we’re not even worth salt.
Unbelievable. Un-fucking-believable.
Because this institution let free money from the South East Chicago Commission go unused; because this institution needs constant reminding of their parkway & sidewalk responsibilities and more importantly because of this institution’s lack of serious commitment to Woodlawn they finally need to be named.
Mt. Carmel High School doesn’t live up to their commitments.
Perhaps they have a soup kitchen in the neighborhood or help the seniors down the street. Maybe they help locals with free tax prep services.
I may be wrong, Mt. Carmel may be doing tons of service oriented projects around Woodlawn that I may not be aware of.
Hell, I don’t know everything, right?
But a lack of true community involvement plus spotty sidwalk & parkway maintenance equals a crappy neighbor.
So to commemorate this auspicious occasion, every time Mt. Carmel doesn’t shovel the snow, or pick up the trash or cut the grass the Mt. Carmel Watch-o-Meter will go up somewhere on the blog.
That is if I can figure out how to tweak my template.
If their track record is any indication, I suspect the Watch -o-Meter will be going up very soon.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Slow Burn
I so appreciate needing a dog team to navigate my neighborhood.
Why?
Because the owners of the many rental properties and vacant lots around these parts don’t believe in clearing snow from the sidewalks.
So I and the other pedestrians tend to walk in the street as most of the sidewalks are virtually impassable.
Can I tell you how fun it is to walk down Stony Island with cars whizzing past you wondering which one of them will hit a patch of ice and skid into you?
Especially a few days ago when their was so much fog, the ’hood looked like the movie set for Wurthering Heights.
Unfortunately, established businesses and institutions aren’t doing a bang up job either.
The gas station around the corner seems to think that they only need to plow out their parking lot and the sidewalk is the city’s responsibility.
Of course the school across the street is continuing to be a “good neighbor” by not shoveling an inch of snow on the sidewalk from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Not one flipping inch.
And that was the snowfall from last week.
God they’re so full of shit.
With today’s anticipated snowfall, we might not be able to use that side of the street until baseball season .
Methinks I need to jot off an e-mail to the alderman.
Why?
Because the owners of the many rental properties and vacant lots around these parts don’t believe in clearing snow from the sidewalks.
So I and the other pedestrians tend to walk in the street as most of the sidewalks are virtually impassable.
Can I tell you how fun it is to walk down Stony Island with cars whizzing past you wondering which one of them will hit a patch of ice and skid into you?
Especially a few days ago when their was so much fog, the ’hood looked like the movie set for Wurthering Heights.
Unfortunately, established businesses and institutions aren’t doing a bang up job either.
The gas station around the corner seems to think that they only need to plow out their parking lot and the sidewalk is the city’s responsibility.
Of course the school across the street is continuing to be a “good neighbor” by not shoveling an inch of snow on the sidewalk from Dorchester to Stony Island.
Not one flipping inch.
And that was the snowfall from last week.
God they’re so full of shit.
With today’s anticipated snowfall, we might not be able to use that side of the street until baseball season .
Methinks I need to jot off an e-mail to the alderman.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
West Side meets East Side
Right before Christmas I had the pleasure of meeting a few of my neighbors who live in the western part of Woodlawn.
They found me via this blog and after a few e-mails back and forth we decided to meet.
The young woman who had initially contacted me also said that a few of her neighbors were going to tag along for kicks.
“No worries.” I said but strongly suspected that they wanted to make sure I wasn’t a freak show. Perhaps they thought there was greater safety in numbers.
Or maybe they were all curious to see the woman behind the curtain.
Either way we finally set a date and time to meet at one of my regular watering holes.
I met three ladies and one gentleman who seemed to be a bit taken aback yet utterly fascinated with the environment around them. So much so, that I wasn’t sure at the beginning they were listening to me after we made our introductions.
Silly me---I should of given them a head’s up to the type of place where we were meeting.
I tend to forget that not everybody may be used to a place that sells $20 martinis.
The crowd this type of place tends to attract is a bit “different” than the crowd you may get at your local corner bar.
While it makes for great people watching, to the uninitiated I can see how it can be a bit intimidating.
I personally could give a flying fig but it is interesting to know that at the end of the day the person sitting next to you could be your friendly neighborhood billionaire.
Well not exactly my friendly neighborhood billionaire but your get my sentiment.
Nonetheless, my neighbors all happened to be white and three out of the four graduated from either the University of Chicago undergrad or Law School.
Talking with them, their concerns about Woodlawn seemed to echo most of the themes that I’ve written about in the past. But because they live west of me and in the 20th ward, they had additional issues that don’t figure into my day-to-day living.
Since I have the school across the street as a neighbor, the amount of apartment buildings has been severely reduced in my neck of the woods.
My west Woodlawn living neighbors aren’t so lucky.
In their opinion, some nearby apartment buildings are poorly managed and seem to be havens for crime and quality of life issues in their immediate neighborhood.
I was told of blatant drug dealing & usage, shootings, and a near riot last summer.
You know I’m schlepping over there during the summer to enjoy cocktails on the porch and watch the crack heads and civil unrest.
It’ll remind me of Uptown back in the day.
Aside from our commonalities, my neighbors wove a fascinating tale of what it’s like to be white in Woodlawn.
While I write about the few white people that I know who live on the south side, the stories have more of a humorous slant.
And what’s not funny about a fish out of water tale?
Urban ills aside, my neighbors like their community and seem fully committed to remaining long-term residents. Yet what I found interesting is not the reactions they received from black people but the reactions that they receive from other white people.
The University of Chicago Law School grad works at a large downtown firm and routinely gets questions on why she lives on the south side.
After all she graduated law school and has a good job, why on earth would she choose to stay in Woodlawn?
