This column is composed of items which you bring to our attention, ask us to investigate and/or want to be made public.
We do our best to represent you.
Some good news and some bad…
Star quality! Another well-deserved Blue Islander nominated for the Golden Apple Award in teaching! Details coming soon!
On the positive side, we again marvel at the windows of Evita’s Bridals at Walnut and Western. Remember this store even has jewelry and certainly—everything for prom. At this point, the windows are a rainbow of color.
One of our readers wants your ideas now that Lent is here, on who has the best fish sandwich in town…even fish tacos? Let us know your thoughts, lots to choose from St. Benedicts, Stefanelli’s T&G, etc. VOTE – Election Day March 20, 2012
Early voting began February 27, 2012. The Presidential primary, an important election, which encompasses many local positions such as circuit and appellate courts, secretary of state, state’s attorney, water reclamation, recorder of deeds. Blue Island’s Mayor Donald E. Peloquin is on the congressional ballot, and was recently endorsed by the Chicago Tribune. See the Calumet Township ad on page 7 for some guidelines on early voting. Above all, VOTE!
We are sad that El Ranchito which is a beautiful, well-kept and well stocked grocery was hit by a vehicle on Sunday night 2/26 . At least two people were actually ejected from the car and the vehicle was so badly smashed that the engine was thrown into the street along with debris. At this point there is one fatality.
Also of concern, a shooting occurred in the parking lot right next to us on Friday night, 2/24 at around 12:30 a.m. – Six shots rang out Who are the culprits? Rumor has it they have been hanging out here on Friday nights.
Citizens not happy about what could have been a misunderstanding or a case of falderal. Please see City Council and the proposed $5 vehicle sticker tax hike. What we are talking about is that one alderman threw the rate increase over to another alderman. This is unusual.
And it seemed the sub-meeting scheduled for Monday night (2/27) was supposed to be for the public. Then when more than 25 people showed up they were told that the increase was not on the agenda i.e., would not be discussed —Huh? We feel citizens should NEVER be turned away from open discussion. Indeed, addressing sub-committees first with concerns is the proper procedure. And, in this case, two sub-committees were somehow involved.
UPDATE: When Alderman Thompson sent an E-Mail to Mayor Peloquin about this situation, at the 2/28 city council meeting the $5 increase was tabled, unanimously. Aldermen (most notably Janko and Patoska) want clarification as to exactly where the increased fees will go. If they are slated for bridge inspection and repairs, they want that to be written into and part of the ordinance should it pass.
CLARK – Please note: the FORUM is not addressing tax issues, primarily because what is good for one person is not good for another. We were happy to support our community in receiving restitution, but in no way are we qualified to give tax advice.. Obviously, individual tax classifications differ and it is your tax person who is or should be knowledgeable. This is why we have previously published articles—saying Seek Professional Help. Even if you don’t ordinarily have taxes done by a professional, this case is unique.
A direct quote from the law suit settlement reads,” Class C alleged that through its operation of its refinery in Blue Island, Clark caused a nuisance to owners and reenters of real property in the Class Area between October 1993 and January 2001.”
The City of Blue Island, at considerable expense purchased attractive waste receptacles for Western Avenue. They are primarily for litter pick-up. If you place large garbage bags in them (which don’t fit, by the way) that is quite unsightly.
Once again, we hear from concerned citizens about a shooting, this one in the afternoon (7/13) at Highland and Collins. It is obvious that in this community we need more surveillance and less denial.
No, we are not at all apologetic about our last issue which discussed bridges that are closed in Blue Island. And for all of you who conveyed your thanks to us stating en masse “thank you for saying something” we also thank you.
There is a heavy impact on emergency services, businesses in the area as well as our citizens. As we all know, gas prices are high, so when we wait for trains, or make detours around town to try to get around the inconvenience caused by closed bridges, well…Everyone knows that the bridges have needed repair for a mighty long time, period. We repeat, they are owned by the City who is responsible for their maintenance.
Kentucky Fried Chicken – closed and gone.
Welcome to Blue Island! Look at the Montell building and the next door abandoned-for-years plastics factory on Vincennes.
