Some south Evanston residents plan to urge Chicago city officials to close a convenience store on the Chicago side of Howard Street when they turn out for hearing Thursday on the store’s future.
Some south Evanston residents plan to urge Chicago city officials to close a convenience store on the Chicago side of Howard Street when they turn out for hearing Thursday on the store’s future.
Alderman Ann Rainey, 8th Ward, says on her message board that closure of the Howard Hoyne Convenience store “is essential for the restoration of law and order, i.e. civility, on Howard Street.”
Rainey, who’s organizing bus transportation by the City of Evanston to the hearing says “the criminal element has overtaken” the strip mall housing the convenience store and that no other business can survive for long with that operation nearby.
The hearing, being held by Chicago’s Business Protection and Consumer Affairs department Thursday, is scheduled for 10 a.m. at its office in Room 805 at 121 N. LaSalle St.
Rogers Park neighborhood activist Bernard Garbo says the market has already been fined at two previous hearings about ordinance violaions and police complaints, and that under Chicago’s licensing rules another decision against it Thursday could result in an order that the store shut down.
Rainey says she’d like to see even more radical action: “In my opinion the shopping center should be demolished along with a few other properties, perhaps the entire block east of the public storage facility.”
Hoyne Street in Chicago roughly aligns with Elmwood Avenue on the Evanston side of Howard.
Does the City Council want to demolish private property?
This is yet another perfect example of the unmitigated arrogance of our City Council.
Did her majesty, Alderman Ann Rainey, bother to speak with the strip mall owner or the convenience store owner? How would you feel if you owned a strip center or a store and an elected city aldermen said in public that it should be demolished?
Egads, Rainey wants to demolish the entire block!!!!!!! Yet Rainey successfully pushed to have the city invest taxpayer's money in a wine BAR on Howard Street.
Last month, Rainey and the City Council voted to create a tax increment financing district for ONE shopping center built 25 years ago and recently purchased in a foreclosure. Millions of taxpayers money will be diverted to upgrade the Evanston Plaza shopping center on Dodge. But this shopping center on Howard Street? Well, let's demolish it.
Convenience store = demolish
Wine bar = OK
Ann Rainey = crazy lady
Say, how about a Chick-Filet-A on Howard Street? Never mind, it's on the Chicago side and Democrat Mayor Rahm Emanuel sez Chick-Filet-A's values are not Chicago's values. I'm sure the Evanston City Council concurs with the Rahmfather.
Is it November yet? Can't wait until April. Get these folks out of there.
In agreement.
By and large, I have to agree. I can't speak for what's going on with this convenience store, but for Ald. Rainey to advocate the demolishment of the entire strip mall is just ridiculous and further evidence that some elected officials feel there should be no limits to their power.
No facts
Neither of you have your facts straight (big surprise there). Evanston Ald have no power to shut down Chicago Businesses. All she has done was support the Chicago residents who want this business shut down. Those residents have gone to their Alderman and Chicago City Hall numerous times to get this place closed. The store is a gang infested/ drug dealing hang out that sits right across the street from Evanston. It does effect Evanston Residents directly due to it proximity to Evanston.
As a citizen I would not want my Alderman sitting by and saying nothing when it directly effects Evanston residents.She has worked closely with the Chicago citizens who want this place closed, that is it. There is no wrong doing/ crazy lady stuff going on.
BTW, most buildings on the South Side (Chicago side) are in need of only one great improvement. It does require a bulldozer. Good things are happening on the Northside (Evanston side). But without the support of Chicago and their organized citizens, it will all be wasted.
Judging from the tone of both your posts, I really don't think you care much for your neighbors to the south.Like it or not your stuck with us as we are with you…
Facts are straight.
My facts are straights… yours are not. Nowhere in my post did I infer that Evanston has the authority to shut down a business or force the demolition of strip mall… my comments were in response to a certain Alderman's advocacy for bulldozing the building. It is the advocacy of such a tool I commented on — trust me, I understand that an Evanston Alderman cannot compel the demolition of a strip mall in Chicago and not even in Evansont (except in very rare circumstances).
Moreover, my comments did not diminish any crime that may be revolving around one particular store. Again, though, my comments were about forcing the demolition of an entire strip mall — not about addressing crime as a result of one particular business.
Lastly, you seem to advocate bulldozing most buildings on the Chicago side of Howard St.. Are you going to compensate the property owners for their loss? Are you going to redevelop the whole south side of Howard St.? Are you going to open the types of businesses you want to see there? It's easy for you to sit in front of your computer and bash the development along Howard St. and maintain unrealistic expectations…. its another thing to actually do something about it. Will you stand up and buy one of the properties you so dislike, demolish it, and redevelop it? I thought so.