While no one said it, I’m sure that quite a few of their families were (and are) a tad concerned when they decided to put down roots south of the University of Chicago.
And I’m sure the recent high profile shooting scant blocks from their home didn’t help perceptions either.
But my west Woodlawn dwelling neighbors seem to take it all in stride.
They remain active in their community, attend public meetings, strive to improve the quality of their community and continue to keep their fingers crossed for a dog park.
Next time we meet they can pick the bar.
They found me via this blog and after a few e-mails back and forth we decided to meet.
The young woman who had initially contacted me also said that a few of her neighbors were going to tag along for kicks.
“No worries.” I said but strongly suspected that they wanted to make sure I wasn’t a freak show. Perhaps they thought there was greater safety in numbers.
Or maybe they were all curious to see the woman behind the curtain.
Either way we finally set a date and time to meet at one of my regular watering holes.
I met three ladies and one gentleman who seemed to be a bit taken aback yet utterly fascinated with the environment around them. So much so, that I wasn’t sure at the beginning they were listening to me after we made our introductions.
Silly me---I should of given them a head’s up to the type of place where we were meeting.
I tend to forget that not everybody may be used to a place that sells $20 martinis.
The crowd this type of place tends to attract is a bit “different” than the crowd you may get at your local corner bar.
While it makes for great people watching, to the uninitiated I can see how it can be a bit intimidating.
I personally could give a flying fig but it is interesting to know that at the end of the day the person sitting next to you could be your friendly neighborhood billionaire.
Well not exactly my friendly neighborhood billionaire but your get my sentiment.
Nonetheless, my neighbors all happened to be white and three out of the four graduated from either the University of Chicago undergrad or Law School.
Talking with them, their concerns about Woodlawn seemed to echo most of the themes that I’ve written about in the past. But because they live west of me and in the 20th ward, they had additional issues that don’t figure into my day-to-day living.
Since I have the school across the street as a neighbor, the amount of apartment buildings has been severely reduced in my neck of the woods.
My west Woodlawn living neighbors aren’t so lucky.
In their opinion, some nearby apartment buildings are poorly managed and seem to be havens for crime and quality of life issues in their immediate neighborhood.
I was told of blatant drug dealing & usage, shootings, and a near riot last summer.
You know I’m schlepping over there during the summer to enjoy cocktails on the porch and watch the crack heads and civil unrest.
It’ll remind me of Uptown back in the day.
Aside from our commonalities, my neighbors wove a fascinating tale of what it’s like to be white in Woodlawn.
While I write about the few white people that I know who live on the south side, the stories have more of a humorous slant.
And what’s not funny about a fish out of water tale?
Urban ills aside, my neighbors like their community and seem fully committed to remaining long-term residents. Yet what I found interesting is not the reactions they received from black people but the reactions that they receive from other white people.
The University of Chicago Law School grad works at a large downtown firm and routinely gets questions on why she lives on the south side.
After all she graduated law school and has a good job, why on earth would she choose to stay in Woodlawn?
While no one said it, I’m sure that quite a few of their families were (and are) a tad concerned when they decided to put down roots south of the University of Chicago.
And I’m sure the recent high profile shooting scant blocks from their home didn’t help perceptions either.
But my west Woodlawn dwelling neighbors seem to take it all in stride.
They remain active in their community, attend public meetings, strive to improve the quality of their community and continue to keep their fingers crossed for a dog park.
Next time we meet they can pick the bar.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Improvement?
Speaking of University of Chicago and their past plans of urban renewal, the school across the street managed to pull off it’s own mini renewal plan when they expanded their campus some time ago.
Now I’m not sure if the acquisition of the buildings and the land raised a stink when it was being done, but I have yet to hear of any drama.
The campus is undeniably beautiful and a gem of east Woodlawn.
It does give me pause though.
If the school across the street hadn’t had the foresight to expand their campus would my little section of paradise be this nice and quiet?
Now I’m not sure if the acquisition of the buildings and the land raised a stink when it was being done, but I have yet to hear of any drama.
The campus is undeniably beautiful and a gem of east Woodlawn.
It does give me pause though.
If the school across the street hadn’t had the foresight to expand their campus would my little section of paradise be this nice and quiet?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Let It Snow
It’s bad enough that the school across the street hasn’t thrown in one dime towards the new sidewalk and parkway that they’re legally responsible for.
What's worse is that my fantastic alderman used some of her menu money to make the new sidewalk happen.
So let’s recap, we have a private institution that has slowly but surely expanded it’s campus by shutting down city streets and purchasing buildings for the land.
Nothing wrong with that, right?
The issue is that when the school across the street expanded its campus they also expanded their responsibility for the parkways and the sidewalks of the buildings it purchased.
In short, the school is responsible for the parkway and sidewalk on my street roughly from Stony Island to Dorchester.
If you’ve been a long time reader of this blog, you know that the maintenance of the sidewalk and parkway on the south side of their campus and across the street from my home hasn’t exactly been high on the list of priorities.
It fell somewhere between screw and you.
It shouldn’t take concerned neighbors to point out that the trash and the weeds that come up to their hips might need to be tended to.
Okay, I give---it was me. I was (and am) the concerned neighbor(s).
Nonetheless, it’s not rocket science right?
But that’s all water under the bridge right?
The trash is being picked up (sporadically) and the grass is cut during the warmer months.
To quote Neville Chamberlain, “There is peace is our time.”
Not so much.
Unlike Neville, I’m going to hold you to the spirit if not the letter of your agreement.
Doesn’t common sense dictate that if you cut the grass and pick up the trash that you should also shovel the snow during the winter months?
