WHAT IS THE DEAL with this GIANT DANGEROUS UNSIGHTLY HOLE? The Alderman was adamant in his support of this beautiful, classic theater being demolished to BECOME A GIANT DANGEROUS VERMIN --FOUR AND TWO LEGGED--infested WASTELAND?
Where are the condos, Alderman? Not that we need more--as the area at the expense of OTHER beautiful classic structures in some cases, is ALREADY full of empty ones, and the current market for DECENT affordable rentals is terrible. Where are the retail outlets promised? Not a good spot for DOLLAR STORES and taquerias?
WHERE IS THE SECURITY?
WHO THE HELL OWNS IT AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
WHERE ARE ALL OF YOUR DEVELOPER BUDDIES? Building in Eastern Europe now?
Golly, CAN WE GET A TRADER JOE'S?
I have recently returned to live on Estes Ave after a hiatus in the equally lax 50th ward and the condition of this site is DISGRACEFUL. It is an embarrassment for visitors. It is dangerous and unsightly. I am afraid to walk past it. It invites crime and pests. It presents a hazard for children in the area. I don't even want mine to walk past it.
It has unfortunately not caused property taxes to be lower.
What, if anything is the progress of this alleged development and when, if EVER is it going to commence? Because even though it too will now lie empty, at least it won't be a determent to health and safety if there is an actual STRUCTURE there. In the meantime, why isn't it SECURE?
Please reply at your earliest convenience, or feel free to phone to discuss, 262-XXXX. Although I am still waiting for the education liaison to return a telephone call from 1 1/2 years ago regarding the lack of police presence around Armstrong and St. Margaret Mary School (where my daughter is a student and there are broken beer bottles and USED CONDOMS on the grounds frequently and exposed to small children. Nobody in this office apparently cares about THAT EITHER.) and as such I won't hold my breath.
Signed,
Shamed to be back in the 'hood
35 comments:
This isn't the first time someone has e-mailed me about Joe Moore's neglect on the Adelphi theatre.
June 2007.
Fine the property owners for letting this site become littered and dangerous, and make them secure it better.
I doubt anything's going to built there for a long time, now that the real estate and credit markets are unwinding with a vengeance. The bloodbath will probably continue well into 2009, at least, so I would think all the unsold stuff will have to absorbed before another place is built, unless the builder has the cash on hand to go ahead with it. Which he would be crazy to do in this climate.
So, let's just fine the losers, heavily, for letting this lot be a source of blight. Tell me if I'm wrong but doesn't this fall into the category of "neighborhood endangerment" and, perhaps, "fostering criminal activity", if the ownership lets the lot become weed and trash-strewn, and open to anyone who feels like squatting or hanging there?
My take on "Shamed to be back in the 'hood":
1. Writes (screams?) in obnoxious all-capital letters writing style: "WHAT IS THE DEAL with this GIANT DANGEROUS UNSIGHTLY HOLE?" "BECOME A GIANT DANGEROUS VERMIN --FOUR AND TWO LEGGED--infested WASTELAND?" "WHERE IS THE SECURITY?" "WHO THE HELL OWNS IT AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING?"
2. Uses damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't logic: "Where are the condos, Alderman? Not that we need more--as the area at the expense of OTHER beautiful classic structures in some cases, is ALREADY full of empty ones, and the current market for DECENT affordable rentals is terrible."
3. Don't feel so bad, Ald. Moore: Ald. Stone and others apparently couldn't please this shrill-sounding person either: "I have recently returned to live on Estes Ave after a hiatus in the equally lax 50th ward . . . . . . I am still waiting for the education liaison to return a telephone call from 1 1/2 years ago regarding the lack of police presence around Armstrong and St. Margaret Mary School (where my daughter is a student and there are broken beer bottles and USED CONDOMS on the grounds frequently and exposed to small children. Nobody in this office apparently cares about THAT EITHER.)"
4. Displays major passive-agressive behavioral tendencies: "Please reply at your earliest convenience, or feel free to phone to discuss, 262-XXXX. Although and as such I won't hold my breath."