Deer Pointe: Well that’s another problem, isn’t it? Picketing at First Midwest Bank (7/7/2011) charged that the bank stopped the project. In the meantime, those that suffer are residents. Complaints (more than once, see City Council) have been charged at council meetings regarding those half-completed homes being occupied by vagrants as well as theft of copper tubing and whatever else looks good—and this does a disservice to our community.(Nolan, southtown/star, 7/11))
These are not cheap and shabby homes. They approach the $300,000 level, California Gardens has some beautiful homes, manicured lawns…indeed, just a few years ago, they were a winner for a Best Block award in our Cavalcade of Pride.
Let the banks, the developer, and the mayor get together, but right now police should be policing for theft and vagrancy, and the building department should be helping to alleviate problems.
July 20,2011
We know we said it once already, but it bears repeating. The new addition to BEGGARS on 127th & Western is so well designed and so appropriate to the original structure. Colors and lantern fixtures are simple, matching and attractive. Now that they have added landscaping and wrought iron fencing–it improves the entire intersection.
BE CAREFUL! In no way are we against those who try to earn a little extra money shoveling snow, mowing lawns, do little jobs that help homeowners, etc. Especially young people. However, remember to use a certain amount of caution—for example have your money ready, do not display a purse etc., and of course ask how much in advance and pay after work is done.
Anyone reluctant to at least tell you their name could be suspect. The City keeps information on licensed, insured tradesman.
Yes, we know, STREETS are deplorable. We are truly happy to see that a section of Union Street (west of Western) is being repaired; however, its previous condition was awful. Ditto on the bridges or lack of access to the bridges—and yes, we at least hear your complaints. A rather cavalier approach by the administration just adds to the frustration when it was stated in a council meeting that no real inconvenience seems apparent. Huh?
Now let’s take it from the top—with accuracy. The BRIDGES (on Chatham and Division) are owned by the City of Blue Island and they were and are responsible for their maintenance, Period. It’s not the state, it’s not IDOT, it’s not any one else that some folks seem to conjure up and blame. Maintenance should have been done before deterioration occurred to this level—indeed, inspection services were also required and not done. And, yes we spoke to IDOT who advised that bridges in their present condition cannot be re-opened.
Now on the other end of the coin, and no–this is not political—IT simply IS–a press release from Governor Quinn by State Representative Bob Rita’s offices announced that Illinois capital construction money for local road repairs and other infrastructure projects for southland suburban areas had been enacted. The money allocated is $101,892 for Blue Island—not a windfall, but certainly something. It is the latest capital construction money for projects around Chicago southland. There have been numerous others.
So, please instead of allocating blame, let us give credit where credit is due and make certain our information is accurate.
In addition, as citizens, we very much need to watch how and where monies are spent.
What ever happened (once again!) to the plan for SOCCER FIELDS promised before the election?
Once again our FIREFIGHTERS become victims – great hullabaloo about them not showing up at a patriotic event, when they had one engine, few on staff, and then received an emergency call.
It is rare that we receive criticism for them–indeed the FORUM has receive more accolades for the firefighters than we have for any city organization—and it goes back years.
A ST. DONATUS video on our access channel is interesting and informative. Gives a bit of history, talks about their great and famous pizza and shows some of our local folk.
KABOOM GRANT – try to help out if you can. Our park district is very excited about this grant; however, it does need actual volunteers to help with the Kiddie Koral. See our last FORUM issue, City Council Minutes and call 388-6421 to volunteer on July 30th! Yes, You!
CITY STICKER—Citing a violation of the separation of church and sate, a filing against the city was instituted and handled in a Judiciary sub-committee meeting held on July 7th. This pertains to a church anniversary which appears on the sticker.
Now because paying and displaying a vehicle tax sticker is not optional the US Constitutions does provide that items of this nature must have a secular primary purpose—neither advancing nor inhibiting religion. This will again be discussed in the July 28th City Council meeting. Charges were levied by the Rob Sherman Advocacy, who was contacted by a resident of Blue Island who e-mailed “Hey Bob, Thanks for doing what you do. Any advice on the attached? I really don’t feel like driving around with this on my car.” We will let you know results.
STEFANELLI – rumors that they are closing are unfounded. At some point, the building may be up for sale. In the meantime, as a long standing business they deserve our support and patronage. Examples: lunchmeats are great, economical, fresh and well – you get it. There are wonderful Italian deli items as well as frozen entrees. Go there, shop there, show concern for one of our most attractive businesses.