We have this nice new sidewalk and it was encased in ice and snow during our first winter storm.
I shouldn’t have to even call over to say, “Hey, don’t you think it would be a good idea to shovel the snow and throw down a little salt?”
But I did. And in doing so I broke a promise I made to myself.
I told myself not too long ago that asking the nice school across the street to perform the functions on the south end of their property that they so willingly perform on other parts of their campus didn’t seem to be an effective way of getting things done.
On the other hand placing a call to my alderman’s office is.
So I’m not asking anyone over there to do anything anymore.
They should have the sidewalk and parkway just as pristine and landscaped as they do at their school’s entrance.
If not, I’m getting on the phone.
There are city ordinances regulating and fining owners for not looking after the sidewalk and parkway abutting their property.
If we’ve got to keep our little patch of Woodlawn trimmed, clean and clear so should everyone else.
Apparently there has been a change in the maintenance and groundskeeping department over there so I'm interested in seeing if there's more of a proactive attitude about the south side of the campus.
Being nice has gotten me nowhere with them, time for talking is done.
I was once told that the school was concerned about being a good neighbor. Yeah, and tomorrow I'm going to wake up and fit my high school cheerleading uniform. My ass.
I don’t think they’re going to like me very much by the time it’s all over.
What's worse is that my fantastic alderman used some of her menu money to make the new sidewalk happen.
So let’s recap, we have a private institution that has slowly but surely expanded it’s campus by shutting down city streets and purchasing buildings for the land.
Nothing wrong with that, right?
The issue is that when the school across the street expanded its campus they also expanded their responsibility for the parkways and the sidewalks of the buildings it purchased.
In short, the school is responsible for the parkway and sidewalk on my street roughly from Stony Island to Dorchester.
If you’ve been a long time reader of this blog, you know that the maintenance of the sidewalk and parkway on the south side of their campus and across the street from my home hasn’t exactly been high on the list of priorities.
It fell somewhere between screw and you.
It shouldn’t take concerned neighbors to point out that the trash and the weeds that come up to their hips might need to be tended to.
Okay, I give---it was me. I was (and am) the concerned neighbor(s).
Nonetheless, it’s not rocket science right?
But that’s all water under the bridge right?
The trash is being picked up (sporadically) and the grass is cut during the warmer months.
To quote Neville Chamberlain, “There is peace is our time.”
Not so much.
Unlike Neville, I’m going to hold you to the spirit if not the letter of your agreement.
Doesn’t common sense dictate that if you cut the grass and pick up the trash that you should also shovel the snow during the winter months?
We have this nice new sidewalk and it was encased in ice and snow during our first winter storm.
I shouldn’t have to even call over to say, “Hey, don’t you think it would be a good idea to shovel the snow and throw down a little salt?”
But I did. And in doing so I broke a promise I made to myself.
I told myself not too long ago that asking the nice school across the street to perform the functions on the south end of their property that they so willingly perform on other parts of their campus didn’t seem to be an effective way of getting things done.
On the other hand placing a call to my alderman’s office is.
So I’m not asking anyone over there to do anything anymore.
They should have the sidewalk and parkway just as pristine and landscaped as they do at their school’s entrance.
If not, I’m getting on the phone.
There are city ordinances regulating and fining owners for not looking after the sidewalk and parkway abutting their property.
If we’ve got to keep our little patch of Woodlawn trimmed, clean and clear so should everyone else.
Apparently there has been a change in the maintenance and groundskeeping department over there so I'm interested in seeing if there's more of a proactive attitude about the south side of the campus.
Being nice has gotten me nowhere with them, time for talking is done.
I was once told that the school was concerned about being a good neighbor. Yeah, and tomorrow I'm going to wake up and fit my high school cheerleading uniform. My ass.
I don’t think they’re going to like me very much by the time it’s all over.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Sidewalk Apathy
Rumor has it that the oft discussed and much coveted new sidewalks and parkways will be going in some time this summer.
While I personally believe this to be gospel, it won't truly sink in until the signs go up and the concrete is poured.
I'm glad that three years of prodding and poking are about to come to an end but what really burns my biscuits is that the school across the street isn't contributing a dime towards the costs.
After all they're responsible for it's upkeep.
They took property off the tax rolls (as well as a street from the public way) to expand their campus. From my perspective, it seems as soon as they put up that nice tall fence on the south end of their campus, the rest of us who live on the other side of that fence became persona non grata.
But in the nicest way possible.
I've received assurances that the school wants to be a good neighbor but when it comes to coughing up the cash and pulling the trigger on this project let's just say words are all I've seen.
The galling part to this little tale is that they actually had some grant money for the parkways and never used it for the project. Moreover, the entrance to their school a block north is landscaped and pristine within an inch of its life.
As if they'd let their alumni see the crap that I have to call over to the school to get picked up.
So let's review---land was taken off the tax rolls so a private school could expand and they can't even give a flying fig about one of the parkways that they are legally responsible for.
Generally when you've been relegated to an afterthought in someone's life at least they should have the good manners to not make you feel like you're an afterthought.
But karma is a motherfucker. No good deed goes unpunished and apathy has a way of coming back to bite you on the ass.
While I personally believe this to be gospel, it won't truly sink in until the signs go up and the concrete is poured.
I'm glad that three years of prodding and poking are about to come to an end but what really burns my biscuits is that the school across the street isn't contributing a dime towards the costs.
After all they're responsible for it's upkeep.
They took property off the tax rolls (as well as a street from the public way) to expand their campus. From my perspective, it seems as soon as they put up that nice tall fence on the south end of their campus, the rest of us who live on the other side of that fence became persona non grata.
But in the nicest way possible.