Sorry still no facts
"but for Ald. Rainey to advocate the demolishment of the entire strip mall is just ridiculous and further evidence that some elected officials feel there should be no limits to their power."
So what does that statement mean other than you feel that the Alderman is using her power to tear down buildings? I guess I read the statement differently than what it's intent was supposed to be.
To answer your question, No I don't have millions of dollars to buy up old buildings just to be torn down. I'm pretty sure there isn't many who do. But that is not to say that communities who want improvement havn't done just that in the past. I was just down on Morrse Street this weekend. Talk about a total tear down and a rebuild of an entire street. If you don't believe me, go check it out. 5 years ago I wouldn't think of going down there. Now I'm envious. And, it wasn't all done by private investores either.
When one side of the street is working hard it really sucks when the other side isn't pullng their weight. Ann has successfully shut down a lot of "bad" businesses along howard. She has forced the clean up of bad businesses (555 gas station). She also went after the store front churches that do nothing for urban developement. She holds open business forums and welcomes anyone who wants to attend "that includes the chicago side businesses". She works with legit busines owners who need help getting their doors open. To just name a few, a bakery, a theator and the all hated wine bar. And I'm sure I have left a lot off that list.
If thats the "unlimited power" you take issue with then I'm not sure what you think elected officals are supposed to do?
That's what I meant by getting facts straight. Yes it is easy to sit behind a computer and bash away. Unlike what you suggest, I am envolved. I go to council meetings, I go to the Howard business meetings, I go to the neighborhood watch meetings, I have serve on city boards to advise the council, I have walk the streets on cold Halloween nights to ensure kids are safe.This is all I can do since I have yet to scatch my million dollar lotto ticket so I can give more back. So I ask you, have you done such?
Church groups are bad for Howard Street?
Which businesses did Alderman Rainey "shut down?"
The theater isn't there despite the fact the city bought two buildings on Howard Street in 2010 for more than a half million dollars (it's certain the value has declined since). One of the buildings is still vacant and the other will host the city-financed wine bar.
Your statement that Rainey went after storefront churches "that do nothing for urban developement." says it all. You believe churches contribute nothing to urban development.
These strip mall owners on Howard Street could not find tenants so they RENTED out to church groups and somehow that was "overwhelming" the area in the eyes of Rainey and other council members. The mall owners were still paying the same taxes – there was no tax exemption for renting to church groups
So Evanston aldermen decided to mandate that churches seek permission from the City Council before renting out space in business, commercial or downtown zoning districts. The Council initially tried to pass the new special use ordinance without first seeking input from church groups.
First Rainey complains there are too many churchgoers on Howard Street and now there are too many criminals there.
Seems to me if Rainey had supported churchgoers on Howard Street the criminal element might have been saved. Or at least the people around Howard Street might have found salvation. But Rainey didn't see the light. God bless her, anyway.
Rather than closing down businesses and demolishing strip malls on Howard Street, maybe Rainey should push for a Chick-Filet-A in the area. I wonder if Rainey shares Chick-Filet's values?
Lordy, lordy have mercy.
🙂
Still no facts again
What is your hangup with some chicken shack? If they want to open a business in Howard then so be it. I for one don't share their radical views and would never step into one. But I would never support my alderman in any effort to prevent them from doing business. They have that right and I have mine. Overall, I think Evanston residents would probably avoid them like a plage and they would fold on their own anyways.
As far as the store front churches, they are/ were nothing but dead zones. I'm not knocking small churches, they have their purpose, but not in a store fronts. No business is going to open next to one due to the store front being dead for 6 days out of a week. They shadow their windows with blankets or cray paper and pay nothing in taxes. Yes the landlords paid property taxes but no taxalbe revenue was ever collected from those churchs IN A BUSINESS DISTRICT.
As far as salvation, these churches were did not hold water. I lived off of Howard for 8 years and never once did I see one of those churches do anything for communitee outreach in this area. Most of their flock came from areas far outside of Evanston. They came each Sunday, said their prayers, got back in their cars and took off. They came here for the cheap rent, thats it.
You questioned in your previous comments if Ann ever spoke to the business owners. As stated she had reached out time and time again. Worked with the Chicago Alderman and the business owner. Even worked with the strip mall owner. Nothing, nada, zip came out of it. The business owner is basically a hostage in his own business. Paid to keep his mouth shut and the drugs flowing. Scared to say anything.
I can go up and down Howard and see the business who closed their doors due to no operating licenses that Ann discovered. She put so much pressure on 555 howard to clean up their act and forced them to operate within their City operating license. They (although for from perfect) cleaned up and have come a far way.
And for the last time, she didn't spend the City's money. That money came from the folks in Washington which was allocated for communittee development. Stop trying to spin the facts and read before blurping out half truths.
