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Neighborhood Victory in South Wrigley
By Annie Greenfeld | April 25, 2008
The April 22 City Council meeting produced another victory for Neighborhoods First.
I only hope that I can get some support to convince the City/LB Housing
Development Company to buy the property, rehab it and turn it into senior housing.
This property is the perfect solution for seniors who cannot climb stairs to live and is a solution rid the neighborhood of blight.
In 2000 South Wrigley NAG was just a little neighborhood watch group and was then called the Neighborhood Action Group. In 2002 we wanted to do more and did not want to be limited under a neighborhood watch; so we changed our name to the South Wrigley Neighborhood Advisory Group (still NAG). Our Advisors were Teresa Gomez of Neighborhood Services, who taught us how to get things done, and together with Margaret Madden also of Neighborhood Services, assisted in the “teaching” process. We were able to learn how to get things done through the tireless tutoring by these ladies.
I am pleased to inform you that after 5+ years, the South Wrigley Neighborhood Advisory Group has succeeded! After all the hard work behind the scenes of all involved, including Rita Hooker, the West Division and Cristyl Meyers of the City Attorney’s office, the City Council voted on April 22 to revoke the business license of the Princess Inn located at 1879 Magnolia Ave. and it will be shut down! It was a great collaboration of residents and the City Departments to make things happen.
The Princess Inn has been a long time nuisance. Please read the backup material on Hearing No. 1 on April 22, 2008 council agenda for the background of these issues.
NAG identified this as a problem location in the year 2000, at the very same time Henderson was identified as a problem. We rose to the challenge of Chief Batts to assist the LBPD in identifying the problems in the neighborhood and work with the Police.
Through the tenacity of the members of South Wrigley NAG, Rita Hooker, LBPD West Division, Cristyl Meyers of the City Attorney’s Office and with the assistance of the 6th District Council Office, this is another huge success for the neighborhood.
Things may take a long time, but this has been a great year for getting things done. First the Henderson problem apartments - 1950 and 1960 Henderson - were bulldozed, and now the Princess Inn will also be gone.
It certainly is a red letter day for this little South Wrigley neighborhood!!
Topics: Council Action |