I've received assurances that the school wants to be a good neighbor but when it comes to coughing up the cash and pulling the trigger on this project let's just say words are all I've seen.
The galling part to this little tale is that they actually had some grant money for the parkways and never used it for the project. Moreover, the entrance to their school a block north is landscaped and pristine within an inch of its life.
As if they'd let their alumni see the crap that I have to call over to the school to get picked up.
So let's review---land was taken off the tax rolls so a private school could expand and they can't even give a flying fig about one of the parkways that they are legally responsible for.
Generally when you've been relegated to an afterthought in someone's life at least they should have the good manners to not make you feel like you're an afterthought.
But karma is a motherfucker. No good deed goes unpunished and apathy has a way of coming back to bite you on the ass.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Here We Go Again or Is The Grass Really Greener?
Persistence pays off---or at least that what I hear.
The saga of the crappy looking parkway and grass across the street from me is a regular drum I beat around here at I Hate My Developer.
The fact that it’s being cleaned is great but I want my hoody hoo to look top notch.
Cracked sidewalks, weeds and misplaced asphalt isn’t exactly going to win the neighborhood any gardening awards.
As a matter of fact, it looks like ass.
Our friends, the school across the street, will either be trying to go for a grant to get the work done or will somehow find the money to make the magic happen.
After all, at least a block of the two block stretch of my street was supposed to be done before the fall.
It’s now October 30th and I’m still looking at assphalt.
I’ll be putting in a call to the Fresh Faced Youth to remind him that the 2007 community grant applications will be mailed shortly.
You see we’re gonna put our heads together and see if the both of us can come up with a winning proposal.
I feel like I’m at a metaphoric craps table looking for a score.
Mama needs some new green space across the street---big money, no whammies!
Methinks the larger question is what happens if the school doesn’t get the grant? Will they attempt to leave the parkway on the south end of their property in its current condition?
The school’s actions in this matter will be of interest to many.
If I were a betting woman I’d put my chips on black.
The saga of the crappy looking parkway and grass across the street from me is a regular drum I beat around here at I Hate My Developer.
The fact that it’s being cleaned is great but I want my hoody hoo to look top notch.
Cracked sidewalks, weeds and misplaced asphalt isn’t exactly going to win the neighborhood any gardening awards.
As a matter of fact, it looks like ass.
Our friends, the school across the street, will either be trying to go for a grant to get the work done or will somehow find the money to make the magic happen.
After all, at least a block of the two block stretch of my street was supposed to be done before the fall.
It’s now October 30th and I’m still looking at assphalt.
I’ll be putting in a call to the Fresh Faced Youth to remind him that the 2007 community grant applications will be mailed shortly.
You see we’re gonna put our heads together and see if the both of us can come up with a winning proposal.
I feel like I’m at a metaphoric craps table looking for a score.
Mama needs some new green space across the street---big money, no whammies!
Methinks the larger question is what happens if the school doesn’t get the grant? Will they attempt to leave the parkway on the south end of their property in its current condition?
The school’s actions in this matter will be of interest to many.
If I were a betting woman I’d put my chips on black.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Big Daddy Speaks
The principal of the school across the street called me at work about the latest parkway issue.
As we spoke, I assured him that I believed that the fresh faced youth was doing all he could to make sure that the maintenance policy was being adhered to.
After all I didn’t want to get him in trouble with his boss.
But---a deal is a deal.
The school across the street needed (and needs) to consistently keep up their commitment to keeping the parkway clean.
The next day it was as if magic elves appeared. The walkway was as spiffy and shiny as a sidewalk can get in the city.
When Big Daddy asks the kids over there to jump, the appropriate response is “How high?”
My only question is how long will it be before the maintenance staff forgets and the trash starts piling up again?
As we spoke, I assured him that I believed that the fresh faced youth was doing all he could to make sure that the maintenance policy was being adhered to.
After all I didn’t want to get him in trouble with his boss.
But---a deal is a deal.
The school across the street needed (and needs) to consistently keep up their commitment to keeping the parkway clean.
The next day it was as if magic elves appeared. The walkway was as spiffy and shiny as a sidewalk can get in the city.
When Big Daddy asks the kids over there to jump, the appropriate response is “How high?”
My only question is how long will it be before the maintenance staff forgets and the trash starts piling up again?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Ya'll Gone Up And Done It
Recently I’ve noticed that the parkway across the street was becoming unkempt again.
The trash was starting to pile up and with all of the rain the weeds were moving past my ankles. A sure sign of maintenance dude neglect.
It turns out the school across the street wasn’t keeping up its end of the deal.
Or should I say some of the school’s employees weren’t doing their job.
It’s tough to change people’s priorities. Especially when they think that their responsibilities are encompassed within a fence’s boundaries.
Unfortunately for them I live across the street and I have no problem calling my contact within the administration to let them know what exactly is not being done.
Moreover, the City of Chicago says that whoever owns a piece of property is also responsible for the parkway. To the best of my knowledge, educational institutions are not exempt from this rule.
So I placed a call across the street.
My contact across the street is a freshly scrubbed, bright eyed young man who is an alumnus of the school. They’re big on that wholesome suit & tie, good manners and well rounded individual type of look.
Now I don’t know if it’s the luck of the draw or if it’s because he’s the low man on the totem pole in the office---whatever the case may be, he is blessed with the arduous task of fielding my initial calls.
Even though he has very good manners and would never say so, I’m sure when my name echoes in the halls, a slight chill may run up his spine.
And I’m fairly confident that’s not in a good way.
I left a message for him stating that the yard and clean up work that the school promised to do on a weekly basis wasn’t getting done.
A few hours later he replied by apologizing and reiterating that he would make the appropriate parties aware. He wanted me to give it a few weeks to see if I noticed any changes.
