Mayfair

WHAT: Northeastern Illinois University will partner with Sims Recycling Solutions and the Office of Alderman Margaret Laurino, 39th ward, to host a free electronics recycling event, where the community is encouraged to drop off broken or unused electronics devices for recycling. This e-waste collection event will be set up as a drive-through and drop-off event. Staff will be on hand to conveniently and quickly collect items from community members’ vehicles.This event is free and open to the public.

WHERE: Parking Lot L at Northeastern Illinois University

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

DETAILS: Sims Recycling Solutions can accept cable and satellite receivers, cables, CD drives, cell phones, PDAs, circuit boards, computers (CPUs, desktops, laptops and tablets), digital converter boxes, digital recorders, DVD players, fax machines, hard drives, keyboards, mice, monitors (all types), MP3 players, printers, scanners, servers, televisions, VCRs, video game consoles and zip drives.

Sims cannot accept large home appliances (dehumidifiers, air conditioners, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, etc.), large stereo speakers, loose batteries (not contained in equipment), hazardous waste, mercury-containing devices (thermostats, thermometers, etc.), fluorescent bulbs, or liquids and gases.

Has anyone had issues with these dogs? I do know the owner's name and address. These dogs are vicious and out of control. Apparently the owner is unconcerned about the threat his dogs pose to the neighborhood, children, and other dogs. These dogs were involved in a vicious attack on an elderly dog being walked. All dogs were on leashes. BUT the pit's were being walked by teens who had no ability to control them when they attack another dog. Do you live in this area? Have you been harassed by these animals? Have your dogs been attacked? Have you been attacked? If you have had any run-ins with these dogs Please call 911 and your Alderman. These dogs have jumped the fence on numerous occasions. And please, do not bother with the "all pits are not bad". these dogs are killers and the next thing they decide to rip to pieces might be you or your child.

Recently, I filed an ordinance authorizing the City to exercise its powers of eminent domain to buy the building. This is not a step that I take lightly. I have consulted with the Mayor’s administration, and we remain hopeful that we can preserve this critical economic engine without implementing this solution.

It is not my intent that the City enter into the theater business, nor is it my desire that the theater be turned over to a non-profit. Both options would remove this substantial property from the tax rolls, severely impacting the Portage Park Tax Increment Financing District and the Six Corners Special Service Area. Instead, if necessary, the City would buy the building and sell it to a private business ready to preserve and enhance the current use of the theater. State law allows for this type of purchase and resale within TIF districts.

I wouldn’t contemplate taking this extraordinary step if the historic Portage Theater weren’t critical to the redevelopment of Six Corners. Several restaurants and potential cultural attractions are waiting for the resolution of this issue before they come to our community. The church’s proposed use for the Portage would make it impossible for anyone to get a liquor license within 100 feet of the building. It would make it impossible for anyone to get a public place of amusement license within 250 feet without the church’s permission. Because the Portage Theater building is so large, these zones would extend to the south side of Irving Park Road, in addition to Milwaukee Avenue near the theater.
The proposed use would gouge a huge hole in Six Corners where there would be no new restaurants, and where any proposed theater or entertainment venue would require the church’s permission. It would stifle development at a time when Six Corners is ready to take off.

I continue to remain ready to help Chicago Tabernacle with alternative sites.

Please be on the watch for a maroon car 4-door small, lots of chrome.

On 5/12/12, a friend's daughter was walking the dog and saw this car parked in the neighborhood (Sauganash Woods). There were 2 men in the car, around 50 years old, one with long dark hair (at the shoulders), possibly Hispanic or Native American. They were looking at her as she walked by.

About 2 hours later, a friend's son was walking the dog and this car pulled up, the driver motioned him to come to the car. The passenger GOT OUT OF THE CAR, started walking toward him and started asking him for directions. My son said nothing to him and immediately ran away from him and ran home. A police report was made.

About 2 months ago, the same described car was in this area and approached another girl. In that incident, there was a man and woman in the car. Male with same long haired description. A police report was made.

What You Can Do

. Be aware of this situation and alert neighbors in the area about the crime.

. If possible, don't walk alone and stay in well lit areas.

. Call 911 to report any suspicious person(s), vehicle(s) or activity in your neighborhood.

. Call 911 and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including the vehicle description and license plate information.

Talk with your children. We need to keep alert and our eyes open. If anyone sees this car, PLEASE GET LICENSE PLATE AND CALL 911.