Portage Park neighbor messages

Big thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read all of this...

So, we had our old detached garage facing the alley behind our house completely demolished and rebuilt almost exactly a year ago because it was completely falling apart. It's nothing fancy, but broke our bank and it works.

Less than a month after it was built, I noticed the first major ding on the garage door… Fast forward a year, and the garage door is severely dented, dinged, warped and getting worse by the week. It is very apparent that our neighbor across the alley from us is using our garage door as a stopper when they back out of their own driveway. But, we’ve never received a visit or a note... no one has attempted to take responsibility for what I image to be at least a dozen pretty major impacts and who knows how many smaller “taps” at this point.

My husband has walked around to knock on their front door, but as the old adage goes: the lights are on, but nobody’s home. And frankly, I’m really worried about confronting them… If these people have no concern for damaging our property over and over like it’s some kind of joke, I worry about my two small children. What kind of people have such a blatant indifference toward their neighbors?

I called 311 and was sent to the non-emergency police line. The guy I talked to was sympathetic but said gathering evidence was the key. Once we have evidence, we can bring it in to file a report and go from there. I have an IP security camera ordered, but I’m worried our wifi won’t stretch all the way to the alley, my dad suggested hiring a private investigator – does anyone have experience with anything like that?

However this goes, I can’t imagine a good outcome. Either we’re total chumps that just take this beating or face possible retaliation. It’s a complete garbage fire either way. I guess I’m turning to my Everyblock neighbors for encouragement or any ideas I may be missing.

Thanks for reading!

According to the city website, this is scheduled through 5/7. These closures are frustrating for everyone. However, when you choose to cut through the side streets and you get stacked up 10 deep trying to cross Laramie during rush hour, please don't think that laying on your horn will get the cars moving any faster. Perhaps sticking to the main arteries is a better option for you. Or just please have a little courtesy for those of us living on the block and already having to deal with lines of cars blocking us from getting to our own homes. I realize it is pointless to post this as those who honking like psychos are not likely to change based on my post. Just hoping.

Hey Everyone,

My mom is moving out to the area this June, but they are driving her stuff out here in a large Uhaul or Penske type truck. Does anyone know of any hotels out by O'hare/Rosemont that has a parking lot or garage that can accommodate a truck of that size for one night? I know there are lots downtown that can, but I wouldn't be comfortable having all of her stuff in a lot downtown overnight. I'm open to downtown hotel recommendations as well, if they have a private parking structure that would work.

I've tried to work it out with my HOA but they will not allow us to park the moving truck in the building's lot overnight, so I'm trying to come up with a contingency plan. We'd prefer not to have to unpack 60 boxes and several heavy loads of furniture immediately after making a cross-country trip.

Any thoughts or ideas appreciated. Thanks!

Below is from a message that Alderman Sposato sent out via email.

While it's easy to see the bad or what we feel is bad management in Chicago, this should be an encouragement. Might even be worth sharing positive feedback with the alderman and the police commander.
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CLUB RED PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

I would like to announce that Club Red, 5415 W. Irving Park Road is
PERMANENTLY CLOSED!It was decided yesterday at a meeting with me, 16th District Police Commander Bill Looney, City of Chicago Asst. Corporation Counsel Lindsay Baker and Club Red's owner and her attorney, that the club would permanently close and NOT RE-OPEN!I realize that this establishment has been a source of consternation for area residents for many years. Since I became 38th Ward Alderman 3 years ago, it became apparent that this situation needed to be addressed for the good of our neighborhood. I am grateful to Commander Looney, Attorney Baker, Club Red's owner and input from neighbors to help us resolve this troubling issue. To clarify CLUB RED IS CLOSED PERMANENTLY and will not re-open. It is not under construction as some say but is permanently closed.

Construction and land clearing is underway at the corner of Irving and Oak Park. Yet, no one knows what the finished product will be, or who it will serve. Is this mystery school going to be a new 4 year high school serving the local area, or an annex for Taft High School? Or a high school at all? Why can't someone answer this question? Why is this project shrouded in secrecy akin to the Manhatten Project?

Dunning was named the #1 neighborhood in America by Redfin. With a decades long need, is there any sound reason for not designating this school for Dunning? The idea that we're going to plunk down a freshman annex that only serves the residents of Edison and Norwood Park is deplorable.

An open letter to the Dunning community might explain the situation best.

From: The City of Chicago
To: Dunning residents

Here is a nice shiny brand new high school, beautifully landscaped, paid for with your ever increasing tax dollars, that once your children reach high school age, will not be allowed to attend. Do however, enjoy driving by it on the way to dropping your kids off at Steinmetz. If Steinmetz isn't to your liking, might I suggest a home equity loan, or a second job to help pay tuition at St.Pats. Or how about a move to the burbs? Now, don't get upset, I know a good real estate agent (I gotta a guy!) and you can list your house in late March as your child approaches 8th grade graduation. And yes, we see that Portage Park has grown up considerably in the past few years, and we admit your Schorsch Village tudors are adoreable. However, our over-crowding problem at Taft simply must come first.

This is what the residents of Dunning are left to conclude from continued silence from city leaders.