Frankly, I found that to be unacceptable.
The work already wasn’t getting done, why in God’s name would I think that the passage of a few weeks would improve the already shabby service?
I called the fresh faced youth back and told him exactly that.
For the most part I’m a rule and procedures type of broad. I don’t like to intentionally step on toes and go over people’s heads ‘cause it’s just bad form. Nonetheless during the course of our discussion, the youth suggested that I inform the principal of the situation.
I thought that was a smashing idea.
I did sense an edge of frustration in his voice though.
In all honesty I think that he has made every effort to make sure that the lawn and maintenance guys do what they’re supposed to be doing. It seems though that they take what the kid has to say with a grain of salt.
Talk about undermining someone’s authority.
Before I could dash off an e-mail to the principal about the matter, he beat me to the punch and called me at work.
The trash was starting to pile up and with all of the rain the weeds were moving past my ankles. A sure sign of maintenance dude neglect.
It turns out the school across the street wasn’t keeping up its end of the deal.
Or should I say some of the school’s employees weren’t doing their job.
It’s tough to change people’s priorities. Especially when they think that their responsibilities are encompassed within a fence’s boundaries.
Unfortunately for them I live across the street and I have no problem calling my contact within the administration to let them know what exactly is not being done.
Moreover, the City of Chicago says that whoever owns a piece of property is also responsible for the parkway. To the best of my knowledge, educational institutions are not exempt from this rule.
So I placed a call across the street.
My contact across the street is a freshly scrubbed, bright eyed young man who is an alumnus of the school. They’re big on that wholesome suit & tie, good manners and well rounded individual type of look.
Now I don’t know if it’s the luck of the draw or if it’s because he’s the low man on the totem pole in the office---whatever the case may be, he is blessed with the arduous task of fielding my initial calls.
Even though he has very good manners and would never say so, I’m sure when my name echoes in the halls, a slight chill may run up his spine.
And I’m fairly confident that’s not in a good way.
I left a message for him stating that the yard and clean up work that the school promised to do on a weekly basis wasn’t getting done.
A few hours later he replied by apologizing and reiterating that he would make the appropriate parties aware. He wanted me to give it a few weeks to see if I noticed any changes.
Frankly, I found that to be unacceptable.
The work already wasn’t getting done, why in God’s name would I think that the passage of a few weeks would improve the already shabby service?
I called the fresh faced youth back and told him exactly that.
For the most part I’m a rule and procedures type of broad. I don’t like to intentionally step on toes and go over people’s heads ‘cause it’s just bad form. Nonetheless during the course of our discussion, the youth suggested that I inform the principal of the situation.
I thought that was a smashing idea.
I did sense an edge of frustration in his voice though.
In all honesty I think that he has made every effort to make sure that the lawn and maintenance guys do what they’re supposed to be doing. It seems though that they take what the kid has to say with a grain of salt.
Talk about undermining someone’s authority.
Before I could dash off an e-mail to the principal about the matter, he beat me to the punch and called me at work.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Green Acres
Patience is a virtue when trying to work with the City of Chicago.
The school across the street submitted an application for the 50/50 sidewalk construction program on April 25th.
Up until last week, they had not heard a peep from anyone.
It turns out that the Department of Transportation misplaced the school’s application. A few phone calls from me to my alderman’s office and in turn to the Department of Transportation not only yielded the application but an application number to boot.
This happened on July 10th.
Yep, from April 25th to July 10th the application sat in oblivion. Never to be heard from again.
You really have to make your own luck in this town cats and kittens. As you can see, ain’t nobody gonna give you a break.
In fact, the day I received the phone call updating me on the application’s status I actually saw the surveying crew doing their thing.
Once the estimate comes in to the school, they’ll then decide if they have enough money to go forward.
If we’re lucky we might see a new sidewalk and parkway before the weather changes.
I will say that the school has held up its end of the bargain by picking up the trash and mowing the parkway.
They get major props as those simple acts have literally transformed the whole look of the neighborhood.
New sidewalks and green grass will make it look even better.
The school across the street submitted an application for the 50/50 sidewalk construction program on April 25th.
Up until last week, they had not heard a peep from anyone.
It turns out that the Department of Transportation misplaced the school’s application. A few phone calls from me to my alderman’s office and in turn to the Department of Transportation not only yielded the application but an application number to boot.
This happened on July 10th.
Yep, from April 25th to July 10th the application sat in oblivion. Never to be heard from again.
You really have to make your own luck in this town cats and kittens. As you can see, ain’t nobody gonna give you a break.
In fact, the day I received the phone call updating me on the application’s status I actually saw the surveying crew doing their thing.
Once the estimate comes in to the school, they’ll then decide if they have enough money to go forward.
If we’re lucky we might see a new sidewalk and parkway before the weather changes.
I will say that the school has held up its end of the bargain by picking up the trash and mowing the parkway.
They get major props as those simple acts have literally transformed the whole look of the neighborhood.
New sidewalks and green grass will make it look even better.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A Trashy Follow Up
The humidity is doing quite a number on my hair today.
Ladies and gentlemen I literally have an afro. A friggin' Angela Davis afro is sitting on my head as you read these soothing words.
All I need is a black power pick, large hoop earning and a darshiki to complete the look
Note: This is NOT a good look for me (or anyone).
But the humidity and the rain does encourage all things green to grown and flourish. For those of us who like that type of thing, this is great.
You know what else is great?
The fact that the school across the street is not only picking up the trash on the parkway every week but their lawn crew also mows down the grass/weeds on a weekly basis as well.
Who says a little effort won't go a long way? The block looks super.
