Berwyn's Arts Blog
Monday, August 29, 2005
 
City Council Meeting, August 23, 2005
One law firm's assocation with the City was terminated. We are down to very few attorneys working for the City. Last year, at least 28 different law firms were doing legal work for the City.
Two matters in litigation were approved by the Council.
A zoning variance was approved for another daycare center at 6823 Roosevelt. For better or worse, there are now two daycare centers within four blocks of one another on Roosevelt.
The Mayor voted for the first time to break a 4-4 vote. An owner of a two flat at 6536 W. 26th Street wanted to make it a 3 flat; like his neighbors-the exact same building. Unfortunately for this owner, those other two owners made their places into 3 flats illegally. I voted against the change and the Mayor voted against the change. Consequently, the owner will have to live with a two flat.
The human resource director and fleet manager and mechanic were all referred to the Administration Committee.
The City will be purchasing two new ambulances out of monies left from the 65 million road project. Nona discovered we had some money left. Now, if there actually is a checking account, we will be able to buy 2 sorely needed ambulances.
The Berwyn Public Library is getting a $25,000.00 grant for new lighting. The City will kick in the remaining monies, which should not be more than $7,000.00. Bill Hensley, the director of the Library, will be soliciting bids for the project.
The director of neighborhood affirs position will be going to the Administrative Committee.
The City will be hiring additional crossing guards that are needed due to the new school.
The library has asked for a replacement youth services librarian. Referred to Administrative Committee.
CDGB is asking for a rehab specialist; again, another replacement.
Adlerperson Chapman put a communication on the floor indicating her disapproval of the budget as it now stands. Nothing new here.
The building director sent two new ordinance proposals to the Ordinance Committee concerning fences for pools and 6 foot fences.
Also, a communication was pulled concerning Xmas decorations. The proposal wants people to take down their decorations in a timely manner after Xmas.
Alcohol sellers will now be able to sell liquor in Berywn on Sunday beginning at 11 am.
Buona Beef is asking for TIF monies for 3 buildings. This matter was deferred.
The Applebees project is moving full strength ahead. The owner wanted a $250,000.00 priced reduction for the property, from 1.5 million to 1.25 million. The owner needed the extra monies so he could properly retain and renovate the bank building. I once again had to abstain from voting since my partner is best friends with the owner of Applebees. The council voted 7 to nothing to reduce the price. The owner wants to have Applebees open by Thanksgiving.
Finally, last but not least, the project in the 3rd Ward is going forward full steam. The council voted 8 to nothing to move the project forward. A major sticking point was a Harris Bank requirement, which has now been modified to the City's advantage and yet, Harris Bank has approved, also. 52 condos, the bank and 16,000 square feet of retail.

Again, if you did not receive this blog in your email and you would like to be notified of updates to the blog, simply email me at markweiner1@hotmail.com and I will add you to the update list.

Thursday, August 25, 2005
 
Berwyn Ice Cream Shop
I had heard this place was good, but never been there. Now, I must go since it is in the 3rd Ward; barely, but it is. Now, if it had parking...