Dear "Shamed to be back in the 'hood": Your shoot-from-the-hip writing style is appropriate for this shoot-from-the-hip blogsite, but it won't do diddly to actually get sympathy and understanding from the people who can help you with your complaint(s).
Think a little more before you sit down and angrily assault your computer keyboard keys, especially those marked "Shift" and "Enter." In English class, they call the process "drafting, editing, and revision." And don't forget "tone."
THE CITIZENS WILL BE LUCKY IF ANYTHING IS DONE ABOUT THE MESS-
Could it be that Moore got a cut from the deal upfront? That could explain Moore's apparent lack of motivation, or inability to lean too much on the developer.
OT: There are over a half dozen hubcaps lying on the west side of Sheridan between Farwell and Pratt and around the corner west on north side of Pratt.
Did someone get caught in the act, and flee leaving contraband?
Is there anything in this neighborhood that won't be stolen unless it's nailed or locked down?
Ha, that's tomorrows story Gunga. ROTFL.
"It has unfortunately not caused property taxes to be lower."
The demolition of the Adelphi caused our property taxes to go HIGHER.
The owners hired a lawyer to reclassify the property as VACANT LAND, the lowest rate of property taxes. They might not have bothered if condos were going up soon.
7070-7078 N Clark PIN 11-31-206-001
Moore's developer pals are real good at knocking things down.
You know they are (ever-so-slowly) in the process of digging a foundation there. Retaining walls are in and they're starting to pour concrete. Let's hope they keep moving with it. However, since it is such a large development and has been the focal point of so much debate in our neighborhood, it certainly would be nice if the fearless leader of our fair ward would send out an update to his constituents regarding progress of the project.
Which reminds me: I wonder how that new fire station is coming along...
I'd guess we're going to see a 'Break the arm-back-pat' for the Fire Station before the Adelphi update.
I've actually noticed wotk being done on that site.
Good news!
Actual progress to report!
Moore campaign contributor, Moore re-zoning customer, developer, and dead-beat dad Cedomir "Chad" Zuric cleared up that little child custody issue.
Document No. 0629133143
So some good came out of the demolition of the Adelphi, at least for some kids somewhere.
sorry should be "child support"
The demolition of the Adelphi was a key event in the re-election of Joe Moore.
Zuric Development Inc
1741 W. Crystal Av
Chicago, IL 60622
to Citizens for Joe Moore
$2,500.00 4/6/2007
$2,500.00 12/14/2006
$2,500.00 12/14/2006
that's NOT a misprint, Moore disclosed TWO contributions of $2.5K each on th same day
you can look it up
ask any of Moore's challengers if $7.5K might have come in handy down the stretch
but they didn't have demo permits and re-zonings to sell
Rut-ro!
Zuric Development Inc. was dissolved by the Illinois Secretary of State 6/8/07.
Another Zuric company, GOLDEN HANDS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. was dissolved by the Illinois Secretary of State 11/1/06.
Another Zuric company, BZ Development Corp, was dissolved by the Illinois Secretary of State 12/1/05.
hope everything is OK
The demolition of the Adelphi was very, very good to Joe Moore.
Golden Hands Construction
1741 W. Crystal
Chicago, IL 60622
$2,500.00 3/10/2006
$1,000.00 6/8/2005
to Citizens for Joe Moore
WHAT IS THE DEAL with this GIANT DANGEROUS UNSIGHTLY HOLE?
Joe Moore is very, very good friends, $11,000 friends, with the developers. Call Joe and ask:
ward 773-338-5796
downtown 312-744-3067
Oops! The developer's phone is disconnected, hope everything's OK
Chad Zuric
Owner, Golden Hands Construction
1741 W Crystal St
(773) 252-1794
Golden Hands Construction
1741 W. Crystal
$1,000.00 7/12/2005
to Democratic Party of the 49th Ward
DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ALL OF THE HEAVY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONWS-
WHAT WILL HAPEN WILL BE MORE INTERESTING THAN EVER-
it was a very different real estate market back in 2005 when Moore pushed through a demo permit and zoning change for Zuric.