Ladies and gentlemen I literally have an afro. A friggin' Angela Davis afro is sitting on my head as you read these soothing words.
All I need is a black power pick, large hoop earning and a darshiki to complete the look
Note: This is NOT a good look for me (or anyone).
But the humidity and the rain does encourage all things green to grown and flourish. For those of us who like that type of thing, this is great.
You know what else is great?
The fact that the school across the street is not only picking up the trash on the parkway every week but their lawn crew also mows down the grass/weeds on a weekly basis as well.
Who says a little effort won't go a long way? The block looks super.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Trashy
According to my contact at the school across the street, the trash on their parkway will be picked up today or at the latest tomorrow. As if that weren't enough, the weekly maintenance schedule will be effective Monday, April 24th.
That means the two block stretch of parkway on the north side of the street will not look as ghetto.
It won't look ghetto at all when they finally lay sod and repair the curbs and sidewalks.
I'm sure the Jenkins' Boys will be disappointed.
That means the two block stretch of parkway on the north side of the street will not look as ghetto.
It won't look ghetto at all when they finally lay sod and repair the curbs and sidewalks.
I'm sure the Jenkins' Boys will be disappointed.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Erin Go Black
I don’t know if it was because of the St. Patrick’s Day spirit or the fact that I hadn’t consumed any spirits.
I don’t know if I had just reached my saturation point with the litter.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m premenstrual.
I do know that I simply couldn’t take one more day of looking at a still life of pre-urban renewal so I grabbed a bag and began picking up trash.
How could I not? You all saw the pictures of the "Pretty" post.
Folks, picking up empty bottles is one thing. I live in a neighborhood that is renewing itself after decades of decay and neglect. Trust me, I ain’t living la vida loca in some posh neighborhood. I knew when I moved down here what I’d be in for.
As long as I could walk to public transportation unmolested and no one broke into the crib, the rest of the stylish neighborhood accessories like stores, laundromats, and dry cleaners would eventually follow.
Sidebar: You may consider stores, laudromats and dry cleaners as staples but trust me, down where I live they’re accessories. I don’t live within a mile of any of the above businesses.
Nonetheless, I try to do my part for civic pride and the overall aesthetic of the ‘hood by picking up when the trash gets ridiculous. The following is a partial list of what I picked up this last time:
Glass bottles (beer, liquor)
Political signs
Assorted paper
Motor oil containers
Women’s underwear
Fast Food Bags
A woman’s ruffled skirt
Aluminum cans
Hair extensions
Braiding hair
I filled up 4 ½ 30 gallon bags in a little less than an hour and a half. Frankly I consider my impromptu clean and green a success as I didn’t pick up and crack pipes or used condoms.
Trust me, I wish I was making that up.
Apparently that crowd is starting to get the message that those activities aren’t welcome in this little piece of Woodlawn anymore.
Anyone with cash can move into Lincoln Park, The Gold Coast or the new Trump Tower---there’s no trick to that. If you gentle readers don’t mind me saying so, it takes vision and commitment to move to Woodlawn.
I tend not to follow trends---I’d rather set them.
I don’t know if I had just reached my saturation point with the litter.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m premenstrual.
I do know that I simply couldn’t take one more day of looking at a still life of pre-urban renewal so I grabbed a bag and began picking up trash.
How could I not? You all saw the pictures of the "Pretty" post.
Folks, picking up empty bottles is one thing. I live in a neighborhood that is renewing itself after decades of decay and neglect. Trust me, I ain’t living la vida loca in some posh neighborhood. I knew when I moved down here what I’d be in for.
As long as I could walk to public transportation unmolested and no one broke into the crib, the rest of the stylish neighborhood accessories like stores, laundromats, and dry cleaners would eventually follow.
Sidebar: You may consider stores, laudromats and dry cleaners as staples but trust me, down where I live they’re accessories. I don’t live within a mile of any of the above businesses.
Nonetheless, I try to do my part for civic pride and the overall aesthetic of the ‘hood by picking up when the trash gets ridiculous. The following is a partial list of what I picked up this last time:
Glass bottles (beer, liquor)
Political signs
Assorted paper
Motor oil containers
Women’s underwear
Fast Food Bags
A woman’s ruffled skirt
Aluminum cans
Hair extensions
Braiding hair
I filled up 4 ½ 30 gallon bags in a little less than an hour and a half. Frankly I consider my impromptu clean and green a success as I didn’t pick up and crack pipes or used condoms.
Trust me, I wish I was making that up.
Apparently that crowd is starting to get the message that those activities aren’t welcome in this little piece of Woodlawn anymore.
Anyone with cash can move into Lincoln Park, The Gold Coast or the new Trump Tower---there’s no trick to that. If you gentle readers don’t mind me saying so, it takes vision and commitment to move to Woodlawn.
I tend not to follow trends---I’d rather set them.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Across The Street
I received this e-mail today regarding the plans for the parkway across the street:
Dear Woody,
Just got some more information regarding the project on the south end of our
campus near your condo complex. Here's the latest:
1. When/if it snows the sidewalk (1500 block of East XXXX Street) will be
cleaned off by XXXX staff.
2. During the warmer months, the grass will be mowed and kept clean by our lawn
service.
3. XXXX got a bid from our cement contractor on replacing the sidewalk
on the 1500 block of XXXX Street and 1400 block of East XXXX Street.
4. XXXX summitted a grant proposal to the Southeast Chicago Commission
during the week of Feb. 21, 2006. This money will be used to offset the cost of
landscaping and new sidewalks.
XXXX has contacted ALderman Hairston's office to see if we can take
advantage of the 50/50 Sidewalk Program. Two letters and two phone calls have
gone unanswered thus far.