I've driven by this place but didn't realize it was this good. I'm going! And another good article by the Trib about Berwyn_________________AT PLAY ON ICEI SCREAM! For 101 flavors, from agave to fig to cucumber diabloAllison BenediktPublished August 25, 2005, Chicago TribuneHey, you. Yeah, you. Put down that pint of Ben & Jerry's. Put. It. Down. And don't even think about heading over to Cold Stone Creamery, where an hour wait gets you ... what? Karate-chopped ice cream?Give your taste buds a boost by heading to Paleteria y Neveria ("Flamingos") in Berwyn, where husband-and-wife Alberto and Guadalupe Lopez offer 101 homemade flavors, from sweet potato to cheese. Take that, Baskin "31" Robbins!Born in Mexico but schooled in the finer points of ice cream in Italy, Guadalupe says her ice cream is different from the American glop we shovel in because it's all natural and because she and hubby, with a little help from their three daughters, stir by hand, which reduces the air and creates a very solid, albeit light, scoop.I would never suggest taking too much advantage of the Lopez's generous tasting policy, but don't be afraid to request many tiny spoonfuls before choosing your just dessert. "I don't want anyone to buy without trying," Guadalupe told me. So, of course, I obliged. And from my mouth to yours, a few recommendations:Avocado, a smooth, sweet and salty ice cream that would fit in both after dinner and during; coconut, with thick, sweet coconut shavings throughout; fig, mmmm, rich in flavor yet light in texture; nance, named after its predominant ingredient, a cherry-like fruit grown just outside Mexico City; agave, which gives you the rich flavor of tequila without the buzz; guanabana, made with a fruit from Puerto Vallarta; and the kicker, cucumber diablo, an icy, spicy treat.Guadalupe is clearly proud of her ice cream empire--OK, empire might be pushing it, but in addition to the 5-month-old Flamingos in Berwyn (6733 W. Cermak Rd., 708-749-4287), with its bright red booths and yellow retro kitchen chairs, there's a shop at 2635 W. 51 St. and Guadalupe delivers her homemade confections to Evanston city hall. But what she's most proud of? "No one ever needs a glass of water."http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/premium/printedition/Thursday/atplay/chi-0508240332aug25,1,1218058.story
Logged

Monday, August 22, 2005
 
City Council Meeting, August 9, 2005
52 Items on the agenda.

The diagonal parkig spaces at 6701 W. 21st Street were again deferred.
There were three Alderman appointed to the Community Relations Review Committee.
Human Resource Director, Fleet Manager and Director of Neighborhood Affairs positions were all deferred to the budget commmittee. These people are currently working. With the hiring freeze, this will be voted on at the August 23, 2005 meeting.
The library is receiving approximately $25,000.00 in a grant for better lighting and has asked the City for remaining monies of $7,000.00. Deferred to budget committee and will be voted on August 23, 2005.
I have received a gas key report. I would like this issue on the next budget committee meeting and will then ask to go to City Council meeting for a vote on abolishing keys for the Alderpeople.
The 2nd Ward Alderman proposed a bike route through Berwyn. Great idea.
4 new probationary police officers are being hired.
The person in charge of the CDBG monies is asking to replace someone who has left; rehab supervisor.
The building director has asked for a new landscape ordinance. If passed, any person building a commercial property and I believe new home, would be required to have so much landscaping. Why didn't I think of this?
Liquor license fees may be increasing soon.
Two public works people were apointed to the Tree Board. No one new this Board existed.
Dan's Bike Shop on Roosevelt will be receiving TIF funds for an expansion.
Citizens Community Bank will receive TIF funds to re-do its parking lot.
And, Buona Beef has asked for TIF funds to improve its three properties on Roosevelt. This will be voted on at the August 23, 2005 meeting.
Sorry for the late report.

The 3rd Ward, and all Wards for that matter, need neighborhood watch captains for Berwyn's new program. Please get involved. I would like a captain on every block. You will be the liason between your block and the police officers. Applications at the Police Station or contact me.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005
 
Committee of the Whole/City Council
I will post updates when I return to the City Sunday. I will be celebrating my mother's 70th birthday with the entire family.

Long meetings today. And remember, do not believe everthing you read or hear. I will continue to report what I perceive.

Do not forget to attend the Town Hall Meeting on Monday, August 15, 2005, at 7:00 p.m., at the Police Department. You will get to hear about the first 90 days in office.

Sunday, August 07, 2005
 
Picnic
I thank all the residents who came to the picnic. Perfect weather and great company. I have many people to get back to. I met many new people and the 3rd Ward is blessed with awesome people.

I thank all the following for playing a part. Without you, the picnic would not have been possible. Everything was flawless. Without further adieu:

Jane
Larry
Gail
Bob
Bob
Betts
Mike
Lue
JR
Maureen
Bruce
Caroline
Ed
Mary
Lowell
Charlene
Paul
Mr. Beef
Viena Beef Outlet
Sam's
Citgo


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