Speaking of St. Margaret Mary, why the hell can't we get a crossing guard at Jarvis and Western?! I have tried for years. I am ashamed of the administration's consistent lack of concern for this corner.
November, 2005: Zuric purchases a lucrative zoning change from Moore
May 19 2006: Zuric takes out a $14M mortgage collateralized by the project
May 30, 2006: Zurich settles up on $400K child support arrears
meanwhile, there's still a hole in the ground
hmmm
I'm ready to slam the Alderman as much as the next guy, but on this matter , jeez, where's the beef. I will admit I am not up to speed on whatever shenanigans took place two years ago to acquire and demo the Adelphi. But as of now, what's the problem?
We all know it takes months to years to get everything in order to actually move forward on a major construction project. That site now has the foundations in place, a proper construction fence in place, and permits displayed. Concrete trucks were lined up today pouring more concrete. I guess that means construction has started, and is ongoing.
I like saving handsome older buildings and saving the fabric of the City too, but tell me folks, where were you, where was your plan, where was your money to save the Adelphi? Developers take on major risk to acquire, demo, get plans, wait for permits, build, and then market a property for sale.
The shame of it all is that older buildings often times become economically un-viable. We are lucky that any developer wanted to take the risk that they did to come to our neighborhood. The crime of it all is that it seems that to expedite the process they needed to grease the skids of our local elected official to do his job and simply sign off on the project.
To the original "Irate neighbor". Regarding the broken beer bottles and used condoms. Umm, what do you expect the police to do? As a concerned parent of a student, let alone simply as a good neighbor, did you pick up said trash? Did you at least notify the school of the situation so that they could send out their maintenance man? It is super easy to complain, but actually not much harder to CONTRIBUTE to the neighborhood by picking up trash. That's what the rest of us have to do too.
The Apelphi was a piece of crap and a hole in the ground is better than that. They saved the Wisdom Bridge on howard five or six years ago and it still sits there a total eyesore. Better to have some kind of development than all of these crappy buildings. I am a big fan of tearing clark, Morse. and Howard streets down completely, widening and re-developing it in the proper way. I mean really, look around RP as a whole is a HELLHOLE!
I live here too says...> "Concrete trucks were lined up today pouring more concrete."
Nothing goes on for months on end. Then, today, a story gets published - wondering what's going on?
Mysteriously, like a UFO over Area 51, actual concrete trucks are spotted - and pouring concrete starts flowing into the hole.
Coincidence or just odd luck?
Off Topic....
Hi, Craig. I don't know if this interests you but I thought I'd let you know. Today we found a dead, headless rooster on the Howard St. Beach. I called 311 and reported it, for what that's worth.
Given other finds on other beaches, I knew it was just a matter of time.
FYI
uh, billyjoe, please keep your amateur psychoanalysis to yourself. I am SO not interested in it. It's irrelevant, and it makes you look like an asshole. Besides 'shrill' is preferable to rude and arrogant. As such one would hope you take your own advice regarding thinking prior to sitting down at your keyboard.
re: I live here too, yes I do pick up garbage on that campus and elsewhere. However, it shouldn't be there. OBVIOUSLY, if the police patrolled the area regularly/more/at all perhaps less people would be inclined to conduct their business there and have parties in the parking lot. Or the bushes. Of a church. For Crissake.
Although, incidentally many of our parks have this exact same problem.
Whatsmore, the subject giant hole has been just that for YEARS (or *years*, if you prefer). This is not a normal development time frame, so while I admire those that want to give the benefit of the doubt, I believe the perpetrators really don't deserve it. I like the idea of fining, but if you have no money to commence with your project (or am I to understand, your telephone bill?), you ain't got money for a fine most likely. So what's next, then? Jail?
That would be great.
I have lived in this area for over 20 years. I can remember the Woolworth on Clark and when it and Morse were thriving business communities. So I know of which I speak and even with the constantly changing businesses on Clark, having a run down theater is better than an unsightly, vermin filled death trap giant hole. Why would it get a demolition permit if the funding for development wasn't secure? It is my understanding as well that whoever owns it is responsible for securing it, per ordinance. It doesn't seem so secure to me.