We are excited about the possibilities of further enhancing our campus and
helping the neighborhood to improve as well. We certainly understand and
appreciate your concerns and we hope we can work together to keep XXXX Street
looking beautiful. We need your help. We will do our best to mow, plow, and
clean up trash, but we also hope you can help us keep the area clean. If we
work together in this project we will all enjoy the benefits.
Thanks for your on going support and help. We have been a part of this
neighborhood for over 106 years, and we hope to continue a good relationship
with our neighbors. Taking pride and advancing the Woodlawn neighborhood is
important to us all.
Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is.
Dear Woody,
Just got some more information regarding the project on the south end of our
campus near your condo complex. Here's the latest:
1. When/if it snows the sidewalk (1500 block of East XXXX Street) will be
cleaned off by XXXX staff.
2. During the warmer months, the grass will be mowed and kept clean by our lawn
service.
3. XXXX got a bid from our cement contractor on replacing the sidewalk
on the 1500 block of XXXX Street and 1400 block of East XXXX Street.
4. XXXX summitted a grant proposal to the Southeast Chicago Commission
during the week of Feb. 21, 2006. This money will be used to offset the cost of
landscaping and new sidewalks.
XXXX has contacted ALderman Hairston's office to see if we can take
advantage of the 50/50 Sidewalk Program. Two letters and two phone calls have
gone unanswered thus far.
We are excited about the possibilities of further enhancing our campus and
helping the neighborhood to improve as well. We certainly understand and
appreciate your concerns and we hope we can work together to keep XXXX Street
looking beautiful. We need your help. We will do our best to mow, plow, and
clean up trash, but we also hope you can help us keep the area clean. If we
work together in this project we will all enjoy the benefits.
Thanks for your on going support and help. We have been a part of this
neighborhood for over 106 years, and we hope to continue a good relationship
with our neighbors. Taking pride and advancing the Woodlawn neighborhood is
important to us all.
Now if that isn't love, I don't know what is.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Fowl Ball
There are so many Canadian geese on the playing fields across the street from my home I feel like I'm in a remake of The Birds.
When I left to go to work this morning there had to be at least 300 fowl in the outfield of the baseball diamond.
Then of course, some of these geese and their descendants have been living on the south side longer than I have.
One of the great things about where I live is it’s proximity to Lake Michigan and the inlets and lagoons abutting the Museum of Science and Industry.
Wetlands=water fowl. And as luck would have it, water fowl equal coyotes.
Because of the influx of coyotes from the Cook County forest preserves, the geese, rat and general small animal population has been held down the past few years.
While the coyotes haven’t approached any full grown humans yet, they will take small pets (how do the stray cats thrive around the ‘hood?) and young children.
Despite that fact, I wouldn’t want to be boozed up walking home from the bus stop while being trailed by a pack of those bad boys.
So my web footed, loud honking friends have figured out an almost foolproof way to graze and nest safely during their molting season; they simply make their homes within the confines of a gated area.
If I were a goose, the large gated playing and practicing fields of the school across the street must look like heaven.
The fence line is kept up so it’s highly unlikely that there are any holes where a coyote could sneak onto the fields. The school also went ahead and completed the fence line on the western edge of their property parallel to the train tracks so that everything is gated.
As a result it’s geese as far as the eye can see for two blocks.
In a way it’s kind of intimidating, so many of one type of species suspiciously eying you as you walk down the street.
I had the privilege to see a Canadian goose up close and personal as he (or she) decided to camp out on my front patio table one Saturday morning.
While he (or she) was huge and seemed to very much enjoy the confines of my patio, since I wasn’t getting any rent money, he (or she) had to “get to stepping.”
My winged neighbors should be considered Chicago’s latest immigrant group---after all they are Canadian.
Perhaps I should alert the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.
When I left to go to work this morning there had to be at least 300 fowl in the outfield of the baseball diamond.
Then of course, some of these geese and their descendants have been living on the south side longer than I have.
One of the great things about where I live is it’s proximity to Lake Michigan and the inlets and lagoons abutting the Museum of Science and Industry.
Wetlands=water fowl. And as luck would have it, water fowl equal coyotes.
Because of the influx of coyotes from the Cook County forest preserves, the geese, rat and general small animal population has been held down the past few years.
While the coyotes haven’t approached any full grown humans yet, they will take small pets (how do the stray cats thrive around the ‘hood?) and young children.
Despite that fact, I wouldn’t want to be boozed up walking home from the bus stop while being trailed by a pack of those bad boys.
So my web footed, loud honking friends have figured out an almost foolproof way to graze and nest safely during their molting season; they simply make their homes within the confines of a gated area.
If I were a goose, the large gated playing and practicing fields of the school across the street must look like heaven.
The fence line is kept up so it’s highly unlikely that there are any holes where a coyote could sneak onto the fields. The school also went ahead and completed the fence line on the western edge of their property parallel to the train tracks so that everything is gated.
As a result it’s geese as far as the eye can see for two blocks.
In a way it’s kind of intimidating, so many of one type of species suspiciously eying you as you walk down the street.
I had the privilege to see a Canadian goose up close and personal as he (or she) decided to camp out on my front patio table one Saturday morning.
While he (or she) was huge and seemed to very much enjoy the confines of my patio, since I wasn’t getting any rent money, he (or she) had to “get to stepping.”
My winged neighbors should be considered Chicago’s latest immigrant group---after all they are Canadian.
Perhaps I should alert the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Feather
I received a phone call from a representative of the school across the street while I was away on my trip.
I'm sure you good folks remember my recent musing on how tall fences don't necessarily make good neighbors.
When I returned his call earlier today he told me that the funding and the plans for replacing the sidewalks had all but been finalized.