“”but for Ald. Rainey to
""but for Ald. Rainey to advocate the demolishment of the entire strip mall is just ridiculous and further evidence that some elected officials feel there should be no limits to their power.""
"So what does that statement mean other than you feel that the Alderman is using her power to tear down buildings? I guess I read the statement differently than what it's intent was supposed to be."
Well, "advocating" for something is not the same thing as "doing" something. Even for an Alderman to suggest that an otherwise fine (except maybe one business attracting a shady clientele) strip mall should be bulldozed is insight into Aldermanic arrogance and lack of economic understanding.
As for redevelopment of Howart St. I don't have millions of dollars to redevelop Howard St. either — at the same time, unlike many others, I don't go around saying there shouldn't be pawn shops, convenient stores, storefront churchs, and only posh wine bars, bakeries, and theaters. I don't go around saying strip malls should be demolished. Why? Because all this involves other people's property, money and financial risks. Unfortunately, there is a large segment of the population that believes they should be able to dictate what others do with their property and money, regardless such decisions are supported by the free market. I understand that just because people sit back and dream that there are only high end boutiques and organic restaurants doesn't mean there is a market to support those businesses.
All of howard street
As a resident of both Evanston and Chicago I feel obliged to both. A couple of years ago I was mugged on Howard Street just east of Ridge. This is not a Chicago or Evanston problem– this is everyone's problem.
Demolishing any building will not stop crime, it will only push the crimminals down the street and we can't shutter all businesses on Howard Street, north or south side.
How can we make this wonderful community thrive? More lighting? Cameras? Increased police presence? A different type of business? Let's put our heads together as concerned citizens from both sides of the line to figure this out.
For too many years, Howard Street has been an underutilized stretch of what is otherwise a terrific space adjoining two of the best cities in the States!
Wine and Cheese Bar haters? Money for schools?
One post on here, claimed those against Ann's behavior, hate Wine and Cheese bars. Lets deal with the real issue, Ann's use of taxpayer money.
Giving taxpayer money to a half baked scheme, for a Wine and Cheese bar, is not in the public interest. Giving the operators a apartment above the business, buying their bar fixtures and renovating the space all on our dime is outrageous.
What is the role of government here, mostly to waste money. One of the favor Alderman responds for this waste is it not taxpayer money, this is totally bongus. I pay federal taxes, also the TIF money and claims is not really taxpayer money is taxpayer money,
District 65 is cutting staff, Ann why don't you return the increment rather than using it for a wine and cheese bar,aren't Art's teacher more in important than giving money away to private parties.
Ann brain washed 8th ward subjects need to question her actions more, rather than claim every thing she does is great and in the public interest.
Everyone knows the Wine and Cheese bar along with the theater will close down quickly leaving taxpayers on the hook for the money.
Howard is Howard
I feel as though, Howard street has been prominantly known as an UGh moment , look at how it looks, although more renovations have taken place there are lots of open vacant buildings that are making the property value go down alone… The people that live close to Howard utilize those things the most, I do not agree that with every open store front should be a church, just because they can pay the rent doesnt mean its adding to the value of the property. EVERYTHING on Howard needs vast improvement, but the people will still be there no matter whats new and and how shiny it is. I agree the corner store doesnt have an appealing look, and I NEVER like to go in there in annoyance because of all the heavy MALE traffic. The beauty supply store has been a staple in the community and would not be fair to have them kicked out. Although, how many FINE Cuisine places, beauty supplies, hair/beauty shops, laundry matts and churches can one have stretched in a 5 mile radius…????????? Way too many and that starts with the approval from the board allowing for no ecominc and profitable growth. Maybe a small book store/library like they have on Main St. or a more profitable resturaunt chain? Is the STORAGE place actually open ? because it looks like a big DRUG front..I never see people going in there or bringing anything from there. its an Eyesore.
Ann Rainey needs to stop spending my money
Ann Rainey is out of control with her quest for power over Howard Street.
Demolishing a private-owned business because thugs hang out there and cause trouble? How is this the fault of the business owner?
Buying up half the block with tax payer money?
Is this a George Orwell novel?
This town is headed down a destructive path.
How about returning some of that TIF money and creating a better recreation department with the money, so that kids have something to do after school- and stay out of trouble at shops on HOward street. I doubt that wine and cheese will help this problem.
Ann Rainey needs to stop spending my money
Ann Rainey is out of control with her quest for power over Howard Street.
Demolishing a private-owned business because thugs hang out there and cause trouble? How is this the fault of the business owner?
Buying up half the block with tax payer money?
Is this a George Orwell novel?
This town is headed down a destructive path.
How about returning some of that TIF money and creating a better recreation department with the money, so that kids have something to do after school- and stay out of trouble at shops on HOward street. I doubt that wine and cheese will help this problem.