Needless to say, my experiences with Joe Less have been less than productive. At one point a number of years ago in response to concerns about the lack of garbage cans on Clark St., Mr. Moore said they weren't practical because people put GARBAGE in them.
So this is what we're dealing with. His job is secure for now and he doesn't give a shit.
Finally for the record, I was only being quasi facetious about Trader Joe's either there or at the former Ridge Dominick's site. I think it would be great. They adhere to health codes for the most part I understand and the store doesn't reek when you walk in. Sigh.
I should (in case anybody's interested) add that I cc'd that email to the 311 email service, the 24th district CPD commander, the mayor's office and the RP Community Council. Just for the hell of it. Nobody but 'Alecia' from Joe Less' office (it may have been automated, it was pretty generic) has responded.
Dear Shamefull Shrill:
Thank you for taking my advice. Your two follow-up posts were much better written than your original rant.
The only exceptions were your slight abuse of profanity--I used none in my screed--and of the Shift key.
Although you would probably never admit it--you dont seem like the type who would--I do thank you for heeding my advice and not being so hysterical when writing email communications re your frustration with neighborhood safety issues.
" ... jeez, where's the beef. I will admit I am not up to speed on whatever shenanigans took place two years ago to acquire and demo the Adelphi. But as of now, what's the problem?"
yeah, yeah, that's the ticket
sure, sure, let's let by-gones be by-gones
pay-to-play zoning changes, massive campaign contributions in return for favors, manipulating zoning to bail a dead-beat dad campaign contributor developer pal out of a $400K child support arrears...
that is all SO 2005!
what a beautiful bldg, in the painting, I mean!
love the clock tower...
chad zuric left usa to start his new lif in with insurance money he scammed from Adelphia Project. He took out a construction loan and paid insurance on 14 million and then claimed forclosure...while he pocketed the money and dont forget he had to pay Joe Moore for his efforts in helping him get the loan.He never paid his child support money but instead used forged papers to show the state that he did. He is nothing more then a SCUM like Joe Moore--his financial buddy.Meanwhile his brother..Branko Zuric famous hard working gambler is still here in USA in charge of selling off his assetts of 11 million before he SCAMS too..People open your eyes...Letsn see how many more people get SCAMED buy these men...
chad zuric the developer of EX Adelphia Theater took off to monte negro with 14 million in his pocket.Ofcorse thats the money he was suppose to build the condos with but instead he fooled the insurance company and took off.His brother stayed here to sell off the remaining 11 million before he runs too. I wonder who else they scammed with Joe Moore. And Chad did not pay his child support obligation but instead lied to the state and the world that he has paid it.Shame on the Zuric family and Joe Moore.
What's wrong with everyone? Does anyone know what entails getting a construction loan? Do you think that this development is the only one in Chicago to have its financing stopped? What about the Chicago Spire (proposed to be the world's tallest building) even Mayor Daley pushed for this project, it had its financing pulled. Who ever thinks its appropriate to list someone's address should go there themselves and ring the door bell, if anyone knew how to build a beautiful 37 unit project and turn a profit you would do it too, however all you can do is blog... The bloggers prefered the theatre, but what about the squatters and drug addicts who lived there for years? Instead of calling the news to talk about the big hole, why don't you go above the alderman and contact the local congressman to help obtain financing for this project? However, its probably easier to complain. Also, who ever wrote that Chad Zuric left the country with insurance and or construction funds in the sum of $14 million dollars should be pushed into the hole. A bank doesnt't give all construction funds upfront, it works by submitting draws for the work completed, just like if you were to hire a contractor to install a new kitchen. Would you give all the money up front. People should refrain from making stupid comments, but that's to hard. Also, what about the down payment the developer put down (in excess of $2 million), or why the bank stopped the finacing? Maybe it was because the communtiy wanted a clock tower that needed an exception because it was over the height restriction by 6 feet and took 8 months to obtain?? Again, but making stupid comments is much easier.
And still it sits 1 1/2 years later. A dangerous, vermin infested, unsightly horrific hole.
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