Last month I brought up the Adelphi Project Alderman Moore and his campaign coffer, developer buddies were showcasing. The Alderman gave us a informercial on the project, claiming ""it wasn't a done deal.
I have to say I was wrong and he was right. It wasn't a done deal. We had Alderman Moore's dog and pony show first.
Here is parts of what the Alderman has to say about the future concrete block, cookie cutter condo project.
"When the developer, Mr. Zuric, first appeared before the committee, his plan was vastly different from the plan I am currently considering.
The proposed development will be one story taller and contain 11 more housing units than is permitted under the current zoning.
The Adelphi Theater has no historical or architectural value, Alderman Moore added more calling the place a "crumbling eyesore".
Yes, this is what the Alderman said.
Well folks, Alderman Moore stuck it to us again. We bent over and Alderman Moore gave it to us. Alderman Moore wants it one story taller. Alderman Moore wants 11 more high end condo units he couldn't even afford. Our Alderman sounds more like a developer now? But....
Not a word on the extra special service area taxes these new condo owners will be paying.
Any thoughts on why Alderman Moore's puppet zoning committee ok'ed this taller building with-out more public imput?
8 comments:
I thought there was agroup opposing this development who had a hearing downtown coming up?
I was reading your earlier post and I wondered how they could have less than one parking space per unit? I thought the new zoning laws required this. Did they get an exception on this does anyone know?
I have news for Alderman Joe Moore who thinks the Adelphi Theater has no historical value. The building was built by renowned achictect J.E.O. Pridmore, was managed by civic leader Ludwig Sussman, and was used as an art studio for world famous artist Ed Pachke. This is the last remaining Pridmore theater in existance, as his other beautiful creations have been torn down. The ornimentation is in tack and is behind the dry wall inside the auditorium. For proof of this, just visit our site www.adelphitheater.org to see the pictures. As far as who is opposing this project, "Citizens for the Adelphi theater" and "The Lunt Ave. Neighbors" as well as many citizens of Rogers Park and Chicago. Bill Morton met with Mayor Daley who showed geniune concern when first hearing of the potential demolition of the Adelphi theater and metioned that he would look into it. Bill also attended the zoning committee in the city counsels chambers to address the issue and oppose the proposed condo project. When trying to defend the theater of what Alderman Moore stated, of there being no ornamention, 50th ward Alderman Stone he attempted to quickly adjurn the meeting while Bill was pleeding his case. Apparently the Alderman doesn't consider the community at all in this matter. Hopefully we will all remember this when it comes time for re-election....
"Ultimately, it is up to me as the elected representative of the people, to make the tough call. After hearing from both sides, I have determined that the proposal, as modified, will be good for the neighborhood and help to spur much-needed improvements along Clark Street."
Alderman Moore
Are you sure it's not because you don't want to give back the campaign contribution?
The folks trying to save the Adelphi, by their own account, were given an opportunity to plead their case and they failed. The building is a wreck and would need so much work that it would be more like building a replica than a restoration project. Previous owners are responsible for that and noone else.
Moore Features Tear-Down on His Web Site
Props to Ald. Moore: for the first time, a tear-down is mentioned on his web site. Here's hoping for Moore of the same!
Moore Announces Affordable Housing Set-Aside Program
Moore wrote...
I have a policy that requires any proposed residential development in my ward of ten units or more to set aside at least ten percent of the units for the City of Chicago’s CPAN affordable housing program
Most of Rogers park is zoned for very high density, RT4. Moore's proposed rezoning of Rogers Park preserves the vast areas of RT4 in Rogers Park. Moore has scheduled most of Rogers Park for what is knownw as "in-fill development:" singel-family homes, two-flats, and three-flats will be torn down and repalce with 8 or 9 unit cookie-cutter concrete block luxury condo projects. For more information, see the article "RT4 in Rogers Park: Slated for In-fill Development" on Forum49.
The thread "1225 West Farwell Speaks" here on the "Broken Heart" includes a worst-case scenario zoning analysis of a typical Chicago lot. We saw how 9 condos could be built on a typical lot in an RT4 area.
Moore's affordable housing policy carefully exempts most of Rogers Park and most of his developer pals.
>"The Adelphi Theater has no historical or architectural value"
That was taken out of context. He went on to explain that the original facade had been removed long ago and retains little or none of it's original beauty.
I do not always agree with the alderman but I do here. The Adelphi is a vacant disaster.
If talking about the original marquee, yes that is true, it was removed in the 80's I believe. But if you saw what I saw behind the drywall inside the autotorium you may feel as I do about saving this theater. Much of the original plaster work is behind the drywall inside the autotorium. We tried our best to take pictures of this, but it's very hard to do in such a small crampt space. I do agree that it does need lots of work. I'm just tired of seeing old and beautiful architecture get torn down and wasted just for some cookie cutter shaped building with no character at all. Just a cinderblock concrete box. Not built to last as the adelphi was. I believe in saving these old buildings as they were built to last. Some of the pictures on our website www.adelphitheater.org have pictures behind the drywall. There not the best pictures, but it does show the original colors of the plaster and the detail that topped the columns inside the theater. Also behind the big screen that's there now is the orignal frame work of the old screen that once stood there complete with detailed scrolls and columns. I just wish you could see. Unfortantely Alderman Joe Moore has officially decided to support the demolishion of the Adelphi Theater. There are 2 final City Council Meetings that will decide the fate of the Adelphi Theater are here. Bill Morton has asked that at least 1,000 people to show up at each of these meetings... or else the Adelphi Theater is no - more.
November 22nd. 2005
City Council Chambers
(located on the second floor of City Hall in downtown Chicago)
8 am
November 30th. 2005
City Council Chambers
(located on the second floor of City Hall in downtown Chicago)
8 am
So if you wish to save the theater, speak about your memories in the Adelphi or your love of historic places, movies, theatre, music, or art. Speak out against every developer who ever tore down your favorite place when you were a kid. This is your chance to make sure it doesn't happen this time.
There is only ONE Adelphi Theater.
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