You could have knocked me over with a feather.
It looks like the hoody hoo will be getting (I think) two new city blocks of sidewalks and landscaping.
Maybe if we’re really good and don’t cheat during lent, they’ll lay actual sod.
So far---so good.
The school is stepping up to the plate after over a year’s worth of raising questions.
I would even go as far to applaud them but this is what they were supposed to be doing all along---taking care of the parkway. In light of that I’ll just give them a polite golf clap.
Naturally, the real test will be getting the Jenkins Boys and their cousins to stop throwing crap on the parkway. The amount of trash on the north side of the street is unbelievable.
It looks like Ol’ Woody will be schlepping down the street with a bag in her hand cleaning up random trash after the work has been done. I figure if a few people supplement the weekly maintenance provided by the school across the street, the trash problem shouldn’t get anything like it is now.
Here’s to hoping.
I'm sure you good folks remember my recent musing on how tall fences don't necessarily make good neighbors.
When I returned his call earlier today he told me that the funding and the plans for replacing the sidewalks had all but been finalized.
You could have knocked me over with a feather.
It looks like the hoody hoo will be getting (I think) two new city blocks of sidewalks and landscaping.
Maybe if we’re really good and don’t cheat during lent, they’ll lay actual sod.
So far---so good.
The school is stepping up to the plate after over a year’s worth of raising questions.
I would even go as far to applaud them but this is what they were supposed to be doing all along---taking care of the parkway. In light of that I’ll just give them a polite golf clap.
Naturally, the real test will be getting the Jenkins Boys and their cousins to stop throwing crap on the parkway. The amount of trash on the north side of the street is unbelievable.
It looks like Ol’ Woody will be schlepping down the street with a bag in her hand cleaning up random trash after the work has been done. I figure if a few people supplement the weekly maintenance provided by the school across the street, the trash problem shouldn’t get anything like it is now.
Here’s to hoping.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Where The Bottles Go To Die
Litter just pisses me off.
You may not live in the hot ‘hood of the moment but you can keep where you live relatively clean.
I know I live in a city and all but holy smokes; does my little block have to look like the place where the cheap malt liquor bottles go to die?
I’m sorry---my frustration is showing and I’m getting ahead of myself.
I live across the street from a large all boys’ Catholic high school and their campus encompasses most of block. Frankly the word pastoral comes to mind when I look over my balcony across the street.
Slightly rolling hills, lush grass, birds and geese strolling inside the school’s fenced in boarders---you would almost think you’re in the suburbs.
Except for one little thing---the mounds of trash that rest on the parkway on the south end of the campus.
The school has every intention of being good neighbors.
They’ve been responsive to my inquiries about the closing of a local street so that they could enlarge their campus.
They’ve responded to my inquiry about the height of the grass & weeds on the parkway this summer.
After all when the weeds are up to my hips and I’m 5’10---that’s a tad ridiculous.
Nonetheless, despite assurances that the parkway will be at a minimum tended to when the weather warms up, that ain’t feeding the bulldog.
The amount of trash on the parkway of the school across the street is unbelievable. So much so, that I personally went out and took pictures this afternoon.
In the City of Chicago the parkway is the responsibility of the owner of the property. Since the school across the street is the owner of several lots, they should be taking care of the parkway.
Not just what resides inside of their fence line.
Trust me, I’m not happy.
It’s bad enough I live around people who don’t either think enough of their neighborhood or are visited by people who don’t think enough of my block that they leave their litter all over the place.
Now I have to contend with well meaning but a slow moving neighbor across the street.
If their esteemed alumni had to look at shit like that at the entrance of the school, there would be an uproar.
But on the other side of the fence line on the south end of the campus, we’re treated as an afterthought.
I just have to look at this ghetto shit and be reminded of how tall fences don’t necessarily make good neighbors.
You may not live in the hot ‘hood of the moment but you can keep where you live relatively clean.
I know I live in a city and all but holy smokes; does my little block have to look like the place where the cheap malt liquor bottles go to die?
I’m sorry---my frustration is showing and I’m getting ahead of myself.
I live across the street from a large all boys’ Catholic high school and their campus encompasses most of block. Frankly the word pastoral comes to mind when I look over my balcony across the street.
Slightly rolling hills, lush grass, birds and geese strolling inside the school’s fenced in boarders---you would almost think you’re in the suburbs.
Except for one little thing---the mounds of trash that rest on the parkway on the south end of the campus.
The school has every intention of being good neighbors.
They’ve been responsive to my inquiries about the closing of a local street so that they could enlarge their campus.
They’ve responded to my inquiry about the height of the grass & weeds on the parkway this summer.
After all when the weeds are up to my hips and I’m 5’10---that’s a tad ridiculous.
Nonetheless, despite assurances that the parkway will be at a minimum tended to when the weather warms up, that ain’t feeding the bulldog.
The amount of trash on the parkway of the school across the street is unbelievable. So much so, that I personally went out and took pictures this afternoon.
In the City of Chicago the parkway is the responsibility of the owner of the property. Since the school across the street is the owner of several lots, they should be taking care of the parkway.
Not just what resides inside of their fence line.
Trust me, I’m not happy.
It’s bad enough I live around people who don’t either think enough of their neighborhood or are visited by people who don’t think enough of my block that they leave their litter all over the place.
Now I have to contend with well meaning but a slow moving neighbor across the street.
If their esteemed alumni had to look at shit like that at the entrance of the school, there would be an uproar.
But on the other side of the fence line on the south end of the campus, we’re treated as an afterthought.
I just have to look at this ghetto shit and be reminded of how tall fences don’t necessarily make good neighbors.
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